Originally Posted by yorkietalkjilly  Dogs learn in a few ways, a strong way being by association, be it scary or good. First thing I'd start an intense 2 months long program of associating those things with all the good in her life, having them in your hands for her so briefly see when you come in from work or time away from home, smearing them with Nutrical or peanut butter, letting her lick it off two, three times a day for two weeks; then start placing them beside her food bowl during EVERY meal; putting them on the floor when she's playing with you or with toys; lying beside you when you cuddle her; in her bed when she sleeps, carried in your hand when she goes 'walkies', so that she becomes as used to having them around as being around you. Show them to her often daily, speaking in a baby-sweet, high, squeaky voice, lots of smiles, as you touch them quickly, oh-so gently to her, kiss them yourself, show her they are goodies to you and praise her for allowing them. (After all, these tools do keep her healthy so they ARE good.)
Encourage her to paw them, sniff them, bump them with her nose as if a fun game she wins when she does - all for her very favorite-most-in-the-world treats or toy - whatever she most highly values in this world. Loads of smiling, heartfelt, upbeat praise when she does interact with them in addition to the treats. You must dedicate yourself to the task of ensuring these objects are WONDERFUL to you and to her so that she's happy to see them as she's learned over time that VERY good things and times come with them. The task of causing her to love them will make your baby's life ever so much easier.
Before long, she will become used to them, won't see them as objects of fear, learn to look forward to them. Once she's gotten there, we'll be ready for the next steps. |