Case study - Vicki and Vivian

So my reputation is slowly spreading and I am getting more experience with behavioral issues outside of my own fosters. I thought I would share a recent problem posed to me and see what you guys think. Vicki and Vivian are twin mystery mixes (we called them shepherd mixes but they are really too small) that we adopted out a month or two ago. Vicki is *extremely* people shy and Vivian is a bit better. I received an email over the weekend telling me that they haven't socialized to the family, Vicki seems to have adversely affected Vivian instead of the other way around, and they are not very well house trained yet. When they go outside, the hide under the deck and have also been getting out of the yard. Based on the way a few things were phrased, I keyed in on their routine and asked for a full report on that, as well as what they are eating, favorite treats and activities (which help to know in training). Keep in mind that I don't really know these dogs on a personal level. I'd be interested to know what you think of my advice.

Here are some excepts form the original email as well as responses to my questions:

The dogs have extended their pack to include [daughter] to the extent that she can bring them inside at the end of the day, and they sometimes come up to her during the day. Otherwise, they avoid the rest of the family.

Once we let Vivian and Vicki outside in the morning, most of our family is not able to engage with them until [daughter] brings them in at the end of the day. If we go out to the back yard, they bolt to hide under the deck. When [daughter] brings them in at the end of the day, they will head for their cage (where they sleep for the night). If they come out (when only [daughter] is in the area) they will bolt back to the cage when anyone else arrives (or at any noise). The boys and [husband] have been very gentle with the dogs, but this has not had any apparent result. [husband] and the boys attempt to engage with the dogs (for example, slowly moving to pat them while the dogs are in the cage or when [daughter] is holding them), but Vivian and especially Vicki are in full submissive mode if they can’t get away, and will bolt at the first chance.

We have attempted to take them on a leash for a walk, even just in the yard and just to do their business, but this seemed to be totally unproductive – they attempt to bolt, and when they find they can’t, they cringe and crouch and don’t move unless pulled.

What is especially disheartening is that the connections we thought we were making with Vivian during the first week have eroded. It seems that Vicki is influencing Vivian to be less trusting of us, rather than Vivian helping Vicki to be more trustful. For example, if Vivian does start to move to one of us, Vicki starts barking (at Vivian? at us? we can’t tell) and Vivian backs away.

Equally disheartening is that we have all agreed from the start to be patient, but we are not seeing any positive results – even tiny ones. We have followed the vet’s advice, such as having [husband] and the boys prepare the dog’s food, but to no avail.

We have some thoughts:

- The dogs may have a strong negative association with male humans.

- The dogs have a strong bond with each other and don’t need to form other bonds.

- The behaviors may have been established over a longer time than we first thought – our vet believes they are about 18 months old.

1) what do they eat?

Blue Buffalo dog food, adult dog variety. Morning and evening feedings per vet's advice.
2) favorite treats?

We have a variety of dog treats. We don't have a way to determine favorite treats. When they are in the crate we can give them a treat and they will eat it. Outside the crate, Vivian will come out to the edge of the deck to get a treat; Vicki will not.
3) favorite activities that you have observed?

When they are outside and we are inside, we have observed them running around the yard together. They clearly like barking.
4) can you give me a blow by blow description of their current daily routine including who is the human usually interacting and their usual reaction to each event in their day?

- Let dogs out of crate and outside in the morning ([husband] or [daughter]).

- Put food outside for dogs ([husband] or [daughter]). We tried to put the food inside first thing before they went out, but this made us nervous: (a) they wouldn't eat while they could see us and (b) they are not safely housebroken to the point that we trust them unobserved in the house.

- At some point in the day, [daughter] would go outside to attempt to interact with the dogs (sit, talk to them, try to cax them to come to her). However, Vicki has begun to associate [daughter] with being brought inside at the end of the day, and is not coming to her during the day.

- Boys or [husband] had been going outside to attempt to interact with the dogs, but this results in the dogs running under the deck. As indicated below, Vivian is less likely to come out than she had been, possibly based on Vicki's reaction.

- The boys put out the evening food, and go inside so the dogs will eat.

- In the evening, [daughter] will spend some time attempting to get Vicki inside; Vivian usually will follow. Sometimes Vivian will come in, but Vicki will usually not follow.

