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30 October, 2006Beast Update
Well I have good news and bad news kinda. The dog behaviorist came over Saturday to evaluate Kyla. The little terrorist didn’t show aggression to her at the door, but I think that’s because when she jumped up, the lady gave her a firm “OFF” and moved her with her leg, and then ignored her for a while while we talked. When she finally did get on Kyla’s level she didn’t force herself on her, she let Kyla approach her (very unsure and scared), and after walking up and backing up a few times, she licked her hand. What a mean beast (eyeroll).
My conclusion here was right. If everyone that came in my house would just ignore her (except telling her OFF when she jumps up) and then let HER approach, she would be fine. I’m going to 100% insist that this be the case from now on.
She wanted to watch us walk together so she went to tighten Kyla’s collar, since it was very loose, and Kyla FLIPPED OUT. She tried to nip her hand as soon as it went behind her head. So the lady sat there with her hands out, and just tried waving her hands near Kyla, any time her hand would move out of Kyla’s field of vision, she’d quickly snap around to get it into her sight. She said she has real boundary issues (duh). Most of the time Kyla won’t let people pet the top of her head or behind her head unless she knows and trusts them (me, Jimmy, some family members). When the lady told her “NO!” when she tried to nip, and then just stared at Kyla, she started trembling and backing up onto my feet.
So I fixed the collar and we walked. She talked to me about giving the leash a little snap and making a sound whenever she starts to get in that keyed-up pre-aggressive mode, like when we see another dog or kid or whatever, and keep her distracted while we pass the obstacle so she doesn’t go into full end of the leash lunging mode.
We went back to the house and talked about “go to place” command. Kyla has a corner of the couch where she sleeps, it has her blanket, she always sits there. The lady said normally she encourages the owner not to let the dog on furniture, but she said in Kyla’s case, she needs most to feel safe and not scared and this is obviously a safe place (she kept retreating there to get away from the lady). So we are going to work on “Place” command. She already knows it, just since yesterday.. now we just have to work on the “stay there” part.
We also made a boundary line with painters tape around the door so Kyla is not allowed to cross it unless we’re leaving for a walk and I say “Kyla walk”. That will keep her off strangers too. She encourages me to let Kyla sleep in her crate with the door shut. I have no problem with that, and she slept in there Saturday night fine. We even slept in til like 9 Saturday morning and she was okay.
She said she’s worked with hundreds of dogs, and she could tell me a couple things.
- Kyla is way older than 5, which is the age the rescue told me. She guesses around 8-9. My mom and I have suspected this all along.
- She had more of a crappy past than I was told and certainly was abused, like hit or kicked, and definitely grabbed behind her head… not just had crappy owners. She said the only dogs with that much fear and that are hypervigilant about their boundaries are abused dogs.
- She says she’s not the kind of dog trainer that has a huge ego and thinks she can fix every dog no matter what. She said Kyla is obviously scared of her (on the walk Kyla kept looking bheind her and moving all around to keep her in her sight), and that her being there makes Kyla not able to pay attention to me, and if she were to work with her, she would just be forcing Kyla to do things while terrified, which will make it worse. So we’re not gonna work together regularly as I thought.
- She says that anytime Kyla acts out and nips, it’s strictly out of fear, and people are going to have to just keep their distance. She said to work on the place command, and not going past the door boundary, and make people ignore her. She also recommended getting a muzzle for the times when there will be a lot of people around but we dont’ want to crate her. My cousins who I’ve never met are coming for xmas and they’re in 4th & 5th grade. Kyla is scared of kids, and I would just die if one of them got bitten. She wears a “party hat” at the vet, she can wear it to put us all at ease until she can be more trusting to meeting someone for the first time (if ever).
- She thinks another dog would be extremely good for Kyla. It would give her positive experiences socializing with another animal, it would let her have a packmate, and watching tht dog be ok with strangers and other dogs might help her be more trusting. She said it absolutely has to be the RIGHT dog though. An older, mellow male would be best. I do not want to go through the rescue group I went through to get Kyla (I have several reasons) but I’m going to start talking to ABTR and some of the other nearby groups and have them be on the lookout for THAT dog. The behaviorist also said she would go with me when they meet to evaluate them together, and also if we find the right dog, to help introduce them for the best experience possible.
So, I got a grumpy old girl, and I can deal with that. I will just keep doing what I’m doing, try to give her positive experiences and try to find her a furry brother.
Kyla says, “Fine, find me a brother, but back up off my Bully Stick.” I was sort of depressed after the trainer left, thinking about Kyla’s past and future and all that. So I did what any sensible woman would do: RETAIL THERAPY.
