Consultation Files: I'm Covered In Bruises Because My "Rescue" Dog Thinks I'm The Prey

If you adopt a dog from a shelter you don't know for sure what you are going to get. In this case the person ended up with an intense and drivey dog with clear hunting instincts. These were getting in the way of them ever having positive interactions and affecting their ability to bond and live life.

The human is covered in bruises and is at a loss as to what to do. She can't kennel the dog because it is too vocal. She doesn't dare to sleep because if she moves it could trigger the behavior. 

The dog can't enjoy walks as it becomes nervous the moment they set out and cowers and puts on the brakes. Both the intense biting and the cowering are the result of question marks. And we have the ability to dramatically reduce the question marks, making dogs more respectful, more confident, more predictable, and more enjoyable. But this transition is real work. It won't happen naturally in most cases, rather things will likely get worse.

These stories are all unique, but there are threads that are very common. Dogs being transported up north from the south has resulted in a lot of these types of cases. Luckily there is hope! Things can absolutely be better in most cases. It just takes a commitment and a leap of faith. Sometimes we have to feel the feelings but then set them aside so we can do what we truly think is the right thing for us and for the dog. So what exactly is best? Have a listen!