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.

 

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Thank you, Kyoko....yes, get back to your training with Charlie....it's such a fabulous way to really connect.

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

These two beautiful boys are really impressive!  And so is their mom. The work you've done with them shines through!    I'm happy for you that you've been able to take Murph off the meds and all is good. The beginning of the second video cracked me up because I didn't have the sound turned up and without it the two of them reminded me of synchronized swimmers.

Heads up, heads down, heads up...:) Thank you for sharing the videos. Congrats!  

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Cheryl, thank you!  I went back and watched again....I see what you mean....LOL.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

This is the most wonderful news.  I am so happy for you and for Murph.  I am having so much trouble with my internet connection (they are supposed to send a technician but.....)  that I can't access the videos yet. I will come back to view them when I can.  CONGRATULATIONS!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Thanks Nancy!

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Jane, Seriously!

I really feel like going to get Sheila's sparkles and funny font ( I promise I won't) because this is so fantastic.

Those videos make me want to get busy.

THANK YOU~ just for being you and training us ALL!! 

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Oh Joanne, you truly do understand what it took to get here and how excited we are for Murph.  Thank you for all your support on this journey!

[Leslie and Halas]

Wow! This is great news! I'm so happy for you guys. Your patience and effort is paying off.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Thanks, Leslie!

[Donna K & Quincy]

Jane, This is just wonderful and warms my heart that you are having so much success. You are the epitome of a dedicated loving dog owner who doesn't know the word quit. :>)

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Thanks, Donna....I could never have quit on Murphy. 

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Jane, I am in awe of you! Your dogs are amazing and so are you. Great job! Murphy seems so incredibly calm and Guinness is just bursting with happiness and personality.