Quote:
Originally Posted by Lovetodream88  We do turn up the TV and try to be happy but I will say I’m sure she can sense that I am angry after awhile. She doesn’t shake or pant she just completely shuts down so I don’t know if she would even try to play or anything. |
Yeah, truly the hardest part of helping a nervous dog is getting ourselves in correct, calm-but-enthusiastic, fun state-of-mind rather than giving in to our own feelings. We are in total of control of our own reactions to what's coming and also of your dog's IF you can work productively at successfully managing to keep your main mission in mind above all & him distracted enough to not spiral into true, precedent-setting, running to hide ir shutdown panic that can keep returning like Pavlov's dog. We must avoid the strong, visceral level of fear reaction to sudden fireworks, loud noises or the poor dog may suffer all of his life every celebration neighbors hold or motorcycle passing outside. I saw it as my calling as a dog handler/dog lover to enthusiastically put myself aside, put my dog's emotional needs above my own feelings/frustrations, for his psychological future. I never wanted him to fear others or being in loud, strange places, always secure in himself.
Plus, part of Tibbe's rehab from fear-based reaction, shaking, panting, snapping little Tibbe brought into this house was first gaining his total trust over months, then very, very slowly subjecting him to fun-based sudden, unexpected ever-louder noises, my talking loud to him, shouting even, so he'd not fear others that did that around him(not knowing who he might ever be around or visiting, boarded with, vet situations where I wasn't around, wanted him prepared to handle it w/out fear),throwing cans, banging pans, etc., until he realized noise wasn't going to hurt him & by not reacting fearfully, he got instant laughing, high-pitched praise, hugs/kisses, treats pressed to his lips before he had time to think negatively. He eventually got it - sudden, unexpected noise, racket, shouting, I just look up & Mom's on me w/goodies & love. I gain by being cool, keeping her happy.
Rehabilitating a fearful dog is true, hard, every dedicated work but the rewards in a socialized, calm, confident, secure dog anywhere he is, a dog that had a dreadful start in life, are so, so, so worth all of it - but it will cost you a lot.