Dobby Meets Sir Cash

We had planned our complementary 4-hour trial with Dobby on a day with no other visitors. It's usually my day to get to know a newcomer one on one. It provides an opportunity for undisturbed lessons on house and yard rules and routines. Sometimes there are visitors who need day care that call last minute to book in on that day. I weigh who the two visitors are and will allow it if I believe safety is not an issue.
So it was for Sir Cash on 'Dobby's Day' 

When I met young Dobby at his M&G with his dad, I was able to spend time watching their interactions. We had a lengthy conversation about Dobby's nature and behaviours and his relationships with other dogs. I watched Dobby respond positively to his dad's commands. It became obvious how much time has been put in to Dobby's training and I believed Dobby would be able to respond positively to me once he was more relaxed with me. He had already displayed great impulse control in resisting his urge to do zoomies with Lady May.
We planned a trial day to build his confidence with me and allow opportunities for him to feel safe. I allowed Sir Cash in for daycare that day based on my knowledge of Cash's easy going, compliant nature and his ability to meet new dogs politely. Cash has reliable social skills and I believed Dobby could use him as a great role model. Dobby's dad stayed on for a while and we watched the interactions between the two. As expected, there were normal preteen behaviours from Dobby and Cash was displaying enough patience with him. At one point Dobby became overexcited and I needed to use my "BigDog' voice. Dobby responded immediately and there was no issue. Dad left Dobby in my care and our day began. 

We spent a long time together outdoors following Cash. We walked around the yard getting to know every corner and all the scents buried beneath the fresh snow.

Dobby - "I'm sure we already checked under that bench"

I kept Dobby strapped to my hip and though I left the halters on both dogs, there was no reason for any 'quick grabs'. It wasn’t long before I could drop Dobby's lead and allow him to follow Cash on his own. I saw very good impulse control when he really wanted to play with Lady May but he listened to her refusal and restrained himself. Good Boy Dobby! 

Ya, let's check this corner. I think I smelled a C-A-T here.

 

Do you think my dad will remember to come back for me?

I promise you he will Dobby. For now it's time to head indoors and check out what's for lunch.

..and take my halter off right Lady?

We kept halters on for a little while longer. They allow for a quick grab just in case. Halters provide me with a means to physically intervene with out any force being applied to sensitive necks.
I'm a firm believer in prevention and halters are my go to.  Yes, maybe I'm a bit over the top. I want all positive interactions for everyone when they are on premise. I want all visitors to come barrelling through my gates each and every time. Excited to be here and willing to let mom and dad leave them behind. Sorry buddy, your halter stays on a wee bit longer.

Dobby - "Why is everyone lined up here?"

I wanted Dobby to become familiar with all my usual indoor duties so I made sure to create the 'normal' sounds and activities he will be faced with.  New dogs eventually need to show me they can be left unattended in a separate room from me with no concern for their safety. Sometimes it takes many visits before I know that can happen. Dobby was very polite indoors and I could easily walk in and out of the play area. My goal is to know with 100% accuracy that when my eyes are not on them they have the ability to play or lay safely. When I'm working in my kitchen area, it gives another perfect opportunity for learning that.
I provide a 'reinforcement kibble' that also teaches positive social food experiences. Dobby learned very quickly what was expected and there was no hesitation in compliance. He just followed the others lead and kept his eyes on me all morning.

Watch.
pssst, I think she has cookies!

Dobby's dad had brought his mat for him to feel more at home. At first no one paid much attention to it. I moved it to various places in the house and soon found a spot that was apparently suitable. Well, certainly for Sir Cash.

Dobby - "Hey! But that's my mat right?"
Sir Cash - "You can have it after me bud."

I spent lots of time gently touching Dobby. He easily allowed me to handle him and showed no signs of his previous shyness. I also used a soft brush on his body and was able to complete basic husbandry with him. Good Boy Dobby!
Within that few hours Dobby showed he was comfortable with us and so guess what happened?

Dobby - "Oh man! Really?"
Sir Cash - "Yep, get used to it kid. There's no end."

Dobby - "I think you need my dad's permission to do this?"
Lady May - "Seriously? Mom, I think it's cookie time."

Dobby - "So how much longer does this go on for?"
Sir Cash - "How long are you here for?"

Lady May - "Seriously. My mom can do this all day!"
Dobby - "Oh goodie so it's an all day cookie day then"

By the end of our time together Dobby had been able to experience many of our daily routines including house and yard rules.We had been in and out several times using each door. Each time Dobby sat patiently while the seniors exited or entered.  He has very good manners and is certainly welcome back.

All halters off and complete relaxation.

Just minutes before it was home time, Dobby began to crash. He had been able to experience many of our daily routines as well as house and yard rules. I know this is not always normal behaviour for all visitors. I'm hopeful Dobby will be able to meet with and do zoomies with a playmate soon.
For now he has had ample opportunities to let go of his shyness and trust me.
Thank you for visiting dear Dobby.
I didn't even need to hide my socks!
See you soon.