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Dear Nanny Fran,
I have a puppy who was treated badly in
her previous home. She is quite timid and afraid of many common
household sights and sounds. How do I work with her?
Essentially I would recommend watching
"The Dog Whisperer" on the National Geographic channel. Cesar Milan
understands dogs better than anyone I know. I have watched the
programs for several years now and am quite pleased.
Ten years ago I had a dear one come into
my life who had previously suffered from abuse, lack of
socialization, etc. I can tell you that if I knew then what I know
now that I would have worked with my dear one differently.
The first thing I did was to try to
console, comfort, love and protect her from any further pain. I
loved her and reassured her that she was loved and protected 24x7.
I was totally paranoid about who came near her. I was paranoid
about how they might talk to her. On and on. I protected and
protected and protected...
However, I must say, that there actually
did come a time when I was told by an animal healer that, "She has
moved on Francene, you need to as well." I, of course, being
overloaded with "the mom gene," thought, "Sure, yeah, right!"
She actually was correct. Sure certain
sights and sounds still were scary. For instance, thunder,
lightning, loud noises, etc. However, those things frighten most
individuals.
After seeing a few segments with Cesar
working with dogs as frightened and unsocialized as my little girl
I realized that my work with her would have progressed much more
quickly if I had his information years ago. I very much value those
segments and I am so very happy that he addressed dealing with
terrified, previously abused dogs.
The most important messages I have gotten
from Cesar are:
1. Dogs live in the now. I recommend the
book, "Practicing the Power of Now" by Eckhardt Tolle for each
human being as well. That book tells us that the only way to live
is to live in the now. He is entirely correct. Please read the book
or get it on a CD. It is invaluable. Remember, dogs don't carry
around a gunny sack of past abuses, insults, etc. They travel
lightly... they are ready at any moment to be joyous and trust
again.
2. When you watch Cesar on a regular basis
you will learn something very, very important. Only show affection
when the animal is calm. When you show affection, i.e. cuddle, hug,
kiss a frightened animal, you are reinforcing the fear. Obviously,
that is not your intention, but that is how the animal reads your
attention. Animals read your energy constantly. The words you say
are not as important as what you are feeling. Yes, feeling! In 13
years of pet sitting I have been attacked on 40 occasions by
strange dogs. Yes, in your neighborhood while walking your dog! I
have never been bitten and neither has the dog I was walking. Why?
Energy. Immediately when a dog comes barking and growling towards
me I stop. I command the dog I am walking to sit as well. I then
stare directly into the approaching dog's eyes and growl. Yes,
growl, "You sit! You stay!" I am also "feeling" with every fiber of
my being, "You are NOT going to hurt this dog!" Of course, I am
referring to your sweetheart who is sitting next to me. I also lean
forward a bit to even further confirm that I am "claiming my
space."
3. You need to be the pack leader. How?
Simple. Be relaxed. Be confident. Calm and assertive. When you have
a fearful dog this attitude actually puts the dog at ease. He/she
knows that you are in charge and he/she does not have to be in
charge. Yes, your calm energy is felt by your dog. Your fears and
anxieties travel directly down the leash to your dog. You have to
be calm. You also have to feel calm and feel confident. This
attitude works wonders with shy, fearful and even aggressive
dogs.
I would have responded very differently to
your question 10 years ago. I have come a long way in 10 years, and
so has my dear one. I thank God every day that she is with me. She
is an angel sent to watch over me and I am blessed. She is an
exemplary teacher.
© 2007 Francene Mattucci. All Rights
Reserved.
Francene Mattucci founded Never Say Good
Bye Pet Sitting Service in 1994. Call 727-512-3206, visit
www.TampaBayPetCare.com or email
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
with
questions for this column.
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