Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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So, since the amputation last july and all the health complication, Novak didn't go to trials, classes or training center. We went for a odor detection practice before christmas and it was awful, I walk away crying cause Novak was so reactive toward other dogs lunging, barking, growling...I tried to make him focus on me, but it was near impossible. I was worried he was in pain, or felt insecure on 3 or whatever other reason. So then we started physio and didnt leave the house really, small walk in the field behind my house and play here, thats it. Yesterday, I decided it was time to try again, but I brought Daniel, my boyfriend with me so I could see if I was the problem, I was 99% sure I was it. So I arrived there Novak was barking at other dogs, a bit less, but still. The, I gave the leash to Daniel and went to the other room till it was our time to work the odor. And guess what?? Novak was the pretty good boy he always was, no reaction, even with dogs that came in his face! Not a bark, nothing! So yep, Im the problem, like he's guarding his resource. He seem very possesive of me. I over cuddled him with all his health issues, he's like my shadow, can't be without me, etc...Belgians are so sensitive and they react to our emotion so much, because Im anxious and afraid he will bark again and be reactive, its like a vicious circle. But he always liked other dogs and was so good with them, so im pretty sure he wouldlt bite them if I just let him snif them. So I did practice yesterday and worked with him and he was ok, so happy, LOTS of drive OMG, that dog needs to go out! So I decided to enter the advance odor detection class and work on his behavior and relation with me. I know that if he goes out more and get use again to that scene, he will be ok, he was always good for 5 years, so why would it change? Clearly, he was ok with Daniel...thats make me so happy to see he's ok. But in another way, im sad disapointed in me, im not a good trainer, I make my dogs have behavior issues and that sucks! Anyway, I will kick myself in the butt and work it! The worse part is the others, the look they gave me, the feeling Im always disturbing them if Novak barks etc...Dog world is a great world, but it can be so arch 🙁
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Ypu are soooooo tuned into Novak!!! You are doing an outstanding OUTSTANDING job of identifying the causes behine any "issues" Novak may be experiencing!! 🙂 🙂 🙂
And sure, having the deep connection and deep bond you and Novak have can certainly make him very aware of your energy, no matter how "subconscious" it may be. And add on top of that the sensitivity of the Belgian breed, everything you are saying is certainly understandable!
Now, as far as "blaming" yourself....noooooo waaaaay! The accomplishments you and Novak have achieved are HUGE! I don't just mean with his Championships, but I also mean in every hurdle he has overcome since becoming a tripawd! You are a SPECTACULAR TRAINER AND COMPANION! We are all in awe of your knowledge, your patience and your skill!! 🙂
You and Novak have been through soooo many scary times since his amputation. You have had to feed him spoonfools of soft food at a time so he wouldn't choke. You truly have been his Savior. He may not even be here were it not for your exquisite care and devotion to Novak.
So if all that makes him a little more tuned into your energy, then that happened because he needed you for his very existence. That doesn't make you a "bad" trainer. That makes you a strong, brave, devoted loving companion who put everything on hold to restore him to health.
A d as far as any of those "other" trainers seem "annoyed" because Novak barks, ignore them!!! First of all, if that's their uppety attitude, just ignore them. EMBRACE the sound of Novak barking!!! He's happy! He's alive and the sound of him barking is a beautiful sound 🙂 🙂
And now. YAAAAAAAAAY FOR NOVAK HAVING. GREAT CLASS!!!! YAAAAAAAAAY FOR NOVAK GETTING TO ENJOY NOSE WORK!! He is going to shine!!
The commitment you have made to Novak's physical and emotional well-being is EXCEPTIONAL!!! A d it shows! 🙂
NOVAK IS OKAY...AND SO ARE YOU!!!
Really glad you took time to update.
Are you sure you can't make it to the Virigina pawty? We love barking happy dogs!! 🙂 🙂 🙂
Love and hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
Jack goes through periods of regression back to barking and reacting to people and dogs, too. It can be so discouraging when she starts up again after so much work.
