Our rescue terrier Millie has been a joy but also a challenge , but one I was determined to win, if possible Her main bad habit was running to other dogs and very occasionally growling , I realised that it was a fear based reaction as she hadn't had any socialisation . I worked on using a tennis ball , and the second I saw the trigger ( another dog ) she got the ball , a tennis ball is like gold dust to Millie . Over a long period of time , I used the gamble effect , sometimes she got the ball, sometimes she didn't, but for her, it was worth not running to other dogs just in case she got her beloved ball . What I was aiming for was not only stopping her from running to other dogs but changing her mind set from fear to happiness , so that eventually , the sigh of another dog would fill her with joy . This has been working really well , walks are now relaxing but this afternoon, we took the dogs to a local beauty spot , favoured by dog walkers . Bodmin Beacon is a vast series of fields around an ancient monument , high on the hills overlooking the town and , being a beautiful day, there were a lot of dogs , an awful lot of dogs . So , not only strange dogs, but a strange location , a testing time for sure , she was a star running around with Sam , interacting really well with approaching dogs or ignoring them, but no running to them , just a really happy little girl . I had wondered how she would cope, being out of her " comfort zone " , I am over the moon with her, its taken almost 18 months but my goodness , its so worth while to change a fearful little elderly dog into a happy sociable one , made my day
Re: Huge test for Millie Don't they just lift your heart when you know what a challenge it is that they have just overcome! Well done all round. Lucky Millie.
Re: Huge test for Millie Kate,you've been wonderful with her,so patient and understanding .....without having any knowledge of what her life had been before.....I love hearing about Millie and I love she found her forever home with you,Paul,and big bro Sam x
Re: Huge test for Millie Sounds like a brilliant trip out. Well done Millie, you have made your mum proud x
Re: Huge test for Millie Aw well done Miss Millie!! Wow Kate you certainly have turned your lovely girl round to enjoy being with other dogs - just brilliant, your updates always make me smile and well up at the same time . Sam has helped Millie's confidence no end as he such a well adjusted boy. Well done to all of you xxxx
Re: Huge test for Millie So goo to hear this! Amazing that she coped so well, especially with her reduced sight which could make her even more cautious! Well done Kate and Millie...and big bro Sam, who gives her confidence, I'm sure!
Re: Huge test for Millie Now you have two 'real' dogs Kate. It's wonderful to hear how well you've done with Millie and how far she's come. It must be lovely to see her enjoying herself with other dogs around and not getting stressed or nervous. Well done it just shows what you can achieve with practise and patience. ;D. I must keep telling myself that.
