MISTY, 25TH JANUARY.Well Misty is continuing to flourish....just one teeny problem emerging, my fault, Whilst I've been taking her with me pretty much everywhere as is my normal thing with the dogs, except into town etc. she seems to be developing mild separation anxiety.....I didn't know until my son was at home here the other day and I went upstairs to my office, where all 3 dogs usually come up and lay at my feet and on this occasion I left them all downstairs with my son, I did hear a couple of little 'yips', but then nothing else until my son came up to tell me that Misty was pacing and very anxious since I went upstairs without her. So I decided to go out in the car for a bit with no dogs and visit my brother whilst Matthew was there at home. When I came back I ask him how she'd been and he told me she paced and 'yipped' and wouldn't settle in her crate with her bone either, even though she is used to 'quiet time' in her crate (although she's aware I am around usually).
So now I am going to have to make the effort to not include her in everything, I had stopped crating her at night too, as I have recently let her sleep upstairs with me and the other two, albeit not on the bed.
So I think it's back to a crate at night, which she was fine with before and lots of small amounts of time away from me, even if it's just means going upstairs without her following. I have to admit, I had noted that she was becoming very 'clingy' and 'needy' and always wanted attention......I should have realised that with her background of very little human interaction, that she would quickly love the attention and cuddles and would naturally crave more, a bit like a baby would if it's mother never put it down in it's cot to sleep, but cuddled it the whole time. So I'll start gently giving her a bit more 'alone' time until she realises that I am coming back to her and she will gradually relax like the other two dogs. (I hope!).
Other than that, the off the property trail walks are still an ongoing, though her recall training is slower than I'd hoped, because she has a high chase drive and becomes easily distracted, so it will be on long-line for a while longer. I need to think of somewhere where there is a large enough field, but totally secure, to let her off properly with the other two, who do have 100% recall...I would love her to have the freedom of a good flat out run and play with Alfie, then I can also work on her 'nipping and side swiping' issue with Alfie, or a dog that won't let her get away with it, she needs a more dominant dog to tell her off properly and teach her that it is not acceptable doggie behaviour. Anyone living near me think of somewhere, or want to exercise their 'won't take any crap' dog, with us?, please post here, we would love it!
Anyway, that's it for today....more updates soon.
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Gina Deacon likes this.
Karen Gittoes Love reading ur posts about Misty keep them coming. Everyone thinking of rehoming a rescue dog should b made to read them, just to see how much work it involves. I know it's hard work but very satisfying and so nice to make a difference. :-))
14 minutes ago · Unlike · 1
The life of Misty The rescue Border Collie. I love the challenges that come with a rescue, but the rewards far outweigh the challenges, some dogs are exceptionally tough and Misty is easy by comparison, so far......
