Phase 2 - desensitization

In 2025 Loshenka Makeover ・ By Lumina
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Phase 2 - desensitization
Day 1
Smaug has spent a few days in his isolation box and has calmed down from transport enough for me to begin desensitization training with him. When I looked around the arena today, old Bear was already lying there, sleeping in the sun and made for the perfect volunteer. I went to get Smaug and after a short but sweet pampering session, off we went to face his fears. It went as expected: he got anxious as soon as he saw the dog, then spooking and jumping backwards when Bear let out a sigh. Did not seem to disturb the old boy tho, since he just kept lounging there. The Loshy let out some of his signature dragon snorts, which earned him his nickname. I stayed with Smaug at a distance he deemed safe and gave him some treats for any sign of relaxation he showed in the face of this terrifying beast in front of him. Baby steps, I suppose.
 
Day 2
For today's training, I got Bear to lie down in the arena again, which he happily did with a little "oof". Smaug once again reacted with apprehension so i just repeated yesterday's training at a sliiiightly closer distance. He was still displaying signs of stress - shifting his weight from one foot to the other and flaring his nostrils - despite the distance, but he still took treats just fine, which is a good sign.  This might take a while, tho.
 
Day 9
Over the last few days I've tested a variety of treats and today I found Smaug's absolute favourite one! It's strawberries! He can't resist them, so with their help, I got him to gaze at some chickens and even a napping cat today (at a safe distance of course, but he was more anxious to get strawberries than scared, which seems very good to me) I also repeated the familiar training session with Bear as a volunteer, which I've done regularly in the past few days. Progress might be faster with my new irresistible arguments. Here's hoping!
 
Day 13
Today we finally did it. Smaug almost got into sniffing range with Bear. Unfortunately, the old boy then lifted his head questioningly, which sent Smaug jumping backwards again. It's just a minor setback tho, since the distance he has deemed safe to observe from has dwindled dramatically. He also seems a lot more relaxed now, not even deeming his dragon snorts necessary. He seems to respond quite well to his handler's emotional state,  calming down quickly if I stay calm.
 
Day 14
Today, Smaug was feeling extra brave and not only got into sniffing range with Bear again but also didn't freak out when the dog lifted his head. Although he still seemed a bit tense and ready to run, he stayed for a second and took the time to sniff the beast, then lifted his head and turned to me, expecting a treat. I did reward him richly for his courage, of course. Even though Bear is definitely one of the easier beasts to conquer, since he doesn't move very much, I'm still very proud of my brave Loshy boy. He's done quite well for today. Since he's finally passed his quarantine, I'll introduce him to the other horses tomorrow and see how that goes. I know they're certainly excited to meet the newcomer. Maybe being with the other boys will boost his confidence a bit.
 
Day 15
Today, Smaug had his first contact with Boots and King, my other Loshies. I kept them on adjacent pastures, separated by a fence, so they couldn't start fighting. (Not that I was too worried, I know my boys. Just didn't want to risk it.) The boys were quite interested in the newcomer, but being confronted by two unknown faces has Smaug pretty frazzled.  Today he didn't even want to enter the arena, knowing Bear was inside. I just left it at a prolonged pampering session. Let's just try again once he hits his stride here. No point arguing with 500 kg.
 
Day 18
Today I found all my Loshies peacefully  grazing next to each other by the shared fence line. Smaug seems quite grateful for the company, as he's been quite lonely ever since coming here from the rescue, and King and Boots are quite well socialized and play nicely with new faces, despite being stallions. I couldn't be more proud of them. I'll put them into one shared pasture today. It seems to be going very smoothly, as I'd hoped it would. Tomorrow, I'll resume with the desensitization training.
 
Day 19
His new friends do seem to boost Smaug's confidence quite a bit. Today I could convince him to enter the arena again, and he was visibly more relaxed around Bear than when he was in isolation. He walked next to me as we closed in on the dog and lowered his head to take a peek at him again, earning himself some strawberries. Whatever will I do once summer is over and there aren't any fresh strawberries left. Help!
 
 
Day 24
Today i asked Bear to stand up while Smaug was observing. The old boy's joints won't let him move too fast, but it did startle the horse for a second. After a momentary freeze, Smaug relaxed a bit again, he even chewed a little. He just needed a moment to process the new shape of the beast, I suppose. I rewarded him a bunch. Despite his fear, I can tell that Smaug has such a very chill nature at his core. I think he'll make an excellent trail companion once we're done here.
 
 
Day 36
I can now have Bear sloooowly (there's no other gear to him anyway) walk laps around Smaug without him trying to escape the situation. It seems he deemed me turstworthy enough. I think he might be ready for me to introduce all the other animals to him soon-ish, one by one. Let's take our time and not rush the new boy.
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Phase 2 - desensitization
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In 2025 Loshenka Makeover ・ By Lumina

Event: 2025 Loshenka Makeover
​​Phase Number: 2
Horse ID#: 11057

  • Issues: Fear of the Four-Legged
  • Description: This loshenka seems to have a severe phobia of all 4 legged animals- dogs, sheep, cows, even some other horses. This horse has been through many different owners, so nobody is quite sure where this deep-rooted fear originated.

Submitted By Lumina
Submitted: 2 months ago ・ Last Updated: 2 months ago

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