new home and treats
fortunately for barbi and I, we are moving into a friend of the family's home, so he's already visited there a few times. So hopefuly the shock of a new home won't be such a shock.
I used the 12' run cable around my waist trick as I walked around the yard at the new home.
He's visited with their older 'pup' (9 years old or so... they're all puppies to me
) and didn't mind. Their dog, Jem, was a bit more concerned with Sheltin's curiosity than he was with her presence.
as for treats, I've been working with various 'chewies', freeze dried liver treats, and cooked chicken breast bits. Some of the same stuff I'm eating... and for those funnies reading this, I eat the chicken breasts, not the chewies or liver treats, thank you..
I think Sheltin is more concerned about me grabbing him rather than how good of a treat he's getting.
C'mon, this guy'll eat toilet paper, i don't think he's a picky eater
seriously, though, I understand about working in steps with him, he has come a long way from the 'cowering in his kennel' to 'bumping my legs' and 'springing up at my hands as we walk' Sheltin that he now is.
I think part of his going outside ritual is more of a game than fear now though.
He'll sniff around when he needs to go out, look at me, follow me to where his leash is, then run the other way when I tell him 'outside'. All the while he's wagging his tail. He'll run to a corner and put his head down as I approach with leash in hand, but he doesn't drop to the floor or roll over to submissive.
Once I put his leash on, he starts bouncing towards the door to go outside.
Sometimes he's still a little reluctant to go outside (or come in afterward) but once he's either walked or done his business, he's ready for the 'house'. That's his direction to head up the three flights of stairs to our apartment. He doesn't mind the stairs at all, I think he just doesn't want to go in because he enjoys the outside time so much more. I can't say I blame him any. I remember that he was exclusively an outside pooch before we acquired Sheltin.
But again, as I sit here and type, bedtime is calling and Sheltin is at my feet as close to my rolling chair as he can nudge himself, waiting for me to head to bed so he can find his little nook next to me or at my feet on the bed.
steve, barbi, sheltin, and rupert
).