Gambit Update...

[StillandSilent]

The coyboy has now been on Clomicalm for two and a half weeks. He's calmer definatly, but yesterday, we finally had a breakthrough.
He's one of those dogs that is hot **** when he's got a barrier between him and something he's afraid of, and will stand there barking like a moron. He runs when there's a chance someone might touch him, but as soon as there's a barrier, he swings so far over threshold that there's nothing to do about it. He's incredibly fast and agile, and it usually either takes two people to catch him and bring him in, or until the person on the other side of the fence is gone.
We've tried the look at that game, but he literally could not focus on even the most high value reward. Until yesterday. Yesterday, he focused on me every time I asked. It took him about 3 tries to realize how he earned the treat, and he was able to easily be redirected each time after that.
Today, he actually went runnign towards the fence, then pulled a 180 and came back to ask for a treat instead! I actually had tears in my eyes, because he has never done that before.
It's still a long road for him, but I'm finally seeing some progress!

 

[Maxy24]

That is truly amazing, I can't imagine how great that must have felt. Now that you both have the help of these meds to bring him down to a workable level I bet you'll just keep seeing progress. Keep up the good work!

 

[JennSLK]

Huge congrats. Now we need pictures.

 

[~Dixie's_Mom~]

Yes pictures!

Sooo happy for you! Congrats on the breakthrough!!!

 

[Dekka]

That is awesome, wish I could 'like' your post

 

[Brattina88]

SO glad to hear that!! That's awesome!

 

[HayleyMarie]

WOW that is amazing, and totally put a huge smile on my face. Im just incredible happy for you that your finally getting somewhere

Keep up the good work Gamit

 

[Taqroy]

That's so awesome!! I love that feeling and I'm so happy it's working out for you and Gambit.

 

[SaraB]

yay!!!! Best feeling ever.

 

[Baxter'smybaby]

your dedication to your dogs is really inspiring--so glad to hear that Gambit is making some progress! The little steps become the big steps!

 

[Lossalfling]

yeahhhhhhhhhhhh! good going gambit

 

[StillandSilent]

Gambit says thank you for the praise. Unfortunatly, he also has developed a raging bronchial infection, and refuses to pose for photo's with green snot dripping from him nose. He's almost totally over his fear that the camera will eat his soul, so I promise pics when he's feeling better.
I've been wanting to share pics forever, but he was so terrified of the camera that it looked like I was abusing him every moment. Not exactly the shots you want people to see!
As an added bonus, after three weeks on meds, he had gained three much needed pounds! One more and he'll be perfect, and I'll be one of those people who actually has to cut down on his food, rather then trying everything to tempt him.

 

[jenv101]

Glad he is doing better - Hope he feels better soon.

Have you tried it without flash, or changing the camera? Maybe use a phone? Probably the flash freaked him out at some point and now everytime he sees it, it scares him. That happened with one of my dad's dogs... Ironically, he was also told that she was part coyote but we never got any tests done to prove it.

 

[StillandSilent]

I've tried most things with him. What I suspect happened, was that he was brought into the shelter terrified and feral (mom was feral), and had a camera shoved in his face for his 'adopt me' picture.

Then it was to a 10x10 cage for six months, where he wasn't ever handled or moved. When I emailed about him, I requested some updated pics. So they probably hauled him out, stuck him in a scary room with a bunch of strangers and shoved the camera right back in his poor face.

Luckily he's made a lot of progress, oddly enough, using my cat. She's adores the camera, and Gambit adores her, not to mention the treats that come out during photo sessions, so we've been able to desensitive him over the months.

 

[AliciaD]

AH! Congratulations! Woot woot! Yay Gambit!

 

[HayleyMarie]

Yah!!!

I am just so happy for you and Gamit, sounds like you two are making huge progress!!!

Keep at er' Gambit!!