Tiny Puppy Saved From Dog Fighting Falls Into The Right Hands

[catbyte]

[Duppers]

1. What a turn around! Sweet.

One thing I have found that works with people-shy pups is
1.) If the person they're most comfortable with hugs the stranger
Or...
2.) If the stranger person lies down with some great treats in their opened hands or placed on their torso. The pups learn to trust after a bit. But this takes awhile and who wants to lie down.

Yes, the earlier in the pup's life, the better.

I had a big problem with my yellow lab puppy trusting other people. I would have to hold that person's arm as we talked or actually hug them. For some reason Mimi wasn't trusting -- still isn't but she's the sweetest, most affectionate thing with other dogs and people that she *does* trust.

[MiniMe]

2. And did Missy have those trust problems?

She was a little shy when you took her, but I think it didn't take long

[Duppers]

3. Hi, MM! Yes...

It took her only a day to bond with me - I slept with her and I think that helped. Took a bit longer for my hubby to gain her trust.

(Mimi is Missy's nickname - she responds to both. Mimi is just easier/ quicker to say than Missy.)

Yes, she's still very shy. Everyone has to win her trust...except for other dogs and cats, all of whom instantly.

I had to hug a neighbor in order for young puppy Missy to accept. Big girl Missy still hides either behind me or between my legs when she meets a stranger on our walks. She does takes voice commands so well that she seldom needs to be leashed! But tell her to let a stranger pet her and it's "No, mom, I'm afraid."

MM, I think it's just Missy's innate personality, however being the runt of the litter may have had a bit to do with it. She's so sensitive and sweet, and the joy of our lives.

Thank you again, from the bottom of our hearts, for fostering her and enabling her to share our lives. 🙏

[MiniMe]

4. And she was the only girl in that litter

Wonder if that has anything to do with it? Give her a kiss from me

[Duppers]

6. I'm sure it did.

I will give her a smooch for you.

Btw, I know she'd remember you. She remembered my s.i.l. whom she hadn't seen since she was 4mos. old - recognized her by smell and was giving her doggie kisses and hugs the instant that scent light bulb went off.

Let us know if you're ever fostering puppies again.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

5. So wonderful.

While I am more of a cat person, I'm often struck by how our canine companions so totally trust us.

Some years back I watched shows on the the animal planet channel, and I was always struck by how dogs who'd been totally mistreated their entire lives were still willing to trust and bond with humans.

About twenty years ago I did volunteer work at a local animal shelter. I worked the information desk. Because of the physical layout of the facility, the dog walkers all had to walk by me to take the dogs out. And honestly, I'm not much of a dog person, but I was gobsmacked by the way that every single dog wanted to greet every single person encountered on the way in and out. Wow. Just in case I didn't know that dogs and humans did at least part of their evolution together, this was proof.

The very best thing about this experience was that it made me appreciate dogs. I'm still not personally ever going to welcome one into my home, but I do understand them, and know that they are part of our humanity.

Thank you for posting this.