Effie and I have a lot in common. We both have phobias.
I am afraid of dots, holes, and bumps. I'm also terrified of spiders and deep water.
That is a lot to be afraid of....but my dog Effie is even worse.
Effie is afraid of
1. other dogs
2. people she doesn't know
3. deer in the neighborhood
4. birds (can you believe that?)
5. woodchucks
6. chipmunks
7. squirrels
8. being alone
9. random leaves falling from trees
What can I do to help Effie get over her fears? Do you have any advice?
My advice, which is something you probably already know, is to stay close to her always. It takes a long time but she will get over her abandonment issues. I hope to meet Effie!
ReplyDeleteEffie may always be an anxious one but to help the start to gain self-confidence it'd help by not letting her have free reign in your home, limit her space, keep her just in the room you are in nothing more. I am sure she has a doggie bed, place on it unwashed clothing of yours, socks, tee-shirt so she feels comfortable by your smells. When I rescued my doggie, Roscoe, I had him on a leash so he was glued to my hip, we'd go room to room together, it was done also to help potty train him. I think he was maybe 1.5 years old when I got him, he was so nervous and would not pee or poo outside! He got better real fast with him close by to me. Let me know how it goes. Okay? Effie has the sweetest face!
ReplyDeleteWe adopted Lucy 6 months ago. She was so very fearful and hated enclosures. So much so the spca let her stay in the office with the staff during the day let her sleep there in the evening. Lucy was also afraid of everything including us! But overtime Lucy saw that we were her protectors. When fearful she would look to us for protection and as time went on reassurances. With a gentle prodding and a good girl she began to introduce herself to strangers (she smells their feet! 😂) and other even other dogs. You are doing such a good job raising Effie! I can't wait for more posts! Xoxo.
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