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#1
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Rescue dog - still not entirely trusting
(Apologies in advance for the length of my rambles)
My partner and I adopted Elsee about 5 weeks ago. She is a 3 year old, female, English bulldog x beagle. She was rescued from a puppy mill in the States and lived in a great foster home from about Dec 2012-Feb 2013. She has a very calm and loveable demeanor. She has come SUCH a long way since we've had her but I am still facing 2 main issues (both stemming from not being able to trust anyone in the past, I believe): 1. She became attached to me quite quickly but she is still uncertain of J. I am the primary care-giver (this was a conscious decision) and she is becoming more and more playful and affectionate with me every day(well....she has always given non-stop kisses!), especially when we are on the couch cuddling/play wrestling or when we are outside (chasing each other, play bows, etc.). But around J (or any stranger) she is skittish even though he gives her tons of love. She hardly moves around the condo at all but she doesn't hide either. Once she's in her bed or on the couch, she will not move unless we pick her up (see issue no. 2!) so he can approach her and pet her or pick her up with no reaction (and recently she has started giving him little kisses because he leaves his face in front of her for long enough lol) but if he moves too quickly or if she has to pass by him to get from one room to another, she gets afraid and scrambles to get away. Any loud noise or large object she's not used to frightens her. She is mostly a "bolter" but if she can't get away (ie: on the leash outside or on the elevator) she will freeze and cower. She shows zero aggression and does not "fear pee" She will let him lie on the couch with her but if he wants her to come closer for kisses he has to pick her up or drag her over. J loves Elsee soooo much but after 5 weeks of being patient and letting her adjust to her new home I can tell that it is starting to get to him. What can we change or try to get Elsee to attach more to J? 2. She will not come when she is called. Her nick name is "concrete ass" because she won't get up for anything! And she is not food motivated so I don't know how to encourage her to "come". She doesn't ask to go outside (which is fine because we have her on a regular schedule for taking her out) so I will put the leash on her (while she is lying down) but she will NOT jump off the couch or step out of her bed. She's not scared of the leash at all either because she's fine when she sees J or I approach her with it or once she's up (ie: leaving the "doggy business" area or walking from the condo to the elevators and through the lobby). We have to pick her up and put her on her feet to go outside and carry her to the bedroom when we go to sleep at night. And she is an awkward 45 lbs to carry! I will say, however, that the one instance she will "come" is after she's done her business. It's become a habit now that when she's finished, I will crouch down and call her and clap and get very animated and she charges at me with excitement and then we play and run around a bit. Any thoughts or advice on either issue would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance for your replies. E |
#2
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J should not being dragging Elsee to get her closer to him , that will only made her more distrustful to him and it sounds like your dog has fear of men already. J should be try feeding her meals to her for awhile and let Elsee decide when she want to get close to him. You should try to get her to walk to bed and not carry her that will only instill her fear . Have you thought bring her to a dog behaviorist , she came from a puppy mill and I bet she was kept in cage the all the time and mistreated. Once Elsee feel settle in and know she has a forever home you'll have a very graceful and loving pet, but it will plenty of TLC and patience . I bet she is really cute.
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#3
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patience
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#4
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I would let J take over as the main caregiver at this point. Let J do the feeding, taking for walks, etc. Give them a chance to develop a bond I also highly recommend taking an obedience class together. Even if your puppers is already really well trained, nothing beats bonding time than doing some obedience classes together
I also agree that with more time and patience, Elsee will come around |
#5
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I've attached a photo. She's irresistibly cute!
Thank you for your comments. More time and patience. Got it I agree that J should take over the feeding and walking. We shall begin that process this weekend. Also, obedience training would be great. She's actually not trained at all. I am unsure of where to start with basic commands because she's not food motivated (in addition to her "bull stubbornness"). So we will definitely seek the help of a professional. Any thoughts on one of us or both doing the obedience training with her? And if just one, then should it be J or I? To Barkingdog- If we don't pick her and take her to the bedroom she will stay on the couch, which I would prefer she not. No particular reason...just a clear "now it's sleep time" habit for her. She already spends 90% if the day laying on the couch/pet bed in the den. I do understand the logic behind your suggestion but she has no fear of the bedroom whatsoever and once she's on her bed she doesn't move around the room or express any desire to go back to the den. And she doesn't resist being picked up and carried. So should I let her just stay on the couch?? |
#6
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She is absolutely adorable
I would suggest both you and J taking her to obedience classes. Hubby and I did that with our rescue girl. We saw lots of couples, families, etc at the class with their dogs - in fact, it was whole heartedly recommended for every individual involved with the dog to try and attend the classes I'd certainly make sure you find a class that uses positive reinforcement as well. As for not being food motivated - what kind of treats are you trying to use? Some dogs are divas (like my Loki) but even he can't resist dehydrated beef liver, or hot dogs, stinky cheese, etc. You may have to experiment until you find the right motivator. OR.. it may end up that a favourite toy is the motivation. About picking up Elsee and taking her to the bedroom, etc. I see your logic behind wanting her to go with you, but a dog that makes its own decisions will become a more confident dog. My concern is that by picking her up, you're setting the standard and that's what she'll just expect. Maybe your presence alone will be a motivator - if you and J both leave the room to go to the bedroom, maybe she'll come on her own after a bit? Or, she may just prefer to sleep out in the living room/den alone? |
#7
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Quote:
good luck
__________________
Drive slower than your guardian angel can fly. |
#8
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Marty had really bad separation anxiety when I first brought him home. He was climbing into the bathtub when I was taking shower and laying down in the water. He did this 3 times before realizing I had not left the house. It Marty awhile to realize I was not going abandon him and not to follow me all around my condo.
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