Quote:
Originally Posted by lovespandp  Mike, Help please  |
Now you're testing my limits! The old line is that you shouldn't coddle them. Just go on your way like whatever's bothering them is no big deal. They say doing so only rewards the behavior.
I tried that with Eddie and fireworks, and it didn't do any good. So now I coddle the heck out of him. I put him on my lap. I put a blanket over our heads. I bring out a toy or treats. He usually refuses the treats when he's nervous. He used to shun my coddling and hide under the bed, but now he races to me (or, more often, my wife). But, all things considered, I think that's a good thing. I want him to run to me rather than run away.
If I were you, I'd try distracting him and try to get him to forget about what's bugging him. Assuming he's toy motivated, get a toy that drives him nuts and bring it out in situations like that. We had our best New Year's yet this year because I brought him to the office where he couldn't hear the fireworks as much. I brought out a toy, and we played during the worst of it. In the past, he never showed any interest in playing.
But it's a tough line to walk. You don't want to reward his timidness, either. I think distraction is the way to go. You're not giving him treats for cowering -- you're trying to get him to focus on something else.
This is all opinion, btw. I'm no expert.