Buster the Black Labrador

Buster the Black Labrador

It’s only been 7 weeks since we picked up Buster, a 2 year old rescue but the first couple of weeks were difficult.  We were naive about what we were taking on after seeing a few friends do the same with little disruption. We had been toying with the idea for a while and finally decided to go for it, however, we were definitely not prepared for what lay ahead and how difficult it can be introducing a rescue dog into your family.  I knew as soon as I we picked him up that it was going to take time for him to settle (in comparison to the other dogs being collected at the time).  We had a very scared dog on our hands and although the first couple of days were relatively uneventful and quiet as he decompressed once he realised his surroundings things became very overwhelming for him and us.

He was very jumpy any sudden movements sent him running, and going for a walk we found was not an option it was too much for him.  After the first 2 nights with no problems, we thought great but on the 3rd night the barking started and unless we slept downstairs with him this barking would be non-stop all night.  He was relatively trusting of me and my son (7) but my husband was a different story and 7 weeks on this is still an issue, but progress is being made.

After 2 weeks of sleeping on the floor next to the dog, reading endlessly about how to settle him, understand him and make him feel safe, worrying, tying ourselves in knots, a friend sent me a link to Sally’s website.  We had been fairly housebound as we couldn’t leave the dog and we couldn’t take him out. However, my son was totally in love with the dog and there was no other options for us but to get this right and get on with it.

As soon as I watched the videos on Sally’s website, I knew instantly that Sally would be able to help us and a lot of my tension eased.  After a quick email Sally was in touch straight away and we had a 2hr Facetime call. Within half an hour of her watching the dog with us, we established that the dog was not afraid of his crate and that the training I had been working on and investigating was not best for Buster.  If you have been looking into reward based training then Sally’s recommendations will probably be the opposite to what know and you may feel reluctant but they absolutely work and we have a much happier calmer dog on our hands that we are steadily being able to build a relationship.  Her advice and training has allowed us to stop panicking and make mistakes and also allowed us to make sure the dog doesn’t make mistakes and as such become confident with us and around us.

The first week to 10 days following Sally’s suggestions was tough, sleepless nights (because we were no longer sleeping with the dog) and lots of working with Buster, walking indoors and outside in the garden.  Sally was available whenever I had a wobble and even when I wasn’t having a wobble she would be checking in to see how we were doing.  I honestly think we might have given up if we hadn’t had Sally’s help.  Without sounding dramatic, she could see how critical our situation was, we had a scared rescue dog, a young child and were exhausted, so I can’t thank her enough for keeping me sane.

Sally gave us advice on everything, from what food, feeding times, walking on the lead and how to talk to the dog, how to help the dog understand it’s place in our home and settle into life with us.  We still have a lot of work ahead of us.  Each time we have a catch up with Sally, there is always something positive that comes out of our session and more to work on and move forwards with.  You have to be prepared to put in the work and it takes time but if you are in a similar situation then Sally will most certainly be able to help and support you.

Sarah Pascoe 

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