No matter the size of the dog, it is important to give each dog rules, boundaries and limitations. The proper tools and the right energy will allow us to deliver that message. Tucker had his own rules that made life with him very difficult (if not dangerous) to live with. It is no wonder the previous owners gave up. They had seen trainers but the request for euthanasia had already been a solution. I am grateful they decided to return the dog to the breeder.
Change of energy and the right tools, we are On The Mend...
Speaking of grooming being a tool for bonding... Our little fellow is being groomed for the first time in a long while. With a soft voice, and steady hands, I show him my good intentions... Moving forward, we replace old memories with new ones... It is my job to be a good pack leader to him. And during this 5 hours of grooming (with walks in between), I found his name... Tucker, Tucker the little fkr, and he's a keeper!
Charlie's Update! It's been a tough few weeks with Charlie, getting her off of her meds, adjusting her diet and providing leadership. Overall, she is doing great! She has had some setbacks, but these little things will be with her for a long while... the damage done to her mentally was done when she was a puppy. There is no sense in trying to change anything, she lives in the "now", so we need to make sure she is given the best!.
She has also made some friends! It would seem we have a few possible fosters lined up for Charlie also... to keep up the work needed to keep her busy and safe!
Great job Charlie!
This handsome Pomeranian was returned to his breeder about a month ago. I reached out to them to offered help. I picked him up last week and within minutes of meeting him, leaping Lucifer tagged me twice, ouch! Seems he was truly in need of some help, and of course, we accepted the challenge!
The first thing we needed to do, was change out his hardware! We were not able to do this when I picked him up at the breeders, and this is a must if we are going to establish leadership. Upon first assessment, this little one has been neglected for quite some time. Although small dogs may seem easy to manage, not true when they step out of line to protest! Signs of not being groomed (large matts), long nails, overall not a dog who has seen much positive "touch", and has been running the show for quite some time.
This video was taken about one hour after we have arrived at my facility. With the simple motion over his head while using the lead to prevent another outburst, I am reading his body language with every step I take. And voila! Martingale is on! He allowed me to change out his old bling for the new one!
And now our journey begins... On The Mend we go...
Day one of arrival... So, our overnight with Charlie was not without incident, we start with soiled bedding, a very anxious girl, just shaking in her skin and feeling a little lost...
I am trusting the vibes from my pack tho, they don't seem too bothered by her, they want to help... they do this by mostly ignoring her, allowing her to take time... so, I will do the same, [please keep in mind, she will have no physical contact until I know she is ready].
My heart bleeds for her, seeing her reaction to touch, but I must be careful not to reinforce the damaged part, only rewarding the good stuff... This is a careful dance... We must not feel sorry for her, we must go looking for the good stuff in there... as small as it may be... On The Mend we go...
Roxie's energy is amazing! The cone of shame just came off a few minutes ago and as if nothing happened, she is back at it... Roxie will "fingers crossed" soon be with her new pack leaders...
Moose seems to be progressing a little better than his brother, so I begin the slow introduction into our pack rituals... I have already worked with Ozzie, Sparta and Austin, now we are ready for the release, this time the reward is "Water"... I am working on Moose's trust in me, picking up the queues and allowing for a safe introduction into our rituals. The power of the pack will help him unlock his true potential...
We cleared Roxie at the vet clinic and we are now in full rehab mode! She will need a cherry eye repaired and will be spayed at the end of the month. When Roxie arrived, she had a terrible story, as they all do, but we don't rely on the past to predict the future. She was vibrating for attention. Had no clue on what her name was or how to stop for anything! Crazy Girl!
So, I applied a few technics, the right training tools, well timed affection and look at this, ready to please! She also has no idea how to retain her bowels, but I am hoping with crate training and specific feeding times will help her understand not to soil inside.
My 5 month old Pom Mitzu, who is always part of my everyday life, joins with Roxie's rahab. She too has been through lead training [and no, not with the prong before you insinuate], helps Roxie understand it cannot be all about her, even if it truly is. Although Roxie had been in solitary confinement for 4 months, I don't want to create an attention monster either. Good balance of all things will help her make sense of life, a dog's life. At 18 months of age, I remain hopeful the right pack leader will come along and be able to give her a wonderful life... On The Mend we go...
Georgia has finally stopped lunging at everything that moves! We are moving in the right direction, I am very pleased! Way to go Georgia!
