It brought back memories of how terrible I felt for her when she was almost always scared of the world when we first met her. Yesterday, just like when we met her 3.5 years ago, she held her body low, her ears pinned back, and startled easily as she constantly scanned the world for danger. Unfortunately, a skateboard sneaked up on us and got much too close. Shyla cowered to the ground, paralyzed with fear of the noisy wheels.
The difference is that, this time, I feel confident that it's a passing phase. I wonder if she's a little sick, below a level where we can note it but enough that she doesn't feel confident. Time will tell.
Shyla is our first fearful dog, and I'm learning that a dog probably never becomes truly a "formerly" fearful dog. When life goes slightly askew, the haunted look can return. I have no photos of that "look" for you because I was focused totally on helping Shyla cope. However, I can guarantee that it was nothing like the her facial expression and posture in the photos from this morning.
I am happy to report that she seemed just like her usual rambunctious self during our snow bike ride this morning.
She even "charged the camera" at one point, giving me this closeup view of her beautiful eyes! (the shadow is me!)
My trainer's suggestion was to do very little formal training with her for a couple of days, and then to see if she returns to it with her old enthusiasm. I'm guessing that she will because she grabbed a toy and asked me to tug today - a great sign!
I definitely agree with you that with fearful dogs there's is no such thing as formerly. There are good days and okay days and sometimes there are bad days. Phoenix's triggers change depending on the day and sometimes she struggles, too. When those days happen I tend to feel so bad but we get through it and try again. Tomorrow is a new day! <3
ReplyDeleteHey, we're all entitled to an off day and it sounds like it is over!
ReplyDeleteYou work so well with her! She's lucky to have you. <3
ReplyDeleteShyla has conquered fear before and we hope she does it again
ReplyDeleteI know that he is controversial on blogs, but Cesar Millan says that fearful dogs take the most time and patience to 'rehabilitate.' I'm sure it was your winds. When we have our strong Santaana winds here even I, who have grown up with them, take a couple of days to recover. Otto sends kisses to Shyla, and to R's Hellbow!
ReplyDeleteI know these feels al too well right now, having horrified my poor brave hiking dog by exposing her too...the terrifying visage of an unexpected trash can in the dark. They can be so brave, but the layer of worry is still in there, too. I guess it makes the brave count that much more. Hope your girl is feeling better ASAP.
ReplyDeleteIt used to make my heart hurt when something frightened Piper...she came to me at 7 months with fear issues from a terrible puppyhood, and I was determined to help her repair the damage. I can't say how long it took for her to really and thoroughly develop a strong confidence, but I can say that I don't remember the last time she had a fear reaction that she didn't quickly rebound from. Shyla has come very, very far - I hope you won't feel discouraged by unexpected setbacks which are now the rare exception rather than the status quo.
ReplyDeleteShyla will do just fine, despite some setbacks, because she has you to be her rock when she has her weak moments.
ReplyDeleteShyla is so lucky to have you helping her through when she has a setback.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if that statement that there's no such thing as a 'formerly fearful dog' applies to those with much less severe anxiety. I suspect it depends on the severity - and the cause of the anxiety.
ReplyDeleteThat said, thankyou for keeping us updated on your experiences. Fingers crossed this phase does pass soon and Shyla remains confident and healthy.
Shyla has you as her very best friend, KB.
ReplyDeleteit's so great that there is a human on your side who can chase all fears away :o) don't laugh but I feel like you sometimes and the worls is toooo big too loud and too much for me :o)
ReplyDeleteAs a person who lives with anxiety, I can tell you that somedays it is easier to manage than others. It has to do with sleep, how many stressful things I have faced, and things I don't really understand. I hope this passes for your girl.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, she will never be completely free, but she sure is better than she was from waht you say here. Jake has been with us for 11 years of his 11 years 4 months of life. He is terrified of pots/pans. nothing else just the pots and pans. he had a bad scar across his nose and we think maybe he got it from a frying pan. when he cringes and runs when i open the cabinet where the frying pan lives, it hurts my heart. we have never hit or even threatened him.
ReplyDeleteYou're right, they never really lose it. Our Maggie is not fearful much more than she is fearful nowadays, but that duck & run or the ears back cower still come back - less often and they go away more quickly, but I think it will always be there. So sad about that.
ReplyDeleteYou are so lucky to have each other. Mom says Shayla reminds her of herself now and then, mom is going down the road happy and not anxious and then something is said or done, or seen, and for a few days, she is back to her old fearful anxious nervous self. Then she calms down. We have a lot in common with our dogs don't we. Maggie is our fearful dog, she has good days and stressful days also. Thank you for sharing Shayla with us though because it has made mom step back and look at us and our puppy mill upbringing. stella rose and momma
ReplyDeleteMaybe she's having 'one of those' days...
ReplyDeleteOh gurl, I hear ya! I don't likes skateboards! Not one bit! I bark my ass off at them every single time! Same with scooters, and rollerbladers! (yes, we still have one or two here! BOL) I made Ma drop her camera once when a kid on a skateboard snuck up on us...that'll teach her! ☺
ReplyDeleteI just knows that you are gonna come outta your funk, cause you are a superstar!!! Yuppers. I knows this cause I see it in your eye when you charged your Moms! BOL!!!
Kisses,
Ruby ♥
Going into town could be scary Shyla
ReplyDeleteLily & Edward
She's come so far that it isn't surprising (although a bit disconcerting) when she has flashes of her former fearful self. So glad she is better today.
ReplyDeleteAre any of us really cured of anything? Shyla is just like the rest of us and hopefully will be herself in a day or two.
ReplyDeleteKeep Calm & Bark On!
Murphy & Stanley
we all have something about us that sometimes pops out and interferes with our life and daily living,,, even me,,, i am the first pug my moms ever had,, that has "unique" problems of anxiety,,
ReplyDeletei know shyla will feel better soon. love
tweedles