Sasha
September 14, 2011 | 
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Sasha is up for adoption through Lab Rescue of FL. She came from a shelter and went to a foster’s home with other dogs. She was snapping at them so we decided to move her to the vet’s where I would work with her. She was fine around other dogs until they get close to her face. Then she does a lip lift, growl, and snap all in less than a second. There was no way to successfully work with this issue at the vet’s. I brought her to my house on a Saturday morning.
She’s a resource guarder, including me. I have 3 dogs of my own. She only guards me when I’m sitting down, not when I’m standing or walking. I changed where I usually sit & it didn’t matter. I have to have my dogs loose to be able to reward her for not paying attention to them. I’ve tried having mine & her close enough to toss a treat to both. No go. She won’t have it. She’s relaxed w/ soft face & eyes until she sees one of mine across the house look like it might come over to us, then the pupils dilate. She only reacts of I’m sitting & one of mine come too close (as determined by her).
We can all go out on the patio & she’s fine. We can all walk around the house & she’s fine. They can all eat a meal in the same room about 6′ apart, she’s fine. I had her crate in a room by herself and she hated it. She didn’t want to be in there by herself and barked when the door was closed or she couldn’t see anyone. I moved it to the middle of the house with the other dogs and she’s fine with it.
WE’RE LOOKING FOR A FOSTER HOME FOR SASHA. She should go to a home with no other dogs unless the person is experienced in GENTLY managing a resource guarder.
Tuesday evening.
Wednesday morning
Wednesday morning
Wednesday morning
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Sasha got adopted. An older, single gentleman thinks she’s wonderful and they’re getting along fine. YAY!!
Sasha’s been here 10 days. A few days ago she wouldn’t allow the other dogs on the couch with her. She would join them with no problems but she wouldn’t let them join her. She is on the couch chewing on an antler and Molly climbed up besidse her and laid down. Sasha completely ignored her.
Sasha and 2 of my dogs were playing ball last night. They were chasing, bouncing, and running around the house. I found that Sasha has a perfect Drop It.
She also knows all the basic behvaior cues: Come, Sit, Down, Drop It, Leave It, Quiet, and walking on a loose lead.
Early this morning they all had their breakfasts in food toys on the patio. No resource guarding of the toys or the food that fell out.
Wednesday morning:
I was sitting in my chair eating a piece of garlic bread. Lots of good smells. Sasha came over and sat in front of me to see if she was going to get a bite. Digger came to my right and stood without makling eye contact w/ Sasha. She just glanced at him a couple times then walked away and laid down with her back to us. In a few seconds she got on the couch and laid down. My dogs came over and stood around the chair, which they’re allowed to do when I’m eating in my chair. Sasha ignored them.
When I was done I saved a bite for each of the dogs. I called Sasha over and gave each of them a piece. Each took it gently and walked away.
She’s become such a wonderful guest!!!
Monday evening.
I have to tell you what just happened. I came back from picking up some meds & put all the dogs on the patio. Took them out 1 at a time to pee. One of mine went back inside. I got my book and was just standing up & reading it when Sasha initiated play w/ Molly. Molly was a little unsure because she’s been snapped at. Play bows and bouncing around from Sasha let her give it a chance.
She and Molly were running around the patio, up on their hind legs, soft faces, some easy growling, rolling over, switching roles, play bows… About every minute I’d break it up & have them sit for a few seconds. They played until they were both out of breath.
They all came back in. I sat in a chair in the middle of the room to read. Sasha laid down beside me. Then she moved under the fan. Then she got up & started exploring. She got a bone, took it to a rug & started chewing on it. No growling when one of the others looked at her.
When she got up & was walking around (so was I) easy sniffing of faces & butts w/ gently wagging tails. We’ll see how tomorrow goes.