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HMWTC: Severe case of neglect and rehabilitation in new home
I need some help with a new client’s dog, a 10-month old male Berniedoodle, who was just adopted by a nice younger man who contacted me originally for pet visit let-outs. I just met them tonight, and he has only been in this home for one week. He had been severely neglected by the former family, who kept him in his much-too-small for him kennel practically all the day and night (He could not stand up or turn around).. He had fleas and ticks and horrible matting on his eyes and elsewhere from not being groomed. (Not sure how he got ticks since he was kept in his cage?!). Also, I found out tonight the poor dog has a lump on his rear which the vet said is akin to bedsores! Poor dog! He is also underweight.
History is relatively unknown beyond that. The meeting tonight went alright. I advised keeping him on a leash (which is very new to the dog), since the owner has reported jumping behavior and mouthing his arms at times. He thinks the dog is mostly sweet as, but he (the owner) has been mouthed quite a bit lately when he tries to sit on the couch. The dog jumps up there and starts pawing at him and then off he ignores it, it turns into mouthing, where he actually showed me a bruise on his forearm from the dog’s jaws. He said he has been giving him a sort of time-out, putting him in the gated kitchen, to settle and calm down. While I don’t think that’s a horrible thing to do, he would like more direction as to settling boundaries for the dog. He doesn’t think he will be able to sit on his couch for awhile!
I discussed possibilities of establishing boundaries (not allowing dog on the couch, possibly using an indoor tethering system to show the dog a space for him to be and keep him off furniture.
Also, he is feeding the dog well and the dog is enjoying treats but is quite underweight. He likes food puzzles, and the owner has been good about offering toys, which the dog has enjoyed our destroyed relatively quickly. Last night was the first night the dog slept through the night without crying, in his new place, the kitchen. ????
The man doesn’t want to kennel the dog, due to his past, and has been using a gated kitchen for him to sleep and be when unattended. (Or for a time out.)
When I came over tonight, the dog was clearly overwhelmed at my presence, although the leash was good at keeping him close to the owner. He barked at first like I was the boogeyman. I remained calm and tall and tried to keep my voice calm and not girly sounding. (It’s hard for me.????) He did sniff at me and initially wouldn’t take treats I dropped on the floor. But the guy seems very calming to the dog and he did stop barking and eventually took treats off the floor. Then more sniffing and calm behaviors and he took treats gently from my hand. Then eventually he sat in front of me politely and I gave him a treat from my hand extended slightly. He liked that. He responded pretty well, but started pawing at me for a treat and I instead turned away. The guy said that pawing is how the mouthing starts, he’s noticed.
I stepped a step away and rewarded calm behavior again from the dog (not pawing, at calm liberty).
The guy is instead of having me come to do let-out wants me to start training and working on b-mod instead. Which is good! But our first lesson is tomorrow.
Apparently the dog has been barking when friends and family have come to B let him out.
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Here’s what I’m thinking: the dog needs some time to decompress, but the owner needs to stay safe from the mouth. Normally, I wait till a dog is settled into a new home environment for a couple weeks before starting lessons. But, I want to help! Any suggestions would be welcomed greatly by me as I try to establish a training plan.
????What rules will help this dog?
????What help can I offer to keep the owner safe from the mouth as this dog figured out his new home?
????Is a muzzle a good idea, in case the dog has bite history we don’t know about?
Other enrichment and play ideas and training…everything is helpful.
Thank you in advance!????
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19 Replies
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Wow, Paula, there’s so much going on for this person and dog – I’m so glad they found you!! Thank you for bringing the case here.
I know you said you are meeting them today, so there’s not a ton of brainstorm time… but hopefully you’ll get more sessions with them. So, I’m going to add a photo to your post and hopefully draw more attention to it.
There can be many reasons for the jumping and biting – fear, frustration, impulsivity, even play… so I wouldn’t jump to conclusions until there’s more history to go on. Meanwhile, keeping them both safe with routines, enrichment and a safe plan for remedial socialization/counter-conditioning when the time comes is wise.
