Protective Mother

[Richard Crowe]

Patsy is a Llassa Apso - Poodle cross who is extremely protective of her one puppy, Patrick.  Patsy started to nail any dog that ventured near Patrick's puppy pen.  She even nipped Holly to the point where Holly growled (an unusual occurrence from Holly). Patsy lost three of her four puppies because of neglect in a California shelter.  Three puppies were somehow drowned in an open drain. So we can't really get down on Patsy but, we cannot have her nailing the dogs who are curious about Patrick. Patsy has absolutely no problems with other dogs as long as Patrick is not nearby,

We cannot have Patsy and Patrick shut off from other dogs because the puppy needs stimulation and socialization. I solved the problem.  Patsy is on a lead and goes everywhere in the house that I go.  She loves me so it is no problem for her to be with me continuously.  This is working because she has allowed dogs to approach Patrick's pen with no growling or other bad behavior. I think that a few more days of the lead will be all we need.  

BTW:  we also use a lightweight lead for shy or frightened dogs.  Keeping a frightened dog next to me for a couple of days really seems to help them get over their fears.  They don't have any choice but to be next to me and that seems to quell their fears... 

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Oh my goodness - she is beautiful!  Glad you have figured out a solution. Bless you and your wife for all you do to help these dogs!

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Patsy and Patrick are so cute together! The poor girl has been through much but it sounds like you're doing a great job of helping  her recover.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Love the photos of a great mother and her son. Sounds like you have figured out a solution.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Patsy and. Patrick make an adorable pair. It is amazing how transformed a dog like Patsy can be.

[Richard Crowe]

Patsy was pretty grungy when she and Patrick arrived from the shelter.  However, as dirty as she was, she had managed to keep her son clean...

She has cleaned up quite nicely...

She and her son make a cute pair...

[Jay, Lola and Colonel Esau]

Often it will work itself out with time.  The social intelligence of dogs never ceases to amaze me.  Sometimes dogs with troubled pasts have some painful catching up to do, but dogs generally are so much more resilient than people in that regard.  For me personally I try to interfere as little as possible, only if there is actually a threat of harm to another dog or person (like it sounds like may have been the case here).  Otherwise let them sort it out doggy style.  If I do have to step in I try to be fair and objective and treat all dogs equally with no special treatment for anyone, regardless of size, history, etc.  I would never be angry or upset but I also am very clear that something like showing teeth is not acceptable.  I very much agree that just removing the symptom (i.e., separating the dogs) is not a good approach.  They need to behave appropriately regardless of the circumstances.  It might take time and I will be a patient as it takes while also being as supportive as I can of their progress.

[Richard Crowe]

Another thing that we do with a skittish dog is to attach a lightweight lead.  That way if we need to get to the dog, we don't have to chase the dog around the house scaring it further. Simply step on the lead and then slowly draw the dog to us, calmly talking to it all the while.

I think that talking to a dog will also calm down the animal.  When I pick up a skittish dog at a shelter, I place the travel kennel in the front passenger seat with the door facing me.  Then I will talk to the dog the entire ride home. Since we pick up dogs from Los Angeles and Riverside County shelters, the trip is often an hour or two in duration.  By the time I arrive home, the dog is often calmed down and trusting towards me.

Tethering will also help house train a dog.  Keeping the dog close to you and taking it outside frequently is a way that we often use.

Of course, Judy and I have the advantage of being retired and thus able to dedicate a lot of our time to our rescue dogs...

[Pat and Traveler]

Good solution!  Funny, my daughter and I were just talking about this.  When she got her big dog, he was almost a year old and had never lived inside.  She tethered him to her for a few days, just so he could adjust to being inside without destroying the whole house.

[Bonnie and Kona]

Thanks for posting this helpful blog, Richard. We all need tips and tricks for how to help our dogs adjust to new situations. I love the reminder to tether a dog to you. 

[F, Calla & Luca]

Glad you have this under control.