FB was born at one home and raised at another. He was sold by the breeder who had spent about three hours with him.
The breeder does things that look good to people but suck for puppies. Like hire people to okay with the pups and leave lights on 24/7.
Puppies only wake for 15 ish minutes then need to sleep. Pre 8 weeks they need lessons from each other, not stamina and poor sleep. They benefit from social outings with recoup time between not daily interruption from human play
He was not assessed for temperament (sight and sound sensitive) and that frustration was misread as 'lively".
He was over tired and barely coping when he then took a long drive (to cape Breton) just before Christmas. Imagine. Sight and sound sensitive at Christmas . Trees, toys, boxes, gift wrap, people, food, music, excitement, parties weird schedules. Kiddo not in school. A real live kid with all the trappings
He did not sleep through the night. (We can trace his poor sleeping to the breeder set up)
About the time the owners were getting sleep worked out and sit and door manners .. he started teething (4 ish months). So we add pain to a pup that's not slept and in a home where his sensitivities are triggered many times a day. He bit the kiddo
Owners reached out to the breeder and they were given some Ceasar Milan type advice. (so let's tell random people to be bigger and louder)... They struggled.
FB got neutered and while the surgery went well.... It was traumatic for him. Crazy head that's being triggered all day and now weird drugs and pain, he tried to run away from his body.
The family persevered...
At 11 months and maturity and weird mental extras ... In a perfect storm, he was groomed (big event plus weird growing up stuff plus not sleeping) he bit again... When a candy wrapper fell and the adult bent to pick it up. He wasn't guarding the wrapper, he was reacting to the movement... He needed the world to stop. Stop noise, stoo movement. He needed to learn to sleep.
The family, rightfully, returned him.
FB is now this bouncy, happy boy. I'm introducing him to life one thing at a time. He gets tune to think it through and to rest after. He's stable and fun and so engaged.
This little man is so ready to be someone's sidekick. He's really quite perfect
October 27
Energy
It comes in three forms Mental, Physical and Emotional
These feeders ease up mental energy. The help calm dogs and build focus. They work their minds and bodies at the same time.
The power of a dog sniffing is well documented. Adding movement to that and you have a real winner.
Restoring me talk health, balance... That's where the win is.
These are just some of the collection here. They cost around the same price as a food dish but the value is better.
You don't need to buy anything... Join an enrichment feeding group. Take your dog outside for breakfast, place 5-10 kibbles in the grass, let them root around for them (Zip your lips!!!). As they get better spread them a little further apart. I met a lab that was finding one piece of kibble at a time that was thrown as far as the owner could throw.
Take part of breakfast with you on a walk. Stop randomly, enjoy the view and let your dog find some food.
Breathe.
October 26
This is the part where FluffyButt becomes a real live boy.
Only one wake up (midnight to 530) .
This is his GI tract support. Pumpkin, because of its high fiber, acts as both firming and softening of stool.
You really cannot just treat the behaviour, in this case biting
We need to ask "where is the symptom coming from". Most times biting is a symptom, FluffyButt is no different
So he comes in, and gets a few days to cool down, he was in an absolute state. I needed to hook leashes through his crate as makeshift handles do I wouldn't get bit (sidenote, if your trainer is bragging about dog bites, run).
So we work to get sleep settled, and receptors cooled and seratonin producing.
As his comfort level increased I was able to see a stool sample. Which led to pumpkin and probiotics. Stool is almost perfect
Yesterday you saw videos of soul, the last portion of mind, body, soul
Play, work, and achievement.
Science in sync with nature. A throwback tag line to my hairdressing days and a shampoo line. But it's so true here.
Everytime I do one of these I trust the process. Everytime I get someone comparing me to a jailer or telling me that exercise is what he needs. Those people are wrong.
I also get a small, but growing, group that want me to medicate. My concern with medication is that it will repress emotional responses. My job is to take apart and put the pieces back together in a way that is gentle and kind.
FB will always be an introvert. Events (defined by him) will always take a toll. But with an empty coping bucket, he's a stable and fun pup. He's curious and so willing to work through his stuff.
