Friday, July 13, 2012

Denise: Emma Calmly Watches One Nation Under Dog

Denise writes:

I hope our messages will have an impact - it made me re-think about purchasing another puppy. I've also learned from experience that purchasing a puppy does not guarantee you a stable dog, and the bond you can establish with a rescue can be incredible.

One Nation Under Dog: My youngest Airedale, Emma, had an interesting reaction to the show. Emma has neurological issues - had seizures when she was younger, goes through odd fear stages, and is very sensitive. I purchased Emma as a puppy and absolutely love her- we've developed a strong bond, she is very smart, easy to train and I was hoping to show her in agility, obedience and tracking, however, she is too dog reactive and I never know when she will lapse into a fearful state. Emma reacts to dogs on TV and I have worked with her to desensitize her, but if a dog appears unexpectedly , she reacts - runs to the TV, puts her front feet on the TV table, barks at the dog and pokes the TV with her nose. Last night I put on "One Nation Under Dog" thinking I would have to put her in another room so I could watch the show in peace without having to manage her. Much to my surprise, Emma heard the dogs, came running into the room, looked at the TV and then put her chin on the TV table and quietly watched the show. She stayed calm and stood in front of the TV the entire time. We turned the channel before they showed the "gas chamber" - neither my husband nor I could watch it an we didn't want Emma watching it either. My other 3 were sound a sleep in their beds.

BTW, Emma has an excellent pedigree and a reputable breeder who offered to take Emma back when she had her first seizure at 4 months old. Knock on wood, Emma hasn't had a seizure since she turned 1 and she will be 5 next week.

No comments:

Post a Comment