Reptile & Amphibian Forums

A few months ago I adopted my foster girls. They were both rescued from a farm where they had been locked in a building. Mojo has adapted to life on the farm with little problem - Emma (Jack Russell cross) is not adapting as well. While she loves the room to run around - she is having trouble leaving the dog house and dog run - almost as if she has agoraphobia! If I let the dogs out and leave the gate open she immediately tries to - or actually returns to the dog house and lays in there. If the door is closed and the gate is closed she tends to just hover around the dog house until I let her back in! She is very very submissive and we are working on that. Does anyone have any suggestions?

It's great that you're fostering! Have you tried taking her on car rides or to positive reinforcement classes or someplace fun away from home where she can explore new smells and sounds?

Arrow I think is right on target. The dog is staying in the space that is, in their mind a safety zone. Introducing to new places and smells, slowly I might add, do not force, I believe the dog can re-adjust to their new life style. Be kind gentle and patient it may take time.

Thanks for fostering we need more like you.
Cheryl

thank you both for replying. I didn't think of that but what a great idea! I am definitely going to try that. she is about 4 or 5 and she was locked in a building on a farm. there was a total of 21 dogs and all had to be put down due to behavior problems or health problems - only two survived this ordeal and now live with me and my other 5 rescues! so yes, i have 7 rescues and i love each one. we live on an acreage so there is plenty of room for all! it breaks my heart that she is so frightened - she is particularly frightened of men (my husband and any man who visits). the person who "owned" these dogs was an older man. i have only had them a few months but i am sure with your suggestion and patience she will eventually get better! my one dog, big buddy, was tossed around from home to home. when i got him, he had no personality! no emotion. he didn't really know what treats were and didn't like to run or anything. now - he is a very lovable - affectionate, treat loving, hole-digging, dog playing with the cows!

This is my favorite rescue sayings.

"To the world you are just one person, to a rescue you are the world"

thank you so much! what a great saying. when u think of it that way - you realize again why we do this (rescue). that really made my day!

The dogs will change your life, and you will change theirs! Keep us updated.

Emma is doing a little better. It is funny - in the morning she can't wait to get out of the dog run - she is excited and wagging her tail and gets out and runs around playing with the other dogs and me - she loves to sit on my knee in the morning. She gets praise and lottsa love. Then about an hour or so later she is ready to return to her dog house - which I allow her to do. I leave the doors wide open and she is free to run back and forth so she comes out for awhile then she goes back. Maybe this is just what she does. She is funny cause she pokes her head out of the dog house looking for my husband and if she sees him she won't come out! She came from a one-man farm where they weren't treated that well. My husband lets her come to him and they have little cuddle time and then she is off again! So she is getting better! Her roomate (Mojo) is crazy! She has adapted very well. I am sure Emma will too given some time!