But She’s a Huge Challenge
I mentioned in the October Recap that we took the plunge and adopted a Pomeranian who had been an ex-breeder (no idea how many litters she produced). We received no information on her history other than her age (now five years), and weight (now eleven pounds).
This was a snap decision by the CE—he wanted the dog—lacking any clue as to her background or not.
I also mentioned it appeared she was never housetrained, knew what treats were, taught any commands, or experienced living with humans in a house. Everything I read said the transition could take anywhere upwards of three months.
Cute, yes, but in my mind not a reason to adopt. Was I envisioning a puppy who’d been left ownerless after her senior owner passed? Pampered, trained, walked, and loved. Yeah. I think I was but this was his choice and I figured it’d work out.
Generous and loving pet parents who freely adopt rescues and shelter animals are my new heroes. I have a whole new respect for them. I wish I had chronicled every tiny little step we gained, only to take two back.
First, she was “terrified into submission,” the definition of which is the dog will “emotionally shut down. She won’t eat, drink, or interact in any way with the environment, people and other dogs…a posture often seen in dogs in shelters.”* She did this for several days and my heart sank.
Nothing I read suggested how to proceed except the mantra take it slow—let the dog come to you. Her crate is her safe haven. We’ve had her a full month on the eighth. We’ve also been testing words to see if she recognizes any at the same time as using consistent buzzwords; i.e., potty.
BUT, she is now (on an inconsistent basis):
- Coming out to relieve herself. Sometimes that includes going through the deck door outside to poo.
- Coming out to get water.
- Coming out to grab a mouthful of kibble and run it back to her crate.
Sniff the CE’s fingers for treats (but won’t take it until he puts it on the floor).
Successfully driven to the vet for check and grooming.- Today came out just to be near him—BIG win!
She still:
- Freezes when she is touched or picked up.
- Hit or miss on her pee pads.
- So far she is still running (ears pinned back) at the sound of my voice, if I turn to face her, or stand to move. (We’ve decided her previous owner was female, not male.)
But it’s only been a month. We are looking forward to having her housetrained and capable of walking on a leash. She’s still scared, but thankfully shows no aggression.
All the dogs in our lives have always come to us as puppies. I thought I knew dogs. I’ve read stories of rescue-shelter dogs, but learning to live with one is a lesson in how little I knew. If you’ve adopted a rescue, perhaps you have some advice for me. I’d welcome it!
2023 V Williams
*Popular Science, Special Edition Magazine, Secrets of a Dog’s Mind, September 4, 2023, Canine Choregraphy, Learn to read your dog’s body language by Jillian Blume, Page 74.
Rosepoint Publishing 