In the Company of Dog

I bring one shiba everyday to work with me at my part time pet store job. Most of them enjoy the visit, the free treats and the attention they get from customers. I usually rotate who gets to go as well as base it on if it is going to be a busy day of the week or not. Many customers ask what they are, and I explain the breed, the rescue and the need for homes and foster homes. Then usually comes the topic of why they are given up. I go over the breed traits, purchases from pet shops, and lack of proper training. Sometimes the conversation turns to the hard cases. The dogs who have tough behavior problems, or have bitten someone.
I explain that these are the dogs who were ignored, neglected, and many times never trained or given proper guidance. These are the dogs who never get enough exercise, never had the joy of bonding with an owner through training, or never trusted society to do anything but lock them in a cage. These are the dogs that through desperation and survival, are the dogs they are when they come into my home. Some don’t know what a toy is, some wince and duck when their name is called and some just want to hide in their crate and never come out. This is where the work begins.

Stage one: Acclamation
The first week is a chance for these dogs to reset themselves. To leave everything behind them and to start a new. They are left in crates, alone, in calm quiet rooms, where they can rest and recollect themselves. They only have contact with the outside world during mealtime and potty breaks. It is other this period that I periodically pop in and sit by the crate and just calmly observe or sometimes talk to them. They learn my voice, my scent and my presence in a neutral, calm and safe situation.
Stage two: A Dogs Life
This is where the real work begins. This is where all the training, routine and trust is built. They are slowly introduced to the other dogs in the house and they are given a crate to stay in near the other dogs. The routine begins next. They are fed last among all the dogs in the house. They are taken out potty last. They are trained and played with last. This is not done to be cruel. This is actually done to remove all hierarchy from the dog’s concern. Because they are last, then only thing they have to worry about is themselves. This also relieves tension in the house among all the other dogs. They are given private playtime each day to build confidence and trust. This is also when resource guarding behaviors are managed. Basic obedience takes place throughout the day when opportunities arise.

Stage three: Time
After the groundwork is set, all that is left is time. Every dog is different and so is the time it takes to turn them around and show them the good side of society. Some dogs come around quickly. Others take months. I am sure that there are cases that can take years. But in the end it is all worth it. To see a healthy, balanced, and happy animal who you once knew as a broke, scared and haunted. To see that and know they will now be ok, makes it all worth it.

Today, and Tomorrow.
I hope to continue for a very long time to rehabilitate dogs and help them see the good their is in humans, but my other hope is to educate myself further and get my masters in Animal Behavior. I want to help more dogs and more owners throughout this region. Dogs should not be put to sleep for being driven to bite. Dogs should not be put down for being forced to fight. Dogs should be given the chance to heal and be dogs. Humans domesticated dogs and brought them into society and it is our responsibility to take care of them and protect them, and to never give up on them.

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