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Emery

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I adopted Emery from a shelter in the hills of Asan S. Korea.  He was in a large pen with about 10 other dogs, cocker spaniels and mix spaniels.  He ran around the pen a little but mostly stayed in the back. But looked interested in what was going on.  He had a stressful trip home on the train and subway, walking up the busy city streets, but did well for the most part. 

Since we have brought him home on 27 June, he has been very quiet, stays in one spot all day, and does not respond to treats, of any kind.  He does like his head petted, and belly rubbed.  He does enjoy walks up in the park where it is away from all the noise.  He doesn't like to move unless he wants to move and that is only if has to go relieve himself really bad.   I try to coax him to the door for a walk, with no success.  I have to pick him up and move him a few feet from where he was laying down.   After we are out the door he acts much happier, will wag his tail and sometimes have a little hop in what looks like a very small attempt to play. 

He doesn't pull much and I have been working with him on that.  I started with using a very small stick in front of him, which seemed to have some affect.  But the other night I used the turn around as soon as he started to pull and made a click sound with my mouth when he was where I wanted him.  Did this for about 5 minutes or so.  He did very well. When I walk him this morning (13 July)  he did extremly well, staying mostly by my side, looking up at me. I clicked everytime he was exactly where he should be and gave him a quick rub on the back of his neck and back and said "Good Boy". 

This evening, forget it.  He was stress from the start as a friend was walking with us.  He did a little better when we got to the park.  Once he gets spooked, he is a little hard to calm down, I do ignore this, but keep an eye on him.   I have found I just stand still, he will stop and look/watch what is make him scared, and then he'll turn and walk away. 

I'm just at a loss of how to work with him since he isn't motivated by treats.  So I'm going to try the clicker training and still offer him a treat, even though I know he won't take it.   He also won't go to his food or water bowl unless it is within a 1' or two infront of him.  So I guess I will have to move it a little futher every couple of days or each week.

He is very quite in the apartment, he doesn't suffer from separation anxiety.  He seems happy to just lay in one spot all day. 

If anyone has any suggestions. I'm all ears.

NayNay's picture

How is it going with Emery?

With the belly rubs, watch his body language. Is his tail between his legs, is his head turned to the side looking away from you, is he licking his lips? All of those are signs of submissive behavior.

It can be frustrating when they back track a little, but it is all part of the learning process. Clicker training is rewarding the good behavior so it is more likely to occur. Keep at it and you WILL make progress. Have you taken him outside at night for walks before? Could he not be used to going out at night?

Nay

NayNay's picture

It sounds like to me that he

It sounds like to me that he may just still not be used to his new home. It may take him a couple of months to be completly comfortable in his new home. Right now, it sounds as though the new situation may be just a little too overwhelming for him. As time goes on, his personality should come out more and more as he gets used to his surroundings.

You can try using his normal food as rewards instead of treats. Instead of just giving him his food in the morning, use that as a reward and then whatever is left over from your training session give to him. I can't guarantee if this will work, but it wouldn't hurt to try.

Also, see if he likes other things, scratches behind the ears, balls, sqeaky toys... extra. Whatever he may find motivating can be used as a reward.

Emery part 2

Thanks for the suggestions.  I do understand it will take time with him to get comfortable.  I'm very scared that I will do something wrong to set him back, and I think I have already done that some how.  Earlier in the week he was getting up with a little nugging and heading out the door for his walks.  But the last 2 days he is back in his rutt of just staying in place.   To night when I wanted to take him for a walk, he got as far as sitting up, but then sat there shaking, a little.  So I just left him be and I know he will wake me if he has to go out during the night. I find this very confusing as he really enjoys being out on the walks/jogs that I take him on twice a day.  

I have noticed that his gums are really inflamed so as soon as I get back I'm getting him in to get his teeth cleaned and I want some test done to see if there might be any underlying medical issues.   

He is extreamly low energy, he just stays in one spot and sleeps.   I groom him every other day and he really loves his belly rub, or it might be part of very submissive behavior

He has been off his food too and now I have to leave for a couple of weeks while a friend offered to watch him.   He has responded a little to clicker training, he is better at heeling.