Hi Allan, I replied privately because I did not want to post long-winded conversation here. I asked many more questions but also gave some suggestions without getting all the info. Once I have more info, I can better help address Monet's reluctance to go in the day pen. It would be helpful if you can video Monet's behavior of refusal. That would help me figure out how he feels as dogs communicate their feelings with their body language.
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Julielani Chang
The Life of Kai: Compassion Connections Inc.
Davis CA
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Original Message:
Sent: 05-29-2023 12:12 AM
From: Allan Brodie
Subject: What more can we do?
Thank you Julielani Chang. The night pen is where the dogs' sleep. They have their bed in there including heater. It is approx. 10 ft x 10 ft. They are taken from their each morning to an exercise yard and then to their day pen. This would be 3 times the size with overhead sail and kennel and can see all movement through their fence. Cheese is used as a treat and was placed on the ground to entice him to walk forward.
Allan Brodie
1/21 Ebden Ave.
Black Rock. 3193
0419 261 138
Original Message:
Sent: 5/29/2023 1:51:00 AM
From: Julielani Chang
Subject: RE: What more can we do?
Hi Allan,
What a cute boy! Could you tell me what is a day pen? Is that a different space than his kennel? Can you explain what is the function of the day pen. Why he needs to go there. It is common for dogs to refuse food when they are super anxious. His tail between his legs further supports the notion that his anxiety is above the threshold. When animals feel threathened ( all animals) they stop eating. Consuming food puts them in a vulnerable position. Did something happen in the day pen or on the way to the day pen? How do you offer the cheese treats ? as a lure to get him to go in the day pen? If he is scared, that will not work; especially, if you are too close to the thing that scares him. One option is you can countercondition him to the scary thing. The other option is management. Does he need to go into the day pen or there is another space for him to go? Right now he sees the day pen as a punishment and the behavior of wanting to go into it decreases. That is what punishment does, it suppresses behaviors. Maybe I should wait until you explain more about the day pen rather for me to assume the day pen is the problem. I volunteer at a shelter for many years and I am now a rewards-based trainer. Looking forward to hear more about the day pen.
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Julielani Chang
The Life of Kai: Compassion Connections Inc.
Davis CA
Original Message:
Sent: 05-28-2023 01:56 AM
From: Allan Brodie
Subject: What more can we do?
#Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment
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Allan Brodie
Volunteer
RSPCA
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