Canine Behaviour

Would you like to react to this message? Create an account in a few clicks or log in to continue.

Discussion relating to advanced courses on canine behaviour modification


4 posters

    Training for a 'crate confined' puppy

    Carole.T
    Carole.T


    Posts : 149
    Join date : 2010-03-29

    Training for a 'crate confined' puppy Empty Training for a 'crate confined' puppy

    Post  Carole.T Fri May 20, 2011 11:03 pm

    Hi All,

    I am just going to throw this open for ideas and suggestions. I have a client who, at present I have and am doing some 'pet visits' for, but as they are aware that I also carry out 1>1 training/behaviour advice I know that they may require help with training (and potential behaviour) issues in the future. Read on and you can imagine why!

    Dog: 6 month old Lab - male.
    Purchased from a KC accredited breeder after many months research by the owners.

    Owners: Couple with 2 young boys (1x8yrs & 1x14yrs).
    I know for sure that the 8year old boy is I believe, autistic. I have not met the 14year old but have been told by a common acquaintance that he may have learning difficulties also.

    The wife has given up work to stay at home. They are first time dog owners and thought a puppy/dog would be a great addition to the family.

    Well;

    Said puppy went lame some weeks ago. Outcome is;

    Puppy has joint problems in both elbows.
    Has had an arthroscopy procedure in both elbows a couple of days ago.
    Left elbow had severe OCD and literally a crater of undeveloped elbow joint under the huge flap (flap now removed). Right elbow joint has displaysia.

    Puppy now confined to crate at home and only allowed 2>3 x 5minute on-lead garden walks for next couple of weeks, then building up by 5mins per walk UFN. The vet has told them: No interaction with other dogs (lively pup, would want to play), no jumping up, up on furniture etc, no playing with the kids etc. etc.(they have laminate flooring everywhere also!).

    Future medical options if no improvement in lameness;
    1) break the OCD leg and re-align elbow joint so rests on healthier & more substantial bone. Or
    2) Elbow replacement.

    They were referred to an orthopedic specialist for further investigation/CT scans etc. The above is that vet's prognsis.

    Training/occupation Ideas needed!
    As this puppy has spent the last month (since went lame) and likely the next few months without being able to fully interact with other dogs and the family (the children especially), what sort of things can the pup be occupied with or commence some form of non-intensive training while in the crate for almost 24/7!! (Already has chews / stuffed Kong).

    I really cannot think of much at present that will not over-stimulate the dog or possibly cause frustration (a very food obsessed pup, but then it is a Lab!).
    Plus the pup needs to be prevented from going stir crazy or worse, maybe eventually depressed from lack of stimulation, or recommences attention-seeking barking?

    It is a very friendly little chap and I suspect that it will bounce back ok from this enforced incarceration, but with limited access to the outside world at this stage in his life, I can foresee a potential for problems when re-released as it were in to the 'real world'. An over the top/over-excited little man when meeting other dogs no doubt!

    I really do feel for the owners, they tried to do everything by the book and really don't deserve this. They have had to tell the autistic boy to almost pretend they they don't have a dog at the moment and have had to put the crate out of the kitchen area where the family used to interact with the pup regularly. It was in the study before, but the pup started attention-seeking barking. It has been ok while with the family around. Now to have been banished again - poor thing.

    On my last visit, before the 'op' - I showed them how to start to train the pup to not jump up while lead walking, and to 'find' kibble in the grass (the autistic lad was given the job of laying 'trails' as otherwise he gets too over-excited with the dog), to keep the pup calm by chewing on a bull's pizzle stuffed into the middle of a dental Kong, while the child or owner held the Kong end, to encourage the pup to settle in the presence of the kids.

    I am 'pup' sitting next week while mum has to take the older boy to hopsital for an 'op'. I shall be going in 3 times in the day for the routine 'lead-walk', feeding, watering etc.

    Any ideas on how this pup can be occupied and interact in a calm way while confined to his crate for the next several weeks? He is missing out on what should be a great exploring and learning period of his life at present. The parents are committed to the dog and seeing it through. They are aware that the dog will now never be one for long, arduous walks or over-exerting activities maybe. Such a shame! They are sending the vets report to the breeder also.

    Just trying to be prepared for the future with this little pup, just incase it may be a situaion of 'prevention is better than cure'!


