Not so relaxing holiday (Warning long thread)

This is a long post I'll understand if not many people choose to read it, I have been deliberating over the last few days about starting a thread about Mabel's barking while we are on holiday.

We arrived on Saturday and by Monday night I honestly thought she may be better off going to live with someone else as whatever I was doing was making her very fearful of absolutely everything. I'm thrilled to say she has settled down so much better and has improved immensely. (Thank goodness I had read Turid Regaas's books on barking and body language) I have come to the conclusion that she is quite fearful of new places and situations despite being extensively socialised and well travelled. She has really caught me unawares as we were in Cornwall last August staying in a beach hut perched on the cliff and she never barked or seemed nervous of anything, now at 17 months things are so different. I've put each location where barking has increased under a different heading for clarity ( my own really as my poor brain was in a muddle).

The Beach House.

We are staying in a 1920's beach shack perched on the sand dunes, it's an absolutely glorious location but the high winds had really frightened Mabel. The shack is made of metal and creaks. The bushes and trees shake and although the garden is completely enclosed, it is with a fence she can see through. As we are not overlooked at home she has not liked this at all. To start with it was impossible to do any training with her as she was completely over the threshold. Once she became calmer I've played games in the garden involving high value treats such as cheese and sardines, not really leaving her side. I also sat on the grass with her looking at the garden and surrounding area from her perspective and identifying shapes she may not like and without speaking going up to them and patting them or inspecting them (no doubt I look completely nuts to the neighbour's). Today she happily chilled in the garden only barking as a couple of people walked along the coastal path which runs along the side of our garden. Even then the barking was shorter in length and less fearful.

Barking at some children

Mabel has never been a big fan of children, she has always preferred to give them a wide birth but unfortunately this holiday she has taken to barking at some children. I'm absolutely astounded how some parents let their children run full pelt with no warning towards a dog. I left the pub the other day as she barked at a child who was right in her face and running around the tables and chairs. It seems to be a combination of enclosed space and being run at by an erratic little person. Although she will sometimes bark at them on the beach. I always call her away and pop her on the lead then walk in a different direction creating distance from the object of fear. The strange thing is she doesn't do it with all children. When we were in Tenby she allowed a little 3 year old to feed her some biscuits (they were out of my pocket) and stroke her. In one sense it's fabulous spending time on almost deserted beaches but on the other hand it isn't giving me enough opportunities to desensitise her.

Coastal Path

She was very frightened thanks to the huge squwaking seagull that appeared out of the trees and plants growing up the cliff tops. After growling she was frozen to the spot. We took our cue from her, and turned round and went home. Every day we have taken her to the coastal path where the seagull was and allowed her to walk along it as much as she wanted, with no pressure at all. Today we had the most amazing walk to Swanlake Bay. She sat fascinated as the boats came along the coast line casting the lobster pots in the sea. What an achievement she was brilliant plus she only barked at one couple walking towards her. Unfortunately we only saw five people in the two hours we walked, this again means it's really difficult to desensitise her.

Basically when she barks, which I have identified as fear barking (thanks to reading Turid Regaas's book on Barking) I remove her from the situation either by walking in the opposite direction or putting myself as a barrier between her and the fear object. I don't make a fuss, where possible I use distractions. I have also managed to use the clicker today, (she's not over the threshold now ) clicking when she looks at whatever causes her fear but if she doesn't react then she gets a high value treat. (OH wanted to know where the Parma Ham had gone) I will also, where possible approach fast walking hikers in a crescent shape so she feels less threatened. This means that we have had to find an alternative route to the beach but it's only an extra 5 mins walk so no big deal. I'll also add that I've never told her off (OH has but I get the distinct impression he won't be doing it again). I feel I'm definitely making brilliant progress just wondered if any one had an further tips.

