I will definitely check out these links. I did some research yesterday and found a SE Michigan Hound rescue org, so I saw a lot of good stuff on their site. When I think Buford and I are ready, I will contact them and I am sure that they can recommend a “scent sport trainer.” I think that we would both enjoy that.
I have another question for you. I will be at work for about 9 hours a day and will need to have Buford crated for that time. Do you think that is do-able for him?
Thanks again for the help. Just so you know, I will be in and out of FR all day. I just don’t want you to think I am blowing off any of your responses.
>I have another question for you. I will be at work for about 9 hours a day and will need to have Buford crated for that time. Do you think that is do-able for him?<
Many dogs live within that type schedule, but is there any way you can come home for lunch the 1st day or so? How often are you letting him out right now? I think I’d begin to taper off to 2 times or less, and see how he does.
Is there a kid in the neighborhood you might hire to let him out while you work? I think he’ll hold it, but it’s not a bad idea to ease into the new schedule.
Just a few things re: crate training, because that was an issue for our Zoe. At the time, I wished we had met “Sharon” a local animal behaviorist and dog trainer. We did not meet her until after we had the problem, and working out barrier anxiety after the fact is a lot harder. (It was portrayed as a separation anxiety issue on an animal planet show, but in truth it was barrier anxiety.)
Some dogs take to the crate right away. Zoe hated it. The first 3 months of her life are a mystery, but I suspect there was abuse in it, and abuse possibly in a small, confined area.
Anyway, we had met Sharon after the problem was already in full swing. She said, “Oh, what I do is take one of their most favorite treats (kong w/ PB, possibly frozen, or other “longer lasting” treat, etc.), toss it into the crate, and then shut the door (with the dog on the outside). The dog then has a strong desire to want to get into the crate. (Disclaimer, per earlier comments on thread— not saying this is Sharon’s original idea, just that she was the one who told us about it.)
Because of the advanced problems, we never did this one with Zoe. I can’t recall how long you keep the dog locked _out_ of the crate with the treat _locked in_, but a good while. It has something to do with the reinforcement coming in after delayed gratification. Anyway, if I had it to do over again, I would start out with this before even putting the dog in the crate at all.
And I wouldn’t just do it “one and done— I would do this periodically throughout.
Then, I would slowly build up to amount of time in the crate as well as time with you present and Buford in crate vs. time with you absent and Buford in crate. You have to gauge it on his reaction to it.
DO have the dog crated some of the time when you are around so they get used to the idea that it’s not just when you are gone that they have to be in it, as that can set up separation anxiety.
Some people put a blanket or sheet over the crate to make it more den like. Again, your mileage may vary.
P.s. if this was covered in another post, my apologies, as I haven’t yet made it through all of the replies....