    What a situation for them all Crying or Very sad


    Carole
    avatar
    Admin
    Admin


    Posts : 189
    Join date : 2010-03-29
    Location : Malton North Yorkshire

    Training for a 'crate confined' puppy Empty Re: Training for a 'crate confined' puppy

    Post  Admin Sat May 21, 2011 10:29 am

    Hi Carole, what a terrible situation. I had some clients with a lab with similar problems. Unfortunately, she became aggressive and after biting the owner quite badly they decided with the vets encouragement to pts. They were rather over the top, silly owners who pampered the dog dreadfully and I think they were instrumental in developing the aggression, but that's a long story which I won't go into now!

    I had another client with a cairn pup that broke his leg when he was only a few months old. Obviously, he had to be kept very quiet. We got through this and managed to build the most fantastic owner/dog bond at the same time with clicker training. Owner spent 5-10 minutes every hour with the pup playing clicker games. Touching things, picking things up, solving problems. The dog loved it, the owner became more and more innovative in what she asked the dog to do. The time was really well spent in that, as I said, the bond that developed between them was amazing. He is an absolutely fantastic little dog now and can go anywhere!

    Chris
    avatar
    Lisa


    Posts : 60
    Join date : 2010-03-29

    Training for a 'crate confined' puppy Empty Re: Training for a 'crate confined' puppy

    Post  Lisa Sat May 21, 2011 1:46 pm

    Hi Carole

    What a nightmare situation!!! I have come across this a few times with young dogs, various health issues and the need for crate rest.

    Here's some ideas.....

    Lots of clicker training as Chris said, I would look at using the dogs whole daily food allowance in this way or in kongs etc.

    I would also check what diet the dog is on, they don't need anything that is going to 'add' to the dogs energy levels.

    With regards to the laminate floor, what about getting big non-slip rugs or even cheaply carpeting until the dog is recovered (even just the main room). There is also a product on the market called Paw Wax which you apply to the pads and it gives more grip.

    TTouch would be great for this dog, to relax and calm, to aid the healing process and also as a great way that the family can interact with the dog. As the dog is on restricted exercise the TTouch groundwork, working over different surfaces, poles on the ground and thru the labyrinth would be brilliant as it's mentally tiring and has so many benefits. Far better than just a walk. Are you familiar with TTouch or is there a practitioner near you?

    They could also brush up on handling skills like checking ears, teeth, grooming etc.

    Hope this helps,

    Keep us updated

    Lisa
    Carole.T
    Carole.T


    Posts : 149
    Join date : 2010-03-29

    Training for a 'crate confined' puppy Empty Re: Training for a 'crate confined' puppy

    Post  Carole.T Sun May 22, 2011 4:07 pm

    Hi Chris & Lisa,

    Thanks for some great ideas. I agree clicker training would be a good way to go, maybe just a few tirals at a time so he doesn't get too food obsessed though?! Handling exercises will be great, teeth cleaning etc. Some 'holds' of objects would be good and introduce some impulse control maybe,as one day I noticed his Lab traits coming to the fore, when he was given a bit of old cloth in his crate and he just sat & held it for ages until the young lad interacted with him again!

    I have been to a couple of Sarah Fisher/Toni Shelborne Ttouch workshops so can give some basic ideas and maybe once his stitches are out and cleared by the vet, we can introduce some groundwork on his daily 'outings' in the garden (initially I think when mum just there, so the boys don't get too excited by all the equipment and think the dog (or them!) can do some agility?:-)

    I do have some ground poles and cones, plus a couple of hoops to uses as ground level obstacles (maybe also get his used to walking across different surfaces when in the garden?). Otherwise we have a Ttouch practitioner I had visit for my dog, so I can refer the owner on for a more experienced assessment/program.

    I will check out the food (I recall she said the dog was on Wafcol kibble, but will check out next time I go)plus the 'rug' situation and mention that it would be a good idea to make the floor more anti-slip during his recovery. I used to have a tin of paw wax (didn't work on my last dogs paws at a hall with parquet flooring, so may have binned it now!).

    I may also offer to take my dog round once the pup is allowed more dog>dog interaction, as my dog is very good and calm with pups and nervous dogs, just for a bit of dog>dog socilisation before allowed out in the big wide world again.

    All food for thought. Will keep you posted, but due to the nature of the situation, not a quick outcome!

