how long does it take to change a dog?

[mopinko]

my very yappy little dogs have been kind of transformed by the fact that i have spent most of the last 2 months in my garden. they are in the yard with me, and i have had a chance to use cesar's tactics, and they have worked like a charm. they were already well trained, and are now very, very good little dogs.
a neighbor who watched this has asked me to see if i can make a difference to his dog. he has a skittish rescue german shepherd. he has mostly stupid fear based issues, like refusing to walk in the day time. i am willing to foster this dog for a while and see if time spent with a good pack would help him out. some extra attention would probably also be good.

still have some things to work out about the arrangement, like he has not had a chance to meet my dogs yet. if it is not love at first sight, the deal is off. i have a sort of fragile middle aged boxer, and i will not take any chances with her. i might try to work with the dog at his home for a while, but think he would do much better in my pack.

but for those of you that have experience with this stuff, how long do you think it will take?

[elleng]

1. Great to hear that you're a Dog Teacher, mop!

No ideas for you, but question. I 'sat' for neighbor's toy poodle this weekend and will do so often this summer. She's nice and bright, and only 'down' is yapping when she's alone. Thoughts?

[mopinko]

2. separation issues are tough.

does she have a crate? the only trick i really know for this is to have a super special beloved toy, and only let her have it when you leave. food foraging toys are the best. at least it distracts them for the few moments when you leave, and gives them a reason to look forward to your departure. if she is in a crate she will likely be a lot less fearful. a blanket over part of it will also help.

all around yapping work also helps some. i have the trust of these dogs in large part because i have intervened in threatening (to them) situations, calmly told them that it was ok, i got it, then call them, and make them sit. i had a lot of help from the pack rivalry here, by lavishly and loudly praising the first dog to head my way. but after a while they come pretty well when i call them during an "incident". the most nervous one is the happiest to come, although usually the last. she is also now the only one barking most of the time, with the other 2 just watching what i am doing and acting accordingly.
the biggest benefit of this is that now when they bark, i know why they are barking. there are only a few things left that get them all worked up, like a stranger in the alley. other things have distinctive reactions.

when in doubt, check with cesar.

i wouldn't be so bold as to call myself a dog trainer, but i need some rewarding work. i could easily get dog walking jobs.

[mopinko]

5. one more thing.

part of what has built the increased trust with my pups, i think, is that they are now allowed to sleep with me. if that doesn't bother you, you might let her do that. or put her crate in your bedroom. you might ask your friend to bring some stinky dirty laundry to keep her company.

[Curmudgeoness]

10. That dirty laundry suggestion is a great idea.

When I had to take my cat to Radiocat to stay for days, they asked for a towel/blanket/old shirt that I had slept with for a few days to make him feel more comfortable about the situation. But I don't think it has to be all that stinky.

[CC]

3. I give you a lot of credit

for being willing to help her out. You should only take the dog long enough to teach it the basics, a couple weeks at most. The GSD's owner needs to be trained as much as the dog if not more. The best thing to do would be to train the dog and owner together at their house. Do you have any idea how the GSD reacts to other dogs now? I ask because GSD that are fearful can easily go from flight into fight when they are scared. Also does this dog have a job? GSD are working dogs and need a job to stay balanced. You might want to check out some of the free articles here http://leerburg.com/articles.htm Whether you or the owner actually does the work start with the basics of obedience, seriously consider muzzle training and have both at 100 percent before taking her into populated areas.
-CC, who adopted 5 mo. old unsocialized, untrained GSD a month ago.

[mopinko]

4. he mostly enjoys other dogs.

there are a few he doesn't like, but doesn't freak. he does have some freak out problems, tho. bicycles for one. i think those types of fears are fairly easily put to rest, tho. i think he gets way too much sympathy for his fears now.

he would be strictly limited until everyone trusts each other. owner says he knows obedience basics inside, outside not so much. he has trouble being reliable in freaky situations.
it probably would be better to do it at his home, but that is just a much bigger time commitment than i want to put in at this point.
muzzle is a good idea. might mitigate any rivalries. he does need a job. i think i will get the owner to get him a back pack, and work on that, too.
he is 3, btw.

but it really has to be instant friendship with my pups, especially my boxer.

[CC]

6. Sounds like you have it under

control. I was taught that all dogs no matter the size should be muzzle trained. Mainly so they are used to them in an emergency whether it be injury to them or some other unforeseen situation. Sounds like you are really thinking things though and keeping your dogs first. Wishing you lots of success.

[TorchTheWitch]

11. Leerburg is awesome

And I love it that they give sooooo much great info out on their website for free.

[roody]

7. I don't believe it takes very long, but the owner has to

be trained as well and follow through.

[mopinko]

8. he is a friend, and i will kill him.

he is not that bad of a dog owner, and has taught him a lot. i think he will be ok. he will get a full run down on what i have done, how i have done it, and why.
mostly, he is just giving this dog too much slack because of what he came from and out of sympathy for his scars. iow, he does not trust the dog, and the dog does not trust him. i think once he gets around the corner, he will be able to continue to improve once he goes back home.

[Bonhomme Richard]

9. LOL, for a minute there I thought this was going to be like a lightbulb joke.

Seriously, We got our first Lab last August and he did have issues. It has taken quite a while but with patience he has come a very long way. I really think the owner needs to step up to the challenge and work with the dog. You advise.