Hi MG,

Your boy is really getting to trust you and being more scared of a storm than your hubby has to be a +ve thing!

Thanks, I did read Losos' thread. Agreed that fear of men may often be down to cruely but can also be caused by not being familiarised to men during he imprint period during puppyhood (up to weeks 16-18, depending on breed) Dogs can freak out at people of both sexes wearing something unfamiliar eg helmet, flapping jacket, carrying an umbrella etc. I understand that fear of men is a common problem though.

On the same subject of fear,in some cases, thunderstorms can be taken within a dog's socialisation period as "no problem". If the puppy does not experience one, before the window closes, can lead to fear. Genetics also play a part as well.

Here's a lovely video by Kikopup, explaining that fear cannot be reinforced. Comforting Kye during the storm, was the best course of action.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOhpr3NO3TY

I am such a Kikopup fan. If you have the time, look through her video list;

http://dogmantics.com/free-video-list/

With a nervous dog, you could whisper "Yes" as a marker, instead of clicking, before you give a treat.

Re your hubby dropping salami. Buy a whole salami and cube it into 1/16" cubes. The smaller the treats, the better. Dogs find lots of small treats more salient than one big one. I chop up treats in advance. As these days, even food such as salami has a "Use within X days". We eat it until it needs to be chopped and frozen. I use bank bags. Nice little portions to freeze. Knock on hard surface to loosen and the dog doesn't care if they're cold
Teeny pieces of cheese, hot dogs, chicken, liver and any left-overs will do. All can be frozen. A variety bag is good too.

Another thing you can do is to chop up something moist like hotdog, a bit larger than above as it will shrink. Add some kibble and leave in fridge for 12 hours. Kibble will swell and hot dog will shrink. Overall content will be less fatty/salty and all should be soft.

If hubby regularly drops treats on the floor for Kye, and then walks away, he'll soon come around to think he's the best guy in the world. (He is, coz you've told us )

My hubby is very good but won't take what he calls wet treats out on a walk. Dry treats work for him or I should say, the dogs work for dry treats with him!

I love the way you answer every post. Very thoughtful and kind. Thank you MG.

Hi MG

What about peanut butter,most dogs can't resist,though your OH might be popular with all the dogs there about.Cats go really mental on cat-nip not sure what drives dogs insane,maybe garlic.I am glad that things are going so well,we had a lovely moment in time with faye,she put her head on my OH knee and gave a loud sigh.Anyway keep us posted Gemini54

Hi Nicky , I will tell my Husband to keep the treats going. Good suggestions on treats and about freezing them. Watched the video on Kikopup, loved it. I have watched a dog behaviorist on TV called Ceasar Milan. He said that if a dog is fearful don't cuddle him or her ,because that reinforces their behavior. I thought of his comment and thought to myself the heck with what Ceasar has to say I am going to do what I think is best for Kye right now. The Kikopup video made me feel alot better, that I did the right thing.I calmly told him it is alright and hugged him and pet him in a calm manner. He finally calmed down after the storm passed. I don't know how he made it living on his own. That is why he is on edge all the time. He probably feels like he has post traumanic stress disorder. The Vet gave me some xanax for him to give to him one hour before a storm or the fireworks. We will have fireworks going on the 4th of July and afterwards. If he gets too shook up ,I have a back up , thank goodness. Also thank you for explaining about the window of age of a dog who gets expose to thunderstorms I really think he was exposed to men , but not in a good sense. I think a hunter took him out in the woods surrounding our home and he freaked out with the gun shots going off , and Kye took off. I remember one day coming home breifly after taking care of my sick Sister and I heard loud guns going off. So I looked at the hunter in the woods and told to not shoot too close to our house. Then I heard later on him calling loudly over and over for his dog . I'm not sure if that was Kye who took off on him, but I have my suspicion. The name was different, not going to give it out here. He is loved and safe with us. Talk to you later.

Caesar Milan you did well not to take his advice I'd say xx

Swearing and bad language are not allowed on this forum Please do not use that CM word again

Seriously, he is not popular here and for good reason, like so many in the media he is after a 'quick fix' and some of his methods are just plain cruel.

I am still popping in here to see how life is with Kye and to say yet again what a great job you are doing.

Hi Gemini54 Thanks for the suggestions , I value every ones help on this sight. So glad that Faye is happy and content with her Mom. The sigh states all is well.

Hi Losos I will behave myself and watch my language about using C.M. name. This makes me feel so much better, I thought I was the only one that did not agree with his methods. He had a large St. Bernard dog on his show one time and it was fearful of going up the steps to the top floor of the house. So he kept pulling it by the collar with the leash so forcefully , that I really think that dog must have some neck injuries after that episode. He makes statements that a dog has to be balanced and stable. Well when his wife divorced him he tried to commit suicide. Perfect example that we cannot expect perfection from our pets anymore than we can from each other. We are human and non human beings trying to do our best, and we are not balanced, and stable at all times.

Hello Eileen Duffy, you are the second person who disagree with Ceasars Milan methods. This pleases me , because nothing works better than going with your own instincts, as long as it is done with kindness and love for the animal.

Hi MG,

Would love to hear any updates on Kai. How's he doing with hubby now? Is he bringing his slippers yet?

Hi MG
I have been wondering,how things are please let us know

Gemini54