[Vickster]

Hi, I am hoping to get advice about my little Phebe my BB. She is sweet and has bonded with me one on one and is skiddish with others. She was a breed bitch for her life then in Kennle with other dogs last winter.4 yrs old, maybe 8 pounds. Fixed and mature she seems not to know how to play or be interested in much activity except going for a walk. She is smart and has trained me that she will come with joy and grinning if I let her off leash for a little wondering. Her previous owner is a very nice lady but she wasn't doing much with the dogs other then breeding and leash training. I seem to be unable to get her to play. She isn't very puppyish.
I did start a "find it" game with treats. She is clever and dosen,t act like she can do anything. till she does. She is disintrested in performing even when I get happy and praise her ALOT. She will waver and try to leave or look away. Now I want to take the treats and get her to lay and sit on command?
We are just getting bonded and she was very nervous and scared when I got her. Now I am "the one" and she seems to know to listen and be with only me.
Next week I will start a doggy park trip to let her have some social time in the dog park.
OK I could talk all day about my new friend but playing and happy exchange are missing. I hope she warms up to me and I can find fun for her to have.
Thanks for listening and I am happy to have found this site.

 

[pkelley]

It just takes time! The dog park will be a good place for her to play with other dogs! You are already doing a great job with her.

 

[LynneMarie]

Like PK said, it takes time. How long have you had her?

 

[Vickster]

I have had her for about 6 weeks. I have been staying in two homes wqith her and she does have seperation anxiety a bit. She knows when I am getting ready for work but she is real good girl and stays when told. Her greeting is the best when I get back but I haventn forced her to kennel and she seems to hate it so I have been leaving her with a friend during the day. She just lays on her spot and waits all day till I come home and walk her and do the "find" game then relax and dinner time. I know she can be very excited in burst but she does seem to "rest" alot otherwise. I am trying to get a ruitine of two walks withs lovin and food games,/dinner inbetween. She is fully checked out as healthy by vet too. After all the years of raising pups and pack living I worry about her being alone.

 

[LynneMarie]

6 weeks is not that long when it comes to a dog that has been in a bad situation for years. Your doing really good with her for her to be so attached to you already. I know in time she will learn how to play and have a good time with you. The reason I had asked was because you mentioned dog park. I would not bring her around a lot of dogs at one time. I would start slow, a couple dogs at a time, so she does not have anything happen that may frighten her.

When you leave her be sure to leave something of yours so she has your scent to lay with. Does she do ok with your friend? If so then you do not have worry about her being alone.

 

[Vickster]

Thank You!

Yes Phebe is always on my seat that is her "spot". She is very sweet and leans in for little lovin and scratches. She is a grown up and seems to be very smart about not barking unless needed. Like like scared or strangers comming twards our yard and dogs. Even then it's only one or two vocals till she knows she has my attention. She has three little yappers that live next door and thier "mom" came out the first time and threatened shock collars so I told Phebe not to engage in barking back. From that time on she is very sure to only bark once as reply then just looks and makes little whines.Thier mom yells. So it isn't fun for any of us. Phebe is so cool, she will go to fence and visit but not bark. They seem to like her and do wag and walk the fence line with her but then she gets bored and comes by me ignoring them.
I am learning that it isn't all about what I want but more what makes us both happy. She resists learning but the right treat seems to help her cooperation. We worked on sit tonight with steak and she was sortta compliant with it. I think she will do that one soon. Wow I guess I want to talk about the dog! LOL!
Thanks again for the chat.
Researching food for her too. 8 lbs. mature nutered female not to active.
She eats moistened dry food now. Think I will go grain free maybe.onder:

 

[pkelley]

You really are doing such a great job with her and she obviously is bonding with you quickly! Usually it takes 1/2 year to make significant progress. Hats off to you, you should bottle and sell whatever it is to others with brand new rescue dogs!!

 

[Vickster]

Update- Phoebe is doing great and is on her own little bed. She has found her voice and her personality is coming out more and more. She loves to play find it and go for walks. I am blessed to have her company and her fabulous greetings when I get home. She loves me and only me. Very loyal and loving. Smart enough to worry me into bed at night. She fusses if I dont go to bed after 11 PM. LOL! So cute.