Bombay’s continuing education
IT ISN’T JUST PEOPLE who can be socially awkward. Some dogs can be, too. And if we’re being honest, Bombay is one of those dogs. This puppy preschool graduate was adopted from the Sanctuary, but he was returned after getting into disagreements with other dogs in the household. The goal was to get Bombay playing nicely again. And Dogtown has just the thing to help him — the advanced behavior program.
When it comes to finding homes, large dogs like Bombay are already at a disadvantage. Add a behavioral special need on top of that, and it gets even harder. But that doesn’t have to mean never finding a family. The advanced behavior program can help those dogs and get them adopted.
In a quiet corner of Dogtown, caregivers work with behavior and training consultants to set up individual training plans for each dog in the program (which
30 serves about 10 dogs at a time). The focus is on the behaviors that make it most difficult for them to get adopted: resource guarding, reactivity to other dogs, fear of strangers and jumpy or mouthy behavior. These behaviors are often linked to anxiety and lack of confidence, and can even lead to bites. But by figuring out each dog’s needs, then building relationships and appropriate skills, the loving pups hiding behind those behaviors can come out and shine.
Bombay started his training in the advanced behavior program with the help of spoonfuls of peanut butter. At the quietest time of day, caregivers took Bombay out to sit and watch for passing dogs from far away. As soon as he saw another dog, a spoonful of peanut butter was in his face and he got to enjoy a delicious treat. The idea was to get Bombay to associate the sight of another dog with something positive.
It wasn’t an immediate change, but over the course of a few weeks, Bombay made steady progress. He became so good at looking for his treat and not reacting that he started going out during busier hours.
The hope is that dogs will graduate from the program in 90 days, but training is done at the dog’s speed, without a fixed timeline. The most important thing is helping dogs learn alternatives to the behaviors that are causing difficulty and getting them home.
When Bombay was consistently turning his attention away from other dogs, it was time to try walking with another dog on the other side of the road. And when he was comfortable with that, the next step was playdates.
During his first playdate, Bombay was a little rude, trying to play like a puppy. He needed to be taught (with the help of peanut butter) when to give the other dog space, because he didn’t recognize that body language. Luckily, the other dog was incredibly patient. His second playmate was a perfect match for his high energy. And when things started to escalate, Bombay moved away on his own. The two dogs happily shared a water bucket and were able to have quiet moments together.
Eventually, Bombay’s training paid off, culminating in multiple successful play sessions with other pups. He was ready to graduate!
Bombay now lives next door to his favorite playmate. He still has his own space, but with their frequent playdates, it’s easy to see how far he’s come. He’s not exactly a social butterfly, but hey, don’t we all know socially awkward people who have further to go than Bombay did?
BEST FRIENDS MAGAZINE September/October 2020