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Friday, February 22, 2008

Tamar Geller: The Loved Dog

I love "The Loved Dog" by Tamar Geller!! She expresses so simply what I feel about my cairns Kiara Ann and CP kid Ruthie Rose. These two have known nothing but love and luxury in their short lives. So unlike the experiences of puppymill kids.

Just imagine how confused our puppymill kids feel when they come into Col Potter because they have never been loved! They might describe the strange phenomenon: an inside living arrangement, people who want to cuddle me and look into my eyes, an itchy collar and harness on my scrawny body, a big crate with noone to share it, fresh food and water. The very things we and our resident kids think of as symbols of our love may seem very scary to mill kids.

While their behaviors match their background, we find them disturbing. Recently, a new adoptive Mom posted a question to CRM asking for how to help her puppy overcome a fear of big open spaces and leash training. I encouraged this Mom to read Tamar's book because she will need Tamar's optimistic encouragement.

The physical abuse most mill kids endure causes intense fear of human hands. These hands grabbed a tail, leg, scruff, ears - whatever they could reach - and none to gently. Putting on a leash involves hands and eye contact - a fearful situation. Teaching the mill cairn that your touches are not threatening may take lots of patience.

Try lying on the floor face down with your eyes averted and a high-value treat freely available to get the dog to approach you. Let him come near you and sniff. Spend as much time as you can without pushing or forcing contact. Softly touch the dog in a small spot, speak gentle encouraging phrases. It may take an hour, or days to progress.


Eventually hold the dog, petting him gently for a few seconds, speaking softly, then place him carefully down. Don't try to restrain him. Lengthen the time for this ritual each day. You want a totally non-threatening environment. Be as submissive as possible; Build trust slowly.

Your celebrations may be for very small improvements, as we count improvements. But they are very significant for you and your cairn!! Share those celebrations with others and seek support as you need it.

Sending big hugs for your huge heart and desire to make a puppymill survivor your "Loved Dog"! Let me know what you think of Tamar's book.

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