embarrassing problem- humping.
so, mr biffers is getting the hang of being a therapy dog (third visit was yesterday), but he is still a bit stressed. he seems worried that he is ignoring me while visiting w people, and getting petted and told how cute he is. working on teaching a couple of behaviors to make this more clear to him. also making a point of praising him for doing the right thing.
he expresses his stress by occasional doing the hump. i have been just gently telling him to stop and making him lay down.
it has gone from three episodes the first day down to one yesterday. he did it again when we got in the car and i just ignored it.
i have tried to figure what is triggering him, and avoiding that. if i bend down or squat to talk to him, this sets him off. this is a problem when introducing him to kids who are hesitant about him.
i am sure this will fade out as he gets used to the job. he only very rarely does it at home, and that is usually when big brother dr doom is here.
so far no one on the staff has seen him do it or commented, but it is only a matter of time. one family that witnessed it did get a good laugh out of it, but people who arent that used to dogs are not likely to be quite as amused.
meantime, any tips about dealing w this embarrassing behavior?
eta- there are no treats allowed on the job, which is unfortunate, since a treat from a visitor would def make a big difference. but....