Daisy

[fairy]

Hi we have had daisy for three weeks now and love her very much. she is settling well, if one of us go out she greets us with a very waggy tail when we get back just like our other two bichons. When anyone visits she is still very nervious i pick her up and she is ok she loves to be cuddled, i know it is still early days but what should we do am i doing right by picking her up. also when we take her out she will not walk past anyone and is nervious should i pick her up as i dont like to see her in distress. thanx june

[rosieposie]

June it is hard to say what is the right thing as they are all different but if she is really distressed then by all means pick her up.  I would tend to try and distract them for a while and then carry on as if every thing is OK. Perhaps ask your visitors to give them all a treat and see how that works.  But ask them not to go towards her or stand over her. When Tobi first came to stay he would want to turn and walk the other way if he saw a man with a certain look come towards him, in these instances I just got down beside him and reassured him until the person had passed.  One time I asked the man if he would speak to him but not crouch down and he did and that was the start of him starting to ingore the "look alikes" to something in his past.  Now he pays no attention at all to whoever passes by in fact sometimes he stops and has a good look at them and then just comes walking on.
I don't really like the bribery route but sometimes with these babies it is the kindest way to go.  Sounds like you are doing all the right things, anyway see what you think.

[willamena1]

HI June,
As Rosie said each dog is differant and responds to differant things in differant ways. My little Freddie is still scared when people come into my home unless he knows them well. He hides then slowly appears when he is satisfied the people will not hurt him. On walks he completely freaks out if a man or child walk past or a pram and bicycle I do pick him up and hug him reassuring him all the time that he is safe. Yet Willy stops and watches the people unless they try to touch her which scares her. You can buy a bandanna that says please do not approach me I am a very scared rescue dog. You can buy these on the internet. A lady who adopted a particularly scared bichon bought one for her and she said everyone read it and respected her wishes. Daisy will come to terms with her new life in her own time and I know that you will allow her all the time she needs.
X for Daisy.
Willy x

[carolanne]

Hi June, if you go into thinking of adopting an ex puppy farmed bitch or ex breeding bitch, sorry don't know how to post links. Cushti has some brilliant advice and tips. which just mirrors my experience with dudley. Unfortunately it's amazing how many people CAN'T comprehend please completely ignore my dog, somehow it gets translated into everyone thinking their Caesar Milan, classic statement is ALL DOGS LOVE ME!!!!

[Carmen]

I would just like to add my tuppence to this if thats ok with everyone :) 
It really is early days for this girl and far too soon for her to be going out and facing the big wide world.  She needs time to bond with and trust you, your family and know that no human is again going to harm her.  The best place to teach her this is where she feels safe.. at home.
When your guests arrive ask them NOT to make any eye contact with her or speak to her or pat her for the first couple of visits,  then once she has seen them a couple of times and feels more comfortable with them ask them to make eye contact very briefly and in a warm voice tell her 'good girl' then leave it at that.  Progress to them calling her over with a small treat when she feels comfortable enough to go to them.  If she chooses not to go then thats fine just leave things be.
If you pick her up you are reassuring her in the way you would another 'human' when they become distressed or fearful (like a child)  the best way to teach her that there is nothing to worry about is in fact not to do ANYTHING.  If she sees you're not bothered then she wont be.  Just carry on and ignore her till she settles down and then call her to you.  Again if she chooses not to come then dont worry about it,  just leave her be.
These dogs really do need time,  patience, understanding and for things to be done at THIER pace,  each one is different after all!

Hope that helps a bit

Carmen x

[cavilove]

Hello Fairy how is Daisy?
I have just discovered your posts and im in a similar situation -I have rescued an xpf cav boy Gus- it has been about 5 weeks now and im amazed he has done so well with the help of my 2yo cav Alfie who is his guide dog- we also have a xpf Lhasa aged 13 who is in his retirement year ...and putting his feet up so the 2 cavaliers are quite happy  generaly clowning around- Gus has a few 'habits' that are a work in progress though ...marking, and having a good old a  bark a little to often- i will look out for your posts x

[fairy]

  Hi would just like to let you know how Daisy our little ex breeding bischon is progressing. We have had her a year in august (time goes so fast) She is just great she is so much more confident loves going out for walks and will even go up to people when we are out. She can still be a bit nervous around strangers but she is geting better all the time. She is like my little shadow and follows me every where. My advise to anyone who is thinking of adopting an ex breeding dog is to read as much as possible about them and dont expect things to be instant every thing takes time. I am so pleased that i adoped Daisy she is very loved. Although i have 3 bischons i am considering taking in and fostering a small dog every now and again. Now that i have had this experiance i feel i could help another find their forever home. June

[rosieposie]

Fantastic news June so pleased that Daisy Bichon is doing so well.  Look out if you foster, that's how Bertie came to stay - Jan 0 - Bichons 4

[kiz]

Great to hear Daisy is doing so well 

[Timbellemia]

Well done June

So pleased to hear Daisy is gaining confidence and progressing well