Gabby is afraid of Trish....

[LabLuver22]

As some of you might know, I took Gabby to our vet about a month ago because she was yelping in pain whenever we touched her left hip. After doing some x-rays, they found that her hip, when manipulated in a certain way, would pop out the socket and then back in, and this was what was causing her pain. Gabby has been taking Cosequin and she's fine now.

The problem is that we noticed her yelping in pain whenever she played with Trish. (The vet said she's had this hip disorder all her life, but the increased exercise she got with Trish made it extreme.) So she's associated the pain with Trish, and she wants nothing to do with Trish. Well, I take that back....she wants nothing to do with Trish when Trish is active (and awake). When Trish is asleep, Gabby will still come over sometimes and lick her face, which is cute.

Is there any way that I can get Gabby to like Trish again, and maybe even get them to play together again? This morning, Trish was a little hyper (she had just woken up) and Gabby went and cowered in the bathroom, poking her head out every now and then to see if the coast was clear.

[Michelejc]

maybe they can just sit with each other without Trish becoming too excited. Kind of like re-introducing them to each other.

[Carrie]

I like that idea of Michelejc's. That could be a great start. If playing together causes this severe pain, I don't think I'd ever want them getting wild or playing roughly together. It's pitiful that she has associated the pain with the dog. So, if you have them both lie down on the floor or sit near you and keep everything very, very low key and relaxed, maybe get out some treats and just kneel down and pat them or brush them....generally make a calm and pleasant time with good things (treats) be the new thing to associate with being near eachother.

If Gabby is cowering somewhere, don't force her to come and be near the other dog but if you can entice her to come over for a treat and keep the Trish quiet, that might help. Trish should not be allowed to jump all over or be wild around poor Gabby. It's not easy, but it can be taught. Lyric has that problem too with bothering my old Lab. It will be a slow process and lots of supervision, now that Gabby has become so afraid. That's a shame...poor girl.

[LabLuver22]

Thanks for the advice.

Yeah, I guess Gabby and Trish really shouldn't be playing with each other. That's okay, I'll find other ways for them to get exercise. The vet says we shouldn't limit Gabby's exercise level, and she can still run like the wind. In fact, this Cosequin stuff is really working. She hasn't yelped once since she's been on it.

I've been trying to get Gabby to walk near Trish when Trish is calm and relaxed. I won't force Gabby to do anything, though. Sometimes, when I'm with Gabby, I'll have somebody walk Trish by, and I'll feed Gabby lots of treats, then stop as soon as Trish leaves.

Well, Trish is eight months old now...it'll probably be awhile before she's full grown. Actually, she won't be with us when she's full grown. Hopefully, she'll either be helping change a blind person's life or being trained to do so.

[flyndog]

[quote=LabLuver22] Sometimes, when I'm with Gabby, I'll have somebody walk Trish by, and I'll feed Gabby lots of treats, then stop as soon as Trish leaves. [quote]

LabLuver, I was about to post a similar suggestion. If you are alone, you can lead Trish to Gabby, but only as close as Gabby is comfortable. You don't need to give Gabby a treat in that case, just marking the good behavior ("good dog, Gabby", "Yes!", click, whatever) and then removing Trish will probably be reward enough for Gabby.
Kit

[Carrie]

Oh that's a great idea Labluver. Gabby will be OK. It sounds wonderful that she can still run and all that. I guess it's just certain movements when they play or when she gets jumped on? Well, I bet she'll come around in time. Let us know.

[Carrie]

removing Trish will probably be reward enough for Gabby.

But, Kit....question for you...If removing Trish is reward for Gabby, wouldn't it be better to find another reward that's even better because even though it is reward to her...no doubt....if that continues to be what she looks forward to for cooperating, then she'll maybe never like to keep Trish around her as she may get conditioned to seeing her removal as a super great thing. LOL. I mean...naturally, right now, it is a super great thing. But maybe Labluver can change her mind into thinking a crab and lobster stuffed fillet mignon with wild rice is actually better reward than being apart from her fellow pack member. (?) Just a thought....thought I'd bounce it off you and see what you think.