Next time Imma gonna lie and say he bites!

I had a consult this Monday with an amazing trainer, Debbie Jacobs.  She specializes in fearful dogs, having one herself.  Her blogs and ebook have provided me with a lot of hope.  One of the key things I learned is not to mistake Chopper's curiosity for wanting attention.  I think I just assumed that when a dog approaches me or smells me they are asking for pettings.  To think of all those times I've reach out and potentially traumatized Chopper!  I have been pretty good about not going over to him and forcing attention on him, but I have assumed that him coming up to me and smelling was a request.  We do have one sure way to see if he wants attention: we crouch down.  When we crouch down he'll come over and lean against us. Then he wants to be rubbed, usually around his shoulders.

I've started some other activities with him, hopeful they'll bring him out of his fear more.  One is increasing his opportunities to be a scent hound and instead of feeding him in a bowl, putting handfuls of food around the room.  He *loves* it.  You can hear his hound nose working from the next room.

Today we took Chopper in the car again.  This time it was to take him to a local park another wonderful dog trainer had suggested in an appointment last month.  He was pretty excited in the car, and pooped again.  Luckily we were prepared and covered the back with rubber sheets :). At the park we discovered wide clear trails, with very little foot traffic.  That meant Chopper could explore and smell without much stress. We even ran together a bunch!  In fact, we were enjoying our time together so much I got complacent and dropped his leash.  Well he was sooo excited he took off.  I think my heart stopped, I literally think it stopped.  I at least lost a few years off my life. I went running after him, but I'm no competition for a coonhound. He got 50 yards away then turned and looked at me.  I waved treats, crouched down and pleaded, but it wasn't until he saw Kolohe with Greg behind me that he came running back. Whew.  I need a back up leash.

On our way back to the car a friendly elderly couple got out of their car and saw us with the dogs.  Greg was in front of me with Kolohe.  She was all too happy to wag adorably and let them pet her.  When I walked by with Chopper I said "he's scared of people, I'm just going to keep him over here" and put myself between the people and him.  Well damned if they didn't move closer, baby talk him saying "oooooh he's scared of dogs" and try to touch and pet him anyways.  Would it be bad form if I lied and said he bites next time?

 Two curious dogs:

 Me with the happy dog.

 Smiley boy.

 Found a giant quartz rock and had to take a break there.

 Happy boy on the way home.