[LittleGemma]

Yesterday we went over to my boyfriend's ex's (I know, that sounds awkward, but they are good friends and we get along fine), and Gemma got to meet her and her cats. Gemma was so great! She warmed up to my boyfriend's ex, Anna, immediately, and she was desperately trying to get the cats to play with her, lol. One cat was sort of interested in observing Gemma, but the other was a bit grumpy towards Gemma. I'm really set on getting a kitten now for Gemma to have as a playmate. So far every cat she has met, she has loved, even when they haven't loved her back, lol.

So, after we stayed at Anna's place for a little while, we walked into town with Gemma to get some ice cream. Gemma was being super friendly and interested in all strangers and dogs that passed by. We started walking by this little girl of about 3 years old and her dad, and Gemma was in love with her. All she wanted to do was play with her. She was barking and jumping around and trying to get the little girl to chase her while running circles around her. It was the cutest thing I've ever seen. We had an entire audience in town gathered around and watching us. I think Anna may have caught it on video with her camera. If she did, I'll have her send it to me so I can post it here.

Gemma continued to greet other strangers on the way to the ice cream place. I'm just so proud that she is becoming outgoing and friendly. She used to be so nervous and scared of everyone and everything. She even did her tricks for Anna when we were at her place. Gemma is definitely a shy and nervous dog by nature, but I think we're doing something right with the socializing to make her more confident. So for anyone else dealing with a shy or nervous pup, there is hope!

 

[Kalisee]

Gemma continued to greet other strangers on the way to the ice cream place. I'm just so proud that she is becoming outgoing and friendly. She used to be so nervous and scared of everyone and everything. She even did her tricks for Anna when we were at her place. Gemma is definitely a shy and nervous dog by nature, but I think we're doing something right with the socializing to make her more confident. So for anyone else dealing with a shy or nervous pup, there is hope!

Perfect adorable Gemma!!!
I take great comfort in what you say here, how she blossomed into a friendly girl. I carry Kalisee to places that are busy so she can get used to it..shes pretty scared of everything outside! I hope she turns out like your adorable Gemma

Maybe if you get the video you can post it, I would love to see.

 

[Huly]

That is great!

 

[AussieLass]

Perfect adorable Gemma!!!
I carry Kalisee to places that are busy so she can get used to it..shes pretty scared of everything outside!

Carrying her is only going to get her used to one thing - being carried.

She can't become acclimatised, socialised and at one with her environment when she's being carried.

If places are busy, my body language lets people know to watch where they heck they're going (and if body language doesn't, my mouth certainly does, "Excuse me, excuse me, puppies coming through" in a loud & authoritive voice, they soon darn well move their butts) and, anyway, with my pups walking on my left side, and me walking hard left on the pavement, no-one is going to walk into or over them 'coz they're to my right if they're on-coming foot traffic.

I command complete right of way over every mortal thing when I've got pups on leads, the world can wait for us and jolly well stay out of our way.

 

[Rach_Honey]

Bless her, she really is too cute!!
Honey is sooooo un-friendly on walks - she will just about go past a person without barking (unless its a man who she doesnt like the look of!) but other dogs/cats - no chance at the moment

 

[BabyBelle]

First off, I love Gemma's name and I love Gemma... She is so cute, I could just steal her! You are doing great by building her confidence. Like a previous poster said, don't coddle or carry too much. Encourage confidence on the lead, pay attention to your pups actions, if she is getting nervous, stop your walk, regain her focus, put her in a sit and reward her for good behavior then try again. I've heard a lot about nervous chis and my last papillon was a nervous one, so I've been over exposing Belle. We have been going to schools, convalescent homes, stores, walks, and lots of loud noises.
It also helps walking her with our big gsd mix! No one wants to approach us then, for some reason! Good luck to you, again, I just love her!

 

[pupluv168]

Go Gemma go!!! That's proof that good socialization and effort pays off. I am so proud of the little princess!

 

[LittleGemma]

Dee, I believe Anna carries Kalisee because she hasn't had all of her shots yet. I used to carry Gemma too before she could walk on the ground just so I could get her out in public and busy places. I still carry her if she gets tired or if we're in a hurry to get somewhere. But I agree that it's important to let them walk and explore the world on their own without being babied in your arms all the time, but only after their shots are completed of course.

Thank you all for the positive comments. I'm so proud of my girl. She's doing great!

 

[Chi Nation]

Thats awesome Gemma!! Keep it up and you may just get a new little kitten of your very own!!

 

[just cindy]

Happy to hear that Gemma is able to make new friends while she is out about the town.
Go Gemma!!! you are gaining confidence and becoming a social butterfly

 

[Wicked Pixie]

Well done you, you are doing a great job with the socialising. Both of ours love little children too, it is so sweet.

 

[carrieandcricket]

Oh Gemma you are growing up so fast! Good girl!

 

[missydawn]

Gemma is just a baby doll!Everyone will always fall in love with her

 

[~LS~]

During this crucial stage in Gemma's life it is important to acknowledge and
encourage her achievements, but never let your guard down. Keep up the
work every single day, because she can go through another fear stage and
she can definitely go back to being a shy girl if you give her some slack. Chanel
is extremely shy by nature, socializing her was very challenging, even now at 1
year old I still make sure to daily expose her to a variety of sounds, people,
places, surfaces, etc. The work never stops. So give yourself a pat on the back,
give Gemma a big kiss and don't stop working with her, because at the end of
the day it will make a difference in who she is, whether or not she grows up into
a good doggie citizen or the yappy, fearful, Chi stereotype.

 

[Kalisee]

Carrying her is only going to get her used to one thing - being carried.

She can't become acclimatised, socialised and at one with her environment when she's being carried..

You are very right indeed....I only carry her temporarily because she has not had all her shots yet and I dont set her down outside at all. This is just until I can start leash walking her. Right now its a big step for her being in a busy town out of the sanctuary of home.

Enough of my hijacking the thread of Gemma the amazing girl!

 

[KrystalLeigh]

I'm so glad that Gemma is coming out of her shell! I think you should get a kitty! Odie just loves her kitties, and all other cats we encounter. I don't feel as bad about leaving her alone for a bit, because i'll often come home to one the cats cuddling with her. They also play like crazy, which is great for getting rid of some energy.