Actually, our vet would not have a problem with me bringing Shadow in at a time when they’re not too busy. It’s just finding that time.

OMD, you have such a great idea about the vet. Wouldn’t it be nice if they could hold occasional “open houses” so people could visit with their pets when they don’t need care? It would probably make dogs much more comfortable when they do need treatment.

Heck, time and patience are key in getting PEOPLE to learn new things and feel comfortable doing them.

I’m active on a FB sailing group where people will regularly post about their fears and asking for help to get over them. Many people tell them to study the engineering of a sailboat and how it is designed to tip over and float back up to help them cure their fear.

First off, who wants their sailboat to tip over at all? There is nothing fun about that.

But I give them the same advice I do for dog training–slow, pleasant exposures; staying under threshold; and if you think you’re going slow enough, go slower.

I suspect that if people treated each other the way your mom raises you and your sisters, we’d be in a much happier place.

He he! Actually, Honey hates to look into the camera. I end up with lots of shots of her looking off knowingly. 🙂

But yes, I don’t know why every biped doesn’t understand the importance of training and fun. They’re missing out as much as their dogs are.

Seeing Betty D on your FB page tugged at my heart strings. She made me think of our majorly fearful foster dog, Cherie.

When I read your comment, my first thought was to think that none of my little suggestions (except serious training) would make much of a difference for a severely fearful dog. But then I thought back to Cherie and remembered how much she enjoyed the agility equipment in the back yard.

We had set it up to help Honey be more confident as we prepare for boat life. But surprisingly, it helped Cherie come out of her shell. And her confidence on the equipment helped Honey make strides too.

So who knows what is ahead for Betty D? BTW, our trainer had us teach Cherie to lie down on a towel on cue (go to bed). Eventually, I used to take her for a walk with the towel around my neck. When I saw something really scary about 6 blocks ahead (like a trash truck), I’d toss the towel on the ground and tell Cherie to “go to bed.” I was astounded to see how well she associated the security of her towel with being in safer places.

Perhaps you will be able to help Betty D associate her safe corner with other places as well. I look forward to seeing her progress.

Rehabilitating puppy mill dogs is such valuable and difficult work. And confidence-building ends up being a lifelong project.

Richie and Honey are both great examples that while nurture is a major part of developing a dog’s personality, they have their own innate nature that comes through no matter what their early circumstances. Kinda like people, eh?

I agree with you about the importance of training and interactive fun with our humans. It builds trust and confidence.