Mika actually tells me when my blod sugar level drops below 55. It's amazing. She's the first dog to pick up on it that I've ever met other than certified service dogs. She licks my feet and then my face to tell me. These Kai's, they are amazing working dogs. Don't underestimate their senses.
I can maybe get my husband to walk her. He works a lot though (shift work and gone from home at least 14 hours a day), and she is on a schedule. I don't want to upset her apple cart too much. He walks her on his days off, but he's having the same issues with her as I am. I'm really having the most trouble just going outside right now. Shelby has been super attached to me since day 1 and I'm thinking that me having my husband walk her also makes her anxious because she knows I don't feel good. He is very patient with her as well, so I know she is in good hands with him walking her. I just don't trust anyone around here to take care of my dog like that yet. I'll try a new route tomorrow and see how that goes. I'm also going to go to the doctor as soon as I can and see what we can do. I have to get better so Shelby can get better. Thanks for all the input! Don't know what I would do without all the help!
I would say she is picking up on your anxiety. My bitch has started guarding me from my partner when my partner is anxious. Dogs always know. I have tonsillitis at the moment and they are both guarding me.
You probably won't want to hear this, but have you tried mindfulness/meditation techniques?
I think what you might have to worry about is that her anxiety possibly triggered by you will eventually become just her anxiety in general if not treated via behavior modification and possibly medication. So if you're able to seek help from a vet and behaviorist soonest, then that might be the best thing you can do for Shelby before it goes too far (aside from getting yourself treatment which you've already committed to do), especially if @brada1878 expects a higher level of resiliency due to her parents.
Yes, @tmd, I would expect more resiliency, but hell, I expect it from any dog we produce - it doesn't mean it always goes that way tho.
I'd bet it's a mix of all of the above - your anxiety, environmental change, and some negative association. I'd just focus on making the walks and the meet-and-greets short and very fun for Shelby.
@_Ryan_ I saw a therapist in baton Rouge and she recommended the same things you suggested. I tried really hard, but I never had any improvement. So, we decided that I write instead and it really helps. I paint as well and that relaxes me... If only I were good at it...
@brada1878 I feel terrible because she was so happy on our walks before all this. I'm going to try a new route and maybe some games on our walks.
@tmd Shelby is due for her check up at the vet soon and I am going to ask the vet about this. I looked in to a behaviorist, but there aren't any in my area. We moved to b.f.e, so help like that is nonexistent here. I also agree on the individuality aspect. I'm the only one in my family with anxiety, but they are a great support system and I want to be that for Shelby.
Shelby is still a generally happy girl and she lights up our day. Even with all of this going on, we still couldn't have asked for a better dog.
Well, Shelby went to the vet today. They gave us an anti anxiety medication for her. It's supposed to be a low dose to take the edge off her anxiety so we can work on redirecting her fear. Fingers crossed that this helps her!
One of my dogs, Sage, has prozac on board as part of his training and management plan. If you need any peer support, or have questions please feel free to tag me. The meds will buy you time to work on her fears- what I found with Sage was that instead of him flipping instantly, he'd still be afraid but I had a few seconds to notice, talk to him and redirect him and get away from the scary thing. The meds dont do it by themselves, as I am sure the vet told you. They help your training plan work! And remember this too- you are GOOD dog owner- you are helping your dog. There is no shame in taking a helpful medication, what is bad is repeating the fearful thing with no help, expecting a dog to tough it out. You are so wise to help Shelby early on in her life
I had Mei on anti anxiety meds when I got her. She had been chained up for the first year of her life and was totally no socialized. Il they helped a lot. So did t-touch massages. I'm with Chrystal. They won't solve the issues but will give you the time to react and redirect. You can do this. Both of you will learn to cope together. I'm sure of it.
Oh, Good call on T-Touch, Tara! That would be nice for both you and Shelby together. Look up Tellington Touch, or "T-Touch". I think you guys are actually good candidates to include that technique and benefit from it.
Wow, I watched the video on the website and that looks amazing! I'm definitely going to try it.
Thank you all for being so supportive. I was feeling like I had failed Shelby, but all the positive feedback and suggestions have given me the boost I needed and I thank everyone from the bottom of my heart.
Comments
I'm really having the most trouble just going outside right now. Shelby has been super attached to me since day 1 and I'm thinking that me having my husband walk her also makes her anxious because she knows I don't feel good. He is very patient with her as well, so I know she is in good hands with him walking her. I just don't trust anyone around here to take care of my dog like that yet. I'll try a new route tomorrow and see how that goes. I'm also going to go to the doctor as soon as I can and see what we can do. I have to get better so Shelby can get better.
Thanks for all the input! Don't know what I would do without all the help!
You probably won't want to hear this, but have you tried mindfulness/meditation techniques?
http://paws4udogs.wordpress.com/2013/07/29/myth-anxiety-medication-should-only-be-used-as-a-last-resort/
I think what you might have to worry about is that her anxiety possibly triggered by you will eventually become just her anxiety in general if not treated via behavior modification and possibly medication. So if you're able to seek help from a vet and behaviorist soonest, then that might be the best thing you can do for Shelby before it goes too far (aside from getting yourself treatment which you've already committed to do), especially if @brada1878 expects a higher level of resiliency due to her parents.
I'd bet it's a mix of all of the above - your anxiety, environmental change, and some negative association. I'd just focus on making the walks and the meet-and-greets short and very fun for Shelby.
@brada1878 I feel terrible because she was so happy on our walks before all this. I'm going to try a new route and maybe some games on our walks.
@tmd Shelby is due for her check up at the vet soon and I am going to ask the vet about this. I looked in to a behaviorist, but there aren't any in my area. We moved to b.f.e, so help like that is nonexistent here. I also agree on the individuality aspect. I'm the only one in my family with anxiety, but they are a great support system and I want to be that for Shelby.
Shelby is still a generally happy girl and she lights up our day. Even with all of this going on, we still couldn't have asked for a better dog.
Thank you all for being so supportive. I was feeling like I had failed Shelby, but all the positive feedback and suggestions have given me the boost I needed and I thank everyone from the bottom of my heart.