Quote: peter marek

So, I took his FAVORITE tug toy one day and we walked to the edge and I began walking down the stairs while holding his toy. He came to the edge, then I moved the toy to the next step just out of his reach, after about 20 minutes he took a step and grabbed it. I let him have it and run away with it.

Same process next day but one step more.

Eventually he didn't care about the stairs anymore and now goes freely up and down.

Maybe something like that will help you.

What Peter is describing is called "cycling" in SATS (syn alia) training. It is part of "perception modification" which I am learning to use with my dogs. It is very successful because the dog has a tiny bit of pressure put on him (aka reaching for his toy) then a success (getting the toy); causing an adrenaline rush (stress) followed by relief (play). The dog then thinks that wasn't so bad, and gains confidence, and realizes that stairs aren't as bad as he thought. Each "cycle" brings the dog a bit closer.

Since Luc isn't toy motivated like Kaiser is, you could do this with a lure and markers. (Just as a note, true SATS training doesn't normally use food, but I'm not a qualified SATS trainer so can't really advice you how to do it the "right way" lol. But my feeling is this way will be successful for sensitive Luc) Only ask him to do just a bit more, and there must be rest periods/breaks in between each attempt. The breaks and relief time is crucial.

Each time you are asking him to go 1 inch beyond his comfort/relaxed zone.

Peter you did an excellent job with Kaiser. I am learning SATS with my dogs and we have not been THAT successful yet! But we are just starting, and my dogs have major phobias to overcome.

Definitely keep us posted, Jenn! I want to hear how he does with whatever method you choose. With my rescue dogs I am always having issues like this.

I really like the idea of luring, and bit by bit, having him increase his comfort zone.

....I'm in no rush to do this.

But it sounds like a really positive way to do this.

And, while I would say he's gained tonnes of confidence - especially hiking and trail running, but by running in general, and around the house - he gains confidence by being good at things, knowing he is, and by me telling him that he is.

For whatever reason, he's not confident about that staircase. And I want him to be.

OK, so Teagan won't bark. Neb won't shut up. And Luc avoids one particular stair well.

Jennifer, how many dogs do you have?

I think there is something very specific about this particular set of stairs that bothers Luc. I think you need to do some sleuthing to figure it out. Try to examine it from his point of view and see if you can identify anything about it that bothers him.

Just the three....

AND THEY'RE ALL PROBLEM DOGS!!!!





....was it you who in response to Neb's over-amorous attentions to Teagan suggested she was teasing him? He's improved a wee bit lately and suddenly now I notice her sniffing him more than is strictly necessary....hmmm....

Edited by Jennifer Mullen (06/05/2009 01:55 PM)
Edit reason: good call, I will try to look @ it as Luc

Jenn,
Have you tried just letting Luc just be at the top of the stairs and then marched one of the others dogs right past him down the stairs to the basement? Maybe even playing some fun game down there with them while poor Luc is left standing up there perhaps wandering about the fun and treats he's missing.

Try it two or three different times. See if he doesn't come running down the stairs.

If my dog isn't learning, I'm doing something wrong.
Randy

No....Teagan's not allowed into the stairwell or basement so that my brother's cat will continue.

Neb - I could. I haven't b/c it's my brother's apartment. Luc has done well using jealousy as a training tool in the past though....

 Quote: Jennifer Mullen

AND THEY'RE ALL PROBLEM DOGS!!!!

Hehe, at least they're all DIFFERENT problems

I can't say that I've ever had a very fearful or phobic dog, but it sounds like it would be more challenging than dealing with straight-up willfulness. It certainly seems to require more creative solutions.
I'm liking the gradual luring idea, but I would still make sure to do it with a 'this is no big deal' attitude, especially since it's not that important that Luc (I love the sig pic of him, btw) use those stairs.

You mean so the cat will continue live? Is that why Teagan isn't allowed down stairs?

Poor Teagan, thrown over for a CAT of all things!

 Quote: randy allen

You mean so the cat will continue live? Is that why Teagan isn't allowed down stairs?

Poor Teagan, thrown over for a CAT of all things!

Yeah, she's got it real hard....tough life, that one

(and yup, that's exactly what I meant! Sometimes in the yard we go past the window where the cat is looking out....she tries, bless her heart. Actually that one she gets in trouble for. No trying to break into the house and no attempted kills of cat cousins allowed)

Kristel, thanks....I like the pic too! He's been taking good pics lately