Tough Love- Confessions of a Doodle Mom

[Hazel & Chester Wayte]

I have posted about how Chester is scared to go out to do his business at night.

He pees on the lawn but likes to poo on the side of the road. Lately he has been nervous and won't go down the road- and sometimes he takes his favourite bear out. We live outside Halifax and have woods with animals and our yard isn't fenced.

I have gotten a lot of support from the wonderful network on DK  and I am working on some of the suggestions.It is nice to know we aren't alone.

It was suggested that we Social Chester more to get him used to lots of different situations and sounds.

We took Chester in to the City to a "Doggie Expo" last weekend- it was super busy with all kinds of dogs and people.

When DH and I were discussing  if we should go and do we take the big guy. We decided to take him based on this advice. I probably wouldn't have taken this as an opportunity if it wasn't suggested. Chester did really well - he was a bit overwhelmed and would flop on the concrete floor. But he number of people who talked to us or petted him- I think he was socializing us :). (I was a little surprised by the people who would take pics of him without asking first?- maybe it's just me).

I think it was a Jane (Guinness and Murphy) discussion, and some of the BruceGirl's Brad Pattison about not 'lowering your expectations' and giving your doodle the Benefit of the doubt- The opportunity to prove themselves. Chester did great in that public setting. I do need to do this more often.

When I went for a walk before I was the Mom of a fur kid- I would always take the same route- or avoid any situations - houses with loose dogs- or unknown territory. So when I take Chester out I do the same routes- Avoid any situation that might cause a reaction. I do assume that these would be situations- maybe they will be more teaching opportunities or help with his anxiety.

When a neighbour put up a Scarecrow at Halloween- Chester was spooked. (It caught my eye a few times and I started thinking someone was standing there) Anyway - I did take him right up to it to show him that it wasn't real.

We have the same issues with Christmas decorations and Garbage cans, and different cars parked on the road. I usually approach them with the 'It's Ok it's just Garbage day..or a car.

I am starting to walk a different way and plan on trying a different neighbourhood.

So I am also really working on my 'Commands' and Confidence on our walks..no more 'it's OK'.. and more 'Good Boy' and ' let's go'. You know I don't particularly love going for night walks either- we have street lights but lots of trees. I am pretending that I'm excited to be going out to do the business when it is freezing or dark.

So the Tough Love - Even though this is very difficult- We are asking him to drop his bear before we go out. It does seem to change his mission plan. We get down to business a little quicker and he seems to be paying a bit more attention.

When I remember I am taking a mittfull of treats- we are practicing loose leash walking. so Hopefully this will help too.

I just wanted to let you know how much your advice and musings resonate with me and help.  I think a lot of his issues are my issues??? and I didn't even realize that how much of what I do or say enables or affects his behaviours. Chester and him Mum have a lot of work to do.

Chester trying to take his favourite Bear on a night walk.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

[Christine & Shelby]

Love the picture.... I'm sure all your hard work will pay off in no time at all!

[Janie, Jackson and Jilly]

great blog! and what a cutie!

[Frannie & Callie]

nothing really helpful to add, but I LOVE that picture!!!!

[Bonnie and Kona]

It sounds like you are doing a wonderful job with Chester! What a great doodle mom you are, Hazel. Congratulations. I'm so glad he did well at the big expo. What a good boy. I love that he has a security bear. soooo cute.

[Amy, Cubbie & Ollie]

I understand why he shouldn't take his bear out with him, but it has to be hard to say "no" to him when he is looking so cute!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Good for you, Hazel! And really, good for Chester!

I really think most of their issues are our issues! That's true for many of us!

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

Sounds like you have learned a lot, and yes a lot of things are often "OUR FAULT" I have confidence in both of you! Keep up the great work!

[J and Riley (and Luna)]

Great Chester!  Glad to hear you are learning that the world is not super scary.

Luna gets spooked easily by anything "Weird" on our walks... lawn decorations, snow people, plastic bags.... I just stand my ground while she does her alarmed quiet "wuff wuff" and stares at the thing from different angles.  I then let her walk up to the object and investigate it on her own terms. 

[Pat and Traveler]

Chester and his bear-----oh, my!  That is an adorable picture!  Kudos to both of you for your tough love walks and socialization.  The advice given to you is good for me too--Trav isn't afraid of much, but he doesn't like some Halloween decorations, or strange items appearing in known places, and I'll stop babying him about this.  Thanks for the update!

[Kaytlin and Cooper]

aww Chester and his bear are so cute! have you thought about getting a treat pouch you can attach to your leash so you always have treats with you?