It probably sounds like we are having an awful holiday but we are actually having a super time. Walking to heal has improved 100% she was a little star when we visited Tenby. She couldn't believe she was allowed in shops and behaved immuclately, sitting perfectly while I looked at things and made the odd purchase. Walking past other dogs while on lead has been a challenge to say the least and is coming on brilliantly. While in Tenby I spent time observing other dogs and she actually is very well behaved there are some very aggressively unhappy dogs out there, what makes me so sad that their owners just shout at them and pull at their leads not really ever addressing why such behaviour is happening. Her recall is still first class most of the time. It's so wonderful to see her running and playing on the beach and to my amazement she hasn't had any episodes of limping, which makes my heart sing, especially as we have had quite a bit of limping recently at home

We are here for three weeks, the weather is suppose to reach 70 degrees by Monday. The beach will be calling again. Fingers crossed.

 

Hi Claire, firstly I'm so glad you are having a well deserved break and for 3 weeks you lucky girl! You say Mabel has calmed down a bit now so that will make training easier. With regards to barking at children, do you think you could make some trips into town after School is out to do some clicker training, standing outside shops, walking through parks etc.? The beach will be busy over the weekend so I am sure you will get lots of training opportunities around children. It's a shame some parents allow their children to approach dogs inappropriately, but you could maybe advise parents that you are training and would their children like to help but they must be calm and they could approach her nicely, so older children would probably be better. Some very tasty treats would be great.

With regards to the beach house, there's not much you can do about the structure making a noise but I suppose to keep playing really fun games with her throughout the day inside and outside and maybe feed her a stuffed kong in the garden near the house and I'm sure she will forget

I am no expert by any means but just my inexperienced thoughts x

Mabel sounds as if she is having a great time and doing so well and she is still so young and no limping which is just wonderful. Shame about some of the dogs you have seen, it's so upsetting but makes you realise what a great job you are doing

We are taking Hattie & Charlie to Scotland in July, I hope they will be OK

Enjoy yourself!!! xx

 

@charlie we have done shops, parks school gates etc to death. I think it's possibly a case of proofing. Oh I love Scotland I'm sure Hattie and Charlie will have the best time ever, that's on our list of places to visit with her. She is such a good traveller.

 

Sounds to me like you are doing the most amazing job and should simply keep going with exactly what you're already doing.

Really glad that you are having a wonderful time (even though you probably didn't expect to be doing so much training).

Hope you have great weather and that there are many icecreams in your immediate future!

 

Sounds like things are getting better as the week progresses which is positive . I think you are doing the right thing in terms of walking away when she gets too fearful or too stimulated. You've hit the nail on the head with proofing around children. It took us months to do this as I don't have many small children at home often. I started taking her to sit by parks and got some families to help out.
Enjoy the rest of your holiday x

 

I love that area and have done many sailing events round there. I'm glad you're having a good time overall it sounds like you're making great progress! Keep at it

If it makes you feel any better our trip at Easter was harder work than I'd hoped too. Funnily enough I think strong winds and noisy weather were one of our issues too. It massively unsettled the dogs. We managed to salvage a decent amount of fun from it all and I'm sure you'll go from strength to strength.

 

Hi Claire, sorry I don't have any advice to give but I loved reading your post and you are doing brilliantly with Mabel.
I had a toddler running up to Dexter at the beach a while ago and the parents were just watching and laughing from a distance. This little boy was only about 18 months old, ridiculous and dangerous imo. I kept trying to back away with Dexter, who thankfully loves children but I still didn't want him knocking the little boy over by licking his face and also it would be bad for the kiddie as he'd get the message all dogs are OK to do this too. I called to his parents and said, my dog is fine but I really don't want your little boy to come over to him especially without you. The answer was 'oh he likes dogs', really, what a irresponsible parents by this time the little boy was with us, got a face licking and fell on his bum. I felt awful but we were backed into a wall with nowhere to go, it's taken me a lot longer to write it out than the time it took for the kiddie to run at us. I tried to say again that he shouldn't allow his son to do this but he laughed. I helped the child up and managed then to get away.

