Behavioral consult & neuter

[Jess & Stewart]

Stew & I had the behavioral consult yesterday. The trainer is the same woman who was our instructor in puppy class. She said he definitely has some mild separation anxiety, but she thinks it was worse from the confinement in the crate, since I said he barely noticed when I left, when he had room to roam. She suggested trying a DAP collar & some calming natural remedies first. If it doesn't get better, we'll try a Thundershirt before moving to meds, if they're even needed.

I also need to start making the crate the best option for him to lay down on & start making him earn time on the couch & bed. I don't need to make him begin using the crate again, but she suggested working on desensitizing him to going in, until he gets at least comfortable with it if I need to use in emergencies, the vet, the car etc. She suggested getting mats used to deter cats from scratching furniture & putting them on my couch & bed. I could try tethering him in my bedroom so he gets out of the habit of sleeping with me, but I'm afraid of him barking at night again, so I may just keep telling him off until he's conditioned to stay on the floor.

We worked on the guarding. She said he's not at all an aggressive dog & is pretty "soft" but isn't confident because I don't assert myself enough, so he's guarding his resources. We worked on greetings & she said she couldn't believe that after a few repetitions that he started looking around for people walking around & sitting by himself! That's our doodle smarts! She loved that he does high five, right/left paws, sit pretty, bow, among others. She said I've definitely kept up training since the class ended, as he has an impressive sit & down stay. She said he should start the next round of classes for distractions even though it may be too easy for him!!

As for the neuter, I attached the before & after pictures. He even gave me a smile before going in. I think the couch picture is just adorable & could even be a CP (at least to me!) He seems to be saying "I don't even want to look at you because you did this to me". although I think the background could be more interesting & you can't see his other eye well. I'm hoping he heals quickly, as I have a party Saturday & one Sunday for my sister's wedding.

[Julie and Max]

I don't see the before picture but poor Stew and his cone of shame. Stew does look super cute though! :( It sounds like the consult went well and I hope everything keeps improving for you Jess!

Here is a cute picture to make you giggle.

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

LOL...thanks for the giggle!

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

My son brought me a teeshirts last weekend:

[Deborah Brown]

I have that shirt!  Well, mine is similar on pink.  It's a classic.  LOL!

[Jess & Stewart]

Here's the before shot!

[Julie and Max]

Here I imbedded them for you Jess

[Julie and Max]

omg those sad sad eyes

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

Nothing like a neuter procedure to ruin a dog's day! Quite a difference between the before and after pics. Poor baby! I hope Stewart heals quickly!

[Wendy and Myla]

That sounds so positive Jess!  It sounds like it can all be worked out!  I'm happy for you! 

[BG and Gavin]

Oh he is so cute.  Glad the consult went well.

[Deborah Brown]

Everything sounds good!  I'm sure Stewart will make a quick recovery.  I have to smile at the cone picture since my dog is wearing one right now for an injury and looks so incredibly sad!

I hope you feel like you got some good ideas and a plan for working on the separation anxiety and barking.

[Sue & Lily Grace]

He looks so very sad or is going for the sympathy card. He will be better before you know it and you both can continue the training. He is really adorable.