This is the way he starts his recalls - bursting into action as hard as he possibly can.
In terms of training, he's become completely comfortable in his muzzle. He'll hang out for 15 minutes at a time wearing it without trying to get it off. He's also doing really well with his counterconditioning to R, in which he gets treats whenever R appears. He is perhaps doing the very best at learning to watch strangers going by in town. As long as the people keep their distance, Hachi is happy to observe them.
We met with his behavioral vet and trainer. They decided that we should increase Hachi's meds to try to help him relax even more. We doubled his Reconcile (doggy version of Prozac) and we'll be experimenting with higher doses of his short-acting anti-anxiety drug.
On the down side of this week, Hachi had an incident with R. Hachi was wearing his muzzle in a super relaxed way while separated from the Duo. We decided to let him out into the area where the Duo was, and Hachi immediately went after R aggressively. He was wearing a muzzle so he didn't hurt anyone.
I made some mistakes that might have led to that incident, like having been giving Hachi treats prior to letting him be with the Duo. That means that it may have been a case of resource guarding. We plan to try this again but without having any treats in the picture. I was upset about Hachi's attack during our first try at having him be with the Duo while wearing a muzzle because the muzzle is our biggest hope for making it possible for all three dogs to be together.
The rehabilitation of Hachi is a roller coaster ride. Each week, there are ups and downs. We both feel as if there is more up than down in terms of overall progress over the past 6 weeks or so. I hope that we're right. Hachi is such a sweet soul with us humans - and we desperately want to be able to integrate him into the family.
Hari OM
ReplyDeleteit is hard not to let the disappointments overbear us; but as long as the small-step successes keep coming along and, hopefully, outweighing the negatives, all is still good. You are giving Hachi every possible chance to come good and I say bravo to you. YAM xx
I have boundless admiration for the time, effort and love you are putting into Hachi's rehabilitation.
ReplyDeleteHachi is a lucky dude to be loved by you and the runner. It does sound like you have more ups.
ReplyDeleteI trust R wasn't too affect by the aggression and thankful no one was hurt
Hugs Cecilia
You are doing the best you can and Hachi is making improvements. Nothing is ever predictable so you will have some backward steps now and then. We're confident that Hachi will be a full member of the family eventually.
ReplyDeletewe hope for lots of ups and less or no downs and we cross all paws for hachi and the duo...
ReplyDeleteRehab with reactive dogs is always an up/down venture. Hopefully there are more ups to keep everyone safe and happy. He sure is adorable bounding in the wildflower meadow.
ReplyDeleteHachi is so fortunate that he is a part of such a loving family. We think he will ace this in time.
ReplyDeleteWe are rooting for you Hachi! You have a great mom and family!!!
ReplyDeleteOh it sounds like progress to me and some slipping backwards is probably to be expected. He is such a cute dude!
ReplyDeleteI know you'll keep trying until you find what works. It's all we can do. Great shots.
ReplyDeleteHave a fabulous day. Scritches to the pups. ♥
Fear is such a powerful emotion in our dogs. I hope that all that you do for him, in addition to all the love you lavish on him, will help Hachi feel secure and happy. Under all circumstances.
ReplyDeleteI hope someday Hachi will be with his siblings.. he gets more handsome by the day
ReplyDeleteI admire how hard you work with him, and I'm glad there is some progress being made. The ups and downs are so tough; all you can do is focus on the good while taking a step back and figuring out how to do it next time. Which is exactly what you are doing!! ♥
ReplyDeleteJan, Wag 'n Woof Pets
The huge hurdles you have leapt over with the doggies, this one rises and falls for Hachi. I am sure in time he will adapt and live happily with Shyla and R, meantime hang in there. The occasional bump will smooth out . LOL from a VERY wet place in NZ.
ReplyDeleteThe ups and downs of having a challenging dog. ((hugs)) I feel for you! <3 It really sucks when things are going well and suddenly they do something unexpected.
ReplyDeleteKeep focused on those 'ups'.
ReplyDeleteAll in due time. Hachi has come so far already. We send lots of good thoughts and encouragement for Hachi to be able to be with his pack inside as well as outside.
ReplyDeleteWoos - Lightning, Misty, and Timber
Bless you and your family. I know it isn't easy, but there is always hope.
ReplyDeleteMay your good week turn into an even better one this week.
ReplyDeletedont laugh at me but have you considered talking to an animal communicator? I'll email you later this week about an experience. and stop laughing......
ReplyDeleteI'd say you are doing wonderful work with Hachi. He's a lucky pup to be with you.
ReplyDeleteI know there are so many bumps in the road! And you just do not know where they are.
ReplyDeleteI hope things smooth out soon.,
love
tweedles
I'm usually not one for saying "have you thought about trying..." but I was thinking about Hachi the other day, and decided that if you posted about problems I would mention this. My GP and I were talking about CBD and/or medical marijuana for pain control, so I did a few days of research online. Something that came up over and over again was people using hemp-derived CBD oil for dogs to reduce anxiety in all sorts of situations, including thunderstorms and social stress. Just a thought.
ReplyDelete