B. arrives at 2:30. Orlando barks and is allowed to go out to see who's coming. B. starts his observation right away and asks questions while we are outside. We stay inside for about 1 hour and a half. He asks lots of questions and observes Orlando and how we relate to him.
He explains that eating non-food can be:
a) a compulsive behavior due to mistakes while he was learning (e.g. when he ate rocks the previous "mom" gave him something to distract him and he began to associate rocks with treats)
b) a genetic compulsive disorder (what about his siblings? As far we can tell, they do the same but we don't know to what extent so it might be genetic)
c) pica caused by physiologic problems (e.g. gastritis)
d) a non-compulsive behavior.
What can we do?
First, go to the vet to check that his digestive system is ok. Second, training him with sit-stay close to areas where there's non-food he usually tries to eat. The training with sit-stay is going fine AND, more importantly, he doesn't eat weird things if there's food. This is good because tough compulsive disorders don't go away if there's a distraction. Third, use a specific halter.
We also have to work on other aspects and we've already started. He's learned to socialize with other dogs. At the beginning he is scared, but then he is ok. We changed our habit: instead of going towards quite areas with few dogs and few people, we now go to the main square. B. told to do that asap and things have improved a lot in just 2 days. He has to be more independent which is not easy for him as he is ALWAYS with someone. Furthermore, when we're on the couch I don't do anything to prevent him from sleeping ... basically on my belly and this is not good, according B. and to G. to be candid. I am aware I shouldn't do it and I'm working on that ;-) B. explained what to do and I'll try. Promise!
Anyway, to cut this short B. stayed with us until 6!! We even went out for a walk. He'll come again next Sunday. He is very professional and we really like him. He is also quite well-known here and we've heard positive comments so... we're ready to work with him and with Orlando.
It's like having a second job though as it entails careful observation and training but we do love Orlando so it's not a problem at all. And we're learning a lot so.. it's good!
Good about the socialising. Piero LOVES socialising. In fact, I'm sure we could just leave him in the dog areas (as long as there were other dogs) and he would hardly notice we were gone! Everyone who goes there knows his name and he can't wait to get there every day - tearing through the gate and checking each and every dog.
ReplyDeleteYou let him sleep on your stomach???
Funnily enough, from the start, Piero was always independant (although he always came if you called him). Now, he's getting more affectionate towards us and people in general - although other dogs are, quite obviously, his first love ;-)
Really?
ReplyDeleteWow, good for you. With Orlando things are more complex but he's improving (getting ready to meet Piero)
Yes, I let him sleep on my stomach ;-) and now he constantly seeks contact. We're working on that but he is too dependent and some habits stick more than I'd thought.
For Orlando is the other way round: we are our first love...