The Fear Factor

No, not Stevie's. MINE.

Last week when showing off Stevie in his new homemade hunting season safety coat, and looking for construction feedback from my friend and our local Postmistress Alvina, Stevie froze and snapped at her face when she was handling him. I had a flash to his first snapping incident at the vet's office. (I wonder who generated that flash, me or him?)

Alvina is a farmer, horse trainer, and mother to all. She hardly batted an eye and insisted she finish making her point about my tailoring. Stevie was stiff as a board by then, but I held his muzzle and let her finish.

Okay, now I could point out every single mistake I made, but really it boils down to this:

I am afraid that if my dog stiffens, I can no longer influence his behavior, and I lose my focus, and it's a done deal. This is my public confession so that I can move on and do what I need to with Stevie.

We just spent about a half hour out front doing some pushing and heeling to warm up. Stevie spotted workers at the convenience store hanging holiday lights and started barking, so I jumped on my training opportunity.

We ended up sitting on the bench out front with me just grabbing and working his back, neck and throat while people walked by or stopped.

Stevie has skin allergies and has spent the past 4 month scratching endlessly. He has funky hips and is bowlegged, and very touch sensitive. The total truth of how much his physical condition messes up his mental response really hit home with me as I observed him working today and then massaged him. This dog needs way more touch than he has been getting. If I can bring balance and relaxation to his body, I know the mind will follow, and today it did.

After I finished touching him, Stevie lay down behind my legs and sighed, in full public view. Imagine that.

Thank you Neil and The Natural Dog Blog!