[Donna]

Hi All,

Just an update on how the training with Bruce is going. He is now 17 months and we have been working on the advice of a behaviourist for 4 months now. Things are definitely improving but still a work in progress. Bruce is still a nervous boy, particulary when meeting and greeting strange dogs and people. In fact, he did a strange thing today when on a walk, he spotted a large yellow lab ahead (in the direction we were going) and he stopped, refused to budge or go any nearer. Then a small spaniel came running playfully up to Bruce and rolled over onto her belly. Bruce was surprised, sniffed her bits and greeted her very well. Then a small black lab spotted Bruce, ran playfully over, play bowing and inviting him to play. We let him off lead for a while with her and he had a great play.

We are still unable to walk closely past another dog when in built up areas, but generally in open spaces, no problems. In open spaces barking and lunging has almost stopped (sometimes an excited bark or a worried grumble).

We can pretty much walk past anyone now, cyclists, joggers, children etc, but Bruce is not comfortable being petted by anyone, and probably never will be. At home, when meeting someone new, much better, although he is still wary at first, he soon comes round, especially if they are not pushy and they keep handing out the treats (calmly and quietly).

The next few months is all about building Bruce's confidence up even more, wanting to meet as many friendly dogs as we can. So, if there is anybody out there with friendly dogs (it does not just have to be danes) who live within a reasonable distance, who would like to meet up with us, please PM me and hopefully we can arrange something. We are willing to travel an hour or so, and we live in Wiltshire on the Glos, Avon border.

If you have read this far, thanks for reading, I do waffle :P

Here is my beautiful boy, he is such a sensitive soul, apart from when he is chewing the sofa :huh:

http://i692.photobucket.com/albums/vv290/divadon2009/PA110058.jpg

D

[karen_cvet]

Sounds like your hard work is paying off :)
Buff and I are in Somerset/Avon area so might be able to meet up at some point if you fancy it

[Donna]

karen_cvet, on 02 January 2010 - 09:23 PM, said:

Sounds like your hard work is paying off :)
Buff and I are in Somerset/Avon area so might be able to meet up at some point if you fancy it

Hi Karen,

Yes please, that would be great. Let me know when you can make it.

Thanks :)

D

[DeeDee]

You waffle on girl your doing a great job with Bruce
I take my hat of to you but cant meet you for a walk you live to far
lovely part of the country you live in ....
DD x

[jturner]

Sounds like you are doing really well, hope Bruce continues to improve.

You could be talking about Maddi as she is just the same, and we have accepted that she will always be a work in progress.

[pauline]

Donna you have done a fantastic job with Bruce.

I do love reading your updates,he is such a stunner ;)

[buddy]

Hi Donna,
Its lovely to hear how Bruce is doing.
Sounds like he is making huge steps, even if it does take a very long time and its only a small step in the right direction it feels so good doesnt it?
Bruce is still only very young, and im sure with all the love and dedication i know you give him he will gain confidence all the time.
He is looking very stunning as usual in his mugshot.
We are still working hard with Honey, and she too is coming on well although i would never trust her enough to let her off-lead around any dog apart from ours.
This breaks my heart at times, i would love to just let her run & play, but couldn't risk her hurting another dog!
She is such a sweetheart though in every other way.

Hope you had a great xmas, and wishing you a happy & healthy 2010!!

Hugs, Jayne, Hun & gang. XXX

[drools]

Hi

It sounds like you are making good process with Bruce.

We don't live locally but my brother lives in South Wales so we visit a couple of times a year. Sasha is very laid back and placid and baby Amy seems to be following in her foot steps. Please pm me so I have your details then I can contact you when we are down your way.

Carol

[Donna]

drools, on 03 January 2010 - 02:01 AM, said:

Hi

It sounds like you are making good process with Bruce.

We don't live locally but my brother lives in South Wales so we visit a couple of times a year. Sasha is very laid back and placid and baby Amy seems to be following in her foot steps. Please pm me so I have your details then I can contact you when we are down your way.

Carol

Thanks Carol, that sounds great. I have PM'd you.

Cheers

D :)

[Donna]

buddy, on 02 January 2010 - 11:09 PM, said:

Hi Donna,
Its lovely to hear how Bruce is doing.
Sounds like he is making huge steps, even if it does take a very long time and its only a small step in the right direction it feels so good doesnt it?
Bruce is still only very young, and im sure with all the love and dedication i know you give him he will gain confidence all the time.
He is looking very stunning as usual in his mugshot.
We are still working hard with Honey, and she too is coming on well although i would never trust her enough to let her off-lead around any dog apart from ours.
This breaks my heart at times, i would love to just let her run & play, but couldn't risk her hurting another dog!
She is such a sweetheart though in every other way.

Hope you had a great xmas, and wishing you a happy & healthy 2010!!

