Tasha has a behaviour problem

[Freedom]

Thanks, I understand.

This rescue has a forum (only 24 foster homes, so it is a small group) so I posted on there as well.

Crate - while some mill dogs welcome a crate as a save haven, being it is what they know, most are happy in wide open spaces and never want a small space again. Tasha is like that, freaks out in a crate, so that won't work.

Water - not only is it "punishment," as you pointed out, but many millers use high pressure hoses to clean out cages -- with the dogs still in them! So water is generally a frightening thing for mill dogs.

We are going to keep her OFF the bed, and Dad will sleep with his door closed for tonight and until she can adapt. Meantime, I have lots of exercises to practice with her, to help her learn manners, which she never learnt from litter mates, mom, or a pack, due to her situation. Thing is, they warned me, she is like a puppy but has a mouth full of adult teeth! So the exercises are easy going things, lots of praise and treat rewards. We work UP to things like "SIT." (I never thought about how much a pup already knows when you start teaching sit, until I was reading on line!)

Interesting stuff!

[K9soul]

I didn't really think about the crate issue with her being a mill pup. I'm sure there are some special issues there with those dogs as you have pointed out. Maybe just make some area hers with a blanket that is always her spot and it's her choice to leave or stay there, etc. Sounds like you are getting some good ideas from the other board too. I hope she starts realizing she's in a good place and has no need to defend herself or her spot. She was probably never really allowed to develop any social skills with other dogs or people. I, too, am very fascinated by dog behavior and psychology

[Shelteez2]

Instead of a crate maybe you could use an x-pen. It is a lot more open feeling, yet may still create the feeling of a place that is hers. One other thing is to maybe have her drag a leash so that you can easily get control of her without having to get too close. Of course I believe in implementing NILIF from day one as well. Good luck!

[Freedom]

Instead of a crate maybe you could use an x-pen. It is a lot more open feeling, yet may still create the feeling of a place that is hers. One other thing is to maybe have her drag a leash so that you can easily get control of her without having to get too close. Of course I believe in implementing NILIF from day one as well. Good luck!

Thanks, I have an x pen sitting the cellar, duh!!!

I did have the leash on her for several days, only way we could catch her. Now, she will come to Dad, and allow him to pick her up. And then I can put on the harness for walks.

Funny how you know stuff, but can't pull it all together when you are in the midst of a situation!

[Giselle]

Instead of a crate maybe you could use an x-pen. It is a lot more open feeling, yet may still create the feeling of a place that is hers. One other thing is to maybe have her drag a leash so that you can easily get control of her without having to get too close. Of course I believe in implementing NILIF from day one as well. Good luck!

I was going to suggest this, as well. My mindframe runs along the same lines as Vela, K9soul, and Shelteez.

Show her boundaries, set rules and a schedule, follow through on your rules, and always set her up for success. I'm of the school that: if the dog "misbehaves", it's generally a failure on the part of the human It's a bit self-deprecating, but it helps put things into perspective. I'm a lot more clear-headed when I try to analyze what I did wrong versus what the dog did wrong.

[Freedom]

I'm a lot more clear-headed when I try to analyze what I did wrong versus what the dog did wrong.

I come to PT when I know I wasn't on target, to learn what to do better.

[Giselle]

The greatest sign of courage is the ability to say "I don't know" or "I made a mistake" Believe me, I've been there done that too many times to tell! Mistakes are GOOD!

[Vela]

You are right a small crate would probably make her feel trapped again, since she was from the mill. Hopefully the exercise pen will be just as effective without being "trapping". You definintely are on the right track, I hope all works out well.