Elvis’ aversion to being touched seems unpredictable and it’s getting worse.
It’s being touched only by the young man who has always been loving and kind to him. Elvis seems perfectly happy with other people touching him, including the vet. The man is upset.
Bite
It came to a climax six weeks ago, ending up with Elvis biting the man’s hand. Very understandably the man was angry but Elvis didn’t back down. He jumped on sofa and bared his teeth
Since then the young man is apprehensive of such tasks such as drying the Working Cocker’s paws .
The harder the man tries, the worse their relationship seems to become. He feels sad.
Now if he moves towards him, Elvis may anticipate being touched. The dog may growl and move away.
The man gingerly tries to touch him at any opportunity when Elvis comes close to him. He’s worried he may never otherwise be able to touch him at all.
“If I back away when he growls doesn’t that make him win and the boss”? Elvis might back down but it doesn’t get to the reason (fear/discomfort…..? ). Confrontation encourages defiance.
No hand touching at all
The man thinks he’s tried everything, but he’s not tried not touching him at all.
So this is where we will start. No hand touching at all – even when Elvis jumps on his lap for a cuddle. The idea is that Elvis will, in a few days, no longer expect to be touched. They can then both relax.
We will build a plan from there.
A week later:
A week has gone by. The young man hasn’t touched Elvis with his hands at all. This was difficult, but already their relationship has improved dramatically. Elvis snuggles in to him on the bed. Both are relaxed. The man is much happier.
Now we need to build from here.
Slowly.
The plan – step 1.
Step 1 is complete now. This was no hand touching at all. We have a kind of clean sheet. Your touch will be more valuable because it’s not imposed upon him.
Vet check to consider pain being a factor.
Step 2. Introducing the hand
Associate your hand with food. Feed and present the hand you’ve fed him with, open, without actually touching him.
Now move your open hand around Elvis, without touching him.
Next, introduce the word “hand” as you do so, labelling your actions with the word.
Do this with no touching for as long as it takes for Elvis to look completely chilled. It could be several days.
Step 3. Placing your hand on the dog
Now, when you’ve introduced the hand and used it to offer food, gently place the hand on Elvis – possibly on his side by his neck. Keep still. As you do so, label with the word “hand”. Remove your hand.
Watch his body language.
Build up to moving your hand slightly and briefly whilst saying “hand”.
Step 4. Announcing “hand” first
Only when he’s ready, begin to say “hand” first, before touching him. Announce what you’re going to do. When he looks at you, feed and gently touch him.
Gradually build up the length of time, introducing the hand to different parts of his body. Always watch his body language for signs of unease – looking away, yawning, licking his lips or going still. You will learn where he is most comfortable being touched.
Work on the Bucket Game. This will give Elvis control at those times you need to touch him like to clean his feet or apply medication.
One last thing. A long shot. Change hand soap!
As it’s such a puzzle that Elvis doesn’t react this way to other people’s hands. Could it be to do with a scent? Try changing your soap.
