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]

Thanks, Laurie.  Yes, Murph has learned to be calm...he even knows what that word means.  Guinness, or "Mr. Happy Feet" as my trainer calls him, is the happiest most exuberant dog I've ever met.  He has such a hard time containing it....and I really haven't worked much with him in a year.

[Jill, Woody & Maxi]

Congratulations to all of you! I really enjoyed watching these videos..it is so nice to see so much hard work and dedication pay off..you are truly a great dog owner, they are very lucky to have you..thanks for sharing!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Thanks so much, Jill.

[BettyAnn, Holmes & Lucy]

So cool! They are so cute too. 

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Thanks, Betty Ann.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I got to watch the videos today.  I am soooooooo impressed with Guinness' and Murphy's obedience.

[charlotte bednarsh]

What an amazing accomplishment!  You are such a wonderful doodle mom!

[Janie, Jackson and Jilly]

Wow, they look terrific! So happy for you!

[Jarka, Monty & Auggie]

That's amazing, Jane. Thanks for the update. It was great to see them in the videos as well.

[Pat and Traveler]

Wow!  It's so exciting and heart-warming to read and see how well Murph is doing.  It's fun to see sweet happy feet, too.  :)  Congratulations to all of you for sticking to this long journey, and being such an inspiration to the rest of us.  You're all gorgeous and heros!!!!