CockersOnline Forum
Cocker Specific Discussion => General Cocker Spaniel Discussion => Topic started by: Maggiesfriend on July 10, 2016, 04:26:49 PM
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I have been reading Rosie's story with great interest and comparing her to Poppy. Dear little Pops has settled into the house routing brilliantly, she is full of confidence with me and Maggie, but still extremely cautious of everyone and everything else. She is so happy in her home, rushing about, stealing socks, bringing dirty bits of wood inside for a chew and all the other wicked cocker things they do. However, a walk is out of the question, I have got her a soft harness that fits her and am having to work at getting her to wear it (she freezes until its taken off). The next step will be to get her out in it into the fields. She has certainly never been a walk in all her 5 years, nor has she been socialized. Although she loves Maggie, I would have to be very careful indeed introducing to other dogs. Her house training is going well with the backing of puppy pads.
A knowledgable lady said to me on here when I first had Pop, that these shut down dogs were like autistic children, permanently anxious and completely thrown by anything out of the ordinary. That is so true. I think I know that it will be ages before she emerges from her cocoon completely, if ever. She is much loved how she is and I don't think she is half as bothered about not going for a walk as I am :doh:
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:bigarmhug: to Pops, she sounds happy to have found such a loving home. Hope she continues to emerge out of that shell so she can one day go out and smell the daisies! :luv:
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Another story to make us all see the good in this world, at last Poppy has a chance at a proper life and it makes me feel happy to know that she is getting all the love you give her. Well done Poppy and you take your time but enjoy the ride!
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Your last sentence sums it up beautifully. You would love her to go for a walk, because that is what other dogs do. Pops is as happy as a pixie in her new world. Well done.
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I regularly meet a Spaniel who was once like yours, when we are out walking.
At first he would pay no attention to my dog, but after a while has developed some interaction with us.
I do have a very obedient and social dog who makes friends easily.
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So glad to see that you are happy to take things at Poppy's pace. I think that it is the key. If we put them in situations they find uncomfortable or scary then everything goes out of the window. It is just a question of exploring the edge of the comfort zone and nudging it out a little more each time.
We are doing much the same with little Annie at the moment as you may have read from my earlier progress reports. Luckily our other spaniel Buster has really taken her under his wing and she will often follow his lead. That proved the key for us with the harness. She saw Buster getting his on and then saw that she had one too. Like any young lady she was so thrilled with the new outfit she forgot that she ought to be scared!
They are all different of course and what works for one doesn't for another because they have different experiences which have led to their fears.
Good luck and do keep everyone informed.
Rodney