Deanna - You always have the perfect answers! I love all of your advice. I am your fan and friend. Nan and the girls
--- On Thu, 11/11/10, Deanna Corey <[email protected]> wrote: From: Deanna Corey <[email protected]> Subject: [Chihuahuas] holiday help To: [email protected] Date: Thursday, November 11, 2010, 8:38 AM 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
