Day 4 – Monday, May 24, 2010:Only saw Sinatra for a few minutes today. Debbie and I went to drop Scotch off at Bark Avenue. We took Rou in too because it was so hot and I wanted to say hi to Sinatra. Daniel brought him out to see us. He was immediately excited to see Rou. Sinatra play bounced at Rou. It was the first time I saw him do something playful.
On a different note, Sinatra did also let out his first growl at a dog. A very exuberant Rottweiler came out to greet its owner. Sinatra was pretty close to the action and gave a single, low growl.
Day 5 – Tuesday, May 25, 2010:
I visited Sinatra at Bark Avenue this evening after work. We went for a walk and worked a little obedience in the lobby. As we exited Bark Avenue for our walk, we met a friend and her two dogs. Her dogs were excited; one barked and one lunged (though not in a terribly aggressive way). Sinatra immediately looked to me and did not react.
Our walk was short, but fabulous (only about 15 minutes). I got him to both sit and down on the street, which made me really happy. He also had some pep in his step, prancing next to me a few times.
Inside, his obedience was good. He would sit, down and come at about 75%. He backs into his sits and is reluctant to “come” in close, but we’re working on it. He also has a very difficult time staying in a sit, something I noticed at A.C.C., but attributed to the slick floor there.
As far as his people skills, he’s definitely partial to women. He is more, but not completely, comfortable with men approaching him and more reluctant to approach men himself. This is true of some more than others. As I noted in a previous post, he was very comfortable with my husband, Louie. Nonetheless, I think it’s something to focus on in the future.
He made some progress with respect to toys today, as well. Min, who works at Bark Avenue, told me Sinatra played ball with her today. He didn’t retrieve the ball, but he did chase it. And this afternoon, he put his mouth on the rope toy I was offering. It was short-lived, but definitely a start. Previously, he had ignored all attempts to offer him a ball or rope tug.
A number of dogs came through the lobby while we were working (though it was a slower night and mostly quiet). Most of them did not peak Sinatra’s interest, but there was a Beagle that aroused him. Richard warned me that when this dog’s owner came, the dog would go completely crazy with excitement. So, as anticipated, the Beagle vocalized (as only an excited Beagle can) when its owner arrived. Sinatra’s hair went up and he gave a hard stare. He had a nice space cushion at this point, so I attempted to redirect him verbally, but he was really locked in. As per his usual behavior, he made no attempt to go to the dog. And he did not growl or vocalize in any way. Nonetheless, since he was pulled from A.C.C. these incidents have been isolated and reserved to high-energy, very excited dogs. That is not to trivialize the behavior. It definitely needs work, but I think we’re making progress.
Stay tuned. More to come.
Day 5 – Tuesday, May 25, 2010:
I visited Sinatra at Bark Avenue this evening after work. We went for a walk and worked a little obedience in the lobby. As we exited Bark Avenue for our walk, we met a friend and her two dogs. Her dogs were excited; one barked and one lunged (though not in a terribly aggressive way). Sinatra immediately looked to me and did not react.
Our walk was short, but fabulous (only about 15 minutes). I got him to both sit and down on the street, which made me really happy. He also had some pep in his step, prancing next to me a few times.
Inside, his obedience was good. He would sit, down and come at about 75%. He backs into his sits and is reluctant to “come” in close, but we’re working on it. He also has a very difficult time staying in a sit, something I noticed at A.C.C., but attributed to the slick floor there.
As far as his people skills, he’s definitely partial to women. He is more, but not completely, comfortable with men approaching him and more reluctant to approach men himself. This is true of some more than others. As I noted in a previous post, he was very comfortable with my husband, Louie. Nonetheless, I think it’s something to focus on in the future.
He made some progress with respect to toys today, as well. Min, who works at Bark Avenue, told me Sinatra played ball with her today. He didn’t retrieve the ball, but he did chase it. And this afternoon, he put his mouth on the rope toy I was offering. It was short-lived, but definitely a start. Previously, he had ignored all attempts to offer him a ball or rope tug.
A number of dogs came through the lobby while we were working (though it was a slower night and mostly quiet). Most of them did not peak Sinatra’s interest, but there was a Beagle that aroused him. Richard warned me that when this dog’s owner came, the dog would go completely crazy with excitement. So, as anticipated, the Beagle vocalized (as only an excited Beagle can) when its owner arrived. Sinatra’s hair went up and he gave a hard stare. He had a nice space cushion at this point, so I attempted to redirect him verbally, but he was really locked in. As per his usual behavior, he made no attempt to go to the dog. And he did not growl or vocalize in any way. Nonetheless, since he was pulled from A.C.C. these incidents have been isolated and reserved to high-energy, very excited dogs. That is not to trivialize the behavior. It definitely needs work, but I think we’re making progress.
Stay tuned. More to come.
I wouldn't be surprised if he has something going on physically that is making it hard from him to hold his sits. He always looked very awkward when he would sit at ACC, like he couldn't tuck his butt in under him b/c his shoulders or back hurt.
ReplyDeleteGlad he's doing well and can't wait to go over there with you!