I can now start accepting applications. He will need to stay for another bit, to get that sleeping down.
At this point though, my house Isno longer the best space for him. Somewhere quieter with a routine he can settle into.
And this is why we deem some dogs "No Kids".
October 24
Slow is fast I'm hoping the daily number will help illustrate that while last night wasn't as great, it's not as bad as it's been and he's in the house with all the distractions and he can play outside for short periods and he's eating more easily and his poop is much better and I can touch him I would have like to have had his sleep better by now, his bite inhibition lowers as he's tired. His receptors in his brain become more hair triggered. Today is another coasting day. He's out of sorts, barking at Ouisey when she came to bed. Barking this morning at Bert and Squish playing. So, I'll support him. He's not coping well with the other dogs, so I'll cover him to lower his stimulation. Over stimulated FluffyButt is not a happy FluffyButt I do feel like he will be a good candidate for medical to help support sleep.
October 23
Today's number is 15 (wake ups between midnight and 530) 27 on the first day of the move 29 on the next Last night he got twice the sleep. Why did it go up on the second night? Like all of us, he had a bit in his reserve. It ran out. If we are dealing with a big stress the first day we have energy, the second it's fading fast. I love how predictable all of this is. This is also why good trainers look at a bigger picture not just a single incident. 'my dog bit" the answer needs to be "let's work on the whole picture " Food: it seems like the canned food wasn't agreeing with him. Canned food digests differently/faster. My dogs get it as a treat but for breakfast only, if I feed it at supper they need to poop at 3 am Three meals in a row he has happily gone to his crate and ate his whole meal. He gets water added to kibble now, so I know he's getting proper hydration. Today his leash comes off, we have worked out enough language and he understands the routine. So it's safe for me and him. I expect his barking to increase today. It's his pattern... But like a toddler who is over tired, he too needs a nap. FB has become so educational for people. They are checking in with their own dogs, watching for good sleep, observing after events. He and I think that is amazing!!!! He's a worthy ambassador!!! Yesterday I got asked about once I was done with him... Would be be like a regular dog or would he need support. Great question! He is always going to struggle with events. He is a doodle, so will need to go to the vets and the groomers, for example. The kindest thing for him is to empty his cup before an event and allow him to come back around after. There is nothing broken or that needs to be fixed. FluffyButt is an introvert. He always will be. He will absolutely get to know his home, his noises, his people (and adore them). They can choose to continue introducing novel things... Like a yoga mat outside his crate for him to walk over. Scary thing, then treat. (Scary thing predicts good thing) The goal now is to super empty his coping bucket. And prepare him to move on We can fill out FBs threshold guide. We can see where a bite comes from and why I felt he didn't need to be euthanized. My exact words were 'he needs a nap"
October 22
So often we don't give dogs time. We switch trainers or methods. We switch foods. Crate locations. We rush through walks. We give up on a trick or toy.
We think they can go from the groomers to the pet store and not be affected.
We teach them sit at home then go to the vets and yell sit repeatedly.
Can we normalize giving them time. Allowing them to process the new space/distractions. Be aware of how long (duration) we are asking them to behave. And what distance we give them
FluffyButt is in my bedroom. Away from the bulk of the traffic. Moving him into a more central space is on the agenda. When he's ready.
He's not ready yet... But there are signs
Water pump, wood stove, new dogs, dish detergent, floor cleaner, hand soap, plants, firewood, coop cleaning clothes, food cooking, pet fish, shampoo, conditioner, styling products hair dryer, Ian's car/voice, restaurant smells
Shared yard, puppy running up to crate, new music, toilet flushing, heat pump,
Me walking by, forced interaction (in and out of crate), new communication, new door, shared yard , urpy belly, didn't eat supper....
Yesterday should have been his bottom... We should see improvement today
It's so easy to think, well in the house is an improvement, he will be happy... More interaction with people and dogs. The truth is, it's hard for him right now.
While all of that may be true, there are also sights, sounds, textures underfoot, and smells to process.
