Floyd fear bites. My friends may sometimes call me the dog whisperer, but I needed help. I hired an animal behaviorist and it’s been a wonderful thing. Floyd is learning to pause before reacting. He’s actually starting to approach my friends for pats and attention. Since he’s coming along so well, Floyd agreed to share his session with Cora so she could be assessed.
Before Floyd works on training, I take him out for some fun and exercise. That’s a good plan, but stopping at the post office wasn’t. There wasn’t much time when I got home, before Amanda, the behaviorist, arrived. Cora was in her kennel and throwing a fit. Her bed had slid and she’d gotten herself stuck and frustrated. I was feeling frustrated too, as I took her out on the porch to potty and she continued to throw tantrum.
Amanda arrived in the midst of this excitement. She saw Cora at her absolute worst – barking, not wanting to be touched, not walking well. She was really worried about Cora and talked about neurological problems. As Cora calmed down, Amanda began to see the other side of the pup. Cora began to walk around and sniff for food. Cora let herself be patted and tried to interact with all of us.
Nothing Amanda said really surprised me. Cora is behind developmentally. She hasn’t socialized enough and she also probably has some neurological issues. You would expect a pup to be stronger and that her mobility would be better three weeks post surgery. I don’t think Cora ever walked much or well, because of the club foot and that she’s basically learning to really walk for the first time.
I’m doing the right things for my little girl but we have a lot of hurdles to tackle. Amanda said the window for puppy socialization is just about closed. “It is their sensitive period for socialization and it is the most important socialization period in a dog’s life. Puppies who do not get adequate socialization during this period tend to be fearful of unfamiliar people, or dogs, or sounds, objects and environments.” (source) I really need to get her out around other dogs, people, etc.
After a morning of play and her afternoon session with Amanda, Cora had a rotten evening yesterday and last night she threw a few temper tantrums in the kennel after I put her to bed. It’s easy to pathologize everything with a special needs mutt, kennel meltdowns are not unusual for a pup. I have to admit I’m feeling low and overwhelmed right now. I’ve had special needs critters before and I know these feelings pass. In fact, this morning I’m noting how much better the feisty girl is walking. She’s still not strong but she’s walking straighter. Even better, she insisted on walking down the ramp to potty instead of doing it on the porch. Downs leave plenty of opportunities to climb up and Cora and I certainly will.
I found a puppy play group that meets today. I’m tired and the idea of taking Cora to socialize with a bunch of strange dogs is intimidating, but Cora needs this opporutnity. She’s been trying to play so hard with Floyd, but he’s not enthused. Besides, puppies are fun and we both will probably love it once we get there.
You are doing wonderful and amazing things with both Floyd and Cora. I think I’m going to print out your statement that downs leave plenty of opportunities to climb up and tape it to my walls! You are so very right.
Dakota was not socialized during that window, and we spent the next 10 years dealing with it. He was fine with us but only us, and only at home. Thinking of what could have been makes me sad for what Dakota missed. For what we all missed. I hope Cora takes advantage of the window that’s still open for her. I hope you all get some fun playtime in, some much-needed strength into her little legs, and some relaxing moments doing nothing but enjoying each other.
Shari
Wow, I’m really touched by your response. By all means print out what I wrote and I hope it helps.
I’m sorry Dakota missed that window but glad he had you. Cora is getting well socialized. I think she’s going to be fine around people. Dogs I’m not sure about yet.
You are such a brave person, Chris, and Cora is blessed to have picked you as her human! I am struggling with my Cassie’s (potential) phantom pain issue too, so I can so relate to your feeling of “being overwhelmed”, but Cora is so lucky that her human is a lot more capable in dealing with this type of stressful situation than I am 🙂
Sounds like we are actually neighbors – we are on the Ridge. Perhaps one day when our respective dogs have adjusted to their new circumstances, they could get to know each other. Meanwhile, best wishes to all of your critters but especially Cora!
Awww thanks! I don’t know that I’m brave, I just got a lot of experience in dealing with these sorts of things with Schmoozer the Wondermutt. (There will be a post about him soon). I’m sorry you are feeling overwhelmed. Sometimes we really do need to just take it one moment at a time.
We are neighbors! I’m east of you but not by much. Having our dogs meet one day is a great goal. And if you see any 3 legged puppies around, say “hi” it might be me.
Hang in there Momma. I was a lot like Cora when I started out (hey, mean people will do that huh?) but now that I’m four I’m so much better. Not even close to perfect but each day is easier for me.
Mom sez, can you fly Amanda out to us? We could use her around here!
Thanks Wyatt. I know it gets better. I think I needed the reminder today though.
He he he… I’ll have to ask Amanda if she travels. She’s great.