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#1
10-15-2009, 07:33 PM
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Hello from CT
I first learned about Natural Dog Training on a Dog Behavior yahoo list serve where Lee Charles Kelley was causing quite a commotion with the other members, which was very amusing. I remember reading his posts and thinking he was a total kook at first. But he got some interesting discussions going, and his ideas resonated with a lot of how I felt about dogs. I finally googled his name, learned about NDT, got Kevin Behan's book and then learned of Neil's site. I stopped noticing LCK's posts on that list and it became very boring and I've since left it.
I grew up wrestling with family dogs, playing tug, letting them mouth me, but keeping it gentle and thought that was just how people and dogs played. Then I got my own dog and read so many things telling you not to play tug, god forbid your dog's teeth ever touch your skin, it didn't matter whether it was from positive reinforcement or alpha trainers, I felt like everyone was telling me I couldn't have fun with my dog or he would be a vicious monster and I would be responsible for the pain and turmoil he inflicted on others. So I don't always agree with the 'why' given for how Natural Dog Training methods work, but I was drawn to the methods themselves, as it supported how I had always interacted with dogs, but helped give it structure. I adopted an 18 month old Dutch Shepherd a few years ago, promptly changed his name from Gil to Rembrandt, and realized he was not what the rescue told me he'd be, house trained, friendly, good with kids. He didn't like me for the first 2 weeks, slinked around with his ears down and tail tucked, only perked up for a second when fed roast beef. After 2 weeks he was totally over attached to me, and wanted to bite other people. Would hide behind my legs if I was there, would bite people in the ass and run away if I was not and someone else was with him. He was just terrified of everything. Remy came from a breeder in the midwest who had tried to sell his litter to a K9 training unit, the 9 month old dogs were so emaciated and un-socialized they were confiscated instead of purchased and he was in a foster home, till someone near me adopted him, who decided a few months later she didn't want him anymore. We've done a lot of training and had come a long way even before I discovered Natural Dog Training, but I do wish we found it sooner. I feel a lot of what helped me help Remy get past his problems was listening to Cesar Milan and exercising him tons. An exhausted dog doesn't have the energy for anxiety attacks. Remy is a great dog now, house trained, no separation anxiety, and he comes to work with me most days (I'm a wildlife biologist), he is off leash and stays close, I've called him off skunks and porcupine and other less hazardous wildlife. He's also welcome in the office since he is so well behaved. His confidence is still not all it could be and he's still not 100% trustworthy not to bite. This summer he was loose at the farm (I make cheese at a goat dairy on the weekends). A bicyclist came on to the farm (trespassing) and was playing with the Jack Russel there, when biker bent over to toss the jack a stick, Remy bit him in the butt and then ran, tearing his padded, costly bicycle shorts. As far as I can tell the biker had done nothing but toss a stick, but Remy couldn't resist his protruding butt maybe. I really had thought he was past this, but luckily I learned I was wrong without getting sued or worse and he's never left unsupervised there anymore. He was excelling in agility class, till we gave it up due to his medical bills. A root canal in the spring and two surgeries this fall for a mast cell tumor on his penis sheath, but last surgery showed no cancer cells in him. We just got the stitches out today and he always cooperates for the vet and staff, and he's had some delicate areas pricked and poked. The past few months have been rough on us. Rembrandt is incredibly sensitive, if someone is at all fearful of him, he reacts and gets very fearful himself. He rarely barks or growls (except in play), when he's fearful he's silent, hackles up, eyes bugged-- but many people don't notice this. I also notice he can deal with difficult situations much better if he's both physically and mentally exercised, but sometimes life gets in the way (like when I was spending all my time learning about canine cancer and working longer at the office so I could pay his vet bills). Another problem is with other dogs, he won't fight but often he gets very inhibited. He won't go after a ball or play tug if the other dog shows any interest in the toy. We are improving, but I'd like to see him less worried in these situations. He plays more with my sister's pit mix who we see often but sometimes he gets too rough and hurts Tyson, so I have to always keep a close watch, and get involved when he Remy goes too far with rough play. Well that was long, I can't blame people if they got bored with the short novel I wrote about my dog and didn't finish. I look forward to sharing stories and learning lots. Jolene     
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#2
10-17-2009, 12:06 PM
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Not Boring at All
Quote:
I'm sorry to hear Remy has been having health problems. I hope they clear up. And I hope your presence here will help you with Remy's behavioral issues. It sounds like you'll also be able to help others with your insights and experiences with Remy. LCK
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#4
10-17-2009, 07:59 PM
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on the contrary, thanks for the long intro
Hey Jolene,
I think it's very helpful for everyone to hear what's really "going on". As long as you're not looking for novels in reply!  Please do keep us posted on Remy's health as well as your progress with the issues you mentioned. It sounds like you're doing really well! Miracle stories aside, most of the time it's just "slow and steady" that gets you there - there being a formerly nervous/fearful dog who's now closer to "rock-solid". Yours, Neil
__________________
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