calming frightened dog

[Pedal Wench]

I had a Mastiff who was terrified of bad weather. Singing Joni Mitchell's "The Circle Game" and stroking her belly seemed to work.

[TsPoet]

Wow, I saw this thread and thought "I've got lots of experience there" - then realized it was my old thread!
First, I found out more about her, and not much I was told back then was true -
Finn is a Shiba Inu x Beagle cross
She was Feral the first year of her life, I was her first owner - the farmer who owned the beagles was aware that the family living in the trailer home next door with their shiba moved out and left 3 puppies to fend for themselves. Finn was the only one that survived (how she did that is a complete mystery!) When he noticed she was pregnant, he's guessing about a year later, he caught her in a badger trap and turned her over to a rescue organization - who put her in the small crate and the rest was correct.
She's still the softest dog I've ever known, scared of anything that makes noise. But, we have made long strides.
http://dragons-fly-peacefully.blogsp...g-agility.html
I don't think she'll ever be a brave dog! But, she doesn't bite and she now loves me - took months for her to decide I was OK. So, it's all alright as it is.

[KnottedYet]

Wow, how did that pop up as "new post" when I got on TE? Sorry I posted on it without looking at the date...

[mtbdarby]

For what it's worth on dogs with aggression issues, here's what the behaviorist had me do with a rescue and it worked within minutes:

OWN THE OBJECT! For Rusty it was the doorbell and vacuum (to start with). So I sent the kid out to ring the doorbell and had Rusty on a leash with a choke collar on. When the doorbell rang I instantly stood between him and the door and said sternly "no". If he moved forward he got a collar correct and repositioned. Any other sound or movement away and he got another no or snapping fingers to make him concentrate on me. When he moved away he got a "atta boy". When they start yawning they are ok with it. If their tongue is coming out like they're chewing on something they're nervous.

We did the same with the vacuum. I had to get in front of it and own it - I'm the alpha and the rescue needs to learn that. It provides them with security. It worked wonders! If I didn't catch it this 30 pound dog turned into Kujo and I got bit twice, so nip it in the bud! And please don't give the mail carrier treats. If the dog starts to growl, bark or attack and they're given a treat it will reenforce the behavior.

Hope that helps someone - I paid good money for that lesson!

[hammertime]

hey poet... kudo's to you for rescuing that sweet dog... what a lucky girl she is she may never be a super brave dog, but i'm sure she is lots more warm and fuzzy inside than she ever was... because of you

[NbyNW]

I know this is an old thread, but kudos to the progress you've made with Finn and what wonderful agility pictures!

[Ered_Lithui]

Wow, how did that pop up as "new post" when I got on TE? Sorry I posted on it without looking at the date...

Somebody made a possibly-trollish first-time post about a dog drug shortly before yours today. It has apparently since been deleted, but was still there when you posted.

[Deborajen]

I missed the dog-drug post. Wouldn't read it if it got reposted.

But - I was glad to see this thread. I've been browsing dog training sites, then looking here for cycling & running discussion, etc.-- Congrats, TsPoet on the progress with your dog! Sounds like you've done really well with her, and she sounds like a very special dog. Our Abby has been with us for a week and a half now. She's about 2 years old and has a lot of issues since she had been seized from a puppy mill (she was a mom - aka "manufacturer"). She's not used to leashes or toys or being inside or being around people and getting attention, but she's gentle and sweet and she tries really hard to please us so I know she'll be a great pet and family member. It will take time, though, and it's encouraging to hear how other dogs, like yours, have thrived in spite of some bad beginnings.

Deb