This past Sunday I brought home from the shelter a young 3 ½ month old GSD puppy that was not doing well at all in the shelter environment. Puppy “X” - as we are calling her until it is clear that she has real chances of being a good pet - is terribly afraid of people.
Apparently she was found wondering and her dirty coat can attest for that!
It is hard to say what has transpired in her short life, but I seriously doubt that she has had much exposure to people.
Ah, the importance of positive association to people for young animals. Unfortunately, Puppy “X” is approaching the end of what it is considered to be the period of socialization (birth to 12 or 18 weeks of age) for puppies. Of course, socialization regardless of the dog’s past is a life-long endeavor. But we cannot underestimate the importance of that critical period that will determine the ability for the dog to feel comfortable or better yet, enjoy living in a “human world”.
The first few days that Puppy "X” was with me she remained in a temperature-controlled extra bathroom accompanied by classical music, and my intermittent visits to feed her and hang out. I noticed that she would “secretly” play with the toys that I left behind for her. She even appeared to be content doing just that for the rest of her life!
It is almost a week (she will be with us for three weeks total) and she is making some progress. Slowly she is coming out of her fortress of concern. She still does not think much of me (she probably kind of “hates” me :)) regardless that I am the one that feeds her meals all by hand, gives her fun stuff to do and keeps her safe. I keep reminding her that I am her ticket to a good life, but she appears not to be listening.
I can totally understand how people whom adopted a shy puppy have a difficult time bonding with them. As obnoxious and demanding as puppies can be, we want to feel their affection and be able to handle them without restrictions. One of the goals then for this pup is to welcome people's attention and being held.
I continue implementing my “plan of action” but for now, the best teachers have been Deuce and Rio. Their ability to “get” this puppy’s needs humbles me and moves me deeply. For Puppy "X” there is nothing better these days than hanging out with Deuce and Rio. Truth be said, I was feeling worried and defeated with the little effect my efforts of moving her forward were having on her, but by seeing her react as a “normal” puppy with my dogs makes me feel a bit more hopeful that she can learn (and
the learning needs to happen PRONTO) that people rock.
Deuce and Rio have more than earned their keep! They are way more than just honorary members of my team, they are the best teachers for Puppy "X”.
Apparently she was found wondering and her dirty coat can attest for that!
It is hard to say what has transpired in her short life, but I seriously doubt that she has had much exposure to people.
Ah, the importance of positive association to people for young animals. Unfortunately, Puppy “X” is approaching the end of what it is considered to be the period of socialization (birth to 12 or 18 weeks of age) for puppies. Of course, socialization regardless of the dog’s past is a life-long endeavor. But we cannot underestimate the importance of that critical period that will determine the ability for the dog to feel comfortable or better yet, enjoy living in a “human world”.
The first few days that Puppy "X” was with me she remained in a temperature-controlled extra bathroom accompanied by classical music, and my intermittent visits to feed her and hang out. I noticed that she would “secretly” play with the toys that I left behind for her. She even appeared to be content doing just that for the rest of her life!
It is almost a week (she will be with us for three weeks total) and she is making some progress. Slowly she is coming out of her fortress of concern. She still does not think much of me (she probably kind of “hates” me :)) regardless that I am the one that feeds her meals all by hand, gives her fun stuff to do and keeps her safe. I keep reminding her that I am her ticket to a good life, but she appears not to be listening.
I can totally understand how people whom adopted a shy puppy have a difficult time bonding with them. As obnoxious and demanding as puppies can be, we want to feel their affection and be able to handle them without restrictions. One of the goals then for this pup is to welcome people's attention and being held.
I continue implementing my “plan of action” but for now, the best teachers have been Deuce and Rio. Their ability to “get” this puppy’s needs humbles me and moves me deeply. For Puppy "X” there is nothing better these days than hanging out with Deuce and Rio. Truth be said, I was feeling worried and defeated with the little effect my efforts of moving her forward were having on her, but by seeing her react as a “normal” puppy with my dogs makes me feel a bit more hopeful that she can learn (and
the learning needs to happen PRONTO) that people rock.
Deuce and Rio have more than earned their keep! They are way more than just honorary members of my team, they are the best teachers for Puppy "X”.
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