Nah, I needed to pick up training treats and stuff anyway, so I just got a FEW more things than normal. Some of these I’m saving as Christmas presents.
Also, Happy Dogoween everyone, from Jimmy, Kyla and Amber.
Comments
Something Katie and I have started doing with Sabrina, taken from Dog Whisperer, is before you even let people into the house, you get her to sit and hang out in a spot while you go and answer the door. Then, if she starts scrambling towards the door once its open, you address her, and then whoever is at the door.
Since, Kyla feels most comfortable with you, you're going to have to be the one to tell Kyla to get off of people. Tell your buds to ignore her as well, but you've got to be the one telling her no. And this is all easier if you get her calm before you open the door.
Oh wow, Amber! I hope you find Kyla a nice older brother. I'm sure things will work out for the best.
And that skunk toy is cute. Sophia needs new toys, lol.
That pumpkin is so cool!!!!
xo
Well yeah Steve. It's not like I just sit on the couch and let her attack people that come in the house, I make her get "off" and stay in one place.
But people also have to listen to me when I say ignore her and don't pet her. When they force themselves on her or try to get in her face, that's when she tries to nip.
awww. Kyla's lucky to have found you.
I have lots of faith that some work and some consistency will make her more sociable, but y'know -- even if she's wary of strangers for the rest of her life, at least she's found some security with you and her new home (and her new couch!).
Hearing that Kyla had a worse past than you anticipated makes me so sad. I'm sorry : (
The good news is: she has you. And more importantly, she loves you and you love her back. Everything will work out - now that you've set boundries, she might be more comfortable living within them, instead of being unsure. Good luck on finding her a brother!
I have also found that when my guest ignore Pebbles, she behaves so much better. (we have jumping issues)
I wish you the best!
p.s those pictures are freaking adorable - she looks like such a sweetie (despite the occasional nips).
Poor Kyla. I'm so sorry to hear she had a rough past. Thinking about the kind of psychos who abuse pets fills me with fury.
Our cat Alistair has serious visitor issues even though he was never abused (we've had him since he was 4 weeks old). He hisses, yowls, swats his tail around, and in the worst cases, actively & repeatedly tries to scratch them. It's really unpleasant, and it makes people nervous, especially non-cat lovers. I wonder if there's an animal behaviorist near here?
I feel your pain, Amber, though not to the same extent. I, like Kristin, have a ferocious monster cat who has been known to draw blood on several occasions. I repeatedly tell people not to let her sniff their hand or pet the top of her head. I warn people, but because Pico is so cute and plump, people ignore me, try to pet her anyway and get bitten. I've had Pico since she was gerbil-size too, but I think her temperment is innate.
Bobby and I visited the shelter this weekend, but are really hesitant because of the histories - or lack thereof.
Poor Kyla. I am so sorry to hear she had a tougher life than you'd been told. I think some unscrupulous rescue organizations are not very up front about dogs' ages or histories so that they can find them homes more easily.
Rescue dogs are a challenge, but it is so rewarding when they make visible progress. Kyla is lucky to have a mom who cares so much about her well-being.
How close are you to Knoxville? I got Jack and Lodi from East Tennessee Boston Terrier Rescue in Maryville, TN. They also have a lady in Pound, VA, who fosters a lot of dogs for them. Let me know if you want me to hook you up with ETBTR. Debbie and Joe are good folks and I'll be happy to put in a good word for ya. ;)
I have two rescues myself, and I can tell you that Roxy's life is much improved by the addition of Dio. We have had him since the middle of July, and Roxy (who is good with people and dogs, but super neurotic) has really blossomed. Having two is really fulfulling.
Hang in there, Amber! Kyla is a sweet baby. Sure she's got a few issues, but so do most of us. Bran definitely had, and still has, issues that he's working through. Consistency is the most important thing.
Hahah When I first looked at the heading I thought it said Breast Update and I was like what the heck
Amber, just trying to help. Didn't mean to offend.
Do you use baby gates at all? I know our dogs have different issues (Roxy and Dio sleep in the bed, and they both are TOO excited to see everybody--and thus overaffectionate/borderline psycho), but I find them really helpful. When people come over, I let the dogs hang out at the gate for a while and get used to the presence of our guests before they're in the same room.
Steve-
No offense taken dude.
Laurah-
That actually sounds like a pretty good idea. Kyla's an olympic high jumper though, I wonder how that would work out. Maybe I'll get one and test it out.