So another "only necessary things" day to avoid adding pressure to his day
27 wake ups between midnight and 530
October 21
FluffyButt came two weeks ago
He has gained quite a team of cheerleaders, and reasonably so.
If you're new today, welcome.
FluffyButt (FB ) is a sweet doodle boy that in a perfect storm has crossed his coping threshold.
In these two weeks I've demonstrated the effect of a single 3 second touch has on him and his sleep.
We've watched him on an outing and the effects on sleep.
We've watched his eating and his pooping.
As he gets better I push his line of coping. Then he rests.
October 20
It doesn't matter what you or I think about a situation... It's how the dog feels FluffyButt knows me. Likes me. Has a relationship with me. He's met 2/4 dogs that are in the house. It's his crate from his original home and his bed in the crate. He's moved maybe 40 feet. It shouldn't be a big deal...right? So far he's back to waking every 10 minutes. So we circle back, let him get used to this step, then we can start moving forward again No words, no touch, no country music hahaha. He has clearly indicated he's not stable yet. I hear him. My support comes in minimizing contact. Not forcing him to make decisions that I may not be comfortable with his choice. This is about respecting where he is ... Right now. Supporting him where he is right now.
October 19
When FB came his body formed a circle, back arched, tail tucked. He slept in a tight ball. His movements were tight and awkward. The second photo taken moments ago (from the cam) show a much more relaxed posture. While he's not ready for big interactions there are signs (that can't be faked) that his reset is happening in a way that works for him. Bed rest while he heals is the best medicine. He's becoming more receptive to eating meals (right now it's canned food with added water to increase hydration). There is a snowball effect... The more he sleeps the fewer triggers he experiences ... The fewer triggers the more he can process (and not need to be hyper vigilant)... The better that gets the more he's able to eat and drink and his body can maintain the calories (he's underweight from the stress). He is a great pup. He's responding to support really well. I have every belief he will be adoptable with the right criteria
October 18
Woooowwww big sleep sections! I'm so happy for him! Here's the part where we see that A) he didn't regress as far B) he recovered faster C) he recovered "further' 15 minute outing regressed his sleep pattern to waking every 20 minutes. It's only taken him 3 days to recover. And his sleep pattern is better. If 15 minutes put him over his personal threshold (and the choice of textures underfoot) today we will lower that to a ten minute self directed walk. I will have some scents set up and some food for him to stumble into (promote sniffing/processing and reward that) Reminders he will have his leash attached to a long line (our presence often equates with expectations and the goal is for him to make food decisions). My lips will be zipped. Timer set to silent. (No predictable extra noises or movement) I did remove his food (when he was either finished or not going to eat it). This may have allowed him to rest as well. He's feeling weird about food right now and may have been "guarding" it. Also blocked his view of the puppies. Further lowering stimulation Baby steps. Hopefully he won't lose another three days! This just came in an email "We all know what it feels like in our bodies when we’re stressed or anxious. But did you know that when you’re in this state, your vagus nerve gets deactivated? And this greatly compromises your digestion, mood regulation, and immune system!" Those deep breaths are so important!
