Hi Amanda,
I know you will get some great answers from others here...but here are a few
things I would do...
I would asses by what you have shared here that he is afraid of people. So in
my
head I would think through the different ways to get him to think humans can be
great fun!!! I would then re-create scenarios...in my control so no bad
experiences...that would re-inforce to him that humans were a positive fun
thing!
#1 Starting right now I would invite friends over that I could trust...and have
them bring him toys and treats. I would educate them BEFORE they came, on
Ceasar's way of no touch, no talk, no eye contact for when they first arrived
but I would want him to know they had goodies...maybe some really smelly treats
in their hands...Don't let them give him any until he is interested in them
first...with curiosity, not aggression! Just have THEM ignore his
noise...barking..growling etc...no interaction from THEM at all...but YOU
correct it with a firm "no" or a noise that distracts him. I hate to admitt it
but I love that sound that Ceasar is known for...the tshhh sound...it really
does work...with a little poke to the shoulder! He needs to know from you that
his barking/growling is not something you want when you invite others over.
Then...when he is calmer and shows an interest with his nose or eyes...and only
then..have the guests treat him...the new toy...the treats. I would try to make
this happen EVERYDAY at least a couple of times each day...even the same people
coming in and out... BEFORE THanksgiving gets here.
#2- Talk to all of the guests that are coming on the Big day BEFORE-HAND...Put
a sign on your door to remind them about Cesar's rule...No touch, no talk , no
eye contact towards your dogs...they HAVE to totaly IGNORE both of them. Then
as
Jack is interested he will approach them...when he is ready...and ya know it is
OK if he doesn't get there in the first few hours. Your guests should follow
this rule the whole time they are in your home. He won't feel threatened this
way!
#3- Buy some Rescue Remedy...add a few drops to his water...it is just a
natural
relaxer for people and dogs...can be found in most health food stores.
#4- It is ok to seperate him from your company...if you don't have the time to
work through these issues before Thanksgiving then maybe set up an area for him
in you own bedroom...like a play-pen. I have a baby play-pen I set up for my
little tiny ones when my grandchildren get too wild. They are all 4 and under
and sometimes they can be a stresser to the little bits! In a play-pen they can
see everybody but still be safe.
Just some thoughts...
Waggin' Tails in The Dog Park,
Deanna
and
The Dog Park Pack:
Nugget, Shuai-Li, Mouse, Myrtle, Mable,and Caleb and honorary non-dog members
of The Dog Park:
Stella-Macaw, Stanley-Amazon, Miles the cat
www.joys4toys.com
