Most of you know how anxiety-ridden Spirit was when he came to me a year and a half ago. Well, he's becoming a different dog.
Two of the things that he fears are enclosed spaces, and shiny or slippery floors. These are perception problems. For example, I have to open both of my van's side doors before he will go in. It must look like a trap when one side is shut. And he won't use the ramp to my front door unless it turns white with snow. Normally, it's black, shiny rubber matting.
Up until last week, he wouldn't go in my kitchen. Probably because it is a galley style kitchen that seems enclosed, but actually has two openings into it. One of the openings is at an L-angle which makes the kitchen appear to be a small, enclosed space when looking in, as opposed to a long, narrow space when looking in from the other end. You can't see both doorways at once. It also has tile floors which are heavily textured, and matte in appearance.
I have the same tile in the long hallway to the bedrooms and in the front foyer, which he used to dislike, but now finds less intimidating. It's strange that he has a distinction between the two tiled areas. And equally strange that he overcame his reluctance to walk down the bedroom hall much earlier, because it is dark and appears to end abruptly, while the kitchen is filled with light. I guess that his apprehension about the bedroom hall was less strong than his desire to be near me at night. At least I like to think I'm that important. hahaha
Anyway, I was totally surprised, tickled, and pleased when he sauntered into the kitchen (as though this was perfectly normal behavior) for his breakfast last week. He came in from the angled opening, which he never, ever would attempt before. He has come in from the other door way, a mere step or two , but never far. And day before yesterday, he walked the whole length of the kitchen. Although he was a bit freaked and suspicious, this was a very big deal for him!!! It was interesting to watch him make the decision to go through. Guess what old man? Going in the kitchen doesn't cause an apocalypse of some kind. LOL.
I've had to just let him figure these things out on his own, because he tends to get very upset if you try to force him to do "scary" stuff. And once he balks, there's no moving him. But once he decides to brave it on his own, he just does. Makes me proud, too, when he tries on his own terms. I don't want to coerce him every time something worries him. I'd rather he just trust that nothing bad will happen.
I'm really happy he is getting past some of his irrational fears. My major goal with him has been to let him just live a happy and worry free life. I just wish that life could be a lot longer so he'll have more years of enjoyment. But hey! It looks like we may actually reach our goal. We still have a few hurdles, like getting on the vet's scales and going up the front door ramp when there's no snow, but he'll get past those in time, I hope.
So...To my boy Spirit, you're really living up to your name! Mama is so proud!
Two of the things that he fears are enclosed spaces, and shiny or slippery floors. These are perception problems. For example, I have to open both of my van's side doors before he will go in. It must look like a trap when one side is shut. And he won't use the ramp to my front door unless it turns white with snow. Normally, it's black, shiny rubber matting.
Up until last week, he wouldn't go in my kitchen. Probably because it is a galley style kitchen that seems enclosed, but actually has two openings into it. One of the openings is at an L-angle which makes the kitchen appear to be a small, enclosed space when looking in, as opposed to a long, narrow space when looking in from the other end. You can't see both doorways at once. It also has tile floors which are heavily textured, and matte in appearance.
I have the same tile in the long hallway to the bedrooms and in the front foyer, which he used to dislike, but now finds less intimidating. It's strange that he has a distinction between the two tiled areas. And equally strange that he overcame his reluctance to walk down the bedroom hall much earlier, because it is dark and appears to end abruptly, while the kitchen is filled with light. I guess that his apprehension about the bedroom hall was less strong than his desire to be near me at night. At least I like to think I'm that important. hahaha
Anyway, I was totally surprised, tickled, and pleased when he sauntered into the kitchen (as though this was perfectly normal behavior) for his breakfast last week. He came in from the angled opening, which he never, ever would attempt before. He has come in from the other door way, a mere step or two , but never far. And day before yesterday, he walked the whole length of the kitchen. Although he was a bit freaked and suspicious, this was a very big deal for him!!! It was interesting to watch him make the decision to go through. Guess what old man? Going in the kitchen doesn't cause an apocalypse of some kind. LOL.
I've had to just let him figure these things out on his own, because he tends to get very upset if you try to force him to do "scary" stuff. And once he balks, there's no moving him. But once he decides to brave it on his own, he just does. Makes me proud, too, when he tries on his own terms. I don't want to coerce him every time something worries him. I'd rather he just trust that nothing bad will happen.
I'm really happy he is getting past some of his irrational fears. My major goal with him has been to let him just live a happy and worry free life. I just wish that life could be a lot longer so he'll have more years of enjoyment. But hey! It looks like we may actually reach our goal. We still have a few hurdles, like getting on the vet's scales and going up the front door ramp when there's no snow, but he'll get past those in time, I hope.
So...To my boy Spirit, you're really living up to your name! Mama is so proud!