I agree that decompression and settling in is a priority for this dog. This next month or so should be all about building trust (“Can I rely on you to feed me? Can I trust you to keep me safe?”), establishing a relationship (“Will you respect my low-level stress signals? Can we play?”) and getting to know each other (“What are your favorite games?” “What creates worry?”) I would emphasize that this is like dating, in the sense that we don’t want to rush anything, and we want to let the dog know we’re here for the long haul.
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Thank you, @catherine ! I love what you said about “dating”. I relayed this thought to the client tonight. He thought that was an interesting way to look at it. I appreciate that insight on building trust with the dog. Going slow and giving him some easy wins in this first lesson were successful and the owner eventually felt successful.
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WOOHOO!! Well done, Paula! That’s so exciting.
It can be so challenging, especially with novice dog owners and allll the misinformation on the internet, to help them gain a long-term relationship perspective. Trust takes time. Routines are great, respect (I mean for the dog as an intelligent, sentient being) is needed, but love and trust simply take time and effort.
And yes… every dog should have muzzle training in case it is ever needed. That target work will also teach the dog there are specific ways to work your face, and punching someone with it is not one of them.
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You mention the dog is new to the leash, but I’m assuming the dog is walked on leash outside, yes? If so, you might suggest food scatters (on grass or within a pile of leaves) as well as just going to areas where the dog can engage his nose with lots of interesting scents. All that wonderful sniffing can tire a dog out.
I’d use most of his rations in various food puzzles — both for enrichment and to keep his mouth appropriately occupied. Maybe marrow bones, too, for longer entertainment. (I know chewing on bones can lead to tooth breaks, but find that most dogs will steadily lick at the marrow until that’s gone. By that time, the bone can be removed to prevent chewing on the hard surface.)
Creating a tether zone near the sofa is probably a good idea too, while providing interesting chews and food puzzles within that zone. Person remains in that zone and can deliver treats for any/all acceptable behaviors, but can swiftly move out of that space if pawing begins. Return again when dog is settled. Repeat as needed.
Can’t wait to read updates, @bernerlabreclectus ! So glad they found you to help them.
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Thanks so much, @virginiad ! I love the tethering idea. The client likes it, too. He wants to shorten the dog’s view of his world right now, so he is keeping him mainly in the kitchen, unless he’s supervised. Then he is keeping him on a long leash. No walks yet. Just time inside and time in yard.
He doesn’t have a lot of experience being leashed. The dog has a fenced yard, which is still really new and he’s a bit wary of. He has been good at not having potty accidents in the house. He even rang the bells on the door to the yard while I was there and went out to potty quick.
I’ve been thinking so much that if this dog spent his first 10 months caged in a puppy-sized cage (no standing up out turning around), just the free range in the kitchen feels overwhelming and he’s getting used to it. The option of being free in the house and yard was maybe too much too soon. Maybe I’m wrong. But last night, the owner went back to keeping the dog in the kitchen or leashed with him, and he said the dog did much better and seemed calmer. No mouthing.
Small steps! We will definitely do the treat scatters, it’s a great idea. He enjoyed the treat scatters I did on the hard floor inside very much. It totally changed his association with me, literally, overnight. When I came in the door tonight, he remembered me and approached me (on leash) calmly and anticipating…lots of gently mouthed treats from my hand, as well as on the floor.
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I think it’s pretty amazing how this dog is adapting after his awful beginnings, and I know you’ll make sure things continue to move in the right direction. ????
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Hi!
I agree that I am glad this person and dog found you to help.
I also agree that there is likely a lot going on with this dog and, I think you are on the correct path of letting this pup decompress.
I appreciate your idea of not letting this pup on the couch at this time. In most cases, I may make the dog’s world smaller as to to overwhelm them further.
