Regression...

[ghggp]

I have to begin by saying how proud I was of Baron getting his CGC title. We have taken a break over the winter as I can not really train indoors or outdoors in the winter. That said, I took him for a 1.5 mile walk the other day (no snow and clear sidewalks) and he was fine until he saw two ladies walking together. I just crossed the street so we could keep walking without interruption and he just would not stop turning his head to look back at them no matter how many times I said leave it.

A few days ago I noticed him sneezing. Not a little bit but really intense ones three-four times in a row and several times a day over the course of three days. Off to the vet, we went. When we went into the room with the tech she said we will take his temperature. I was totally shocked, as I was looking at her, I had not noticed that Baron had wedged himself, snout against the corner under a tiny chair! OMG, it looked like a chair with black fur under it on three sides! He was literally curled up in a ball! The tech and I we almost busting out laughing at the scene! She just exclaimed poor boy! When the vet came in he again was cowering. flat on the floor as I would not allow him to hide under the chair.

I pulled him out with the leash and she was able to get the temperature reading. It was normal thank goodness. No more issue that the vet could find. So we went home with no antibiotics. He seems fine now. No idea what caused it. I am also stunned as this is how he was when I first got him. Shut down. Will enroll in more classes next month.

It is a bit heartbreaking as he is such a loving boy with me. He loves my brother to when he visits. I really hope he can get over this fear. In his defense, I have to admit, I hate doctors too!

 

[Chris]

perhaps if you just act as if nothing had happened. All mine shake like leaves at the vet, even Layla.

 

[Piper's mom]

That's too bad Gloria that Baron has regressed a bit but I wouldn't worry too much...maybe try taking him places where there are more people. For example how about a somewhat busy bus stop where you could sit on the bench and treat Baron while people get on/off the bus or outside a shopping mall? Even a local dog show just enter exhibition only and hang around with him with lots of treats. I doubt that it'll take much to get him back where he was before and even when you do enter him in classes again I'd continue to socialize him in as many different ways possible including taking him to stores that allow dogs.

 

[Ann]

As Piper's mom said, I wouldn't stress over his vet issues. Even though mine are all good at the vet's, none of them enjoy the experience and some get very nervous and also hide under chairs. I don't think that's uncommon at all. I would try taking him to stores and places that allow dogs just to expose him to some places that aren't sticking him with needles or thermomenters . We have a few stores that love to see dogs and I always take mine to those for socializing. The pet store chains are also great if you have any near you.

 

[ghggp]

I agree, my fault as I just HATE the winter. I tend to hibernate!

Now that it has been clear for a few days I will start taking him places. I have a schoolyard near me and I used to let him sit on my front porch and watch them from a distance which helped to get him familiar with the quick movements and voices. More walks too! Can't wait for spring!

Thanks for the direction and advice!