I think I traumatized Jesse -- Sorry, long post.
 

Some background:

Jesse is a 16 month old rescue dog. I've had him for just over a week. He is a calm, timid, frightened dog who lacks human socialization. He was rescued by the ASPCA from a puppymill. He was a breeder dog and was kept in a crate all day and all night with no love and no human interaction. He was placed in a home in San Diego by the foster home he was with. His adopted family's home was lost in the fire and Jesse ended up back at the shelter. I found him and promised him a forever home. Over the past week my boyfriend and I have given him tons of love and affection. He was really starting to come out of his shell. By day 3 he was no longer making in the house, except for marking (we plan to get him neutered, which will hopefully help with marking). He was loving his walks, and was really adjusting well. He loves his crate and has slept through the night every night.

Two nights ago, I took him for a walk to return some DVDs to Blockbuster while my boyfriend cleaned up after dinner. He was getting amazing at walking on leash. If I walked ahead while he was busy sniffing, he would come running to catch up. He stopped and waited to cross the street with me. He listened to the "come" command we have been practicing. He was being so good that I forgot to do my part. I became distracted and lost in thought. All of a sudden, Jesse pulled the lease out to it's maximum length. The handle flew out of my hand and smacked into the pavement. Jesse is a timid dog and the sound of the plastic lease handle hitting the concrete sent him into a panic. He started speeding away from me. The noise of the lease dragging behind him only frightened him more and he was bolting in the opposite direction. The only thing going through my head was that I had to get that lease back in my hands. I started chasing him, calling his name. The "come" command he was getting so good at was useless in the heat of the moment. He would not stop, and was running faster than me, gaining more and more distance. I dropped the DVDs I was carrying, I threw my purse into a bush. I didn't care. All I could think about was Jesse. Finally, he ran onto a patch of grass. The lease didn't make noise being dragged across grass, and Jesse slowed down to a trot. "Come!" I yelled out. Jesse took a couple of timid steps towards me and I was able to catch the leash handle. He was shaking uncontrollably. I sat on the grass holding and petting him for a few minutes before going to find my purse and the DVDs, which thankfully were still there, tossed on the ground about 200 yards away around the corner. I carried Jesse home in my arms, crying the whole way. I was so irresponsible! Such a bad owner. Thankfully I have the greatest boyfriend in the whole world. He always manages to say the right things and calm me down. Once home, Jesse calmed down and curled up by our feet in front of the fireplace.

All of yesterday, and this morning, Jesse has been so frightened of the outdoors! He's fine right outside of our apartment, on the side street, but refuses to move, backs into a corner, and shakes uncontrollably by the main streets, or when a human or dog walks by. He was making so much progress! He was getting to the point where he was excited to see people and dogs! I feel like I set him back so far. I've started to take him out to the side street and let him explore for a few minutes. As soon as I sense that he is getting anxious, I carry him to the secluded, quiet park near my apartment and sit on a bench with him, simply letting him sit by me and explore slowly at his own pace. Last night was the first night that he whined in his crate.

I know there is no quick fix and that I just have to accept that we've taken a few steps back and will have to start working at it again, but I just feel horrible and knew that everyone here would understand.

Sorry for the long post,

Sarah

You hang in there with Jessee

I have a friend who has a rescued cocker that is now 15 years old and the happiest most beautifully adjusted thing on earth.

Give him a lot of ME time, and he will be fine.

Sorry, I think I spelled leash "lease" like, 10 times. The edit-time has expired.

:girl_hug: You are NOT a bad owner, not at all. Stuff happens, y'know? You got him before he could get hurt and you are being SO patient with him, that makes you a WONDERFUL owner:thumbup: Just hang in there, and i"m sure that Jesse will be better soon:love:

You sound like a good owner and very caring of your Jesse... Dont get discouraged. I think you've been doing a great job, so keep up the good work! :)

Jesse will be fine..Im sure it scared him as much as it scared you but with gentle encouragement and time he will enjoy walks again. The other night when I was walking Reece I did the exact same thing and off Reece went which is unusual for him and I FREAKED out..I couldnt beleive I just let go of the handle..but IT DOES happen and it dosent make you a bad mommy..:)

Dawn

First of all I commend you for adopting him.. all puppy mill dogs need a person like you..that's all I hope for them to have. ;)

But I have done thee EXACT same thing with those retractable leashs, when I did it, luckily it was in an alley rather than by a busy street but he took off the same way and as the handle hit the ground he kept running I kept thinking this is NEVER gonna end! Then he ran by a parked car and it got stuck under the tire so I got him.

I put a long piece of velcro through the handle and around my wrist so this never happens again.

You may be right about setting him back, but he'll come around again like he was. Sooner than later I hope.

Those retractable leashes are scary. I have had the same thing happen - dropped the leash & it scares these little guys to death. Maybe you could try using a traditional leash and first showing the 2 to Jesse and let him see that you are using something different. He's afraid of getting hit by that big plastic thing. Poor baby.

Thank you so much for giving him his forever home! With time he will learn to totally trust & love you. :animal-pa

You sound like a special Mom, not an irresponsible one. Wow...throwing your purse in the bushes! That sounds pretty determined to me!! What you mentioned has happened to me several times...luckily, I walk them only in the backyard! I even had that happen with my tiny Juju Bean who weighs less than 4 lbs. I think it is best if you use a traditional leash...you never know when the retractable will malfunction at the wrong time. Good luck with your baby!!

Your a wonderful Mom and never think otherwise. Jessie is so very fortunate
to have found you, or you him. Things happen. Patience is a wonderful
useful tool and you seem to have lots of it. That is all you need. Jessie
has been locked up for so long don't expect too much too soon. It will
happen you'll see. I would use the standard leash for the time being.
Maybe more comfortable for both of you. Lot's of attention and love is
all Jessie needs and you certainly are providing that. BLess you for giving
this helpless dog a loving and caring home. Years of happiness to all
of you.

Don't beat yourself up over this. It was an accident. And yes, while you guys may have taken a few steps back, you will get going forward again. Just going to take a little time. You definitely don't sound irresponsible to me. You sound like a wonderful caring person who will literally drop everything for her babies. ;) We would love to see some pics, post'em if you got'em!!

You sound like a wonderful mom. Keep up the good work. Your Jesse will soon settle down again.

Definitely don't beat yourself up. He is so lucky to have found a forever home with you. I'm sure with time he will come around..Maybe change to a regular leash so he doesn't associate the plastic one?

Warm wishes,