Been a while since I blogged, but mostly because I prefer Facebook and Google Plus for random updates.
Blue did very well in class yesterday. I had a long talk with the trainer and she agreed that he is an amazing dog, sweet as can be and fearful.
He doesn't have tantrums as much as they are anxiety attacks, which makes a bit more sense. For some reason, taking him out of the circle and having him walk in front of others sets him off.
I learned to not wonder why he does what he does. I'll never get the right answer. I just see what he does and work with him.
So we do small bits of sitting and staying and then walk. Then we come back to the other dogs, do a bit more and then walk some more. I have him sit and just look around, sniff things and keep it all very relaxed.
I love this dog with all my heart and soul JUST AS HE IS.
That's the biggest thing. Acceptance.
When he developed a bit of food aggression, I changed what I did. He's always been a nervous eater. He has to be coaxed and he won't eat unless I sit with him.
He either wants to play with everyone or he pins his ears, tucks his tail and cowers. No rhyme or reason and that's fine. I watch his body language and deal with it as best as possible for him.
Fear in dogs is almost impossible to get rid of, so we ignore it. I put NO attention on it and keep everything positive.
Blue is incredibly affectionate, playful, and smart. Stubborn too. I've found treats that are like crack for him, so those are working better.
When I see people approaching, I pull him off to the side, make him sit and stay and feed him treats for being a good boy. I'm trying to teach him that he does not need to react to external motion.
He's a high anxiety dog with a huge heart.
That's just fine with me.
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