
07/16/2025
1st day of Phoenix’s training! I’ve done 4 Meet&Greets for 1-1.5hrs with him 1x/week in June.
Because I prepped him and myself for his arrival early on, he is having an easier time transitioning and adjusting to being in my home.
When dealing with fear aggressive dogs, or even dogs who are just inexperienced in life, you have to take these things slowly so you don’t traumatize the dog further. Positive reinforcement, confidence and compassion are all key to successfully gaining the dog’s TRUST.
With his other sitter, he met her once. He was with her for 8 days and he wouldn’t let her pet him at all. They bonded by playing frisbee and her meeting his essential needs.
Now I haven’t seen him since July 6, but because of the bonding work I did, he’s offered his own head for me to scratch under his chin and he directly gives me his toys to play with him! All within the first 12 hours of me taking him in.
I don’t stare into his eyes, I don’t force him to engage with me, I just handle the essentials and any extra engagement I leave up to him so he can learn that I’m only here to care for him.
Stay tuned for more updates! 😊
-