Case Study Blanca

History: Not much is known about Blanca other than she came from a public shelter.

Assessment: Blanca although not aggressive, was not at ease when fitting her with a harness and would not take treats to try and create a positive association. When a lead was put on the harness, Blanca did freeze a bit but with coaching and support we were able to take her to the car and lift her into the crate. Once we arrived at the woods near the shelter, Blanca initially froze but after a few minutes and with the support of her shelter mate Scooby’s presence did eventually start to walk. It did take Blanca some time to relax into the walk but when she did start to sniff and relax it was a pleasure to see.

Blanca was nervous of the unfamiliar, when I saw a group of horses being rode by children I found a different path. At a distance, Blanca turned froze and observed and once the horses had passed, she proceeded to walk. Blanca is sensitive to noise, and the clay pigeon shooting caused her to again freeze. This pattern of behaviour of stopping and freezing also happened around unfamiliar people and dogs. Where the trigger was less than 5 meters Blanca would bark which is a distance creating signal, and copes better when she is able to process triggers at a distance. Blanca was offered reassurance which helps to build a secure relationship and safe base. Once triggers had passed, Blanca was happy to walk alongside Scooby and sniff where he was sniffing indicating that Blanca is happy to learn from another dog she is comfortable with. This was Blanca’s first walk outside of the shelter. Normally she is left to play with several small dogs at the shelter but given her discomfort around dogs she doesn’t know it would be beneficial to do more one-on-one work with her as her behaviour would indicate that being in a group situation is not necessarily something she enjoys.

Behavioural Plan:

·       I would do 1-2-1 freework session with Blanca on her own in the grassy paddock away from other dogs using a licky mat, snuffle mat etc to encourage sniffing and foraging.

·       I would continue walks outside of the shelter with her pen mate Scooby so that Blanca continues to socialise and observe everyday situations she is likely to see with her future adopter. This will also ensure Blanca is more used to wearing a harness and being walked on a lead or longline.

·       Minimise group time outside of Blanca’s enclosure as this may be a source of stress.

·       Longer term play tug games letting her win to boost confidence.

Potential adopter: Blanca is a nervous little dog and requires an adopter who is patient and willing to work at her pace. Blanca would benefit from quiet walks and not being exposed to busy environments like a pub or café where there are likely to be unfamiliar dogs and people which is currently a trigger for her. If there is a resident dog, I would feed the dogs separately as her pen mate Scooby tends to eat hers and his treats which will not help her confidence.

If you are interested in meeting this beautiful boy, please contact #friendsindeeddogrescue on 07527129642 or me directly J