[nagdu] Need help

Sun Apr 27 03:56:30 UTC 2014

Like Raven said, all dogs have different ways of communicating  when they
need to go out. A few others that Lexia does are to stop whatever she is
doing, such as playing with a toy, and, when we are walking, to continuously
lunge to the side. Also, you might want to monitor how much water your dog
drinks. Some dogs drink a lot without realizing that they can't hold that
much. GDB told us to not give more than three cups of water at a time.

-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Raven Tolliver
Sent: Saturday, April 26, 2014 7:52 PM
To: NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users
Subject: Re: [nagdu] Need help

Hi Melissa,
Vivianna is spot on. Keep the dog on leash at all times until the two of you
have each other figured out. My program advised my class to keep our dogs on
leash for the 1st 2 to 4 weeks. This enables you to keep an eye on your dog
at all times, keeps them from getting into trouble, shows them what you
expect of them throughout the house, and strengthens the trust and bond
between you guys.
Also, keep an eye on your dog to see if he displays signs that he needs to
go out. My program told us that if our dog isn't settling after a few
minutes, chances are the dog needs to go out. Every dog isn't the same
though, but I'm sure your dog has his way of telling.
Maybe he groans or barks when he needs to go out, and you brush it off as
him being sassy. Maybe he noses your arm a lot or gets in your face, and you
think it's him just being needy or silly. My dog paces back and forth
constantly if he needs to go outside, and sometimes groans. Just know that
most dogs have their ways of telling you what they need, and you have to
listen. It will take time for you both to understand each others signals.
Provide ample opportunity for your dog to relief himself, preferably 4 to 6
times per day. And stick to a relief schedule. Many adult dogs like my
golden guy can hold it for long periods of time and do not need to adhere to
a relief schedule, while others, especially young adolescent dogs,
absolutely need to go out every four or five hours to prevent accidents. If
you catch your dog going indoors, do not scold him at all, just take him
outside. Scolding solves nothing and teaches nothing, it only teaches your
dog not to do the undesired behavior in front of you, it doesn't communicate
not to do it in the house. If you catch him, just take him outside.
I also agree with Vivianna's suggestion to get into the car first. My
program taught us to get into the vehicle first, then call the dog in.
I understand this is not always what will happen, such as when the dog gets
in the back and you get in the front, but this is very important.
Your dog is unsure of himself. He's around a lot of new people and places,
and he has been passed from person to person. You are a familiar thing in
this unfamiliar environment, and he looks to you to know what is okay and
what is not. He looks to you for reassurance and normalcy.
Do not be forceful with him. Picking him up and putting him in the car could
only make things worse. It will only make him more reluctant and stubborn.
Make getting into the car a positive experience. Use treats, gentle coaxing,
and positive reinforcement of good behavior.

On 4/26/14, Aleeha Dudley <blindcowgirl1993 at gmail.com> wrote:
> Hello Melissa,
> I am sorry to hear that things haven't been going so well with your guide.
> The first thing I want to say is that all these things can iron out in
time.
> It can be difficult for a new dog to adjust to life with a new 
> handler. A lot of what you describe sounds like stress related issues 
> that, while they need addressed, are certainly not disastrous, partnership
risking issues.
> First, where is your dog from? This can help us know a little about 
> how your dog was trained. Second, I would advise you strongly to keep 
> your dog on leash at your mom's until it's behavior improves and you 
> can trust it to be well mannered. If you catch your dog relieving 
> himself inside, you can then quickly address it by scolding the dog 
> and possibly giving a leash correction. Your dog needs to understand 
> that you are boss now, no matter where you are.
> As far as the car goes, your dog is likely associating the car with 
> some sort of negative experience. You can try rewarding your dog with 
> food when he is close to or in the car, to make it a more positive
situation.
> I hope this helped. Good luck!
> Aleeha and sleepy Dallas
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
>> On Apr 26, 2014, at 8:45 PM, Melissa Treaster 
>> <tomelissa30 at hotmail.com>
>> wrote:
>>
>> Hello,
>> I was just placed with my guide dog in the last two weeks. I had him 
>> pee in my moms house three times. I have taken him out so not sure 
>> why he did that. He does not do that at my house. We were staying 
>> with her a few days. The new thing is he unwillingness to getting in 
>> the car. I tried telling him up and patting the seat but he would not 
>> get in. I tonight after dinner out and he would not get in. So I took 
>> him to the grass and let he pee. I thought ok that was the problem 
>> but nope still a no go. I ended up picking him up and putting him in 
>> the car. Not a happy person right now. I have called the school but 
>> thought I would ask you guys. The only thing I can think of is that 
>> the other day when I put him in the car wined. I don't think I got 
>> his tail but maybe I did and that's the problem. Any help would be great.
>> Thanks,
>> Melissa
>>
>> Sent from my iPhone
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--
Raven

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