A friend of mine adopted a Great Dane from a rescue organization some months ago. He was not in good physical or emotional condition when he became part of their pack.
They have another dog, a senior-aged Black Lab, who wasn't thrilled with the new arrival but had recently lost his housemate so he was cautiously accepting of the new boy.
It's been a slow recovery for the poor guy as well as a learning curve for his new owners. Always with patience, they have taken things easy with him, not putting too many expectations on him but instead allowing him to find his way, get his paws under him so to speak. He's come a long way--but still has a long way to go.
When he approaches them, he does so with his head down in submission. If he gives a little wag of his tail, it stops when a hand connects with his body to pat him.
When his people enter the house, he greets them in a very submissive manner. His head down, slung to one side, his body curled away from them, tail down. Almost apologetically.
Perhaps he is recalling something learned from his past life . . . expecting what was inevitably to come.
I think he just hasn't learned how to feel free enough to fully express joy and happiness yet. With each passing day, with its sameness and the nurturing they give him, his confidence will grow. Confident that he is 'home'. Confident he will not be punished but will be disciplined in a loving manner. His owners will work at allowing him room for his own personality to blossom.
As the months pass and he experiences their commitment to his well-being, their desire for him to become a well-balanced member of their household, always re-enforcing their actions with love, he will find his confidence. When a hand is offered, he will nuzzle into it, with a tail wagging comfortably. He will go to the door to greet his people with a full body-wag, tail following suit, head held high and proud.
He will learn he is in a place where he can exhibit and share his emotional energy.
Time and love, with some patience, does heal all!
1 comment:
I myself and and other people I am sure would be interested to know your opinion on the different types and methods of training a giant breed dog. Also the most popular DO's and DON'T's.
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