Hi Everyone,
I'm new to the board.
I have recently adopted a toy poodle. He's my first poodle. I have 3 other dogs -- Boston Terriers. I'm hoping I can find some insight into the poodle psyche here.
My new little guy has grade 4 luxating patellas on both rear legs. He is able to walk and run. He goes down stairs, but not up and is not able to jump up onto furniture. He pretty much bounces on or drags his back legs.
He's a really sweet little guy, not a mean bone in his body. He's VERY affectionate with me but shys away from most other people. He also suffers from separation anxiety.
I've been trying some of the "Nothing In Life for free" techniques in hopes he gains some confindence and becomes better adjusted.
I'm encountering a few road blocks though because of his disability. The basics of NILF are to have the dog do something for you before he is granted any privilege. In other words, have the dog do a sit/stay before feeding, being allowed through a doorway, entering or leaving the car, etc. The problem I'm having is that I can't seem to teach him to sit because his legs are deformed. I've taught other dogs to sit by holding a treat over their head and guiding their butt to the floor. Pedey doesn't sit like a normal dog and his legs stick out in weird directions so he ends up following the treat around and not sitting.
The other problem is his barking/screeching/crying when left alone. He goes in a crate just fine, but makes a racket when left alone. I know it's wrong to let a dog out of a crate when he's making a fuss, but I'm having a hard time getting a second of quiet before I open the crate door.
I'm hoping to find some educated poodle people here that don't treat their dogs like babies. My philosophy with dogs is that they are better adjusted when you are clearly their pack leader and they look to you for leadership. I think little dogs get a bad rep because many people carry them around and let them get away with bad behavior because their little and cute.
I think Pedey must have been babied in his former life and I'm hoping I can break him of some bad habits and see him blossom into a well adjusted, confident pooch.
Any advice would be appreciated.
I'm new to the board.
I have recently adopted a toy poodle. He's my first poodle. I have 3 other dogs -- Boston Terriers. I'm hoping I can find some insight into the poodle psyche here.
My new little guy has grade 4 luxating patellas on both rear legs. He is able to walk and run. He goes down stairs, but not up and is not able to jump up onto furniture. He pretty much bounces on or drags his back legs.
He's a really sweet little guy, not a mean bone in his body. He's VERY affectionate with me but shys away from most other people. He also suffers from separation anxiety.
I've been trying some of the "Nothing In Life for free" techniques in hopes he gains some confindence and becomes better adjusted.
I'm encountering a few road blocks though because of his disability. The basics of NILF are to have the dog do something for you before he is granted any privilege. In other words, have the dog do a sit/stay before feeding, being allowed through a doorway, entering or leaving the car, etc. The problem I'm having is that I can't seem to teach him to sit because his legs are deformed. I've taught other dogs to sit by holding a treat over their head and guiding their butt to the floor. Pedey doesn't sit like a normal dog and his legs stick out in weird directions so he ends up following the treat around and not sitting.
The other problem is his barking/screeching/crying when left alone. He goes in a crate just fine, but makes a racket when left alone. I know it's wrong to let a dog out of a crate when he's making a fuss, but I'm having a hard time getting a second of quiet before I open the crate door.
I'm hoping to find some educated poodle people here that don't treat their dogs like babies. My philosophy with dogs is that they are better adjusted when you are clearly their pack leader and they look to you for leadership. I think little dogs get a bad rep because many people carry them around and let them get away with bad behavior because their little and cute.
I think Pedey must have been babied in his former life and I'm hoping I can break him of some bad habits and see him blossom into a well adjusted, confident pooch.
Any advice would be appreciated.