- The dogs will be in the sun room but will bolt for the crate or under the table if someone comes into the room.

- At bedtime, we close the crate.

Variations:

- We have tried taking the dogs out on a leash to do their business. Usually successful with Vivian; no point with Vicki (she will not do anything other then attempt to bolt or cower).

- Despite fixing our fence and inspecting for any gaps, the dogs have been getting out of the yard and into neighbor's yards. We are not sure how (for example, we don't know if they are fence jumpers or climbers, or if they found a very small gap that we can't detect). The good news is that they are staying in the area, and have even gotten back into our yard. The bad news is that they will not come to any of us when outside our yard.

Here is what I see. The dogs are alone all day because they are outside. The dogs do not place any value on interaction with the family because they get no positive reinforcement from it. The interaction they do have is forced upon them, and they have no safe opportunity to get used to being around the people. They have no structure and do not know what to expect from the people. So here is what I recommended as a first step. I think they will see results of some kind within a week from this approach.

Based on what you have told me, I think that the dogs would be better off on a more restricted regimen for a while. Right now they are outside and can do whatever they want. They have no motivation to allow you to get close to them and as far as they know - food magically appears in their bowls outside. I know you said they will generally not go on the leash, but if that is their only option, I think they will. They need to spend more time around people. I would full on crate train them. It will be a massive pain in the butt for a while, but I am pretty positive it will work. And you guys are so dedicated, I know if you just have a little success it will help immensely. So it would go like this:

• crate should be located where the most activity is in the house (at least to the extent that it is feasible)
  
• overnight in crate
• leashed walk in the morning* (*if one of them doesn't go, try again in an hour until they do)
• Bring some cut up hot dog or american cheese with you on the walk. Whenever one of them eliminates, say "good girl" in a high pitched upbeat tone, and throw ONE treat in front of the one who eliminates. If they will accept it from your hand, fine, but don't force it or it is not a reward. When you toss it, give them time to discover it. If they refuse it, just ignore it and go back inside. Repeat this process for every walk. Note: if they come to enjoy being on the leash outside, be sure to wait a little after they eliminate to go back in; otherwise they will associate going potty with going back inside and that could cause problems. However, if they hate being out there, take them inside right after they go as an added reward.
  
• after walk, breakfast in the house in a quiet place, but not entirely away from everyone. MAKE SURE THEY SEE YOU PUTTING THE FOOD DOWN FOR THEM. If they won't eat after 20 minutes, put them back in the crate (make sure there is water in the crate). No food until the next mealtime (exception if they go potty). **If you have an instance where they eliminate in the crate instead of when you take them outside, start feeding them in the crate and they will be less likely to do that. Maintain the 20 minute rule though.
  
• walk again 20 mins after breakfast
• back in crate
• it will depend on whether they are going to the bathroom outside as to how often you let them out. Initially you will probably have to let them out every hour or two. Once they actually go, every 3 or 4 hours should be OK. Start out with less time and increase it to see what they can handle.
  
• Once they go potty outside, let them have 20 minutes out of the crate IN THE HOUSE. If you can gate off a room that would be great. Keep them in your vicinity. Ignore them (or rather appear to ignore them) - do not try to interact at all. Let them make any overt gestures - this will take them a while.
• They must be watched at all times while they are out of the crate - if someone has an accident *and you catch them at it* startle them into stopping with a firm NO (or word of your choice - just be consistent) and get them outside (on leash) immediately. If you do not catch them in the process of doing it, just put them back in the crate and clean it up with an enzyme cleaner. If you try to tell them what they did wrong, they will have no clue even if it is 2 seconds after they finish.
  
• back in crate; repeat the letting out/activity in the house as necessary
• around dinner time; let them out of crate and walk as usual.
• upon return, repeat the process for breakfast. If they won't eat after 20 minutes, put them back in the crate. No food until the next mealtime.
• Evening walk before bedtime; 20 mins free time; crate for night.
• No one should ever, under any circumstances, reach into the crate for any reason. If they retreat to the crate during "free time" that's fine. Just shut the door after 20 minutes. Be sure not to slam it or smile at them (that is baring your teeth and scary for them).
• You may find that you have more success with walking one dog at a time. But play with it and see what works best.
  

