Ella update & pic - Page 2 - Chihuahua Forum : Chihuahua Breed Dog Forums

~LS~ · #9 01-10-2013, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChicaChi

Thank you, LS, that's good advice and, I'll admit, something that I needed to hear. I don't want to cause problems for Ella or any of our furkids, now or down the road, by not treating them equally during this time of transition. Thank you for reminding me of the importance of that, and for the other good tips.

That's one of the things I love about CP...the chance to learn from, and ask questions of, the more experienced chi Moms on the forum.

Oh Deana, I by no means tried to sound more experienced than you.
You know me and my big mouth, I just like to share advice that I find works.
This is just something I was arguing with hubby over a couple of months ago,
all he wanted to do was nurture and spoil Bella because he felt so bad for her,
but I did not want to overdo it because in the end I'd be simply feeding her
fears and insecurities, you know. And now months later, he is glad that we
were "tough" in a way, because she is an upbeat perky little thing that if
given the chance would walk all over you, so to speak. For example at first
on our walks Bella was terrified of noises, people, dogs, new surfaces, etc,
and her first reaction would be to hide between our legs, tremble or jump up
on us as to say "pick me up"...and hubby wanted to every time, but I did not
let him, I just kept ignoring her, showing her there is nothing to fear, I would
either keep walking, or distract her, redirect her attention to something else,
etc. But never comfort her, cuddle her, tell her it's ok, don't be scared, etc.
Because this just feeds the fear, in my opinion. And since she kept being
exposed to the elements she feared, eventually, slowly but surely, her fears
diminished, and most completely disappeared. Which to me is the ultimate
reward, to watch her walk down the street, on-leash, holding her head up
high, her tail perky, happy gait, no worries....it melts my heart to know how
far she came.

Chica n Ella · #10 01-10-2013, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ~LS~

Oh Deana, I by no means tried to sound more experienced than you.
You know me and my big mouth, I just like to share advice that I find works.
This is just something I was arguing with hubby over a couple of months ago,
all he wanted to do was nurture and spoil Bella because he felt so bad for her,
but I did not want to overdo it because in the end I'd be simply feeding her
fears and insecurities, you know. And now months later, he is glad that we
were "tough" in a way, because she is an upbeat perky little thing that if
given the chance would walk all over you, so to speak. For example at first
on our walks Bella was terrified of noises, people, dogs, new surfaces, etc,
and her first reaction would be to hide between our legs, tremble or jump up
on us as to say "pick me up"...and hubby wanted to every time, but I did not
let him, I just kept ignoring her, showing her there is nothing to fear, I would
either keep walking, or distract her, redirect her attention to something else,
etc. But never comfort her, cuddle her, tell her it's ok, don't be scared, etc.
Because this just feeds the fear, in my opinion. And since she kept being
exposed to the elements she feared, eventually, slowly but surely, her fears
diminished, and most completely disappeared. Which to me is the ultimate
reward, to watch her walk down the street, on-leash, holding her head up
high, her tail perky, happy gait, no worries....it melts my heart to know how
far she came.

I don't think you're a big mouth at all, LS!

I actually really appreciate your helpful ideas and guidance...both from you, and from everyone else on this forum who has shared their advice and encouragement with me. That's one of the many things I love about CP. And really you are more experienced, specific to this type of situation anyway...i.e. dealing with a new to the family, fearful little chi. So I welcome any and all advice that comes from you, because I know you've been where I am at now. And I could really relate to what you shared about how much it meant to see Bella confidentally trotting along, happy and with her head held high...and how far she had come from the beginning, when she was so fearful of walks. I had just a small taste of that this morning on our walk when Ella (who at first would just stand there frozen in place, or "ask" to be picked up by trying to climb up my leg)...but today she actually ventured out a little, walking away from me a couple of feet, exploring a tree, and actually looking around for the first time (instead of just staring at the ground or my shoes). Bless her heart, she almost looked a little excited to be out in the crisp morning air, seeing a bit of the world!

It gave me a glimpse of the brave little lass I know is in there somewhere, just waiting to come out and enjoy life.

~LS~ · #11 01-10-2013, 06:51 PM

Aww that sounds wonderful, I can almost see it. Here's hoping for more improvements in the near future, baby steps go a long way.

Luvmywinnie · #12 01-10-2013, 08:06 PM

What an angel, so glad she is with you

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Jayda · #13 01-11-2013, 01:21 AM

She is adorable. I hope she continues to settle in well.

pupluv168 · #14 01-11-2013, 01:31 AM

She's beautiful! Glad she's improving

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BlueJax · #15 01-11-2013, 01:55 AM

Good to hear that she is improving! You are so sweet and patient with her, she is very lucky to have you.

Evelyn · #16 01-11-2013, 02:50 AM

She sounds like the little mini Fox Terrier we adopted from a rescue, almost 17 years ago , we had to have her put down last month, but she was so afraid of everything and it was so great to watch her blossom through the years. I know you will have many year with your new little love and she will return all the love back to you. Congrats.