Lola is doing well. But I can see why the family returned her. They had no experience with dogs let alone one that needs this much work. She is really scared of everything and somewhere along the line she must have been very badly treated. I have seen this before since I my family has always taken in rescues I have come across the behavior before. She needs a great deal of TLC to learn to be a pet and to trust I am not going to hurt her. Everytime I move or get up to walk around the house she cowers like she is doing something wrong having any freedom at all.
The good news is that her fear presents are run and hide, not like in some dogs to become nasty or aggressive. This sweet sole has no aggression in her at all. There is a really great dog hiding in there. But she needs to learn that I will not hurt her and that will take time and patience and I have both. When I sit still she will come to me and cuddle with me so I know we can get through this. In class I met a women who also took in a puppy mill mama and it took her almost a year to get her past her fear. She was taking the class again since now that she trusts her, she is open to learning more. Such a real shame that someone would ever treat this lovely dog that way. Breaks my heart. I really love this dog and want to give her what she needs to be a real dog. I keep telling her, no more bad for you.
The trainer I use is giving me some great hints after meeting her. First that I should give her massages, nice deep ones around her joints back ears and neck. He said that puppy mill mamas get no kind human touch and see any kind of touch as a threat. They have spent so much time caged that they have stiff muscles and joints. So when she is sitting with me she gets a nice long massage. Also since she feels better on a leash, He told me to make her(he know I make dog collars and leashes) a real short one and let her drag it because she feels more confident and if I have to catch her, I can just take the leash or step on it. She will find that less of a threat then if I grab the collar. In the dog world, grabbing the neck is a sign of aggression and a kill technique and that is why dogs often find our grabbing the collar as a sign we are going to attack. I thought I would pass that on in case you encounter dogs like this in the future.
I understand you were the one that approached me at Bark in the Park and thank you for that. I think this dog and I needed to be together. I just retired and have plenty of time to be with her. I only leave the house for short periods of time. Several of my fellow therapy dog handlers have been by to meet her and she takes well to them as long as she is on a leash. My three boys bassets think she is great. The instantly accepted into the pack, but that is the basset way. My oldest basset who you met at Bark in the Park always goes out with her in the yard and waits for her to come in with him. He keeps a close watch on her and really takes care of her. My MO is trying to teach her to play and she likes to sleep on the pillow with Flash. So they are all very happy. They have not given her any trouble and are fine with her being here.
Barbara and the kids
Barney Mo Flash and Lola
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Today Lola met my great niece and nephew and it was she was the happiest I have seen her yet. She loved the kids!!! They got on the floor with her and then when Kenny got up on the sofa she came right up and put her head on him and got comfortable. This is such a good sign. To see her so good with the kids I know she will be able to be a great therapy dog. When the kids left I couldn’t help but start to cry because to see her like that was just fantastic.
She did really well in class today. My trainer complemented her. She did better than all the dogs in the class. Did every command nicely. I only had to show her once and the next time she did it on command. I was so proud of her. She met more of my fellow handlers who were coming out of an agility class and everyone is so in love with her. Thought would would like these pictures.
We has such a great day today.
Barbara and the kids
Barney Mo Flash and Lola