Willow is steadily finding her feet.
She is quick and smart - so a typical collie. However she is overly sensitive, an overthinker, keen over achiever - likewise - a typical collie. She is also desperate to 'do things right', to be loved' to be 'part of the pack' and it is exhausting. For me but even more so for her.
Originally we were told she had to be kept in a crate to help control her as she could be 'too much' and they were worried about her chewing the kid's toys, that she sometimes urinated in the house when she was too excited. Hearing snippets of their reasons for needing her gone and watching the family dynamic I could see they were at their wits end and the dog had no boundaries, no leadership and they had no time.
After the initial allowance of all her foibles and issues, we have worked through and reenforced and reminded and repeated and rewarded new behaviours. She now is the 'proud' owner of three beds and several toys - although still not sure what to do with them, we're going to try and remedy that today (if it will stop raining) when we go out for our walk.
This last weekend has been an absolute test for her, visiting different houses, travelling in the van, fence building, hedge removals, meeting new dogs, new cats and our house full of people. That little timid, desperate, fearful red and white dog stepped up and was 'part of the pack' and she knew it. Gone were the frightened eyes, the trembly legs and despite still feeling timid - she was 'there and in the mix' and although I know we have a long, long way to go - I was so proud of her.
......just have to keep reminding her that the CAT is 'Top Dog' !!
Oh bless her little paws! X
ReplyDelete🐾❤️
DeleteThe cat is watching and waiting
ReplyDeleteThe cat is the family matriarch - and boy - do we (us humans) know that, poor ol' Willow has no concept of cat personal space and what is sacrosanct to the cat who gets very put out !!
DeleteShe does look different. I can see that though she's still nervous she has accepted that she is part of this new pack. As you say, she's desperate to know what's expected of her and what a touching picture of her coming towards you, in response I presume to your call. A long journey still to come, as you say, but I feel totally confident and relieved now that she's in your hands. Your pictures break my heart. x
ReplyDeleteWe were practicing her recall and she was doing so well (99% of the time) so I take that as a huge improvement. Been practising again today and turned it into a game and we have a perfect rate and without her realising that we were actually doing a training session she had such a lovely play out - I call that a win!
Delete👍😊
DeleteShe’s come a long way! Such a fortunate pup!
ReplyDeleteShe has definitely come a long way - so proud of her - just got to keep it going coz there is so much potential in that wee girl.🐾
DeleteYou're doing a sterling job by the sounds of it. Willow really is a beautiful girl but I'm glad sh'e learning the respect the cat's superiority! xxx
ReplyDeleteThank you 😊There is a mutual tetchy wariness at the moment, just needs to mature into a companionable disdain where they can both be in the same room and completely ignore each other!
DeleteSo lovely to see her progress
ReplyDeleteIt is!
DeleteAnd a relief 😊
A collie pup is needing attention, just like a human toddler....but if you have a human toddler you can't give the pup the attention it needs, to learn...
ReplyDeleteExactly - just too much for the owners and she was missing out
DeleteI’m so glad she is settling in well. I guess it takes a while for her to feel like this is her forever home and not just a stop gap until she is moved on. X
ReplyDeleteShe is, and the house is calming down nicely :)
DeleteWillow is doing so well - things take time, but you are prepared to give her that, as well as support and encouragement. She is so happy to be with you. (It's a difficult lesson for a dog to learn that cats are in charge...always!)
ReplyDeleteBest wishes
Ellie
She is settling in well - lots still to learn, but she is so-oooo keen
DeleteCongratulations to you both! Well done lovely Willow, you get the learner of the week award. x
ReplyDeleteShe sounds to be making excellent progress. She is so lucky to now live with you. x
ReplyDeleteShe's found her place. Xx
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