Certifiably Crazy

Lately, Mokey and I have been waiting. Yes we've been training and performing our normal routines but we - I - have been waiting. On a vet visit. Perhaps the only vet visit I have ever looked forward to. But, our normal veterinarian referred us to a veterinary behaviorist a month or so ago and that's where Mokey and I found ourselves on Wednesday. We had to drive an hour to get there and I won't even mention the bill, but in the end I'm glad we made the appointment. However, if this doesn't warrant a few jokes about her being certifiably insane I don't know what does.

I'll admit to having a few fears about the appointment as well. There are so many changing theories on behavior and training that it's hard to know which kind people are going to push and some of the 'old school' training methods would only serve to frighten Mokey further. Luckily, all of my fears about seeing a behaviorist were wonderfully put to rest. Nobody pushed Mokey to do anything she wasn't comfortable with, they didn't recommend anything I felt would damage her, we made it in and out of the building without her erupting and we have hope.

From a personal standpoint it was nice to hear an accredited professional say we've been doing the right behavior modification programs with her. We just apparently need medicine to help that training work. So, Mokey is now on drugs. One of the drugs she'll be taking every day, the other is as needed - for more stressful activities like vet visits and walks. I'm relieved because once Mo is on the right dosage neither of the drugs will make her 'drugged' - she'll still be able to function, will still be herself, but with better stress control.

Today I gave her both of her morning medicines and we actually made it through a walk. She took her treats and responded to her cues and could actually look at a stranger without losing it. I think for her next walk I'll dial back the second drug a little, just because she seems a bit lethargic and it's a medicine that I'm allowed to increase or decrease based on the stress involved. But what a relief! We can go for walks again!

Mokey's behaviorist also said that she wouldn't get better without medicine, that for whatever reason she naturally/physically cannot cope on her own. So, this will be something we'll always have to deal with but he also said Mokey can make a lot of progress towards becoming more comfortable around her triggers - partly because he was seeing her when she was still young ;)

So, I'm relieved. With medicine and a behavioral training program we have hope. In the future I may be able to sign her up for a normal obedience class and while my dreams of doing therapy or agility are probably out the window, we may be able to pursue less public events like carting or sniff work. But right now our goals are small: Go to the vet on Saturday for blood work. Become comfortable with a head halter. Learn to go to a mat when people come to the door. Take a short daily walk. Invite strangers over to become treat dispensers.

I've decided working with a reactive dog is all about patience and pep talks. Being patient with yourself and your furry companion but also about giving yourself and your pet a much needed pep talk because progress is generally slow and measured in inches.

Mokey after our behaviorist visit - passed out!

So, on a slightly related note. Last week my cousin came and stayed with us for a week. It only took Mokey 3 days of treating and staring for her to finally let him pet her chest a little. But! He was able to pet her! Insert pep talk here! And by the end of his visit she could walk around off leash with him in the same room and was actually seeking a little attention from him - granted it was somewhat hesitant and easily disrupted attention seeking, but it was progress! She was even comfortable enough to sit for a commemorative picture. I'm quite happy and very grateful to my cousin for his patience and nerves of steel ;) I also love the picture to the left because when I grabbed him he had an ice cream sandwich and Mokey is unabashedly lusting - something she would not have done earlier in his visit.