Good luck, Amber. It sounds like the woman you met with knows her stuff. And I like Laurah's idea about the gates. Winnie, our dog, has been getting worse and worse about people coming. She just gets really REALLY excited. I'd like to work more on her stay command so that she has to wait to greet the people. I do the same thing though, and tell everyone to just ignore her. Sometimes they listen, sometimes they don't.
Crap, I just donated a few baby gates - you could have had them. Let me check the sheds and see if I have an extra floating around.
I can understand how hearing the news about Kyla would be sad for you, I'm sad. But isn't it great she does have you, and Jimmy, and Grandma, etc. Bummer that the news could not have been better, but you are making progress and so is she.
poor kyla. it's a good thing she found you. :)
i don't understand why people rush to pet animals or grab at small children the minute they see them. i always give little critters (both human and animal) a chance to check me out. i make eye contact, but let them initiate anything much more than that. oddly enough, little critters usually gravitate to me to the point i can't get rid of them. dh says it's because i am little and they consider me just an overgrown child. i choose to believe it is because i respect their space.
teri
mermaids
I really reccomend the swinging sort of gates that latch into place with a sturdy plastic handle and have see-through panels. You'll get really annoyed with one of the wood/plastic jobs after about fifteen minutes.
We have two from The First Years and they're great--also convenient for keeping dogs safe while we're running in and out of doors. We have one set up at the foyer/office and another in the living room.
Hope it helps!
Poor Kyla. It's such a good thing you took her in. You're so patient and caring with her. She's a good girl; she's just a little mixed up.
I can tell by the white around her muzzle that she's a little older than five. Luckily, with the care you're giving her and her breed (smaller dogs tend to live longer), she's going to be around for a long time comin'.
The second picture of her, the one of her on the couch with the sun, is just gorgeous.
Poor Kyla. I hope that everything works out okay and she is a nice friendly dog...or at least one that can function with other people. I really want to beat the people with a shovel that did that to her.
You're such a good doggy mama. Kyla may always have some issues, but she'll have you and how lucky is that!! Hey, I found this totally by accident yesterday and decided they were your and Kyla's long lost cousins ... there *is* a resemblance, don't ya think?? http://cantmakethisstuffup.blogspot.com/2006/10/pray-for-gretta.html
Amber - I have been a "lurker" on your site for many weeks now and I have to add my 2 cents worth - Kyla has made me do it!
You and Kyla are made for each other - you, a loving and concerned dog lover, and Kyla - a dog that called you out of the vast universe of possible owners.
Everything is going to work out fine, just keep the faith. You will find the perfect housemate for her, and the problems with her behavior will lessen because you care so much, and are willing to keep working on them. Don't be discouraged!
Your love and commitment to Kyla is inspiring.
I don't know if you'll find this, so late to post to this thread but. I have some experience working with dogs too (in a different way than your consultant). The dogs that are the best behaved, most calm, and get along with (find a way to get along with) all other dogs and humans (including children) are dogs that go to dog day cares regularly. There, they learn how to make a place in the pack (whatever pack) and how to be with strangers, even very small children. Most doggy day cares give ongoing "as-it-happens" training too, and it's consistent so the dog comes home and begins teaching you after awhile. It's not taking your dog to the doggy daycare just because you work, but to allow it to be with it's own kind, to learn to belong to and find it's way with a group, any group. You can't believe how comfident but calm they become. No need for being scared, no need for snaping (which follows being scared). Just calm self-assured poise. Really.
Kyla is such a beautiful little dog. I love the artsy photo of her in her "place", with the blankey draped just so. Very doggy Audrey Hepburn-ish.
I don't know if you'll find this, so late to post to this thread but. I have some experience working with dogs too (in a different way than your consultant). The dogs that are the best behaved, most calm, and get along with (find a way to get along with) all other dogs and humans (including children) are dogs that go to dog day cares regularly. There, they learn how to make a place in the pack (whatever pack) and how to be with strangers, even very small children. Most doggy day cares give ongoing "as-it-happens" training too, and it's consistent so the dog comes home and begins teaching you after awhile. It's not taking your dog to the doggy daycare just because you work, but to allow it to be with it's own kind, to learn to belong to and find it's way with a group, any group. You can't believe how comfident but calm they become. No need for being scared, no need for snaping (which follows being scared). Just calm self-assured poise. Really.
Kyla is such a beautiful little dog. I love the artsy photo of her in her "place", with the blankey draped just so. Very doggy Audrey Hepburn-ish.
