Welcome to LF and well done for rescuing Misty she sounds lovely.
Ruby is very timid she hasnt been mis treated as we have had her since she was 6 weeks old, some just are.
The way I go about it with Ruby is just being strong and confident with things - she flinches at the bin lid I say 'silly girl its only the bin' then she wiggle waggles and all is ok. Try not to fuss and pet them when they are being scared or unsure as this reinforces the fear in them 'blimey must be bad if mum/dad is scared' type thing. Use you best 'jolley hockeysticks' voice and always always be their protector and guide. If Ruby freaks out at stuff I tend to stand in front of her between her and the scary thing and she then calms down a bit too.
It sounds like she is a very fortunate girl to have found a loving home like yours, well done for giving her this.
I am no expert, but I would guess that her timidness is down to her new surroundings and upheaval and sticking by your side is looking for protection, leadership?... I am sure someone will be along give you some proper advice.......
As for the smell, well you may have to put up with it until the stitches are out....
Our Kippa is still timid at times ( we've had her from a pup) and still flinches at some noises.
Hi Dano well done for giving Misty her forever home, Im sure she will settle in over the next few days, but as previous posts advise she may just be a timid dog. Pics please!!!
Sounds like Misty is very lucky to have found a lovely home with you and your wife.
Sounds as if she is doing really well overall.
With regard to things like the startling at some noises, make sure you are not reacting yourselves, and although this may sound a little harsh, it is often better not to rush to comfort her when she shows fright because then you may be reinforcing to her that there is something to be scared of. There are CDs you can buy with some sounds on them such as car engines starting, fireworks, aeroplanes flying over which you play first at low volume and then at ever increasing volume over a period of weeks, which may help desensitise her. I have seen them at our vets, but sure you can get them eslewhere too.
One other possibility for a nervous dog is a DAP Diffuser (available from your vet) which you plug in near to her bed at home etc. and it gives out the pheromones/scent used by a lactating bitch to soothe her puppies as they feed from her. It might help her stay calmer around household noises if she is unused to them.
Hi You might have a look at the dry shampoo for dogs, but keep it away from the stitches and maybe check the directions. it not brilliant but may cover the smell till you can give her a proper bath..
Posted: Mon Mar 05, 2007 8:27 am Post subject: Hi!
It's good of you to care sooo much, my dog for one did come from an abusive home she actually lived up the street from us and kept running away from them to see my kid brother (you'd run away too if your food dish was set right out of your reach, but in complete view)(cruel huh?)
eventually we couldn't turn her away as we were all falling in love with her so now she's ours(other owners couldn't care less) (It's been almost 5 years!)
Anyway as I was saying she was abused physically and she isn't timid at all, it might well be the fact that it's a new environment, but it sounds like she's falling for you guys too in that she doesn't leave your side, or it could be that your safe in a new, scary place.
My Aunt's dog is picky as well, she might have an allergy to the food(my Aunt's dog did), but don't change it unless she gets itchy skin or something.
We brought home our rescue black lab cross recently, he is 6 and his name is Juke :0) I know how daunting it is taking on a dog you dont really know anything about!
For a couple of days Juke was like Misty, he would look startled at certain noises, he did the odd flinch, but that is slowly but surely stopping! He is getting use to the noises around the house and is starting to take it in his stride. Our house is actually pretty quiet in the day, but still he would flinch or jump at the slightest thing, but with each day he is getting more and more confident. He does take to sleeping out in the hall in the evenings, I think maybe previously he was not let into the family room so much, but we leave the front room door open, and chat away to him and sometimes he ventures in to say hi!
We go at his pace, he did look sad sometimes when he first came to us, but I swear I can see his whole being starting to brighten up as each day passes!
Its fun finding out what tricks he knows! We discovered yesterday that he says "please" purely by accident! I was telling my son to use manners, "say please" I said! Juke piped up with a well timed bark! We did a few little experiments and sure enough when you ask him to say please he does a gentle bark! The whole time he is doing tricks his tail wags, he loves it! So we spend a lot of time doing stuff like that with him, to help him settle and get use to us!
You have done such a wonderful thing taking in Misty, she will repay you ten fold over the years as you enjoy a loyal and loving companion.
Enjoy getting to know her, she will be enjoying getting to know you!
I also wanted to say that you can get some Dog wet wipes! That may help with the whiff for now!
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harryxclare
I say 'silly girl its only the bin' then she wiggle waggles and all is ok. Try not to fuss and pet them when they are being scared or unsure as this reinforces the fear in them 'blimey must be bad if mum/dad is scared' type thing. Use you best 'jolley hockeysticks' voice and always always be their protector and guide. If Ruby freaks out at stuff I tend to stand in front of her between her and the scary thing and she then calms down a bit too.
x
