Exposure

[BG and Gavin]

I thought I would create a place for people to talk about/brag/vent about different situations where they have exposed their doodles to new things.  We also may give each other ideas about things to do!

Last night I went to a co-worker's after work for a drink.  DH joined us later, walking Gavin there so that he could drive the car home (never drink and drive!).  Gavin started out sitting outside on the deck (nicely) and looking in the french doors to see what the people were doing.  My friend felt he should be inside.  She has a very old cranky dog, so she put her away.  She also has 3 kids 1.5 years to 9 years of age.  Gavin was very impressive.  He did not get overly excited, but did a cursory sniff of the entire area.  The kid, clearly used to dogs were also great.  They were calm and just carried on with what they were doing, giving Gavin the occasional pet.  They were eating supper however, including the baby, whose high chair tray was at eye level for Gavin.   He did not steal anything.  He did lick the baby's face a couple of times though.  She didn't mind and neither did her parents.  After Gavin accepted pets from everyone, he layed down at my feet and that was it!  Oh yeah, in his early semi-excited stage I took the opportunity to work him a bit (come, sit, down, stay) and he did pretty well.  Overall a very successful exposure - credit due to everyone there who behaved just "right."

[Melissa]

Way to go Gavin!!!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

What a good boy!  I so agree that exposure to lots of different experiences is great for our Doodles.  That's how they learn.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Sounds like the perfect evening.   Kudos to Gavin!  It is amazing though how these situations could be completely opposite based on the actions of the other people involved (which unfortunately we can't control).  I know when taking Lucy and Sophie out to various places that meeting people that want to talk to them in high pitched voices or rough up their fur or just act in an overly excited way can get them wound up!  I particularly hate the ones that seem to want to hug them really tightly ..... my girls aren't to crazy about anyone but us doing that ... they will just sort of pull away.

[Lauria Orr]

Excellent!!!  You must feel so pleased!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

We wish we had exposed our dogs specifically to children.  Our own were grown and though we teach school, the occasional visit to school with the doods isn't enough. I think if they grow up with them, their quick movements and shriller voices are not scary. 

We did specifically expose Ned to trains and traffic; people in different clothing and hats; stairs and elevators; a variety of door types; and going from dark to light and light to dark.

[BG and Gavin]

Today's exposure was the automatic car wash.  We bathed Gavin at the dog wash today and decided while we were there to take the car through the auto car wash.  It never even occurred to me that this could potentially be upsetting for Gavin.  Once it started however, he became nervous and curious; following the sprayer as it went around the car.  We totally ignored him and kept up with our conversation.  He eventually lied down and that's when I petted him and told him he was a good boy.  It was pretty loud and I could see how it would be scary the first time.

[Adina P]

I remember taking Rosco through the car wash.  I was nervous and ready for him to be nervous (he was still a pup...an older pup but under 9 months I believe) and had treats and was ready to make it a good experience.  He barely noticed.  Now the hoses for vacuuming out your car spooked him greatly!  But not the car being sprayed by colorful water blasts!

[Leslie and Halas]

Good boy, Gavin!

[Becca & Lucy]

I took Lucy to Petsmart for the first time tonight. Sweet girl was a little nervous at first but then did great! She did much better on not jumping on people then I thought she would! (Yes she jumped some) She did lay down on her side for many so that she would get a tummy rub :) She could not get enough of the smells! She was nervous about the cars. My neighbor has a Harley motorcycle and made a REALLY loud noise one day. So ever since she is really nervous around cars, delivery trucks etc.

[BG and Gavin]

Great idea for exposure.  Petsmart is like a giant toy box!  Sounds like Lucy handled herself like a champ!