If you would like, I can stop over on Sunday and show you some body language stuff for the dogs. Please let me know if that works for you and what times are good. Things that seem friendly for people (like smiling) are aggressive acts to a dog or at the least can be scary. If you have any questions about any of this, I can be reached tonight at ...

Belle update 9.28.09

Belle is doing great.

As promised, we are having long LONG walks everyday, she seems to like it, and again, she starts felling more confident, although sometimes she gets very scared about very simple things such a trash bags, weird big plants or even umbrellas (Saturday was raining so I pull out and umbrella from the closet and she cuddle down scared right away, so we walked without it) therefore I'm avoiding things that may scare her.

***

I wouldn't completely keep things away from her she is afraid of. Just introduce them slowly and a teeny bit at a time. For example, now that you know she is afraid of the umbrella, maybe leave it out where she can see it once in a while. Once she seems ok with that. Pick it up and put it down when she is watching. Once she gets used to that, open it in front of her - maybe leave it out where she can see it opened for a while. Once she is ok with that, pick it up in front of her a few times. Once she is ok with that, open it and close it in front of her. And so on. Just teeny steps in amounts she can handle over a period of plenty of time. Otherwise she will never get used to it and chances of her never coming across an umbrella in her life are pretty slim! :-) Then eventually, when you take the umbrella out when you actually need it, she won't think it is such a big deal. Same kind of thing with the vaccuum cleaner and other things you notice she is afraid of. And if you can think of a way to make it into a game - all the better. You can reinforce with treats as well.
***

Beside that she is really getting use to the place and of course to us, she LOOOOOVES being kissed and hugged, sometimes she kisses back and lately, sometimes, she follows more commands, but once she sees a toy, then she can't focus anymore, I know it is a matter of training and time.

I have to confess that I'm such an easy mom, yesterday, she just "upgrade" herself to nap on the couch, and I let her be, little by little she is gaining some space toward her boundaries but at the same time she's getting use to obey other unbreakable rules, such as not jumping or look for food over the oven (never) or chewing furniture (she tried), chewing our clothing or sleeping on our bed, somehow we are getting along with each other, we like her very much.

Yesterday she was very cute, I gave her a shower and she behaved very well, after I dried her hair, she started jumping and running all over the place very happy and exited, after all her running she decided to take a nap. She seems happy to me, and we are really happy to have her.

Maddie update 9.28.09

** Note - my blog posts are likely to be a little spotty until about Halloween. After that I expect them to return to normal. **

No big news here. Since school has started again, Maddie has not eaten, chewed or gotten into ANYTHING and we are shocked/thrilled. I think she sleeps the whole time because when I come home around 3 she usually yawns and looks like she woke from a coma.

We have a little routine going where I take her for her 4 mile walk...that includes swimming in the creek and playing at the dog park. She is still weird around some people and then friendly as ever to others. Dogs, on the other hand, she still loves. Any size, breed, age, male or female...she loves them all.

Hopefully I will have some exciting news. I'm not sure what she weighs, other than I can't pick her up. Thank goodness she willingly jumps in the bathroom (although this took months of rewarding her for doing so!)

She looks great and is a happy happy girl!

Belle update 9.22.09

Everything goes well with Belle inside the house, she seems happy and apparently is getting used to us, the only thing about it is that now she starts crying when we need to go to work, and cries very sadly as complain when we get back, I sincerely feel very guilty of leaving her by herself for so long, so although I do go on lunch time to walk with her, I am hiring a dog walker for Belle not to be alone for so long.

Another thing I wanted to mention, yesterday morning we were doing our usual walk, when all of a sadden a very aggressive dog came barking at us from one house's fence, the dog went insane trying to jump out of the wooden fence to attack us and Belle panicked horribly, first she went behind me and as the dog keep barking furiously at us, she started shaking very hard and getting is this weird position kind of cuddling with her legs below her body REALLY tense, when I tried to calm her she wouldn't listen to me at all, she keep shaking badly and as I was trying to take her away from that situation since she was cuddling as rock, it was impossible first for me to lift her, so I had to take her face and said "he can't hurt you, you're with me", so I put myself in front of her in a way that she could hear the aggressive barking without seeing the dog inside the fence. so she finally moved, but sadly, her confidence went down again, her tail is not coming up as it did before, now no matter where we walk, she just walks nervously fast with the tail hidden between her legs like escaping. Meaning, she is not enjoying the walk at all.

