Our follow up with Tom & Donna Winkler was last Tues April 6th. We were out for their BHD session 3 weeks prior to handle some challenges they were primarily having with daughter Heather's dog, Shaggy. Hether and Shaggy also reside at the Winkler's home now that they have moved back from Arizona. (Blog entitled 'South by Midwest').
I encourage you to read the original blog to note the contrast in our visits. When we returned last Tuesday, the atmosphere was clear and sunny in the Winkler home even though it was raining outside. A new Shaggy greeted us at the door in place of the old one who had lurked dubiously behind his owner when we first came. We were delighted to see that the primary problem of Shaggy not wanting to go to Tom, was for all practical purposes, non-existent. The Winkler's had all sorts of good things to report. In place of the creases of concern on their faces that we were met with the first time, they spoke with lifted countenances during our follow up.
We met a much more confident Heather and a Shaggy who actually played with Tom and came to him frequently to say hello. This family was operating as a unit now and the relationships all the way around were benefitting. (Dog's included). Donna had hosted a jewelry party a couple of weeks after our first visit and Shaggy actually came around to say hello to each of her guests. Something heretofore unheard of. Shaggy is learning the simple yet not so easy task of just being a dog and reconnecting with his innate instincts.
The Winkler's had taken my advice to have Tom be the only one who carries out the food event for Shaggy in order to get the two of them together. It only took a total of 3 missed meals for Shaggy to realize that coming to Tom wasn't so bad after all. A huge victory for Tom!
Since Shaggy has chewing tendancies, I suggested that they re-introduce Shaggy to a crate using the same technique with the food. His first experience with a crate was not met with wide joyous sweeps on the tail section. I told Tom to place the food dish near, then eventually inside the crate in order for Shaggy to eat. The crate will in time become a diner. When you don't want your dog to chew your furniture you keep him well drained of his phsical and mental energy, set the rules and keep them, and when necessary put him in a crate to assure that your valuables remain safe until you return home. We also introduced Shaggy to a dog back pack which he was very good about wearing for about a 1 minute. We only placed it on his back and did not buckle it. Once he adapts to it, this tool will accomplish a further mental and physical draining for Shaggy than walking him without one.
During our follow-up, we encouraged Heather to take her canine friend out for his structured walk with her immediately after she arrives home from work every day. When she mentioned that she would like to see Shaggy make more use of her parent's 3 acre yard, I got the idea to take Heather and Co. out for thier structured walk in the yard to help establish the boundaries for Shaggy in a way that he would connect it with a pleasant experience. Michelle put a dog treat approximately every 2o feet just inside the parimeter of the invisible fencing so Shaggy could have some tracking experience, which was another area that needed to be awakened in him. Just as I had hoped, he followed the treat studded trail and gleaned it's rewards. I told Heather to reduce the amounts of treats she puts out around the yard by half for each future walk. Eventually Shaggy will only need one treat per side until it becomes routine and the treats on the ground will not be needed at all. Just one at the end for a reward if she wants to.
In regards to Tom's dog, Clarence, Tom stated that he is no longer worried that Shaggy will become aggressive towards Clarence. In fact, Tom now see's the two dog's bringing out the best in each other. They are getting along quite well.
I never tire of the rewards of my career. It is a pleasure to work with such a dedicated family as this. Michelle and I exuded great joy as we drove home that day. This will be an unending saga for the Winkler's as they grow in their relationships with each other and their dogs, but we have seen the majority of the problem overcome, which will enable them to make future adjustments. By the effort they put forth now, This trio and their 2 canines will rapidly settle into a lifetime of harmony that will fit like a hand in glove.
~Candiss DelCastillo
Walks & Wags Pet Service
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