| May 15 Written by:aajoanne
Thursday, May 15, 2008
 Today's lesson on exposure took us to a fund raiser for another dog rescue program. This particular event benefited Boston Terriers. It said all dogs were welcome, so I figured what the heck. For a foster learning about life and fine tuning social skills it was just the ticket. Now while Pete could never pass for a Boston Terrier, I didn't anticipate feeling so out of place. We stuck out like a sore thumb, or a Great Dane among a herd of Chihuahua's. Don't get me wrong, the Boston's can be pretty darned cute, but they don't come across sleek and slender like a Pointer can. When you add to it that Pete is still somewhat under weight, he looked even more out of place.
I should be used to the why is he so thin question by now. But still I feel defensive about it. Why just this morning I had to loosen his collar so I know the pounds are adding up. It was just he had so far to go.
He was his Pete-like self. As in "whatisthat, canIsmellit, whatchdoin?" If nothing else he is curious about everything. If he wants to get closer, but knows he can't jump on someone he'll just stand up on his back legs. With his long legs it get's him up to the good sniffing zone. His balance is pretty good.
They did take pity on Pete. One couple had received a prize of two freshly smoked bones from a local butcher shop. Each bone was as long as your average Boston Terrier and bigger than any self respecting Boston could handle. They were offered to us because we were the only big dog there, and because he looks like his last meal was months ago.
Not a bad day for Pete. Lots of pats on the head, butts to sniff and a bone to go home with. You gotta love when that happens.
Tags: 2 comments so far...
Re: Exposure - Bark 2
Sounds like an excellent opportunity that worked out really well. My cats would not respond well to that method of socializing, but dogs are SO special that way--usually willing to make friends and at least check things out. Good luck on future adventures!
By lilybogart on
Thursday, May 15, 2008
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Re: Exposure - Bark 2
I jump at every opportunity to further my dog's socialisation, despite the fact that he's already extremely well-socialised, or "supremely social," as one canine rescuer/trainer down at the dog park calls him. Tas and his litter-mates were born in a calving shed, so their socialisation began practically before they ever opened their eyes, what with being surrounded by cows and calves, cats and kittens, and people coming and going all hours of the day and night. Once he came home with me, I took him almost everywhere I went, introducing him to every person and dog we encountered, taking him on visits to open houses at various local vets, pet supply stores and much, much more, as well as taking him to the local dog park as often as my damaged legs could carry me there.
Although Tas has had some trouble with leash-induced aggression (or "leash-induced frustration," as I prefer to think of it!) he's getting much better these days; when we encounter another dog while he's on-leash, all I need to do to control his frustration is very lightly "leash-check" him, and say, "No speak, Tas, nice-nice, make friends," and he settles down right away and does his very best to make friends. The frustration comes from not being able to follow his natural inclination, which is to run and romp and play with every dog he meets. Our recent successes have been quite wonderful, and it's getting to the point where he even lets me pet the other dogs we meet while on-leash, without any jealousy or vocal complaints. Off-leash, he's a perfect little angel, very obedient and biddable, without an aggressive bone in his body, which is a very good thing...the last thing we need is for our neighbours to be frightened of him! After all, Tas is a fairly big dog (85 lb Shepherd/Border Collie mix) but it only takes one look for most people to realise just what a huge sucky-baby he really is!
There's just no such thing as "TOO much exposure/TOO much socialisation." The more exposure and socialisation they get with different animals and people, the better behaved your dog will be over the long term. In my opinion, getting them out and about--socialising and exposing them to many different stimuli--while they're still fairly young is one of the single biggest contributing factors to raising/owning a healthy, happy and well-adjusted adult dog.
By MahonMacRi on
Thursday, May 15, 2008
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