Poor Boze - Puppymill dog caged his entire 6 1/2 years of life I adopted Boze's January 31st of this year but due to the Eastern snow storms, we were unable to arrive at his "Forever Home" until Feb 5th. He is 6 1/2 years old and until he was rescued from one of the worst puppy mills in Colorado Springs. I didn't know until I picked him up that he was terrified of being in a carrier. I had received some natural sedatives from my vet for the trip but by the time we finally arrived in Boston, he had clawed his way out of the carrier and ran up the aisle toward the cockpit. Once I got him home (I live in a condo) he started barking, so per the instructions from the Rescue Group and having used this method with my other rescue dog who had no issue with it ) I sprayed Boze's with water. That was the worst thing I could have done. He has not uttered a sound since. The Rescue Group also told me in order to establish that I am the Alpha and get him to bond with me, I need to either walk around holding him most of the day or periodically wrap him up and hold him on my lap extending the time each time. He is very timid. He wears a belly band since housebreaking is way down the road. The cat and other rescue dog get along with him. He will once in a while eat from my hand but this is not consistent. I want to do the right thing by this dog who lived his entire life in a cage, never had comforting human interaction and just underwent not only the traumatic flight but was neutered and had 23 teeth pulled in the first few days after his rescue. I am certain he will need a dental cleaning and possibly more extractions. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how I can help make him more comfortable with me without causing more fear? Has anyone else had a similar experience?
__________________ Betty aka Silver Teacup |