I forgot to take Jillian's picture today. She was looking good too, since she has just been to the groomer. English Springers are a breed so filled with silliness, life, and in charge of themselves. Jillian is no exception and is very smart.
When Jillian disappeared from her (locked) house before her lessons, her owners were convinced there had been a break in. They called the police, who then looked at the door which had been locked. Know what they found? Teeth marks on the lever inside. Jillian also excels at dismantling crates that are collapsible.
Due to her previous life as a breeding dog, Jillian was getting so upset when her owners left her in her crate, when they went to their jobs. Because of her making accidents in the house when they were gone (and picking the lock) leaving her out was not an option.
This weeks lesson came with the report that Jillian is now found sound alseep in her crate, rather than panting, watching, barking, and carrying on when her owners leave her. Also her owner can now pump gas without Jillian trying to escape the car and have a fit. We just needed to let Jillian know that yes indeed her owner was coming back. We had also needed to teach her to relax in the crate for short periods of time first.
A problem like this seems so small, unless you are coming home to find the escape artist and resulting mess in the house every day. To the caregivers of the dog however, this is such a huge thing and relief. Part of taking care of separation anxiety is demonstrating to the dog that they have nothing to be worried about. Sit on the dog has also been a large part of this. It's a simple exercise, which I will post tomorrow. As simple as it is, without direction, most clients do it wrong. It's all about quiet, space, and following the leader. It does a lot to calm a dog down, when it's done correctly.
Jillian's obedience is coming along with her separation anxiety progress. Next time, perhaps I will take her picture. Until then, I am giving you a brown version of an English Springer. Her name is Pearly.
When Jillian disappeared from her (locked) house before her lessons, her owners were convinced there had been a break in. They called the police, who then looked at the door which had been locked. Know what they found? Teeth marks on the lever inside. Jillian also excels at dismantling crates that are collapsible.
Due to her previous life as a breeding dog, Jillian was getting so upset when her owners left her in her crate, when they went to their jobs. Because of her making accidents in the house when they were gone (and picking the lock) leaving her out was not an option.
This weeks lesson came with the report that Jillian is now found sound alseep in her crate, rather than panting, watching, barking, and carrying on when her owners leave her. Also her owner can now pump gas without Jillian trying to escape the car and have a fit. We just needed to let Jillian know that yes indeed her owner was coming back. We had also needed to teach her to relax in the crate for short periods of time first.
A problem like this seems so small, unless you are coming home to find the escape artist and resulting mess in the house every day. To the caregivers of the dog however, this is such a huge thing and relief. Part of taking care of separation anxiety is demonstrating to the dog that they have nothing to be worried about. Sit on the dog has also been a large part of this. It's a simple exercise, which I will post tomorrow. As simple as it is, without direction, most clients do it wrong. It's all about quiet, space, and following the leader. It does a lot to calm a dog down, when it's done correctly.
Jillian's obedience is coming along with her separation anxiety progress. Next time, perhaps I will take her picture. Until then, I am giving you a brown version of an English Springer. Her name is Pearly.
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