Sally is right- ignore anyone who gives you sideways looks. What they think doesn't matter! Someone kind on here once gave me two sage pieces of advice: focus on showing him that his job is just to enjoy walking/nose work and that you're there to protect HIM from the things that make him nervous, not the other way around. Once Jack remembers that I'm not going to let another dog or unfamiliar person into her personal space, she's okay with them being around her and I get less nervous when I give myself the job of being calm rather than having the perfect dog. Second, singing happy birthday or talking in a low soothing tone does wonders to calm myself down, which Jack can immediately sense.
I always find it hard not to spend my energy apologizing on behalf of Jack when she barks. You've clearly got an excellent relationship with Novak (of course he wants to keep you to himself!) and you have nothing to apologize to those around you for. In fact, you should be congratulated for all the energy you put into working with him - not everyone would be so devoted. Please know that you didn't do anything to give him a behavioral issue. He's just out of practice and needs some time to get back in the game!
BRAVO SARAH!! WELL SAID!!!!!! A d good Sage advice from. YOU 🙂 🙂 🙂
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
It's pretty impressive that a three legged dog is doing advanced training to begin with. These little behavioral issues are nothing compared to that.
Otis - 106 pound lab/Dane mix, lost his right front leg to osteosarcoma on Febuary 9, 2016. Four rounds of carboplatin completed in April, 2016. Lung mets August 25, 2016. Said goodbye too soon on September 4, 2016. Lost his adopted sister, Tess, suddenly on October 9, 2016. likely due to hemangiosarcoma.
Wherever they are, they are together.
wow, you are ALL truly amazing people, I mean, never, on all the forum I went I had such encouragement and positive pep talk, Im very happy to read all of you! THANK YOU XXXX
And no, I really can't come to Virginia this year, but I will at the next one, promise!
I know how you feel, I have been having similar issues, not that I'm a trainer. Manni has become less sociable and I always have to be on the lookout so it doesn't get out of hand. He was always very strong in his attitude and appearance towards other dogs and we never used to have any problems because the other dogs would just accept and go 'ok, you're the boss'. nowadays Manni goes offensive right away, where before he would just kind of pose and then be welcoming.
Now I have blamed it on his three-legs, I have blamed it on his getting older and grumpy, but if I am honest: he is a lot more relaxed when he's out with my boyfriend. -and that, to me, is actually kind of hurtful if I'm really honest.
I know that Manni always had a tendency to mirror me. A lot of times, when I met somebody I didn't like, Manni would react by not letting himself be pet or even barking. So that tells me I am giving of the wrong signals now. But that is so hard to change if you ask me. I AM more worried about him, I am more worried when we encounter other dogs.
Be More Dog ? How do you do that? Voodoo, if you find the recipe, let me know please 🙂
tina
Guardian of Manni the Wonderdog. -Or was it the other way around?
Osteo and amputation in Dec 2015. Second, inoperable, primary osteosarcoma found in June 2017.
The end of our adventures came Dec 10, 2017. 2 years to the day.
If only I knew how to, but I don't..its not easy changing our own anxiety issues, maybe Im the one that needs behavioral therapy LOL The more we worry, the more our dogs get nervous and reactive and the more they do that behavior, the more we get nervous, its an ongoing wheel and its hard to break it... I think that finding an outing with other dogs that we know will go well, short and sweet and step by step, building our confidence back seeing that our dog is ok. Of course, associating positive things when they see other dogs, either by play of treat etc... But not every dog has to become with any dog, I mean, its like us, sometime, it doesnt click and that it. Dogs dont necessarely need to play with other dogs. But they should respect them and let them have their bubble. Novak loves almost every dog he met, even when he was an intact boy, he played with other intact male! But sometime, he would meet a dog and didnt like him.
Isn't it funny how we worry so much about caring for them and protecting them, as if they were the weaker part of our relationship, and they are protecting us, with no concern for missing legs, cancer, etc. just doing their job as a dog.
Otis - 106 pound lab/Dane mix, lost his right front leg to osteosarcoma on Febuary 9, 2016. Four rounds of carboplatin completed in April, 2016. Lung mets August 25, 2016. Said goodbye too soon on September 4, 2016. Lost his adopted sister, Tess, suddenly on October 9, 2016. likely due to hemangiosarcoma.
Wherever they are, they are together.
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