Boone-My Anatolian Unicorn

[SageHill]

wasn’t sure if it would even faze him as he was so worked up, he wasn’t thinking

That is exactly it. Once they get to that point they aren't thinking, it's pure reaction

I also wasn’t sure that with the state of mind he was in, he wouldn’t get aggressive and turn on me

A very valid point, it could go either way - though he is conditioned to respond to the collar that is the saving grace in this particular case - it is a conditioned response had he not been previously conditioned to the collar aggression could be a more likely response.

but after warning then hitting the hot button 2 times, he quit, and laid down with his head on my lap

I know you don't like using the collar (and know you are not opposed to it) seeing as it worked this time I would personally opt for that over drugs. With drugs his brain will be in somewhat of a la-la land, the collar gives a possibility of actually overcoming the travel monster.

 

[peteyfoozer]

Thankfully I was able to cancel Boone’s appointment tomorrow. I’m just not up to going thru that again. We are going in to MY appointment and will pick up some situational meds for him to get there safely, then make another appointment for him

 

[frustratedearthmother]

Just curious - but is the dirt road noisier than the paved roads? I've been on rocky roads where the rocks hit the undercarriage on the truck and it would freak my dog out. If that was an issue, I'm not sure if/how you could do anything about it though...

He's such a good boi and I enjoy hearing your adventures with him.

 

[peteyfoozer]

Just curious - but is the dirt road noisier than the paved roads? I've been on rocky roads where the rocks hit the undercarriage on the truck and it would freak my dog out. If that was an issue, I'm not sure if/how you could do anything about it though...

He's such a good boi and I enjoy hearing your adventures with him.

Its both noisy and rough. Either or both could be triggering him. None of my dogs have liked it but the English Shepherd’s have been able to tolerate it. Boone is scared out of his mind which just destroys me. He’s a big, courageous dog that is reduced to absolute primal fear by this road

 

[peteyfoozer]

The other day when I went out back to see how Mister was doing, I realized Boone is substantially taller than I am! I don’t know why it surprised me, but it did, when he stood next to me with our front “feet” on the fence and I was looking up at him.

 

[peteyfoozer]

It will be interesting to see how Boone does with Fen and I gone for a week. He can be clingy at times but mostly at night and early morning He has his routine, he presses his head to mine and I am expected to hand out 3 cookies. Exactly 3. I tried to just give him 2 this morning and that didn’t fly well. He finally got #3 and climbed up on the couch for a quick nap.
He’s pretty much always in reach so being gone might be hard in him. I will make his vet appt as soon as I get back then see what we can do about his road fear

 

[peteyfoozer]

I posted about taking Boone a short way down the road, hoping short trips with frequent stops and “resetting” might help Boone with the dirt road.
A professional trainer, highly thought of in the ES world posted this:

“I have to ask, why do you keep putting him through this when you know he has this phobia. Some behaviors can be changed in some dogs, but we can't make them be someone they are not. And they may not turn out being the dog suitable for the job we had hope for, and that's ok. It sounds like to me he is not suited to be a service dog, at least in public. He can probably be a big help at home.”

I don’t know if she’s right. I know i have talked about giving up public access with Boone before, but realize how emotionally dependent I am on him now, how stressed out I feel when using Fen and leaving Boone home.
The only other time she communicated with me was when I posted I was glad Fen is so dependable, she wanted to know why I needed a Service Dog and what exactly does he do?

I know I am emotionally fragile so I’m feeling judgement
Am I imagining it? Am I being unfair to Boone?

 

[canesisters]

Boone IS a big help to you while out & about.
He has a record of mostly very good behavior & of being attentive & dependable when in the job.
He seems to enjoy the the social times in town.
He has proven to be VERY trainable & is eager to be useful to you.
He has developed a fear that makes him difficult for a brief part of those off the ranch outings. And I have no doubt that you have the patience, dedication & skills to help him overcome.

There is a proverb that goes something like : I refuse to accept shade from trees that don't produce fruit in my life.
And : Don't take criticism from people you wouldn't take advice from.

If this person hasn't been following your journey & tracking all the ups & downs... how can they possibly offer relevant advice... regardless of their stature as a trainer?

People will be needlessly harsh on the internet. I posted on a chicken page the other day & someone (who I don't recall having ever interacted with, or even heard of) responded to my comment with 'you are the last person I would ever take advice from' among other needlessly aggressive things.

You have amazing instincts about this relationship between you & Boone & I believe that you will find a solution that is just right for both of you.

 

[Baymule]

I couldn’t have said it better myself.

Continue to work with Boone. And “why do you need a service dog?” BECAUSE YOU DO! Falling down is not a fun thing. Having Boone to lean on gives you more confidence. If you are emotionally dependent on him, so what. You have a LOT to deal with and he helps you get through the day. What about people with PTSD? Emotional problems? Would this snarky “trainer” make fun of them?

 

[fuzzi]

Boone IS a big help to you while out & about.
He has a record of mostly very good behavior & of being attentive & dependable when in the job.
He seems to enjoy the the social times in town.
He has proven to be VERY trainable & is eager to be useful to you.
He has developed a fear that makes him difficult for a brief part of those off the ranch outings. And I have no doubt that you have the patience, dedication & skills to help him overcome.

There is a proverb that goes something like : I refuse to accept shade from trees that don't produce fruit in my life.
And : Don't take criticism from people you wouldn't take advice from.

If this person hasn't been following your journey & tracking all the ups & downs... how can they possibly offer relevant advice... regardless of their stature as a trainer?

People will be needlessly harsh on the internet. I posted on a chicken page the other day & someone (who I don't recall having ever interacted with, or even heard of) responded to my comment with 'you are the last person I would ever take advice from' among other needlessly aggressive things.

You have amazing instincts about this relationship between you & Boone & I believe that you will find a solution that is just right for both of you.

Well said!

There are experts, and there are internet experts. Sometimes they are one and the same, but most of the time they are worlds apart.

I know I am emotionally fragile so I’m feeling judgement
Am I imagining it? Am I being unfair to Boone?

Don't give up on Boone, and yourself.

Love you!