She is breaking my heart

[CupofDog]

Speaking of it, It is time for my fuzzy duo's pre-dinner walk. I walk them before dinner b/c excercising on a full stomach isn't fun!

After dinner, we just do a potty walk.

[marcerella02]

Also, don' tknow if this helps or not. But Layla has always been a sensitive girl. Since two christmases ago when she heard firecrackers for the first time at close range, she has been very scared of loud noises (who wouldn't be after that!) like if we drop soemthign on the tile floor she gets upset, but after reading on here we pay no attention to it and she gets over it. But it still bothers her alot. She has gotten better since being at work because there are a lot of noises (we sell boats) but i'd still consider her a sensitive dog.

[CupofDog]

Originally Posted by marcerella02

aww.. a bald belly

like i said earlier... it's only a fear of treats from our hands at home. It doesnt have anything to do with toys from our hands and she is fine when i mess around with her food while she is eating (been doing that since the day we got her)

Yeah, I didn't think she had vaccinosis! When you get better, start a walking routine. I think that may be the solution, as stupidly simple as it sounds. It took me 3 months to figure that out with Ella Bean.

Louis' naked tummy is perfect for kissing. I joke that we "rub it for luck." Its so funny, the poor thing gets chilly cause of it and wont lay down unless its carpeted, which our home isn't. So, my vet actually told me to put him in shirts! That changed everything. I had been trying to train him to do "down" and he wouldn't. Then, I put a little hoodie on him and "down" was learned so quickly. he just didn't want his naked tummy to touch the ground!!

[marcerella02]

Originally Posted by CupofDog

Yeah, I didn't think she had vaccinosis! When you get better, start a walking routine. I think that may be the solution, as stupidly simple as it sounds. It took me 3 months to figure that out with Ella Bean.

Louis' naked tummy is perfect for kissing. I joke that we "rub it for luck." Its so funny, the poor thing gets chilly cause of it and wont lay down unless its carpeted, which our home isn't. So, my vet actually told me to put him in shirts! That changed everything. I had been trying to train him to do "down" and he wouldn't. Then, I put a little hoodie on him and "down" was learned so quickly. he just didn't want his naked tummy to touch the ground!!

oh poor little man.

We were just outside play fetch.. she was more than happy for me to take the ball out of her mouth... pet her... play rough with her.. pick her up and dust all the grass of

I hope to start the walks tomorrow. I'll let you know how it goes. Thanks so much for all your help!

[Yorkiedaze]

I've seen this exact behavior in well adjusted dogs in loving homes, and my explination is this............I believe with all my heart that dogs have dreams and nightmares just like we do and that some of the really bad ones stick with the dog for awhile or even a long time. The only suggestion I have is to just let her have her way right now and when she sees she is not going to be punished or hurt in anyway she will come around.

[zoeybear]

I thought my Schnauzer was sick last year. She was just freaked out over my niece popping "packing bubbles." She acted sick for a couple of days and hid under the desk. She is also hyper sensitive to fireworks. I bet she is somehow associating your home with the fireworks. I don't know how to help tho'. Good luck!

[marcerella02]

Originally Posted by Yorkiedaze

I've seen this exact behavior in well adjusted dogs in loving homes, and my explination is this............I believe with all my heart that dogs have dreams and nightmares just like we do and that some of the really bad ones stick with the dog for awhile or even a long time. The only suggestion I have is to just let her have her way right now and when she sees she is not going to be punished or hurt in anyway she will come around.

Donna, that is my favorite explination. Thank you

[Wylie's Mom]

Oh, Marci - just read this whole thing and I can see how worried you are, poor little Layla. I'm sure she'll come 'round. Sometimes I truly think these little babies go through things just like we do, that we can't always figure out. Also, they pick up very frightening smells that we aren't aware of - so there could be something, literally, in the air.

But, it seems there is definitely something tied to the Fireworks, fear, and finding comfort in your Dad. Were you and/or your Mom holding Layla during the fireworks? If so, she may then have leftover fear and a loose association with that fear tied to you and your Mom - while your Dad feels "safe".

One suggestion I'd have is to buy either a D.A.P. collar or a DAP Plug In. You could just put the DAP collar on her when she's around you two at home, this will calm her. It sort of reminds me of PTSD in humans - where we have to learn how to feel safe again. Try not to worry too much, bc she'll get through it - especially with all that good lovin' around her.

