| So now she's on the leash...chances are, she freezes, bolts (hitting the end of the lead with a force that makes you wonder if your shoulder is still in its socket), freezes again. You pull, she drags....then bucks and twirls in the air like a furry piece of popcorn. You look her direction, she bolts again. Sound familiar? ;) It'll take some effort to get her to walk on a leash with you. Unfortunately, an animal who was not accustomed to the leash from puppyhood has a much harder time accepting it later on. This is another thing you want to do a little bit at a time...once you are physically tired and running out of patience, it's time to quit! For the most part, try not to stare directly at her. Take a step or two away, enough to put some pressure on the lead, and wait. Soon, she will grow tired of straining against it...and will take a few steps, then bolt. Lower your center of gravity to avoid being knocked off balance when she hits the end of the lead. Walk slowly in the direction she was headed...she may start walking or running away from you. (That's good...she's moving.) Go with her as long as she keeps walking. If she freezes up again, walk past her and apply tension to the lead again. If she turns into canine popcorn, just wait for it to pass. (Note: be positive that her collar is on tight enough that it cannot slip over her head...or better yet, use a choke collar. The nylon ones seem to be less intimidating than the steel ones...Note # 2: though my collar of choice for walking a strong & untrained dog is normally the prong collar, AKA "pinch choke", I'm not sure I recommend using it on a dog that is afraid of you! You may want to avoid this collar until she is a happy, well adjusted member of the family.) Stand still and watch her until she stops leaping about. If she bolts, resume walking with her. Luring her with food treats, if she will accept them, is a good way to get her moving and also keep her near you. Treats also reward her for coming near, walking, and other positive things. You'll have to play it all by ear, of course. These are just a few tips...but I'm sure there are much more complete guides for walking a leash-shy dog available online. If you have other dogs, you'll soon find they are your greatest asset in teaching the spooky dog that you are someone to be trusted. Many dogs need a buddy of their own kind; some breeds can be the only child, but others are very canine-oriented animals...so if you *don't* have other dogs but could accommodate another, now might be a good time to consider adopting one! Choose a calm, friendly animal that gets along well with other dogs and adores humans. Your local animal shelter is a great place to look--you'd be helping your current dog, and saving another life at the same time! :) (And with adult dogs, "what you see is what you get".) Already have other dogs? Fantastic! For the majority of the time, you'll be petting, playing with, and loving on THEM...and ignoring your new addition. It won't take her long to feel like she's missing something! Soon, she'll be sneaking up with the rest of the crew...hovering behind them, trying to decide if whatever they seem to be enjoying so much is worth getting so close to the scary human for. ;) Many dogs look to other dogs, more so than humans, for cues on how to act. Think of it as a "mentor" program. Your existing dogs will teach the new kid all about humans--how they are here to provide love and affection...and food...and games...and walks. All *you* have to do, is not undo their good work! <bg> Patiently show the new addition that you are here to provide the good things in life, and that you would never harm her...and her love and trust will come in time. Some rescues come with a lot of baggage...you can send them along on their way, or you can help them unpack...but be aware that if you choose the latter, it may take them quite a bit of time, and they have to do it at a pace they can handle. If you're still reading this, and still committed to helping your animal in need, then a big THANK YOU from your dog & from rescuers everywhere! :) I'm sure you'll find she was worth it. |
| The last bits of...Spooky Dog :-) |