walks are the new prozac

Today Chopper was in Chop-town a bit more again.  It all started this morning right when he was about to eat--I dropped something on the ground. (Nothing informs you about your real level of klutziness like having an anxious dog).  It was a small cookie cutter I used to make bite sized sandwiches at a party this weekend. It didn't make a lot of noise, but it had a lasting effect.  He was on his way to his food bowl when it happened, and stopped and went to the bottom of the stairs to our bedroom instead of eating. I've learned that you shouldn't force him, and him having a say in what he does can be helpful. So I put his food up for Greg to try when he woke and helped Chopper upstairs.

Well Chopper didn't eat breakfast. And when I came home from work, he wouldn't eat dinner either.  He would eat his favorite dog biscuit though. An interesting change. Normally when he is in Chop-town he won't eat anything.

Chopper finally ate something this evening but went right back to his blanket. He wouldn't go outside. Knowing what that means for our hardwood floors we got our secret weapon--the leash.  The second I said the word walk he perked up. When we pulled out the leash he jumped up and started wagging, even did play bows and a few hops.  Suddenly, we have a different dog! Outside it was tail wags right away. And here is where the progress kicked in: he wasn't bothered by cars driving by, not even the loud ones!  A stranger walked by and he tried to run to her!  The whole walk he was feeling the joy.  I love seeing this side of him. I wish I knew how to bring it inside.

One thing a trainer suggested was to do some of his training outside when he is happy.  I thought that was a great idea. We could do some basic obedience training outside--sit, stay, etc. And then hopefully create some new neural pathways that could work inside.  I'd need one of those running leashes that hook onto my waist first, though, I'd want both hands free.

Picture time! When we got home from our walk and Chops got spooked again he looked up at Greg with big pleading eyes.  I told Greg, he wants you to comfort him.  So Greg did, and look at how Chops reacted:

I don't think I've seen a more relaxed dog. 


Oh wait, maybe I have:

Couldn't you just snuggle up to him?  One day, maybe :).