Every morning, I let Cooper out of his crate and he is so excited that his whole body wiggles and he kisses and chomps on me - in a very loving, “I missed you and I’m so happy to see you that I just have to chew you” way . And every morning, I grab a stuffed animal out of his crate and put it in his mouth instead of my arm or hand. This week, when I let him out, he comes out all wiggly, then turns around and grabs a stuffed animal to hold while I pet him and tell him how wonderful he is. Only took 5 months. Only problem is that once he carries them downstairs, they become “play toys” and he rips them up. So now we’re out of stuffed animals and I didn’t get to target, so I guess I’ll steal one of the kids. And yes, I have to make sure those stuffies stay up in my room and stay “sleeping toys”.
Sounds like progress! Have you ever tried using “middle” Basically you train your dog using treats to come through your legs from behind and stop in the middle repeating the word middle. Toby loves it because he gets his chest rubbed and is able to look up at me at the same time. It also stopped him jumping up in the early days. Might not work if you have short legs and a big dog!
Kyko loves a middle too. He loves it so much he does to anyone who's standing with their legs slightly apart
Yes my previous lab used to go through people’s legs but from the front. Someone suggested he was trying to put his scent on them. I just thought he was being friendly. How I wish Toby would do the same rather than backing off.
it's a shame when they're wary isn't it Kyko is scared of people who limp or walk bent over or shuffle. Except for my nana who he adores. It's a definite 'middle' with keeks as he goes in from the back just the way he was taught
