[video:youtube]http://youtu.be/WJ8ugSSTNmM[/video]

That was very interesting.

Yep! When Rafi is hurt or afraid he comes right to me for comfort and I am able to calm him down by touching him.

I'm not sure who started that concept but it's really prevalent. I've read it in several books and definitely heard it taught in a lot of classes. I hope that people will turn their thinking (and training) around on this one!

This is one of my biggest regrets when DeeDee was young, I listened to an old school trainer, the tough love stuff. It took a long time to repair the damage (not sure I ever totally repaired it) I did by ignoring her fears and not saying yes I realize you are scared, lean on me and we will get you through this and see if we can help you be less afraid the next time.

I think there is a huge different between acknowledging and coddling. I should have gone with my gut and less with the person with the old school knowledge.

Once I figured that out and looked at things differently I was able to help DeeDee and other owners with fearful dogs build some confidence to be able to handle their fears better. Building for success even if it just a small tiny step.

You and me both Val! I remember when Onyx was going thru her issues, it was you and Jean that gave me the best advice. I've never forgotten it! Genetics trump training, but at least we can manage the dogs easier with our knowledge.

I love this.

Love the video (saw it over the weekend) and absolutely LOVE Suzanne Clothier!

LOVE this video.

I really like Suzanne Clothier. Some of her examples were a little too chatty for me-but the take home message was great.

Of course, I got sad, because I remembered what I did when Wolf went to his closet during thunderstorms. Sometimes it was so bad, he shook. I just went into the closet and braced him, held him around the ribs. That stopped the shaking.

MJ

That's a really good video.

Agreed. Very good!