Scared of me in a chair

[MySonsDad]

My wife got a new rescue a little more than 6 months ago. He's a cute black and white mix, probably 3 years old. If he were pure he'd definitely be a papillion. I'm thinking he's got some baggage from the past as he'll sit in anyone's lap except mine. Before you pass judgement that I did something you need to know I'm a quadriplegic in a power chair.

When I'm laying in bed he has no problem jumping onto the bed to say hello nose to nose, although after this he prefer's to lay either within arm's reach or out of reach as he keeps an eye on his real master, my able-bodied wife. I've no problem playing second fiddle to her, it's the refusal to sit in my lap that gets me.

When I'm in my chair I've always been very careful to not to force him to move if possible or run him down or anything to scare him. We have another small rat terrier and she enjoys riding around on and sitting in my lap. If someone pick's him up and carries him to me he'll become frantic as they begin placing him on my lap and jump immediately off my lap if they do place him on my lap.

He enjoy's women the most, something we share. He'll jump up on the couch or lounge chair where a woman sits and be happy with their attention. He'll do the same with men if a woman isn't available.

He'll allow me to bend over and pet him although he's clearly shy about approaching my chair. Once after petting him he even jumped up to rest his front paws on my leg to ask for more attention. A couple months ago after inviting him to jump on my lap he did, but within a second he realized what he had done and jumped off. I've tried petting him more and I've tried feeding him treats. I've even tried ignoring him as a friend thought he'd eventually ask for my attention, wrong. The only improvement has been that in the early months he would scamper away as I in my chair approached a chair he would be sitting in. Now if I'm very slow I can approach and he'll allow me to pet him.

How can I get this dog to lose his fear of me and sit on my lap?

 

[englishsp]

I don't use a power chair. But, I've been using 3-wheeled, electric mobility scooters pretty much all the time for about 15 years and Quickie ultra-light manual chairs for out in my truck.

Since I became a wheelchair user, I've had some very negative experiences with other people's dogs, like being chased by a rottweiler down the middle of a road in moving traffic, and being pulled by my wrist and seat of the pants down onto the sidewalk by two great danes.

My personal experience is that a very troubling percentage of dogs will have a fear/aggression reaction to my presence in a wheelchair, especially if there's another factor like the dog is loose or my unintended proximity to the dog owner or the dog owner's children.

I had a strong aversion to dogs and dog owners for a long time. Then, by chance, I met some sweet dogs and nice dog owners and now I have a dog of my own. I think a lot depends on the dog.

 

[Fran101]

I think its all about just getting him used to it and associating the chair with GOOD THINGS like treats

sit in your chair, and have really yummy treats with you. let him come to you and offer him these great treats. ALWAYS have treats around the chair and with you and before you know it, he will realize that the chair=yummy treats

its probably just because hes never seen anything like your chair before, so just assure him that the chair is a GOOD THING.

lots of praise, encouragement and treats and he will be sitting on your lap in no time

 

[englishsp]

Fransheska always offers excellent advice. I'll add that clearing your mind before you start, being a calm presence, and anticipating a more positive outcome, helps to not recycle past anxieties.

 

[Zoom]

Powerchairs are usually really tricky for many dogs, it's so unlike anything they've come across before. The dog might not have even had too bad of a past, just no exposure to something like this.

Agree with what Francheska said, make being around the chair a super positive and no-stress experience. If the dog hops up, grabs the treat and run, don't react to it. Let the dog work up to his own level of comfort...he will soon learn that you are a source of good stuff, especially if you don't try to force him to get on, or stay on, your lap.

Many dogs do tend to prefer women, as they are usually quieter, gentler and tend to be the primary caregivers as far as taking outside, feeding, etc.

 

[bubbatd]

I'd get him used to the chair too ....without you sitting in it . Treats will help . Will he sit in your lap in a regular chair ?

 

[englishsp]

I'd get him used to the chair too ....without you sitting in it . Treats will help . Will he sit in your lap in a regular chair ?

These are three great ideas. I think some dogs are confused by the very linear motions electric chairs make, which are very different than the movements of a person walking, and also bothered by the electric motor's whirring sound.

 

[MySonsDad]

I'd get him used to the chair too ....without you sitting in it . Treats will help . Will he sit in your lap in a regular chair ?

I had tried treats a few months ago but stopped after a few days. My wife was worried it would cause them more need to "go outside" or find a convenient place indoors. Also the rat terrier is a food maniac! I'll resume the attempt.

I've not tried treats located in my chair without me in it. I'll try that also.

Several people have suggested sitting in a lounge chair. I used to do that before he became a part of the family. My wife worries about the wear & tear on the chair when I transfer and she's all of 100 lbs soaking wet so assisting me is also an issue. I'll give it a try when my son is around.

My son suggested trapping him on my lap while feeding him treats. I imagine that's not a good idea?

Thanks for all the suggestions!

 

[CaliTerp07]

My son suggested trapping him on my lap while feeding him treats. I imagine that's not a good idea?

Yeah, bad idea. If you scare the dog more, you're giving it a HUGE set back that will take even longer to over come.

The suggestions mentioned are really good. Nothing it going to give instantaneous results, but a few weeks of consistent treat throwing will get you further than anything else.

As to your wife's fear of the dog needing to go out more often--it's valid, but not that big a concern. If you're feeding the dog a lot of treats, you can (and should) cut down on the amount of food your dog gets as a meal. If your dog is really food crazy like mine is, we can get away with using her dinner kibble as her training treats, so she doesn't actually eat anything more.