The weather is improving so I've taken Pooh on a few extended walks. She dislikes the cold even more than I do, so we aren't very active in the winter. After returning from one of the walks I recalled that she struggled significantly with our front porch last fall so I decided to try it. Her hesitation increased as I walked toward our front door, but she was still on leash so she opted to follow. When she came up the step I asked her to sit. She looked at me, but it took quite a while for her to comply. She kept looking at the door as though monsters would come through it and attack us. Remember, this is OUR front porch. She knows exactly what is on the other side of the door. I gave her several treats and each time she took them and then walked down the step and went as far away as the leash allowed. After convincing her several times to return to the spot next to me I decided that was enough for the day.
This was a reminder to me that I need to Keep It Up! Yes, she is improving greatly, Yes, she seems to actually enjoy living with us, but she still has a number of fears that are safety issues for her. I think I had assumed that since her progress was outstanding in so many areas that her other fears would have resolved. Ahh, this is NOT the case. So, I have been reviewing outdoor fears that are not addressed in quick potty walks, trips to work, or other outings. In fact, I realized that I haven't taken her into anyone's house in a LONG time. Probably because it isn't easy to do! She is terrified of porches and doors...all of them. I have always put her harness on her to take her into a house because she will back right out of her collar.
Last year my neighbors went on vacation and asked me to pick up anything that got left on their porch. Perfect! I used it as a training opportunity. Each time we went for a walk I would walk Pooh up to their front door, ok, so the first day we didn't actually get to the door, but we got close. As the week wore on we continued and reached a point that I even rang the bell or knocked. She was anxious the entire time, but it took less work to convince her as the days wore on. So, I've decided to use this method with our own front door for the coming months. We shall see how it goes and if things improve. Maybe in a few years we can walk through the front door without requiring a leash! As always with my Pooh Bear, I try to be thankful and remember that I don't have to worry about her running out the front door when someone comes to visit. :-)
This was a reminder to me that I need to Keep It Up! Yes, she is improving greatly, Yes, she seems to actually enjoy living with us, but she still has a number of fears that are safety issues for her. I think I had assumed that since her progress was outstanding in so many areas that her other fears would have resolved. Ahh, this is NOT the case. So, I have been reviewing outdoor fears that are not addressed in quick potty walks, trips to work, or other outings. In fact, I realized that I haven't taken her into anyone's house in a LONG time. Probably because it isn't easy to do! She is terrified of porches and doors...all of them. I have always put her harness on her to take her into a house because she will back right out of her collar.
Last year my neighbors went on vacation and asked me to pick up anything that got left on their porch. Perfect! I used it as a training opportunity. Each time we went for a walk I would walk Pooh up to their front door, ok, so the first day we didn't actually get to the door, but we got close. As the week wore on we continued and reached a point that I even rang the bell or knocked. She was anxious the entire time, but it took less work to convince her as the days wore on. So, I've decided to use this method with our own front door for the coming months. We shall see how it goes and if things improve. Maybe in a few years we can walk through the front door without requiring a leash! As always with my Pooh Bear, I try to be thankful and remember that I don't have to worry about her running out the front door when someone comes to visit. :-)