October 17
Still not recovered from his little outing The screenshot of him sleeping legs out instead of wound right was taken before his outing. He's currently in a ball He got a couple one hour sleep sessions last night. I need them to weave together... So it's restorative He only ate half of his food last night. By now he should be gobbling it when it goes in. I'll now remove the food after a couple minutes and re present it at supper. So many parts of his body are out of sync. Eating and digestion. Elimination.Sleeping. Stress hormones. Mind. Body. Soul. I'll get a little more proactive now. I'll add some more visual blinds (so he can't watch the puppies). Right now he hears a noise, comes awake and registers. He is not desensitizing to them/ they're noises. Hyper vigilant is the term. If he were human he'd be saying "I thrive on chaos". The truth is chaos numbs us from the deep work. It gives us adrenaline rushes and that makes us push through. It can make is snappy or controlling (because we have not alloted for screw ups). For a dog to reach tipping points it often means a bite. Going forward, we need to go further back. Proper eating (immediately when presented) and proper rest. I tried something (15 minute mental session) it cost him too much right now. It's not a fail, it's provided lots of feedback that is useful in his treatment plan. This is why I say it's up to him. He's doing the hard work. This is also why when I do this for a board and train I cannot tell families how long it will take I support recovery. The dogs dictate the course and timeframes At the end of the day I want a dog that chooses better behavior.Still not recovered from his little outing The screenshot of him sleeping legs out instead of wound right was taken before his outing. He's currently in a ball He got a couple one hour sleep sessions last night. I need them to weave together... So it's restorative He only ate half of his food last night. By now he should be gobbling it when it goes in. I'll now remove the food after a couple minutes and re present it at supper. So many parts of his body are out of sync. Eating and digestion. Elimination. Sleeping. Stress hormones. Mind. Body. Soul. I'll get a little more proactive now. I'll add some more visual blinds (so he can't watch the puppies). Right now he hears a noise, comes awake and registers. He is not desensitizing to them/ they're noises. Hyper vigilant is the term. If he were human he'd be saying "I thrive on chaos". The truth is chaos numbs us from the deep work. It gives us adrenaline rushes and that makes us push through. It can make us snappy or controlling (because we have not allotted for screw ups). For a dog to reach tipping points it often means a bite. Going forward, we need to go further back. Proper eating (immediately when presented) and proper rest. I tried something (15 minute mental session) it cost him too much right now. It's not a fail, it's provided lots of feedback that is useful in his treatment plan. This is why I say it's up to him. He's doing the hard work. This is also why when I do this for a board and train I cannot tell families how long it will take I support recovery. The dogs dictate the course and timeframes At the end of the day I want a dog that chooses better behavior.
October 16
FluffyButt had a night of waking every 20 minutes (better than every 10 but not as good as a 4 hour stretch) After an event, which is any stimulation defined by your dog, they need at least one day off. Because a lot of dogs don't bite we forget to check in with them. Or we talk in our love language or the redirect frustration on strangers or other dogs in the house. Unless there is a medical issue, your dog is growling or fighting out of frustration. If we think of it in terms of a bank account. Each dog has a different opening balance. Yesterday FB had a positive balance, today it's negative. Touch, words, inconsistent expectations, sight, sounds, smells... All make withdrawals. Even perceived positive events like dog parks or play dates cost. The goal is to never go into the overdraft. That's when bites happen Today FluffyButt gets to rest, yesterday isn't over for him. He will get one of the raw meaty bones to help calm him, support GI tract health and mental focus. Tomorrow we try again. This is a dance led by him. I'm the human, I have to do what best for him, my responsibility. No matter how willing he is to work again today, it's not what's best for him or our relationship. When the goal is stability and predictable outcomes, I'd prefer to fill his bank account not deplete it
October 15
First I gave FB time to process his door being open, when it was safe and he had re-oriented himself to me (movements are measured, especially in small spaces) I attached the long lead. I want to see him and allow him space without pressure from me. I know how to walk on grass. He needs to build positive associations with life. We all learn best when we are pushed a little but not overwhelmed. Knowing when to quit is key.
October 14
Sometimes life happens and I wonder "did that just happen"? What I thought was a revert to barking may not have been. In the barking video, someone had pointed out the music was off. I went and checked and it was playing. Caught a whiff of something and dismissed it. At supper Fluff Butt was almost reluctant to come inside to eat. That gave me some time to putter around and tidy up. The radio went off again. Investigation brought me to the plug in. Once all was right and safe, FB came in and gobbled his supper. The sleep pattern with 145 uninterrupted minutes also seems to support that he was barking at the plug in (ceiling mounted) not me. So was he communicating or reverting? What do you think?
October 13
Events.
To me getting groceries is an event. The noise, the stress and the people all add pressure. For you that level of shopping may not register, it may take the mall at Christmas.
For some dogs it's a dog fight, for others it's a visitor
Last night's sleep looks remarkably similar to the night before. No progress toward full, deep sleep. No regression either
Why?
That low level words and touch (even though it was led by him)
Zero value in that 1 minute interaction.
It's great that he held his spot. That lets me know that touch is ok for him. But no positive benefits
Yesterday was an event. Today he recovers.
