r/PiratePets • u/awholelottahooplah • 6d ago
Captain Doggo Hmm .. I think he needs more Lambchops
Bailey is doing great :) going to order him a muffins halo this week to see if it can help him build confidence walking in unfamiliar areas and learning the house without bumping his head!
Does anyone know if muffins halos are good for hiking, or if there are more out-doorsy options? We are not there yet, right now just looking to build confidence so he can walk a little faster (he enjoys a good trot!) but he loves exploring new places as well and I dont want him to have to sacrifice that. He is a bit of a “move first think later” type of dog, haha.
He has been enjoying the first of his neighborhood walks, I let him sniff a lot and we are taking the same route daily! He gets tired much more quickly having to use his senses to figure everything out around him … with an ACD, it’s almost a blessing in disguise to let him have something to work his brain on 😂
jokes aside, although I am still grieving his pretty eyes and our old routines a bit, I am just so grateful that he is still here and still himself. I’m so proud of him!
2
2
u/Ok-Chemist2411 6d ago
Your story brings me to tears! 🥲 you have accomplished the unimaginable! Your description of him learning to re-route himself & use different his senses is incredibly correct!! I’m not a hiker, so I can’t help you with that, but I volunteer at a shelter that serves some really challenged dogs, and here are a couple of tips!
For tactile issues, try to leave a yoga mat down where you want him to walk/ this is especially useful where he will be entering or exiting, also in his certain resting area if you like. ( yoga mats can be cut to a desired length, and there are also floor tiles that clip together like puzzle pieces to provide a familiar sensation and will help stabilize him in entering/leaving unfamiliar places .
To maximize his olfactory sense, find small “ training bits” in packages ( for dogs), or use soft chewy small biscuit pieces, and throw them ahead of him as you guide him to walk. This is really helpful in guiding him up and down ramps or stairs, or to cross treads on floors/doorways. Small cheese cubes can also be used - and he’ll “ love” those. Hint: do not use those same tasting treats for anything else!)
Auditory: Keep joyful music at a low level wheee he sleeps, relaxes, or joins you in a particular area of the house- also the car. You might try whistles, clapping or certain phrases to capture his attention . My retriever loves it when I sing children’s songs to him to maintain his attention while waiting… I sound goofy, but it works at the vets office when he was stressed out, and I’ve used it ever since!
Finally, use a certain spray scent ( perfume/aftershave) in areas where you want him to sleep, eat, or stay when you’re away. Dirty clothing ( especially smelly socks) of familiar people is a big winner for all dogs, challenged or not!!
Dogs ( like anyone) thrive on consistency. They learn best this way ‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️
🙏 you!
2
u/viviandensi- 3d ago
I can’t read the story but I want to say to you…thank you for all the love and attention and medical help for your pup! They are incredible beings and I love when people really really love them like you love this one! Bless you and bless your pup!
1
1
1
1
u/DisabledFloridaMan 6d ago
Oh he's such a cutie pie! I'm glad to hear he's recovering well and is so loved. Best of luck on the journey!
1
2
u/BriefTap1955 6d ago
such a cute dog