[marcerella02]

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

Oh, Marci - just read this whole thing and I can see how worried you are, poor little Layla. I'm sure she'll come 'round. Sometimes I truly think these little babies go through things just like we do, that we can't always figure out. Also, they pick up very frightening smells that we aren't aware of - so there could be something, literally, in the air.

But, it seems there is definitely something tied to the Fireworks, fear, and finding comfort in your Dad. Were you and/or your Mom holding Layla during the fireworks? If so, she may then have leftover fear and a loose association with that fear tied to you and your Mom - while your Dad feels "safe".

One suggestion I'd have is to buy either a D.A.P. collar or a DAP Plug In. You could just put the DAP collar on her when she's around you two at home, this will calm her. It sort of reminds me of PTSD in humans - where we have to learn how to feel safe again. Try not to worry too much, bc she'll get through it - especially with all that good lovin' around her.

Ann I have NEVER heard of DAP.. what is that??

I tried VERY hard not to hold her.. but when she went behind the toilet and started crying i listened to my heart and not my head.. and i picked her up and held her... so you could be right on that.. she assocaites me holding her with the fireworks and my dad was her safe place.

[jkquillin]

I don't have any great advice but Annie went through
very similiar behavior at home a few months ago but
we noticed it was when hubby and I were in seperate
rooms. She would only settle when we were together,
she seemed to feel more confident. We just tried to
spend time together with her and she got over it, but
it took 4 or 5 months. She still has issues when we
drive seperate cars and she can only go with one of
us though

Kasey

[marcerella02]

Originally Posted by jkquillin

I don't have any great advice but Annie went through
very similiar behavior at home a few months ago but
we noticed it was when hubby and I were in seperate
rooms. She would only settle when we were together,
she seemed to feel more confident. We just tried to
spend time together with her and she got over it, but
it took 4 or 5 months. She still has issues when we
drive seperate cars and she can only go with one of
us though

Kasey

wow what a great point. All winter we were all in the same room and now that my dad's back is bothering him he goes and lays on the bed, however when Layla is on the bed, she can still see my mom and i (we live in a bungalo). We try to go "visit" her while she is on the bed and that makes her really happy. Good to know it will pass. Thanks so much!

[Wylie's Mom]

Originally Posted by marcerella02

Ann I have NEVER heard of DAP.. what is that??

I tried VERY hard not to hold her.. but when she went behind the toilet and started crying i listened to my heart and not my head.. and i picked her up and held her... so you could be right on that.. she assocaites me holding her with the fireworks and my dad was her safe place.

It's a Dog Appeasing Pheromone and has been studied - I wonder if I can find the studies. Here are some links for the collars:

Collar

Another One

DAP Collar Press Release

Might be worth looking into, sounds promising.

[Betty'sMom]

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

Oh, Marci - just read this whole thing and I can see how worried you are, poor little Layla. I'm sure she'll come 'round. Sometimes I truly think these little babies go through things just like we do, that we can't always figure out. Also, they pick up very frightening smells that we aren't aware of - so there could be something, literally, in the air.

But, it seems there is definitely something tied to the Fireworks, fear, and finding comfort in your Dad. Were you and/or your Mom holding Layla during the fireworks? If so, she may then have leftover fear and a loose association with that fear tied to you and your Mom - while your Dad feels "safe".

One suggestion I'd have is to buy either a D.A.P. collar or a DAP Plug In. You could just put the DAP collar on her when she's around you two at home, this will calm her. It sort of reminds me of PTSD in humans - where we have to learn how to feel safe again. Try not to worry too much, bc she'll get through it - especially with all that good lovin' around her.

I also think it stems from the fireworks. You said she was always a sensitive girl and apparently feels safe with your dad. Wylie's Mom's suggestion might be your best bet. Poor Layla, I feel so bad for them when they are scared.

[CupofDog]

I like Wylie's Mom's advice better then mine!

Walking is still a great bonding activity!

[LoveMyJake]

It could be that Layla is still a little scared about the firecrackers she heard. One time I was cooking and dropped a lid on the floor. Jackson was sleeping in his bed nearby....but I never let the boys get too close when I'm cooking because I might drop a lid or something. It startled him awake and scared him really bad. He would not come near me for a few hours. I don't think he understood what happened, since he was sleeping at the time. That happened a few months ago, and he is still a little skittish when I'm cooking, but he gets better about it all the time. Sometimes when they get scared of something, it takes time for them to get over it. I would just keep reassuring her.

This definitely is not her norm because I've seen your grooming videos, and you can tell she totally trusts you. Hang in there, I know it makes you feel bad. I felt horrible when I scared Jackson.