I am buying the book you suggested me today, but meanwhile, do you have any suggestion about how to make her feel better?

I will appreciate any advice.

{I am showing my response here as I feel it could be useful info to others.}

Belle would definitely prefer to be with you rather than alone. But rememebr that whining growling and barking is her only form of verbal communication. It doesn't always mean she is sad when she whines. She may be saying - hey I'd rather you didn't go - when you leave in the morning, but she does fine by herself. When you come back she is whining with excitement and joy so see you again - she's not sad at that point. Her mom does that too when she is excited. If you respond to her feeling guilty - she will pick up on that and do it more - either to elicit the response or because she feels you being sad and uncomfortable so she figures it is justified that she is concerned you are leaving. What I always did with her (and Cheetah) was to give them something fun - either a toy or a chew - and say in a very happy voice that it was time for me to go but I would be back and to have a nice time and be good while I was gone. Then I would quickly and confidently slip out the door. If you are able to do this consistently - eventually she will get the idea that when you leave you come back, and that there is nothing to worry about because you are happy and confident walking out the door.

I saw Cheetah this weekend (she is currently at a no cage boarding place where she has loads of fun). When I left she whined and barked like "hey you are forgetting me!" and I felt lower than dirt. I cried all the way home. However I guarantee you that she gave it about a minute before she moved on. Dogs live in the moment, so when you are gone she is not sitting around thinking how lonely she is or how awful you are for leaving her. She is probably sleeping. I would never tell you NOT to get a dog walker. But in these economic times, if the money is at all a concern, I can tell you that (especially if you are coming home in the afternoons to walk her) she does not NEED one.

As for the other dog, that is really unfortunate. It is going to take some time to build her confidence back up after a bad scare. It was a perfect response that you got in front of her and told her you would protect her. That increases her confidence and bond with you. And it did work - she was able to move. Now what you will need to do, beside avoid that path for a while, is make every outing really fun for her. Bring special treats she loves but does not otherwise get, bring a special toy she gets to have at certain times on the walk that she loves to play with and doesn't otherwise get (maybe the purple thing?). Then she will start focusing on you and the thing she wants and not think so much about how afraid she is. If you give them to her at certain times or places in the walk - that will give her a goal and something to look forward to after she starts to see the pattern. It will probably take a while, but that is what I would do. Also I would start working with her on some more complex training. Training is believed to increase a dog's confidence level. Teach her to look at you, target, sit and stay - that thing I gave you is helpful for that. The training should take place initially at home but as she gains aptitude you can start using it in more stressful situations to help focus her. The only other thing is do your best not to feel bad for her. Definitely reassure her, but don't feel sorry for her. Again, she will pick up on the fact that you are feeling bad and think she must be justified in being scared herself! Try to stay positive and happy and confident around her and that will help her a lot.

Belle night 4

Last night she slept again the whole night, this time I got her bed in the room and place her blanket in there, she was not happy first and she decided to go to the bathroom, I guess it is cooler, but later on she moved to her bed and cuddle in there nicely, this morning I saw her sleeping in her bed with her legs up, so it seemed to me that she was pretty relax and comfortable.

Today, we did register Belle at the ----- county today as planned so tomorrow we will be taking her to the doggy park for her to be off leash, and see how she behaves.

By the way, today I got more food and found the probiotics at pet-smart as you said.

This morning she found all the toys that came on her bag and she was very happy, especially with the purple heart that makes a funny noise, it was just like as having a two year old kid with one of those super loud music toys that usually parents get for them, a real non-stop, until she found another and decided to switch it. {she drove us crazy with that thing}

We had another visitor and she actually was OK, kind of greeting him before she started barking, she later brought her toy to the guy inviting him to play. She is very very smart so she is finding her place to hide stuff and when ever she wants to play, then she brings it to us, same thing with the leash, when she sees me putting my shoes on and my cap even before I take the leash, she seats close to the door waiting for me.

I like her very much, she is getting use to us and our place very quickly, every time any of us has to go out, when we come back she always receives us very happy, tender and full of love, same thing in the morning, she wakes up really happy and exited, ready to start another day, I am so happy to have her. Thank you very much for letting me have her. she is such a great pet.

=-)