Hello PTers! I wanted to stop in and show off a new non-snakey friend I've been getting acquainted with. Molly is actually my parents' foster dog, but I've been bringing her ot my house for a few hours every night, exercising and trying to start her on some basic training.
My folks actually fostered Molly a few years ago, and she was adopted by a family friend. Unfortunately, the friend was in poorer health than we realized, and she was not able to provide Molly with any sort of regular care. She's a hoarder, and I don't think Molly was even let out on some days, she was just doing her business in the house. Eventually she realized that Molly needed a more active home, and she's back with my parents looking for a forever family.
Unfortunately, due to being almost completely isolated for the last few years, she is a _wreck_. She bit my dad VERY badly her first night back, and she's terrified of every noise and movement. She is coming around slowly with calm voices and steady hands, plus lots of treats. My dad was bitten when he cornered her and tried to pick her up, so we're taking things VERY VERY slowly with handling. Today I was able to pick her up without her panicking, which is an improvement even since yesterday. Luckily she loves the kitties and is fine with the other dogs, and she seems to want to do everything Jasper does.
Today I decided that it was time to tackle her overgrown nails and overall filthiness, so we walked for two hours before I muzzled her and got her into the bathtub. The last time someone tried to trim her nails she screamed and peed all over, but today she was much better. A little wiggly, a little whiney, but she didn't offer to bite, and she didn't pee. I'm not finished with her nails, but I got all of the ones that were curling under, and I'm sure she's much more comfortable.
If anyone has tips on working with very fearful dogs, I'd be very appreciative. Right now I'm just taking things slow with her. She's not getting coddled, but we're all making an effort to go slow and talk softly around her, and she's getting a treat from every man I can convince to offer her one. I'm darn well going to convince her that men aren't terrifying monsters.I emailed my local toy breed rescue to ask for recommendations for a trainer or behaviorist in my area and recieved a very unhelpful reply, so I'm at a bit of a loss as to what my next step is. I DO think that with a little bit of work she's goign to turn out to be a stellar dog. She's improved noticeably in four days, she just needs a little confidence.
Anyhow, here's the darling girl...
Napping with her new friend
Pretty new pink collar...
I've never met a dog with better leash manners than her. She walks *perfectly*, never an ounce of pressure on the leash.
Sherpa makes her a little nervous since he's so much bigger than her, but they're getting to know each other.
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