After seven weeks of treatment, Jack ( My New Project Dog, update. | The Animal Nerd ) is continuing to do very nicely. He is interacting very well with the kennel staff and the two volunteers who have been working with him. His leash manners are very good, he is relaxed while being harnessed and he is continuing to relax and enjoy trips outside – responding to verbal prompts and interacting with his hander. His reactivity to strangers is much reduced, and he has progressed to the point that he is interested in potential adopters who visit the shelter – approaching the front of his run and getting their scent.
Jack’s anxiety is greatly reduced and he is enjoying contact and petting from his human friends.
Jack is now inviting pets and scratches from the people he knows, although he is still cautious around strangers. He is also easily startled by sudden movements and retreats when people bend over him for any reason. However, he is gaining confidence on a daily basis. I’ve recommended that we increase the number of volunteers that are allowed to interact with him and walk him, with the provision that all human interactions be completely positive (no verbal corrections and plenty of positive reinforcement).
He is now available for adoption and the shelter is carefully screening applicants so that he is placed in the right home. I don’t expect that I will be making any more posts about him, although I’ll be spending time with him until he’s adopted.