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Monday, September 9, 2019

The Hachi Chronicle

It hasn't been smooth sailing with Hachi recently. He seems to be becoming more fearful, which leads him to behave badly. We've heard snarls and growls from him, directed toward the Labraduo. It's been an unsettled phase in terms of our pack, including lots of time in the LabMobile in the high mountains (more about our management strategies for that in a future post) and my dad's cancer. I have no doubt that our worries about my dad affect Hachi so I'm trying not to focus too much on the setbacks.


In contrast to his behavior toward the Labraduo, Hachi seems even warmer and more affectionate with us humans. He wags his whole body when one of us returns home. And (drum roll, please), he finally lets us put a harness on him without acting terrified. We've been using counterconditioning to teach him not to be afraid of his harness. Hachi is finally over that fear.
The yellow flowers were blooming wildly on mountainsides in the high mountains. Believe it or not, snowfields were still melting there, and spring flowers sprouted in their wake, even though it was August. What a display!

You can see the sweetness in his eyes. That shows me that we have lots of reasons to hope for more progress. 

16 comments:

  1. that are great news!! ...and we would like to see your beautiful country once... that must be like jumping through all 4 seasons ;O)

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  2. Hari OM
    Yes, you must take the small victories to balance the fails. Bear in mind that his fondness of you is what may be triggering less warmth towards his 'sibs'; he wants to be your top dog, quite likely. One thing I know - you have all the patience and love and determination to create the environment in which your whole pack will revolve around itself 'pawfectly'!!! YAM xx

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  3. Hachie is so beautiful, I can't imagine how hard it is to deal with your dad's health issues and a dog that wants to be alpha. H might just be a dog that needs to be the only dog in a family. there are dogs like that.. having lived 13 years with Jake he never changed. he did not like other dogs but add to that did not like stranger people either. of course he did not live with YOU so that might be why he did not change. prayers for all of you as you struggle to get through this time

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  4. The yellow wildflowers make your eyes look even more beautiful, Hachi! Hugs to you, KB♥

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  5. Very pretty Hachi! I'm hopeful it is merely the stress in the household that is causing the setback, and you'll see more improvement in the near future.

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  6. We are so sorry that Hachi is so fearful and we hope all that changes for the positive soon. We're thinking of you with the difficult challenges that your Dad is facing and send many hugs your way.

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  7. KB,
    Sweet Hachi eyes...saying I know I messed up please forgive me I'm really trying to do better.
    He is lucky to be loved by you and Runner and most lucky the Labraduo are such loving siblings
    Hugs Cecilia

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  8. So sorry things are so stressful, but we get it. Bailie and I are still separated, but are doing well on meet and greets. The other day, Mom left and Bailie broke down the gate and we hung out together for some amount of time, not more than 45 mins since that is how long we were alone. It terrified Mom to come in the house and see us together, but nothing happened, and she simply separated us again. We are working to be able to be together like old times now that my spay is done and I am returning to my old self. It is so hard for humans, Mom is very sad, but she knows with lots of patience and work it will work out. Our behaviorist is helping us which is also a good thing.

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  9. He seems to take one step forward and another back. Just keep pluggin' along, hopefully, he will get over his fears.

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  10. Hang in there. Hachi is surely reacting to the stresses in your daily life. Sending you warm wishes for calmer and better days.

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  11. Hachi looks so beautiful among those yellow flowers. We are keeping our paws crossed for continued improvement for him too.

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  12. Things are rocky right now for all of you KB. Of course your emotions are also feeling love for your dad, and it hard to balance.
    We are keeping paws crossed that Hachi's fears will turn a corner and go away. And sending healing thoughts for your dad
    love
    tweedles

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  13. Can't say it any better than Tweedles. Will add - congratulations on harness success!

    Best wishes -
    Chris from Boise

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  14. The ups and downs are so difficult! What a tough time for you...there is so much truth to "when it rains, it pours". Hang in there, we are always thinking of you. ♥
    Jan, Wag 'n Woof Pets

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  15. Seeing your flower meadow brings a smile to my face. Paws crossed things will improve for Hachi, but kudos for doing well on putting the harness.

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