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Originally Posted by IheartROME  Omg that totally put things in perspective Thank you so much I was so worried about him I haven't thought of techniques like that 2 help him lol im so relieved im going to def start this today and follow through also go2 the pet store and find some books to read in my spare time to help me master this! I could not have thanked you more it means alot to know people feel the same way i feel about my dog because all I want is for him to be ok and living happy and peaceful. Once again thanks I feel a little foolish overreacting but u def gave me a better perspective on the situayion. Hugs&Kisses from Rome as well! |
You are more than welcome. I know these things works as I've used them on really wild and scared, nervous dogs and it really helps them to get them centered on working with mommy to learn things. Gets their minds refocused on doing positive exercises and working for your smile, your praise. And that treat!
The library probably has some good training books, too, but I like to have my own books so I can read, reread and re-reread parts over and over!
Tibbe had spent 9 mos. in a cage outside in Texas all his life when I got him, never socialized and hardly ever let out of the cage so he was kennel-crazy and wild as a hare, riddled with fears of literally everything, especially noises he'd never experienced before. He was just a mess - tried to bite, fought me, screamed and howled all the time he wasn't barking, was fearful of staying alone in the house or going in the car and had never had any pottytraining at all. Slowly over time, he's overcome 99% of his fears and no longer runs, hides when he hears something he isn't familiar with, is calm though bouncy by nature, socialized, happy, very obedient, totally clean in the house(except he had 2 or 3 accidents when ill) and it was all through training as I described to you. He was a terrible door darter and I so feared him dashing off, getting lots. So I trained him never to leave his yard. I have had him since 5-30-08 and as of today's visit out front for over 15 minutes while I was hosing down the front windows and screens, front porch, garage door, etc., he has never set foot off his approved area. As I was working, often with my back to him for a minute or so at a time, he was just meandering around the yard or watching me! Cars and people were coming by. A couple came up and handed me a card for yardwork - he just sat there and watched them come and go, didn't try to follow.
I'm so proud of him and so glad he is so different than when I first got him. He's a treasure. You're baby can be that way, too. Just keep the training short and lots of fun - walk away if you get frustrated. Read your books and put it all into action turning your baby around and into a wonderful, happy pet. And no more negative thoughts about what he's been through. You are now creating a new and wonderful reality for him.
Don't expect perfection early on - that comes with time and repetition - like learning a new dance routine. Once you've taken him through his "steps" enough, he'll start to learn and get it that he's supposed to work hard at controlling his impulses and instead, do exactly what you teach him to do. And then the training comes easier and easier. Learning new things will start to get much easier for him. Best wishes to you and Romey!