28 replies to this topic

[Karen A]

Start today Wolfers! Why not? Have you done this before? And remember, he has only been home less than one week....it's going to take a little while for him to get adjusted and understand what is ok and what is not Once he knows what's expected of him, you'll see a big difference. Remember, dogs want nothing more than to please you....well, they want your food too

Karen

[Cathy]

I see you have an underground electric fence. I agree with Karen. Start Today. Do you still have the flags so he will know his boundries? We have to Dobes and started both when they first came home. Now, the dogs do not even need it as we just leave the flags up in key areas and they know those flags are the boundry. We also tooks days of showing them the flags are "NO" Just grab the flag and saying no. They will not cross them for nothing. Even there favorite toy.
Tattoo will learn quickly and the sooner you start with him the easier it will get. Thanks for the updates he is so much a favorite with us.

Can not wait to see pictures


Cathy

[tatoo]

Karen and Cathy,
Thank you for the posts! The support from this forum is so great. Yes, we have implemented an electric fence for our other dog albeit it was 13 yrs. ago. I am off today to get some flags and start his training. Thanks for the input.
Tatoo continues to improve as a family member. We are pretty sure over time he will be a great family dog. Karen you are correct, Tatoo does seem to want to please us. We realize it is early in his transition, but we are unsure of his ability to be a good neighborhood dog (i. e. around the neighborhood kids). I was fortunate to take a couple days off work and work with Tatoo this week. In addition to being skiddish around the neighborhood kids, he seems to be developing early signs of being somewhat protective of the kids and yard. Because I am unsure of his breed, I am unsure if this is inherint to his breed and natural to him.
If anyone on this forum has dealt with this issue, please advise. We will continue to work with Tatoo and keep you updated.

We will try and get some pictures on this board soon.

Thanks to everyone,

The Wolfers

[Karen A]

I would continue with exactly what Joni, our volunteer trainer suggested in the earlier post. Load the neighbor kids up with treats they can hold in their pockets. Everytime they approach Tattoo's turf, they should extend their hand and offer him one. He needs to understand that these "intruders" only mean GOOD things! It sure sounds like you're putting the effort needed into him and I'm sure with time, he'll relax. I would even have the neighbor kids give him commands like sit, lay, etc and then treat him. Keep us posted:)

Karen

[Cathy]

From Joni:


First, I would have the new kids back off more. It sounds like they are still "invading his personal space" at least in his mind. You truly may have to start 20 ft or more away... and only a non-family child or two in the beginning. Don't mob him with too many kids at one time. If he is more comfortable with strange adults, mix one in with the child. the SLOWLY and a another child, and another adult, and another child, and another child...

Remember that in the beginning the kids may only be able to toss him the treats because they won't be able to get any closer... At this stage they (non-family members) shouldn't be getting close enough to hand-feed him unless he initiates the contact by approaching them on loose leash without you walking towards them. Let him set the pace and the "comfort zone" distance.

You can get him through this but PATIENCE is the key word. Any dog that is reacting is usually reacting through fear and to get over the fear he has to first learn to trust that you, the person, will keep him safe. Until that bond is created, he will do what he thinks is necessary to keep himself safe.

I don't say any of this to scare you or give you the idea that he can't change. He will but IT WILL TAKE TIME. I've been working with Bella for 16 months and some encounters with dogs she is starting to be fine and others she goes ballistic. Just depends on how well I manage the situation and meeting. I still can't get her to look at me when she is this excited but it is taking less time after the encounter for her to focus back on me and the "big scary thing" namely the other dog... Today I had her by the collar, sitting in a chair, and she just barked a couple of times at the dog walking about 10 ft away. Last year at this time, she would have dumped me out the chair and dragged me over to that dog (and I mean that literally as she did exactly that before the leash slipped out of my hand and she was off like a shot to meet the other dog).


--------------------

Joni, Skitter DSA & Bella DSA
Katie, Cosmo, Mr. Munchkin, & Calvin (meow & hiss)

"The world of the generous gets larger and larger... The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; those who help others are helped." Proverbs 11:24-25

[tatoo]

Joni,
Thank you so much for the replies, they are much appreciated. After 1 week with Tatoo, he is showing a lot of potential of being a great family dog. He seems to be great with our kids and loves to go for daily walks with all members of the family.
I am not sure if we have provided a fair environment for him to develop as a good neighborhood dog. We are working with your suggestions to help him succeed. We live in a neighborhood with 15 kids (7th grade and under). We always have kids coming in and out of our yard during the day, as the kids do at other neighbor's yards(most also have dogs). Our kids can freely run through the yards of our neighborhood without issues from the other dogs. We need our yard to provide the same opportunity for the neighbor kids. What worries us is that as Tatoo makes the transition from the leash and and long rope in our back yard to the electric fence, that we will be able to respond fast enough to manage the situations as they occur and allow Tatoo to succeed. The neighborhood parents are somewhat skeptical as we involve their kids with adjusting Tatoo.
Thanks again for all the support and suggestions. We will keep this board updated on Tatoo's progress and eventually, some pictures.

The Wolfers

[mihalik1413]

Electric fences take a bit of training. Once installed you have to walk your dog to the line and teach them where they can go and not go. Unfortunately by taking them to it while on a leash and walking them right up to it even taking them to the point of shock (they can be dialed up and down per the amount of hair on the dog and their size). I'm sure there will be some suggestions in the install kit but if there isn't post here I'm sure one of use can provide you with some training advise on teaching your dog the boundries on them.

It is nice to see all the wonderful advise already put forth. I sure everything will work out A-okay for you.

Have a nice day!

Larry

[tatoo]

This week Tatoo continued his adjustment to our home. He continues to enjoy his walks and playing with family members. He has also started his electric fence training and has gone to two kid's baseball games. He has remained skiddish and somewhat protective in our yard as the neighbor kids come and go. Summer vacation will start June 10 for all the neighor kids. Hopefully, Tatoo will make improvements as the summer progresses. Have a great holiday weekend.

The Wolfers

[RUSTYSMOM]

I am so glad to hear that Tatoo is improving. I have a feeling in no time he will be just fine. Sounds like his family has alot of patience and alot of love.

Michelle & Rusty