I like to capture all wanted behaviors throughout the day, I call it “30 pays a day”. Just walk by and toss kibble or a treat for the dog doing something boring or anything that is not the unwanted behaviors.
I was going to mention lots of short, sniff walks walks as Virginia mentioned, too!
One thing that jumped out at me is possible frustration, especially escalating from pawing to mouthing. From experience, I have seen this where it can potentially lead to a bite. I always do protected contact behind a barrier. Some dogs will “play” nice for a treat but then get frustrated when that treat or interaction does not happen when they want it, frustration builds and a bite can happen.
I like the idea of a muzzle as management, to prevent the biting from being practiced and as a layer of safety in case.
What does his body language say? Does he appear to be conflicted when he is barking?
Please keep us posted!
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Thank you, @jenz! Your suggestions and ideas about frustration are spot on. I think he is frustrated and overwhelmed at a new HUGE environment (not a huge house, but huge to his prior life in a puppy cage!) He is super excited (in a good way) to learn.
I will definitely give the homework of 30 treats a day! I love capturing good things all the time. It’s coaching the client to see all the positive things. He ran out of treats tonight halfway through our lesson, had to reload and commented how fun it was to have to do so because of all the great things the dog was doing. ????
Definitely love the support and suggestions and I will keep you posted as I learn along with them both. Never had a case of such severe neglect yet, from a previous home. Luckily, the dog is young and has a lifetime ahead of learning great things.
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Thanks for this update!
Sounds like you landed an awesome client/dog combo to gain experience from!
I like how you are up front that you need time to plan! This speaks volumes on your professionalism, that you are not rushing things, in my opinion.
Looking forward to the next update(s)!
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Tonight’s lesson went incredibly well. I met with the owner first for 10 minutes and discussed the points you all brought up about decompression, “dating” phase this first month, tethering and possible muzzling to help keep the owner safe while the dog learns his new space, as well as a few other things about how BIG the new world with this owner suddenly is. Also got feedback on how things went overnight. Got great news that he watched my body language as I interacted with his dog (during my treat scatters while his dog was leashes and we chatted yesterday). He said he noticed I turned away from him when he tried pawing me (I pointed it out yesterday, what I was doing) and then rewarding him again after I stepped away and he offered a polite Sit or other calm behavior. He said it worked well with him.
The lesson went well: he brought a barking berniedoodle out to see me, who immediately calmed when he noticed it was me and began searching the floor for treats. He took some gingerly from my relaxed hands at my side, then relaxed to take more. He remained silent the rest of the time and never once tried jumping or mouthing either of us.
We introduced:
Touch: the dog instantly loved it, as did the guy. He saw the versatility in it. The dog was brave enough to do it with me, too.
Sit & Down and Puppy Pushups: he had always taught Sit & Down prior to us meeting, but we did Push-ups and they both did well! The owner learned how eager the dog is to learn when we pay with treats and went slowly, giving him time to respond.
Recall/adding Touch: again, discussed poisoned cues of “Come” and possibilities to change words to Here or something else. The dog rocked the Touch as a Recall! Amazing.
We discussed food puzzles, since he’s already using some and loves them. And the marrow bones. And enrichment activities to teach “Find It” and foraging searching activities.
Lots more we discussed… I’m coming up with a training plan this weekend. It was so quick between the meet and greet and the first lesson, I tried to be prepared but said I’ll need time to plan. He understood. He told me how motivated he is to make this work with this dog who is the biggest challenge he’s encountered so far. I told him how awesome that mindset is. I hope I can help this dog find peace in the new environment he’s lucky to have.????
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What great news!! Your lesson sounds like it went so well! They are so lucky to have you and seems like he really wants to help his new friend:) Amazing job!!
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I’m all weepy at your success, @bernerlabreclectus – this is beautiful, beautiful work.
SPOT ON with the “poisoned cue” concept, too – and it’s even broader than we can possibly imagine for this poor dog… what, in his experience, has a negative association!? I can only imagine, in a case like this.