I'm glad you are enjoying your holiday and that Mabel is starting to relax.
I'll take a look at the book you mention, it's always good when someone can recommend one.
Enjoy the rest of your break.
Donna x

 

Running through your post is the progress you have made already so as the others have said keep going as you are and Mabel will be fine!It's so horrible seeing them scared though isn't it?it sounds like she behaved beautifully in the shops.
The children thing......it's not easy is it?I don't think it's helped by the lovely reputation for friendliness our dogs have and they look so appealing Dexter has only ever shown bomb proof tendencies with children BUT he's still a dog.He doesn't like being petted on his head in greeting and this happens a lot with children as that is the height they come in at,he tolerates it fine but I try and protect him from it as much as I can because you just never know........and parents do let kids run over to him.
I'm a bit scared of seagulls myself to be honest so I can sympathise with Mabel!

 

Nothing much to add to everyone's comments. You are doing all the right things and Mabel is doing really well. You're trying to work within her thresholds and whittle away at them at the same time, and you're succeeding. I think sometimes we under estimate the impact of change on our furry friends, different accommodation, different sights, sounds, smells, birds, even weather and it's clear that Mabel is adapting.
Great news on Mabel's lack of limping. Wonder if the different type of walk/exercise is having an impact? You might have to move to the coast

 

Loved reading these posts. Hope Mabel will go from strength to strength in her training. She sounds lovely. We are planning a short break with the girls in a couple of weeks time. No idea how it will go, as it's the first time away, but quite exciting. We're hoping to take them to Dorset so we can find some dog-friendly beaches and let them have some fun... well, us too! Oh... and I don't like seagulls either!

 

Thank you everyone for your kinds words. @MaccieD oh to live beside the seaside, what a joy. OH retires in about 5 years so we said we are going to hire this place out for 4 weeks out of season, we are really taken with the beauty and friendliness of the locals. Funny about the limping, she is still a little stiff after resting. The sand is lovely and hard for her the only time I saw any sign of discomfort when a big dog chased her on soft sand in play. We moved her as quickly as possible which turned out to be difficult as he was only a young dog too.

@bbrown very envious about your sailing events. Can I come next time please

 

As I understand it soft sand is harder on the joints/muscles as it is unstable, hard sand is better, so lots of running on that beach where it's nice and firm. That's Mabel, not you

 

Rosemary, I can't even run for the bus
Walked from Saundersfoot to Wiseman's beach today, she only had one grump at a noisy old pushchair and two nasty jack Russells. I'm getting very good at saying my dog doesn't play on the lead. She was without doubt an absolute star, we got talking to a lovely lady who was partially sighted and had a retired guide dog called Oyster. She thought Mabel was wonderful and then said "ahh I remember Oyster at 17 months, she was a challenge" . The weather has been absolutely stunning, paddled in the sea, went to two cafes and a pub and eat loads of cake. Here is Mabel sitting chilled in the garden. She's sitting in her lopsided way making her look fat, I'm pleased to say she isn't.

 

Now you are making me really jealous with all this talk of stopping at cafes, pubs and cake and all those lovely walks and paddles for Mabel. She is a beautiful girl. I don't think I've got a photo of Juno sitting, what we call 'pretty', it's always the labby lean , got to love them though

 

Mabel you are so pretty. What a great place to stay and the scenery is stunning. Enjoy!! xx

P.S. Have a slice of cake for me please

 

@charlie I can eat enough cake for everyone on the forum if required. That's probably why I have a Labrador Im essentially greedy

 

It sounds as if Mabel's doing very well - and what a lovely place to stay. Enjoy your holiday... and the cake!

 

Oh Claire, what a stunning view you have - and picked some good weather too.
Mabel sounds like she has been a challenge but sounds like you are up to speed with managing her. I think you deserve a pat on the back - or some cake - or wine, yes wine is a good reward for us Humums.
Hope the rest of your stay gets better and better.

 

Lovely posts! I've no advice to add. But if you need to break your journey home and want to let her (and you!) have a run about our big garden, we are 10 minutes from Junction 23A of the M4 and Pongo says you'd all be very welcome!

 

Sounds like a wonderful holiday and you are doing a fab job with Mable. Reminds me of our holiday to Cornwall last August, oh my goodness I was not prepared for the barking on the beach and at unknown things like kids in wet suits, surf boards flying around in the air, etc, etc, we were THAT family on the beach! But, by the end of the week she started to settle down, wish it had been a 3 week holiday . Hoping that this year will be better!!!!