The previous article, How to Train a Dog With Patience: Making Forever Homes Last, included a story about Nancy, who didn't have much experience with dogs when she got a puppy for her daughter. But some dogs can bring even advanced dog owners to tears with their lack of response to training.
A Less-Than-Golden Retriever
Beth M. Ramsay has rescued many dogs from shelters, currently sharing her home with seven. When she inquired about an abandoned Golden Retriever/Chow mix, she was warned that she had attacked other dogs, but she gave Belle a chance anyway. Although Goldens have a sparkling reputation, Belle won the title of biggest challenge of any animal Beth had ever owned.
Belle was out of control. She barked at passing cars and people and picked fights with the “alpha” dog Sophie. This would excite the other dogs, who would try to join in.
“If she had gone home with most other adopters, she would have been returned within a week,” said Beth. After a full year of discipline and praise, Beth's patience is paying off. “Owners achieve greater success with consistency and reward,” she said.
According to Beth, Belle is now improved 100%. “She comes when she's called, ignores subtle growling from Sophie, has learned to play with other dogs, and has become the sweetest, most loving, funny, entertaining and wonderful addition to our family.”
Maxed Out From Abandonment
Max is another Golden Retriever who wasn't living up to his breed. Having been abused and abandoned by his previous owner, Max no longer looked to humans for comfort or love. In fact, he stopped looking at humans at all.
“He didn't look people in the eyes or want to interact with people. He had no use for people and detached himself,” said Max's foster-turned forever parent, Sherrie Clark.
Max had been rescued by the Arizona Retriever Rescue, but since he wouldn't interact with any potential adopters, he was evaluated by a dog psychologist. If he failed, Max would be deemed unadoptable and put down. The evaluation was not going well until the last moments, when Max quickly made eye contact with the evaluator. The rescue felt Max might have some love left inside of him somewhere, if someone had the time to find it.
Sherrie agreed to foster Max just for the holidays. Sherrie had to earn Max's trust at first, but it turned out that a loving home of his own was all Max needed. He learned to love people again. So much, in fact, that he is now certified by the Delta Society and does pet therapy at a domestic violence shelter with abused and at-risk children.
By showing the children unconditional love, “Max is showing them that just as he overcame his past abusive life, they can too,” said Sherrie.
Continued in Earning a Pet's Trust: Bonding Takes Time
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