I will write more about Gilly on my Bound Angels Blog, but I thought to share a little story about him here first. To start with, Gilly reminded me so much of my Boots that it brought tears to my eyes meeting him. However, different from Boots, who was a tough guy that just wanted to fight, Gilly was scared of EVERYTHING. I can guarantee that this dog has been severely abused. I was asked to arrange transport through BOUND ANGELS for him to Washington state. I have to say, I was tempted to keep him, he is adorable, but has a major fear issue. This can be a major issue if not addressed properly.
Dealing mainly with dominant and aggressive dogs, I often meet dogs that have become that way because of human error. Most of the time it is very unintentional. People find a dog like Gilly and think that love and affection will cure the problem. The hug and kiss the dog, hold him in their arms and try to “love the problem away.” This is a huge mistake. You will not cure fear in a dog by giving it hugs and kisses. You will create a dog that has more fear and bigger issues in the future. What is needed is leadership. The first thing the dog needs is space. Hovering over the dog and babying him will only confirm his insecurities. Dogs function better with aloofness than affection. Be aware of what I am saying here, it is not IGNORING, but ALOOFNESS. You will give the dog attention, but you will not smother him. A dog that is afraid of humans will not learn to trust them by having them invade his space all day long. He will learn to trust if he is given space to develop his personality / temperament and then given structure.
I have recommended that Gilly be given space for a few days. Allow him to feel comfortable and allow his personality to come out. Let him build trust through space and respect. Respect his space and his need to observe his new home and his new family. Feed him, walk him, but don’t smother him. As he opens up slowly show him you are a leader of fairness and strength. You will provide for him and shelter him. Whoever the jerk is who abused him deserves a nice share of abuse himself. ANYONE who abuses and animal is the bottom of the barrel in my book. There is NEVER a time to inflict any abuse on a dog or any other animal. I stress abuse here and want to differentiate abuse from correction. All dogs need correction and structure as that is what they get in nature, they do not get abused. Humans abuse dogs sometimes without even knowing it.
What Gilly deserves is a life of structure and compassion and love in which he knows that he is cared for for the rest of his days. He is a most special little man. I wish him well.