Had I taken him out and snuggled him and told him all the things I want to tell him...we would have seen backwards movement. That would have served my heart, not his. Imagine sending him to daycare. Taking him for a walk. Living in a home with all the space and love.
Did he ask for the touch? Yes. Did he fully consent? Yes Was it good for him? No.
We the people have expectations for dogs, the responsibility falls squarely on our shoulders to teach those expectations in a way they can cope with and understand.
When people tell me their dog loves daycare, that they are so tired after ... And they have random behavior problems, I ask that they quit daycare for two weeks , the vast majority of the time the issues melt away.
Dogs that are reacting on walks. Stop walking them
Let the dogs reset, then teach them (counter condition) the expectations.
No mammal can pour from an empty cup. Not us. Not them
***"38 minutes is how long it took him to go out the doggy door, the same one that was easy yesterday. The only change was that one minute of touch.
October 12
Day 5 Look at all that sleep! Cortisol levels are coming down and there is a snowball effect. The more he sleeps, the less he's triggered. The less he's triggered the more he can sleep. Because typically it would take a regular pet a day to get to this same point, I know how difficult this has been. (Please teach/allow dogs to sleep!!!!) Let's talk about that deep breathing/heavy sighing that I say is important. Deep breaths activate the vagus nerve (yes in us too). It properly oxygenates the blood and supports stress leveling. Because yesterday he was able, mentally, to go outside (engaging with the world) I could close the guillotine door last night... No doubt that was a factor as well. Another piece is he got a raw meaty bone yesterday. That releases good stomach juices so he can digest better. It pulls him out of his head and he focuses on the bone. It engages mind and body. Releases good endorphins. All of which produce a more restful sleep. When he came he couldn't chew a bone.. couldn't process it. This morning, when I opened the guillotine door, he was able to go outside immediately, not the approach and back up that he'd been doing. When he came back inside he went to his food dish. Food and GI tract are another component! "Like" the post to get the updates in your newsfeed
October 11
See the whites of the eyes? The position of the ears? The tight lips? Panting. See the second photo and how much more relaxed all of that is? 24 hours difference Allowing that cortisol to dissipate is worth it
October 11
Fluff butt got a decent for him bit of sleep. If I were to try to work with him today, his cortisol would increase again and he would likely bite me. Not because he's mean or aggressive but because cannot cope. Besides he is working. Work doesn't always look like sit/down on repeat. This guy is clear in his communication Added also is a screen shot from the same time period as yesterday's screenshots. There is a new dog here (not in the kennel,but he was barking this morning) because he is sleeping so lightly, he wakes easily. So if something like a dog barking is disturbing him right now, imagine me demanding obedience.
October 10
These are screen shots from one of my cams set up. I brought in a dog that had been biting his family over random things/unpredictable. He was with a trainer just before me, who he bit. When I first met him he was behaving so poorly. Growling with intent and biting at the bars on his crate. Untouchable. 4 wake ups in 34 minutes 4 wake up in 75 minutes Saturday versus Sunday. Still an extremely high wake up rate. But moving in the right direction. Sleep is just one component making him react. With this much cortisol in his system... He is underweight. When I say rest and food would make the majority of poor behavior go away ... Here it is What he needs first is to have the cortisol level drop. Which means no new events. I have zero expectations right now. No touch, no words, nothing. He didn't eat until supper Sunday (came in Friday afternoon). No bowel movement yet. One pee yesterday. He only left his raised bed and touched the floor yesterday afternoon, otherwise he's been in a tight fetal position ball I don't know how far he will come. That choice is his. My job is to support him and help him develop better tools. That starts with acknowledging that sleep isn't happening yet. And that is the first step. When a dog reacts or experiences an event (groomer, vet, company over) they release cortisol... Once in that state, it requires a smaller event to be triggered....and it becomes a vicious circle Imagine, not being able to cope... More stuff,no matter how well intentioned, is not going to calm your brain, it's going to flood it Let them sleep . Signs your dog needs more sleep? They should routinely be having dreams and you should hear them having deep sighs.