Liesje
Posted : 5/4/2010 11:20:24 AM
Personal space? What's that? lol
The biggest thing I think for Nikon is developing a predictable routine, like Kim was saying. We have a morning routine, and a "coming home" routine that I follow closely so he knows what's happening and doesn't become stressed or anxious. When I come down from getting ready and start putting shoes on, the dogs wander into their crates b/c they know the routine. Go in crate, get some food or treat, and I leave for the day. When I come home (with the exception of Kenya who is nuts and always has been and always will be), the dogs are lying down in their crates b/c they know they don't come out until I see calm, controlled behavior. We go *immediately* outside because I expect them to be stir crazy and they know that outside they are allowed to run and bark and be out of control. Usually Nikon goes straight for a toy and I chase him around and tug for a few minutes. If the routine varies (especially the "leaving" routine), that's when Nikon starts pacing around or whining when I leave.
The other thing is just setting up scenarios to get the dog comfortable with you at various distances. As expected, this was hard for Nikon. He's 18 months now and I was very impressed with him last night. I took him to some Rally classes so I could see some friends and had him tethered in a corner outside. He watched both classes while I wandered around, mingled, and pet other dogs. He was even approached by other dogs with careless owners. Two and a half hours and he didn't so much as bark or whine. Six months ago if I'd tried something like this he would have been whining, barking, pacing, and pulling on his tether the entire time. At home I've worked this by randomly crating him or using gates. If we've just done some training or exercise where he's ready to rest anyway, I might crate him for half hour or put him in the den behind a gate. Sometimes I even leave the dogs outside or out on the porch in nice weather. I've noticed that lately he will walk to another room or go outside by himself and lie down. He still has a tendency to get up and check if he sees me getting up, but he's getting more secure and independent. The other thing that has helped is all the training and shows we do. He's very used to being crated in the dog van at a show, trial, or training where me and other dogs and people are constantly walking past. Last year, he would have a fit if I came to the van and took out a different dog, or got something and left again without him. Now he barely even lifts his head. It just takes time and practice with a conscious effort to acclimate the dog to various scenarios. Even the stuff I do far away at shows and training carries over to how he behaves and settles at home.
I also try to find little ways of encouraging independence and separation. For example, I feed the dogs outdoors by sprinkling kibble throughout the yard. This means they spend an hour outside on their own, hunting around for food. It's a win-win b/c it's a fun game and they get fed, but they are also subconsciously learning to be separated from me without whining or doing something naughty.