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Help me make a huge decision Update!
Topic Started: Sep 27 2012, 01:38 PM (5,027 Views)
Fish Cheeks Oct 16 2012, 06:23 PM Post #106
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You're BANNED!
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 BH2, I'm glad to hear you've got some options now!

I agree with letting Idgie chill out for a few weeks. We do that whenever we bring a new cat into the house - we isolate them for 2 weeks or so in a separate bedroom and spend a lot of one-on-one time with them. Then we slowly let them out for "walkabouts" around the house, but back to their room again to soak it in and chill out. It can take 4 weeks or so to get them integrated...heck, one cat took a few months!

I think we tend to think of dogs as so social that they can easily handle things, but Idgie has been through some trauma from being a shelter dog to going to a new home and not really know what's up. Bless you for taking her on and loving her and being willing to work with her! :hug: :rose:
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JanM Oct 17 2012, 03:38 AM Post #107
Off visiting Candy Cave, be right back.
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 If five loose dogs came at me at once I would freak out. I can't blame you or the dog for being worried. And I think it was a protective thing for you, by the dog when she saw a possible threat approaching.
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buryinghill2 Oct 30 2012, 07:59 AM Post #108
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It'll be an adventure! We're going on an adventure!
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 So a lot of time has passed since I last posted about Idgie. Things are going really well. We had our first session with the trainer last week. We both learned a lot! Idgie is totally settling into the routine here and improving every day. :clap: She is a total sweetheart and the trainer told me that she is a genius. We are still struggling with being approached by other dogs. She is not dog aggressive, but she is reactive. Big difference! She is pretty much threatened by anything or anyone that approaches when she is on lead. We have had many positive interactions with joggers and walkers though, and she is remarkably improved already. it's all fear of the unknown. Her fear of cars is almost completely gone. The secret is to not put her in a position where she will fail, but to make sure she succeeds. Build her confidence every day. Lots of positivity, praise and treats are getting the job done.
Our trainer feels that given her age, she may never be completely nonreactive with approaching dogs. Ultimately, I may have to change my habits some. I am lucky to have several absolutely beautiful places to walk where we will never run into other dogs. She is such a total love, that although it is disappointing to me, it's certainly an adjustment that I can live with. And who knows what time may bring?
So the secret has been in baby steps. I look back now and realize the mistakes i made the first few days. I have learned a ton about myself in the last few weeks. I am learning that life with a new dog won't be exactly the same as it was with Cocoa. That a new "normal" can be okay. About how patience is not a virtue that I have, but I'm learning it, and about how sometimes life is not all about me and my schedule and expectations. Who knew? LOL
Dogs have a way of teaching us as much about ourselves as we teach them, don't they? <3 That being the case, Idgie and I have both been in college that last few weeks.
I thank you guys for all your support during this difficult stage of my life. :,( I will continue to keep you posted on idgies progress. Or I should say, on OUR progress.
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Fish Cheeks Oct 30 2012, 08:20 AM Post #109
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 What a wonderful update - I'm so glad to hear this good news!!!

:clap: :cheer: :yes: :hug: :woot: :one: :rose:
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WhySoSerious Oct 30 2012, 08:21 AM Post #110
Off visiting Candy Cave, be right back.
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 I'm so glad things are going well with you and Idgie! :)
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jillincolorado Oct 30 2012, 08:22 AM Post #111
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 Great update BH!!!! :clap: :clap: :clap: Big pats to you and to Idgie!!
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gunnar Oct 30 2012, 08:38 AM Post #112
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 Great update on you two!
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Indy Oct 30 2012, 09:25 AM Post #113
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 I'm so glad things are going well with you and Idgie!!
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onwego Oct 30 2012, 10:43 AM Post #114
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 :clap: :clap: :cheer: :cheer: :cheer: I'm so glad she's doing better and I'm sure she appreciates having a home with somebody like you!
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leastrock Oct 30 2012, 04:25 PM Post #115
I Visited Candy Mountain and All I Got Was This Lousy Incision
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 So happy to see things are going well and improving! It is amazing how much we can learn about ourselves in so many different settings/contexts.
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incentive Oct 30 2012, 07:51 PM Post #116
Magical Leopluridon
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 What a lovely update :woot: :woot: Danny and Ron will be thrilled!! :cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :cheer:
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smorse Oct 31 2012, 06:00 AM Post #117
Shunnnnn the unbeliever. Shunnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn.
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 thanks for the WONDERFUL update.

so glad things are working out for the both of you.
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Witchy Oct 31 2012, 06:46 AM Post #118
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 So good to hear that the two of you are making big strides. You are a good dog mamma. :cheer:
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Little Diva Oct 31 2012, 08:11 AM Post #119
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 Best news ever!!So glad to hear things are progressing. You are truly a great dog mom!
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Big Day Oct 31 2012, 06:33 PM Post #120
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Magical Leopluridon
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 BH2, believe it or not, Magnus is very weird towards other dogs when he's on the leash. If you didn't know him you would think he was being aggressive, and trust me, given his size most people think he is being aggressive, but since you know what a wimp he is, it is weird. Obie, on the other hand, could give a rat's a$$ about other dogs... :martini: :martini: :martini:
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