Levi/Nellie is a returned TG dog due to illness in the family. She was sent here under the assumption that she'd need some boot-camp -I was under the impression she was a bratty manipulative collie mix teenager. She did need some boot-camp, but nothing huge -and she's got NOTHING on a real collie. She's a very nice dog, quite loyal, good with dogs though a bit stiff/worried in introductions (nothing a couple session at daycare won't start to improve), submissive and a good medium energy. She is a busy puppy though, which I guess could be mistaken for being a brat or high-energy?
Honestly, the only thing Levi/Nellie needs from me to make her more adoptable though is some training in the patience department, and in the "tough bananas" department. This means she learns to wait for things she wants -like leaving a crate, or leaving the house, or leaving the car, food, pets, play time. She learns that everything she wants she doesn't automatically get, but that she has to earn. The other thing she needs from me is a dose of reality. Levi's previous home did a good job of basic commands it seems, but -as typical of most owners- forgot the "you're going to do it anyway some times," idea.
IE: She's been catered to. If she doesn't want to, she doesn't have to.
"I don't want to go in the crate" --> temper tantrum. Why? Temper tantrum at SOME point has allowed her to NOT do as she's asked. She's no dumb dog, she knows, anything that works you might as well try it again. But with some practice, in and out, in and out, in and out, in and out, she's getting it. I ask you to go in, you go in promptly, you're rewarded. Throw a fuss, you're still going in, you're just not going to be rewarded.
Kind of like when your mum pulls the "mum" card because she is... your mum! Of course a kind mum will give her kids the chance to do it right themselves.
Unless you get sheer and utter panic, TERRIFIED dog (rare, most of the time you just have a temper tantrum) it's important to not let go, at least not in the moment of the tantrum (regardless what the tantrum is about). All this leads to is a dog who goes "Oh, that worked, I'll do that again." Even if you don't accomplish the end goal, finish the exercise in a state where the dog has calmed down from the tantrum.
I don't find her to be a brat at all, she is a nice puppy, busy, loving, very capable dog -not a brat, she a dog that is no dummy. And although I was told she was a barky britches I heard her bark here only once on her first day to which I promptly said very loudly and very sternly "WHAT do you think you're doing." Haven't heard a peep from her since.
She's been quite calm with me, providing I am calm with her and she gets sufficient exercise. Nothing an active home with a good-sized yard and a willingness to not let her get her way all the time can't maintain easily. Suffice to say she's not bratty, manipulative collie. She's also physically in very good health. Whatever her old family had her on, her coat is stunning.
Honestly, I think she's a highly adoptable girl and will make someone a great companion.
We're going to homecheck a potential home for her on Friday. The application was originally for another TG dog but wasn't quite the right match. We'll see if Levi is "the one". If so, awesome, if not, meeting any family will give me even more of an idea what her forever home should look like.
Here is an old picture of Levi. Will get some new pictures tomorrow or Friday.
Our second visitor is Sunday, who was supposed to come a few weeks ago, but Alice got on the plane instead. Sunday was actually supposed to come this next Monday but somehow came a week early. Either way, she had a family in the works and the hour they new she'd arrive they were ready to visit. So she's been here a few nights, but will go home tomorrow!
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| Sunday the Baby! |
Here is Alice and her Mum saying Thank You to her Rescuers (I think I just sniffed a little)...
So, that's 8 dogs, 4 of which are young foster dogs, plus one bratty collie. Piper, your girl has been such a great girl through it all. PS: she's getting bed privileges here and there ;) She might come home a little spoiled.
Luckily, Chopin goes home Saturday.
Sunday goes home tomorrow.
And we had a great homecheck for Peanut tonight, so I wouldn't be surprised if she went home for the weekend too.
A good thing too, because I'm away all of Saturday. I have the best husband ever (especially now that he's full-time employed!!), but asking him to take care of 8 dogs overnight is asking a little much hey!
I will try to get some more pictures in the next few days, especially of Levi, and of Peanut too because I don't think I've gotten many (she moves too fast.)
For now, to bed, and early to rise for another day at the daycare. Thank goodness the puppies come with me, blow off steam and are ready to snooze the afternoon away.
Emily Out
1 comment:
A little spoiled is ok with me :) (the bed is her favorite place at home). I'm so glad to hear she's doing so well!
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