Hugs, Jayne, Hun & gang. XXX

Thanks Jayne,

Yes, as you know it is hard work, with both tears and laughter. Some days we think, yes we have cracked it, and then other days it does not feel like we have got anywhere. Although I have to say that there are more positives now than negatives :) And just like Honey, in every other way Bruce is a sweetheart. You have done so well with Honey too, and I am sure that over time you will get there with her. Honey looks adorable.

Thanks everyone for comments and support, and a Happy New Year to you all :D

D

[joe]

Hi,sounds like you are doing a fantastic job with Bruce. We live in Derbyshire so a bit far for a walk but as you have probably gathered there are lots of folks here who will jump at the chance.

He does look stunning, very shiney coat

Jo

[Akash]

You have done a fab job with Bruce. You should be proud of yourself :)
I hope you both continue on making good progress :)

[GillP]

Well done Donna, its always small steps at a time and sometimes we are guilty of thinking that they should be perfect (and we can make them so). As we have found out you can improve greatly but sometimes you just have to accept they have their faults and as long as you never give up or in to them its as good as it gets! Bronte has come along tremendously but occasionally he regresses and even tho i get annoyed with him at these time I love him to bits!!

Gill and Ken

[Donna]

Thanks everyone. Gill and Ken, glad Bronte is doing well, there is always hope :)

We had a fab walk with Bruce today, he met and played with a red setter and a young male doberman. The doberman was much more confident than Bruce, at one point putting his paws on Bruce's back, but Bruce was really happy playing with him, dancing and leaping around for a good half hour. Bruce also went up to the male owner several times for a fuss, which is a great improvement as he usually keeps away from strangers.

Bruce also met a gorgeous giant breed mountain dog, not sure what type, like a pyranean but with some other markings on him. He was such a gentle boy and approached Bruce very slowly, they both seemed a little unsure of each other, but met lovely.

And to top it off, yesterday Bruce was able to walk past a staffy on the opposite side of the road (both on the lead and in a built up area), with no noise, pulling or any bad behaviour. Bruce just glanced at him and walked on!! It's a miracle ;)

D

[dellybear]

Hi Donna,

Its great to hear you so positive and well done to you both with the 'Staffy' problem as I know your feelings!

Cant wait to meet again soon and see the gorgeous boy again and you of course.

Michele x

[kimscot]

So far so good Donna. Sounds like you and Bruce are making great headway....
If you do meet up with 'OUR VET' watch out she'll lead down a path of ruin...[alcohol, you know..]http://www.sullyworld.co.uk/newforum/public/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif http://www.sullyworld.co.uk/newforum/public/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif http://www.sullyworld.co.uk/newforum/public/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif http://www.sullyworld.co.uk/newforum/public/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif http://www.sullyworld.co.uk/newforum/public/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif http://www.sullyworld.co.uk/newforum/public/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif
Anyway well done you and 'Spooky', he's so handsome..
Kim x

[gailandbenson]

Keep up the good work Donna........sounds like you have a Benson too :lol:
Give him your wine......always worked for me :lol:
We can start up a 'danes AA' :D

[Dante]

i think its time yhou stop calling him SPOOKY!!! :D :D :D.. congrats both guys.. you both did well..... now, its BRUCE time, no more spooky :) :) .. well done

xxxx


B

[Bodacious Brook]

Hello, you are doing all the right things to socialize Bruce. I did that too and my girl is still a nervous Nelly. She is better and in some situations surprisingly good, but you see I spoiled her like a child. We even called her baby duck and of course I am Momma duck. Not good, people tell me that is why she is nervous because when their young they need to have some seperation from you. Just a thought, I do have a very affectionate, loving dog. Her name is Brook and she is now two years old.  Friends & family 137.jpg (87.99K)
Number of downloads: 11

[Donna]

Bodacious Brook, on 06 February 2010 - 01:01 PM, said:

Hello, you are doing all the right things to socialize Bruce. I did that too and my girl is still a nervous Nelly. She is better and in some situations surprisingly good, but you see I spoiled her like a child. We even called her baby duck and of course I am Momma duck. Not good, people tell me that is why she is nervous because when their young they need to have some seperation from you. Just a thought, I do have a very affectionate, loving dog. Her name is Brook and she is now two years old. Friends & family 137.jpg

Brook looks lovely :) Good to hear that Brook is better than she was. I don't think we babied Bruce, we also socialised him from a pup, and put in lots of training etc. I do think that he is a naturally nervous boy, and this is something that I have never had to deal with before, all my dogs have been very confident and social. So this has been a huge learning curve for me, and I am still learning :P

Bruce is now 18 months and has made a massive improvement over the last six months. Although we are still and probably always will be a work in progress. Like your girl, in some situations Bruce is impecable and a joy but in some situations nerves still get the better of him. In every other way though, he is a darling and very gentle.

Hope your girl continues to improve, and please post more photos ;)

D