And So We Tackle Another Boundary
Thresholds – Marshall valiant
ly tackled the threshold going in and out of the house. We now have new thresholds to tackle. The wood floor vs. the carpet. Perhaps because the floor is a dark wood with a smooth surface as opposed to the carpet Marshall hasn't been able to cross that perceived barrier. I haven’t pushed him. As with everything else in his life I try to encourage him to take that step but I don’t insist.
I’m learning how to get around his phobias and encourage the behavior I want. Just like with difficult horses, sometimes you have to go through the back door to get the results you’re looking for rather than force an issue and make everything much worse than it already is. Since I’m dealing with a relative unknown I had to try to come up with creative ways of getting what I want without his awareness.
The other two dogs, of course, have no problem with the floor. So, since we always have a treat when Marshall comes through the door I decided to pull back further on the wood with each session. At first it was just a paw. Then two. Then a step. Then two. Now he readily comes over the wood to the floor rug in the dining area. But he still gives it a wary eye each time. One hurdle at a time.
Photo courtesy of Suzanne Sylvester Copyright 2011
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I have seen what patience and love do for a very scared and scarred dog. I never thought a dog walking away from a half empty food bowl would bring me to tears......