Marge Malinois x DofB 15.4.23 RRemedies Centre
Marge Rottie x B Shepherd DofB 15.4.23 RRemedies Centre
Marge didn't fancy much walking today; so we sat at the table and met and greeted all admirers. Nearly an hour and a half later and Marge had met everyone will style, taking a particular liking to uncle Tony. She was very relaxed. Her anxious panting has noticeable slowed. Marge makes noise when other dogs pass her and she still rags the leads when stressed. However, I believe she is starting to see that's she's OK and safe.
Here she is with Amy.
Here she is with Amy.
Re: Marge Rottie x B Shepherd DofB 15.4.23 RRemedies Centre
Me and Diana took Marge to the field. Marge made a lot of noise while in the crate on the way there. When we let her into the field she repeatedly grabbed at me for around 5 mins. Diana fetched a fluffy toy which helped with the de-escalation. We then spent 40 mins walking around the field, with Marge making the occasional attempt a a grab, but pretty much running around for that time.
I think the whole thing was a little too much for her. She feels much safer walking around and near to the kennels. I rarely go far into the woods with Marge as she either refuses or suddenly turns and pulls me back. So I'll call it a step too far, too soon, and I've learnt a lesson about what triggers her.
The journey back was quieter and when she got out of the crate she was as calm as can be.
I think the whole thing was a little too much for her. She feels much safer walking around and near to the kennels. I rarely go far into the woods with Marge as she either refuses or suddenly turns and pulls me back. So I'll call it a step too far, too soon, and I've learnt a lesson about what triggers her.
The journey back was quieter and when she got out of the crate she was as calm as can be.
Re: Marge Rottie x B Shepherd DofB 15.4.23 RRemedies Centre
Marge and I have been walking up the lane to watch the cars go by. A little desensitisation activity as she is car reactive. She's not manic with it but can get over excited and needs managing.
Today, instead of turning around, Marge was keen to keep going. So keep going we did: Up the main road and back through the woods. She done very well, so well make it a regular walk.
No pictures as I needed 2 hands on the leads!
Today, instead of turning around, Marge was keen to keep going. So keep going we did: Up the main road and back through the woods. She done very well, so well make it a regular walk.
No pictures as I needed 2 hands on the leads!
Re: Marge Malinois DofB 15.4.23 RRemedies Centre
Marge has been reluctant to go far from the kennel grounds. She is very stressed in kennels and so we keep her out as long as possible. Given enough time out she does relax and so lately we've been going a little further into the common. We take the main road for 5 mins, then up the bridle path. Marge's reactivity around cars is similar to her reactivity when dogs pass by when she is relaxing. It's more of a nervous warning than unmanageable lunges. She can be distracted and has shown signs of becoming more comfortable already.
In the past Marge has got grabby with me when she wants to return home. More recently she has wanted to go a little further. And so we've had a few longer walks around the common and Keeper's Cottage: During which times she often forgets the stress that she's carrying, dropping her carrying lead and sniffing around without it. She will get the time and patience that she needs and she will settle down. It's already happening.
In the past Marge has got grabby with me when she wants to return home. More recently she has wanted to go a little further. And so we've had a few longer walks around the common and Keeper's Cottage: During which times she often forgets the stress that she's carrying, dropping her carrying lead and sniffing around without it. She will get the time and patience that she needs and she will settle down. It's already happening.
Re: Marge Malinois DofB 15.4.23 RRemedies Centre
So a mixed day with Marge as she comes to terms with her new environment. Her anxieties' are to the forefront but progress is being made.
We've been walking further from the kennels lately, and she is enjoying her longer walks, especially if there is another dog to walk with.
Marge can get grabby when her stress level goes up. She carries an extra lead in her mouth; which she generally turns to when she needs some comfort.
Today we walked with Jewels and Ros. Both dogs were unbothered by each other. I felt that Marge was much happier being near to Jewels.
Before I left tonight I visited Marge in her room. She must have thought that I'd come to take her out again but when she realised that I had no leads with me she got very grabby.
Another lesson learned about what can trigger off her anxiety. All in all I feel that we're heading in the right direction.
We've been walking further from the kennels lately, and she is enjoying her longer walks, especially if there is another dog to walk with.
Marge can get grabby when her stress level goes up. She carries an extra lead in her mouth; which she generally turns to when she needs some comfort.
Today we walked with Jewels and Ros. Both dogs were unbothered by each other. I felt that Marge was much happier being near to Jewels.
Before I left tonight I visited Marge in her room. She must have thought that I'd come to take her out again but when she realised that I had no leads with me she got very grabby.
Another lesson learned about what can trigger off her anxiety. All in all I feel that we're heading in the right direction.
Re: Marge Malinois DofB 15.4.23 RRemedies Centre
Selwyn and I joined Marge, Kobi, Chelsey and Lola on the Christmas Eve charity walk and what a great time was had by all on this fantastic event raising money to help all the brilliant dogs and cats.
All walked lovely together and the festive spirit was with us all.
We saw a group of horses on their festive walk and we crossed paths with lots of other walkers and dogs and all in our group behaved so well and were just so happy to spend time with us on this special walk.
All walked lovely together and the festive spirit was with us all.
We saw a group of horses on their festive walk and we crossed paths with lots of other walkers and dogs and all in our group behaved so well and were just so happy to spend time with us on this special walk.
Re: Marge Malinois DofB 15.4.23 RRemedies Centre
Marge has been doing very well on her longer walks. She's not as nervous and has been showing some inhibition when stressed, so not grabbing where previously she would. Her pulling is still very strong as she's always looking to go 'somewhere'; but I feel that as she learns to enjoy the longer walks that this will become more manageable.
It's quite a re-education for a young dog finding themselves in kennels.
It's quite a re-education for a young dog finding themselves in kennels.
Re: Marge Malinois DofB 15.4.23 RRemedies Centre
Marge had a very good walk today. Harnessed up easy and off to her 1st station by the pergola to chill for 5 minutes. After which we walked around the common with Cora for company. A short road walk coiled her spring, so she ragged her carry lead for a short while before returning to her walk. Marge was relaxed and enjoyed having her nose to the ground. Perhaps she liked the extra company with Cora along?
Here's a few pics from the the other day when the weather was rotten. We had a little walk then dived in the van for 45mins. You can see her ears come down and eyes close as she starts to relax.
Here's a few pics from the the other day when the weather was rotten. We had a little walk then dived in the van for 45mins. You can see her ears come down and eyes close as she starts to relax.
Re: Marge Malinois DofB 15.4.23 RRemedies Centre
I really feel for her being in kennels. I think a home environment would help her develop positive, trusting relationships with humans which will show her not everything is scary. Please consider this sweetheart for anyone with shepherd experience.
Re: Marge Malinois DofB 15.4.23 RRemedies Centre
Margey Margey. Butter wouldn't melt!