Really smart, but kinda bad little guy

Hello! Our little guy Roscoe is really smart. It was absolutely no sweat potty training him. We got him when he was 2 months old and he only went in the house twice. I believe that was because where he lived before had a doggy door and we don't. He just needed to get the idea and he was set. We never needed the crate but did keep him in the kitchen for the first week when we were at work just to "be sure" but he was so good there's no reason to do that anymore. He fetches and is pretty good at dropping it. He does sit and stay and he even knows our cats name. But he is very hard headed when it comes to some things. He has a huge fit when we try to brush him and he was so bad at the vets office they had to put a muzzle on him!!! He's the sweetest little guy ever at home but he flipped out at the vet! He was bucking and screaming and bit the vet! ??? He has never done that to anyone else and he's really well socialized. We have him around different people and dogs and he lives with a cat. Would puppy school help with this or is it always going to be this dramatic when we go to the vet?

0 members like this

Comment

You need to be a member of MyCorgi.com to add comments!

Join MyCorgi.com

Comment by Roscoe on March 19, 2009 at 8:50am: Thanks Sam! I did exactly what you said and sat down with him on Tuesday night and yes, it did take about a hour but we did finish a good brushing. Brush, pet, brush, pet, brush, pet. After a while he calmed down and let me brush him a little. He will let me brush his stomach no problem and his sides, but he doesn't like me to just brush his back yet. But, I can get his back from his side so everybody wins. I am going to keep at it like you suggested just to get him used to it. Puppy classes start this week too and then we have his last visit for shots on Monday...so keep your fingers crossed! Thanks again!

Comment by Sam on March 16, 2009 at 10:16pm: Sounds to me like he has a huge handling intolerance. This would explain why he is negative to being brushed and his response at the vet. Yes, a training class will help. Make sure you ask about handling intolerances. Many include this as part of the training. Time for you to start working with him handling all parts of his body. Sit in a quiet area and put him on lead if he is able to get away from you. Start gentle massaging him. Most dogs will very quickly get very relaxed and comfortable. Talk to him and continue to massage. Slowly start rubbing his feet, look at his teeth, handle his ears, his legs and even attempt to rub his belly to see if he will turn over for you. If he becomes tense just go back to massaging. It is very important for you to bring him to the highest handling tolerance possible. I would practice daily massages until he feels comfortable. If he becomes most accepting of this practice you may see if you can go different places and if he will still tolerate it. Work with others petting and handling him to. This will be most helpful as he ages. Maybe even a few visits to the vet to help him become comfortable there. Visit, give him a nice massage and maybe even one of the staff will come bring him a treat. Let them know what you are wishing to achieve. Good luck