It's The Simple Things (txt heavy)

[Alexandria610]

That often seem so hard with my biggin'. Yesterday was one of the highlights of my relationship with my dog and her ability to overcome her past and her fearful nature. First, I need to elaborate a little on her backstory:

For those that haven't already heard me tell this story, here goes nothing! Alex and two of her 'sisters' were found in an abandoned, foreclosed home by the SPCA of Central Florida. The pups were too small to be put up for adoption, and had a few medical issues to be tended to. After some time in foster and the health conditions under control, the three of them (my baby included) were spayed and put up for adoption. One was adopted while two (my baby still included) were still up for adoption. She wasn't the prettiest of the two - heck, she looked somewhat like a drowned rat - but something in her eyes caught me and I knew she was mine.

I took her home, and soon found out that when she was away from her sister, she was a ball of scared puppy that looked as if you'd threatened to shoot her with a shotgun at point blank. She refused to eat for the entire first day, and found that the little space between her crate and the loveseat was suitable to hide from everyhing, me included.

It took her a week to finally warm up to me and really start to show happiness by 'smiling' and wagging her tail at me when I would talk to her or pet her. The next hurdle was the leash. She either didn't understand it or she hated it for some reason (used against her in an ill manner) and didn't want anything to do with it. To this day, she still cowers in a corner when I grab the leash.

She always used to be deathly afraid of other dogs. All of these hurdles were very frustrating for me, and disheartening. I worried that my dog would never be normal, and worse that she would never be happy. I vowed to always do best by my dog, and to work through her insecurities to help her be confident and happy. I did just that. In fact, she came most out of her shell after she met Zira, her new best friend GSD puppy. That dog is so outgoing, she'd probably befriend an alligator if she could. The confidence exuded from this crazy, loveable pup seemed to have a positive effect on Alex, because now, she happily greets other dogs just about everywhere.

Another something (on top of everything else) that she didn't seem to understand was pottying outside of her home or on a leash. Understandably, she refused to potty outside of home due to a fearful disposition (at that time) and would not walk very well on a leash.

I am so proud to say, that despite all of this, she visited a strange dog park yesterday. Not only did she stop in the middle of playing to go off on the side of the park to potty.......but she did #2. Now normally, a person wouldn't jump up excited and praise their dog like a flailing moron when it poos in a dog park......but we aren't normal. So that's exactly what I did. She wagged her tail a little and simply looked at me as if to say 'so? I do this all the time...' Regardless, it was a great day.

There are quite a few other accomplishments we have seemed to have and quite a few emotional/behavioral issues that we've worked through and coped with through the last (almost) year. I couldn't be any more proud of Alex and all that she's had to go through and overcome, despite it all staring her in the face. She's such an amazing animal, and I couldn't ask for a better dog.

[Caledon]

Enjoyed your story. Good job. I agree, it's the simple little baby steps in the right diction that gives us joy.

[NewbieShepherdGirl]

That's so great It's so nice to see them settle and become happy.

[Alexandria610]

Thanks, guys! It kept me very motivated to keep going with her the rest of the week, even when we got tired and she would start to get bored (doing obedience, not just the outside-our-yard-potty-training). In fact, in her obedience class we also dabble a little in simple agility to get the confidence of the dogs up and to expand on things we can do with our dogs. Today I was very proud of her - she finally jumped the three level jump (I think it's about 3ft tall) and didn't knock the poll down or hesitate! It was a clean, clear jump.

And on top of it all, she did a heel, stop, and sit all with slight physical direction, no verbal cues. And she did it perfectly! The trainer was really proud of both of us. She couldn't get enough of my love today, haha, I was constantly loving on all her big accomplishments.

Let's just say, it's been a good week for Alex (despite all the small faults here and there).

[Stosh]

Great story! You should be proud of her, and yourself!

[BlackPuppy]

You must be so proud! What a great story!

[Alexandria610]

Thank you, I am very proud!

I took a picture yesterday afternoon while I was working with Alex on her sit/stay in the pet store. She let me get to the end of her 30ft lead four times yesterday (and almost let me go around the corner, but not quite) while I was working with her. I couldn't be more proud - staying is probably the hardest thing for her. I think it has to do with her 'rescue mentality' and her insecurity of being alone. Anyway, the picture is sorta grainy, but I'm just so proud!

[Alexandria610]

Especially with her favorite aisle in front of her - the toys she tries to steal, lol.

[Jax08]

Are you sure she has husky in her? I see NOTHING but sable GSD! She could absolutely get an ILP number from the AKC as a purebred. Shore looks thoroughbred to me!!!

Originally Posted by Alexandria610

[Alexandria610]

Originally Posted by Jax08

Are you sure she has husky in her? I see NOTHING but sable GSD! She could absolutely get an ILP number from the AKC as a purebred. Shore looks thoroughbred to me!!!

ROFLMAO! Sometimes, she really does....excuse my ignorance to the PB world, but what is an ILP number? I wish I had the money for a blood-DNA test. I would LOVE to know if she's pure or not, just to quell my curiousity and to be able to tell anyone that asked exactly what she is. Oh well lol. The people at the store like to call her the little coyote.