Desensitization training

[J and Riley (and Luna)]

Now that our little person Sophie (11 months) is pulling up on things and Luna is no longer "safe" on the couch... we've started some more intensive desensitization training with Luna.  It probably should have started earlier, but to be honest we just didn't think of it being first time parents.  

Up until this point Luna had never bared her teeth at anyone, has no resource guarding issues and is generally an extremely gentle dog.  A couple times in the last week she has growled at the baby, bared her teeth and snapped in her direction (scary!). 

Anyhow.. we found some literature on the ASPCA website with some good advice (I think):

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/dog-behavior/...

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/dog-behavior/...

So this is the plan:

- For now, keep baby from approaching Luna if Luna is resting on the couch or floor (this is the only time she's shown any signs of fear/nervousness.. when she's walking around she brushes past the baby all the time and doesn't care).

- If Luna approaches baby and baby reaches out to her, immediately reward Luna (partly to distract her from the looming baby and to get them separated).  Hopefully this will mean more positive associations.

- Teach Luna about a "safe" spot that Sophie can't reach (the landing on the stairs) and reward her for going there

- A few sessions a day of "annoying" pokes and pulls from me and DH (ie. pull on her ears, hold her paws a little too long, pull her hair a bit), say "it's okay!" and reward

- Once Luna has mastered going to her spot and is very tolerant of our pokes and prods she will be slowly re-introduced to baby.  

Any thoughts to share on this?  We would really like the two of them to be great friends when Sophie is a bit older.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Won't be long - and keep saying it even if you don't think she is understanding you now.  I told Charlotte from 6 or 7 months on and people would look at me like I am crazy.  She automatically pets correctly now - I know part of this is because of hearing it over and over and over for 1.5 years.

[J and Riley (and Luna)]

Update: 

Luna seems more relaxed when in the room with Sophie and will fall asleep with her nearby.  I think that's a great sign since she doesn't feel like she needs to "keep an eye out" all the time.  She is also getting better at moving to a quieter spot if she's feeling crowded which is great.

Having some trouble teaching Luna about her safe spot, but she has always had trouble with commands at a distance so no surprise there.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

This is great news. Keep working on it, I believe the day will come when your two girls will be best friends. :) 

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Great progress.