[chrisloverseed]

Hey Guys,

quick update, had a follow up visit today

– Dog is showing great improvement inside the house, came to greet me then went to lie down his bed then went to sleep
– Is still rather anxious when left outside, but owners admit they haven’t been doing that much working with him outside, showed them a few more things to try outside which had pretty good success.
– Also gave the dog some natural calming drops in its water, which appeared to have working really well (the dog was out like a light)
– they have also purchased a thundershirt which should be arriving shortly (have had great feedback on these)
– Also did further work on basic obedience, dog seems to be progressing well, also did some trick training to help with mental stimulation

and thats all for this week 🙂

[chrisloverseed]

@Mike D’Abruzzo 1033 wrote:

Insights into Veterinary Endocrinology: Dietary Hyperthyroidism in Dogs

Is he fed raw? Just troubleshooting…

Great read, thanks for that, no the dog is not fed raw (although i am a beliver in barf lol) The dog is on Bonnie dry food which a few of the breeders i know rather like

[chrisloverseed]

Right, but no overly panting….

Yes, have covered those two subjects, will be seeing the client again this week (first meeting was last week) so will check progress etc if no real improvement will defiantley be recommding a clinical like you have recommended…

Thanks for the advice, will post the progress….

[chrisloverseed]

Yes the dog, use to sleep in the owners bed, which i managed to change her opinion on that very quickly due to this issue.

No i tested for that, still very edgey, the seperation related behaviour only seems to occur if left in the backyard (i have started to guide them through a systematic approach to this). The dog doesn’t appear any worse if the owner is not present but is allowed to be inside.

[chrisloverseed]

Thanks for that, yeh i really liked the work you did with Darren and especially your approach to food aggression, wish more trainers could take that view rather then wanting to dominate the dogs bowl.

I have been using the shorter leash, because what i find wierd about this one is. When the dog is right next to you she is very calm, relaxed receptive etc, but its just always takes a while briding the intial 1-2 metre gap after that shes fine, but will also jump away at any sort of sudden movement.

Hmm patience will be the key with this one

[chrisloverseed]

Hey Mike,

thanks for your response.

My initial question was on a broad spectrum with anxiety in general, but sure 🙂 I have a client i’m working with at the moment which i would always appreciate another open minded trainers opinion.

Franky
2yr old Cavoodle male (desexed)
Prior training- Puppy school ( 4 week course) has little to non command association apart from sit.
Rarely exercised
Lives with a same aged lab/golden (purchased at the same time) who is bomb proof

Issue/s- The dog has been escaping and jumping the fence a few times recently, but is fine inside. Displays moderate levels of anixety even when inside familiar and calm enviroments, also has mild seperation anxiety.

Treatment so far- Firstly recommended ways to proof the yard which has been done, have started basic obedience training with the dog and also mini agility exercises to build confidence and provide a bit more mental stimulation, which is helping to create better communication and calms the dog down a bit, have also introduced some manual handling exercises. Have worked on the foundation of the place command which the dog comprehends (will lie down and stay) but still seems rather anxious whilst in place, lots of looking around and sometimes getting up and pacing. Have also provided recommendations on enviromental enrichment and chew toys/bones to help lower anxiety. Am open to medications as a last resort such as clomicalm etc, so have advised to try out the DAP collar to see if this can help assist in lower anxiety whilst teaching new default behaviours and copping skills.

I’m sure i’ve left details out, but any feedback would be great

cheers

[chrisloverseed]

Lol thought i would get it confused!

[chrisloverseed]

Yep with you all the way on teaching new default behaviors!!

But i’m taking about dogs, who even though they understand going a place and staying etc even there just can’t settle….

So no magical ideas for lowering dogs that are predisposed towards anxiety?

[chrisloverseed]

Hi Mike,

Thanks for your feedback, i’m curious as to why you recommend blocking avoidance behaviors? I’ve always been taught that all care must be taken to make sure you don’t make the dog avoidant, but if they do show avoidance type behavior that you should block it so they don’t then think that behavior is keeping them safe. I agree with your “death march” recall never heard it called that before, i like the name :-). My main logic behind the Ecollar was to teach the dog being around me is a safe spot then use the collar to teach the dog to move away from me…

Patience is something i have 🙂 so defiantly don’t plan on rushing and made sure my last session with her was ended on a high note.

The breeder hasn’t got a plan as of yet….

[chrisloverseed]

Ahh that’s Scott decoying over in W.A yeh? Your in good hands 🙂

[chrisloverseed]

Hey Mike,

the dog in this example does have mild separation anxiety, but in general it is just generally anxious in any situation.

Im talking about dogs, who just can’t relax, always pacing, jumps up at any sort of noise, sleeps but never really sleeps lol.

It’s sad when you see that, because most of the time owners just aren’t commited enough to take all the steps.