    Regards


    Carole

    avatar
    Admin
    Admin


    Posts : 189
    Join date : 2010-03-29
    Location : Malton North Yorkshire

    Training for a 'crate confined' puppy Empty Re: Training for a 'crate confined' puppy

    Post  Admin Mon May 23, 2011 9:48 am

    Good luck with this Carole. Keep us posted.

    Chris
    olwen
    olwen


    Posts : 123
    Join date : 2010-03-29
    Age : 34
    Location : Corby Northants

    Training for a 'crate confined' puppy Empty Re: Training for a 'crate confined' puppy

    Post  olwen Tue May 24, 2011 9:52 pm

    Poor pup.

    Is there anyway he could go for car rides, being lifted in an out. for instance when the kids get taken to school or on short trips out. That way he will still get to see the world outside of the crate.

    While in the crate what about hanging treats that he has to get to chew, things like carrots that can be pushed through the bars?

    Taking your dog sounds like a good idea. If the paw wax doesn't help what about some boots?
    Carole.T
    Carole.T


    Posts : 149
    Join date : 2010-03-29

    Training for a 'crate confined' puppy Empty Re: Training for a 'crate confined' puppy

    Post  Carole.T Tue May 24, 2011 9:55 pm

    Good thinking Olwen,

    Never thought about car rides!

    I will make a list of all suggestions/ideas and discuss with 'mum' after my 'pup visit' day on Thursday.

    Carole
    avatar
    Admin
    Admin


    Posts : 189
    Join date : 2010-03-29
    Location : Malton North Yorkshire

    Training for a 'crate confined' puppy Empty Re: Training for a 'crate confined' puppy

    Post  Admin Fri May 27, 2011 10:53 am

    Car rides - why didn't I think of that! I take my dog for car rides if I think she hasn't had enough exercise/stimulation during a day. She comes with me when I go to pick James up.

    As long as the pup isn't car sick though!
    Carole.T
    Carole.T


    Posts : 149
    Join date : 2010-03-29

    Training for a 'crate confined' puppy Empty Re: Training for a 'crate confined' puppy

    Post  Carole.T Fri May 27, 2011 2:38 pm

    Hi all,

    I have been round to see the pup & mum today and dropped off details of all your great suggestions to try, plus some more. I also gave her details of local Ttouch & Canine Massage practitioners, plus some good 'games/training' books to help stimulate the dog's mind. I briefly demo'd some Ttouch for her.

    My, how the dog has grown in the last 2 weeks!!

    They have placed the crate behind the settee in the lounge so he can see people coming and going and at least is in the same room as them during most of the day. So far, he doesn't seem to be demonstrating any signs of becoming frustrated (When I walked in he was flat on his back, legs splayed just wagging his tail watching me!). He did have an excitement wee on the floor when mum let him out to meet me but he wasn't too over the top.....new teeth coming through though and very into chewing every bit of clothing or flesh when handled. I advised her to give him a chew toy to concentrate on when handling him which helped.

    She is doing a lot of the things already discussed on here, even taking him out secured in the back of the car when taking the kids to school. I must say, for a first time dog owner she is very dog savvy and good common sense (must be something to do with having 2 teenage boys maybe!) Though she is beginning to feel a bit like a 'carer' instead of enjoying having a dog, but she is determined to see it through and is grateful for any support/advice I give her.

    The stitches have come out, apparently it took 4 people to hold him still, so I have advised her to concentrate on general gentle handling of the pup, especially the front legs in case he builds up a reluctance to being handled there after all his recent unpleasant experiences.

    He is still on metacam as he is still sore and limping (I know how he feels,after having an arthroscopy on one of my knees some years ago, I couldn't believe how much more painful it would be after the procedure until things settled!!).

    All in all, she is as happy with things as she can be and will keep me posted.

    Thanks again for your ideas.

    Carole
    avatar
    Admin
    Admin


    Posts : 189
    Join date : 2010-03-29
    Location : Malton North Yorkshire

    Training for a 'crate confined' puppy Empty Re: Training for a 'crate confined' puppy

    Post  Admin Mon May 30, 2011 9:46 am

    If only all dog owners were as good as this one!

    Chris

    Sponsored content


    Training for a 'crate confined' puppy Empty Re: Training for a 'crate confined' puppy

    Post  Sponsored content


      Current date/time is Fri Mar 29, 2024 6:45 am