Murph Update

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

It's been quite a while since I last updated about Murph so I thought it was time.  I have lots of great news.  First, he is off the anti-anxiety meds.  I think they were an important part of the program he has been on, and we've been able to wean him gradually over the past several weeks with no return to his former aggressive behaviors.  He is no longer "guarding" me or challenging our son.  Last week we had the grandkids for several days during their school vacation, and he was wonderful.  He now actually seems to enjoy being with them.  He follows them around the house...tail wagging...waiting for them to pet him or throw a ball.  It's so awesome to see him compared to the way he was.   We will have to work his "program" forever, but now it's no big deal because it has become second nature.  He is doing really well now around other dogs.  We increased his Daycare days to twice a week which seems to have helped.  He's back on a Gentle Leader which is all he needs at this point.  If we're walking and I spot another dog I watch his body language closely and the second I notice that he's getting anxious we turn and go the other way for a few steps and then try again.  Sometimes we do this so often that we end up walking side by side with the other dog....but no reactions with this method.  Other times he doesn't even care...never gets nervous...and we can heel right by the other dog.

So now that we've got this under control, we're getting serious with the off leash training.  Our trainer has opened a new facility that has a specialty store along with a training area.  We started working the boys off leash in the store....even with other dogs.  The key seems to be to teach them to totally focus on me in spite of the distractions.  Having them listen and respond to verbal corrections becomes critical since there is no leash or ecollar.   I'm trying to keep my "words" to a minimum and save them for when they are most needed, so there are lots of hand signals and communicating through my body language.  I had my DH take some short videos of this morning's session in the "almost finished" training room.  In this first one we are just starting our session and we're working on having the dogs walk right with me.  We do a more formal heel on leash, but for now as long as they are walking by my side or right behind me I'm okay.  I never let them get out in front of me.  This part is all about them watching where I am and staying focused on me as we move around....there are lots of distractions on the sidelines, but they can't react.  In this first video there are no treats.  When I'm satisfied I get a ball and throw it....that's their reward.

In this next little video we're working on impulse control around their greatest distraction...the ball. 

We end the sessions the same way as we start with them walking with me and staying tuned into where I am.  This time I did use treats since we were concluding the training.  You'll notice Guinness got a bit to excited when he was taking the treat.

 

[BG and Gavin]

FABULOUS!  You are my hero!  Boy that Murph is a big gorgeous hunk of a doodle.  I know what a special guy Guinness is, but Murph looks like the shining star in these videos!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Thanks, BG.  Poor Guinness has been the one getting the short end of the "training stick" this past year.  Most of my time has been spent on Murph, and it shows. 

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Thanks, Sandy.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

This is such great news, Jane!

Did you ever think you would see the day where Murphy was better behaved than Guinness??? LOL!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

No kidding.  Guinness gets those "happy feet" moving and he loses his focus.  He's actually my "off leash challenge" more than Murph.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Wow, I guess I never really thought Murphy would be at a point where he could be off leash in an environment with people and dogs other than Daycare.  What a long way you guys have come.  I didn't realize the anti anxiety drugs were something he would be able to come off of either.  Looks like all of your (and his) hard work are paying off in big ways.  Congrats to you all. 

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Thanks Sherri.  We sure have come a long way from when he was trying to "eat" joggers and other dogs.  It always was my plan that the meds would be short term to help him calm down enough to respond to the training. I've been weaning him very slowly and watching closely for any "backsliding".   

[Joanna, Zoe & Bender]

I too didnt realize that the meds could be used as a training tool and short term! This is great Jane! Congrats on all your progress with Murphy! It really makes my heart all warm and fuzzy!
Guinness reminds me of Zoe. Paw paw paw for the treat hahaha!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Wow...just noticing that that camera seemed to add some "lbs"....Guinness and I are carrying a bit of extra Winter weight.  LOL

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

Oh wow...that was great!  I sure wish we had your trainer and his facility here!  It was so much fun to actually see the boys in motion.  It is so different than just seeing photos.  Their behavior was perfect!!!  I am so happy for Big Murph and how far he has come.  Will he ever need to be on the anti-anxiety meds again?  Hugs and nose kisses!!!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Thanks Nancie!  I don't know if he'll ever need to be on the meds again....if he does that's fine.  I was concerned about taking that step in the beginning but I saw how it played into the overall program.  Through this process Murph and I have bonded so much....I really think I'll just know if he ever again is in a place where he needs them.

[Adina P]

HOORAY...you rock, Jane, for sticking to it!