LOVE the touch/hand target. It wouldn’t surprise me to learn this dog has some handling sensitivity… as you go along, you might want to explore body targets (paw to hand; chin rest, shoulder to hand) as a way to begin working toward exams and nail trims, etc.
Again, what a wonderful thing that they found you. Keep us posted!
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It is what I was thinking, too, about the dog having handling issues. Amazingly, the new owner said he already gave him a complete touching regime to see if any parts were unacceptable to the dog and he said the dog didn’t flinch or complain about anywhere. Even the lump on his rear, possibly bedsore. I’m not sure if the dog accepts it because he’s too afraid or that he really readily accepts human touch, since he seems to like the new owner. We will revisit this again soon and I may ask for us to simply do the touch your paw, treat, hands go away routine. Regardless of the dogs past associations, everything gets better with practice and treats.
I also wanted to tell you that (I know you’ve recommended this in the past) I recommended to have the guy use the dog’s daily rations as his treat arsenal, either part or full. He told me he read about that online and thought it sounded good, but family members thought that was mean. I reaffirmed with him that there is nothing mean about recognizing all the wonderful things his pup is doing (yes, just standing there calmly) and rewarding him with his food. He was all psyched to hear me say that.
Another thing, the man works 10-hours a day, so he’s worried about getting him out to potty and has friends and family helping him until he gets a permanent sitter to help. That’s originally what he called me for and we thought we would give him ample time to meet and greet to know me before I take that on potentially.
Amazingly, his brother who in the past had had no rapport with dogs is the one the dog has turned around to accept easiest! Dogs are amazing. I reminded the guy that he did not jump on me at all when we met and the turnaround between meeting me the day before to seeing him the very next day was both astounding, speaks volumes on the power of classical conditioning (this lady means good things!) and how hopefully the situation he felt so helpless about on Tuesday really is!
I’m so happy to have gained them as training clients over just figuring it out as a pet sitter! Very happy with helping the inner workings of dogs and human bond rather than trying to duct tape it together!????
Thanks again for all you do, Catherine. I get inspired here.
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What an awesome update, @bernerlabreclectus ! I’m thrilled for you and the doodle and his pet parent. ????
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Introducing Kush!
Attaching a couple photos and am update:
I now have Kush on my daily walks and let-out schedule, as well as a once a week lesson. He did very well yesterday at our 20 minute visit. I stayed a little extra because we are getting to know each other.????
He went out in the fenced yard to find treats and forage with “Find It”. He seemed neutral to interested when I came in the house and barked a few times out of “dog duty”. But he was nice and quiet and receptive. He’s starting to like his yard, I think, which the owner said he was afraid of before the weekend. Remember, if he had been cramped into a tiny cage where he could not turn around or stand, all this S-P-A-C-E, although freeing, must be a bit scary.
He went in with me for fresh water in the bowl and then asked to go out again by ringing the bells on the sliding door. I was too happy to do so and told him Good Boy. He offered me a polite Sit a number of times when coming into “my space”.
When it was time to go, we went in, I tossed a few extra treats and left without a sound or word. (Hard for me, I’m usually a chatterbox at my clients’ dogs!) I am going slow and starting talk and grounded. He kept paws firmly on the ground and only did a half-hearted jump attempt when we re-entered the house. I said OFF and reinforced when paws were down on ground again. The second time we came in, I tossed a couple treats and told him to find it so I could get in before he tried that again. It worked. He has the run of a kitchen and small hallway. It’s a nice change, I’m sure.
Here’s Kush. 10 month old Berniedoodle, who is finally getting to learn what it is to be a dog.????
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What a feel-good update — makes me tear up! Thanks for sharing, @bernerlabreclectus !
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Amazing update and amazing work!
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Thank you, @jenz ! That means so much! Thanks for your help. ????
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Thank you, @virginiad ! For some reason I could not reply directly to your response…I am pretty moved myself at this dog’s progress!
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