Now I realize that I have to step back and stop attributing "human" emotions to a dog; but Llyr's reality is patently steeped in terror that he will no longer have a place in the pack and instead be banned to the outdoors where he spent the first 2 and a half years of his life. His exaggerated sense of territory was engendered (I believe) by his incarceration to a small yard, a bare minimum of human contact and a yearning, desperate need for affection. I still cringe when I think of this dog, so full of desperate love and so needy of touch, outside looking in all the time.
He is a dog who craves constant reassurance, seeks affirmation of acceptance and breaks into the equivalent of an anxious sweat when attention is paid to another dog (or even human or other animal). He vocalizes loudly and persistently (not barking, “talking”, he sounds very much like a Jurassic Park voice-over expert!) and with the slightest encouragement will come and press up against the closest family member. Though a big guy, but lean, he wants desperately to be a “lap dog” and will attempt to wrap all 90 lbs or so of sinewy ebony love around on my lap ....
Now before I get lectured on allowing behaviours that are not becoming to a good dog. Llyr knows the rules and overall, follows them admirably (if not always quietly – he is incapable of not arguing a point or giving out at the unfairness of the world).
The reality is that he has made incredible progress over the past two years; when he arrived, he had NEVER been inside a house and had no concept of the expectations that engendered. Despite his lack of socialization, it was obvious that here was a dog that was incredibly eager to please and capable of learning quickly and with a pathetic eagerness to do what was required. Within days he was house trained – no more accidents. Sit, stay and down were mastered in short order (although the whole stay thing isn’t his favourite thing and has to be regularly reinforced) while walking properly on leash is ongoing but overall pretty good.
Having just brought another male into the mix (when he was just learning to accept and interact appropriately with Darcy who came to live with us in November) has been stressful. Roarke himself had been labelled dog-aggressive yet interacted beautifully and immediately with Finn (female GSD) and Darcy (male neutered terrier).
But he and Llyr ... not going to happen any time soon.
Roarke, bless him, for all his labelling, was open and ready to make friends, tail wagging, appropriate sniffing, no raised hackles or inappropriate growling or posturing... Llyr? Not so good. Hackles raised, fur quivering along the spine from tail to ears so he looked like a hyena, inappropriate and aggressive vocalizing and then attack ... didn’t make it of course as we were firmly in control of both dogs but damn, frustrating as hell.
On a supervised walk with two people, there was a little better luck and by judiciously ensuring that a respectful distance was kept, we are slowly introducing them to the reality of each other. I myself have taken all four dogs out each morning for the past three, and had to keep a firm and watchful eye or Llyr rand Roarke will definitely go for each other.
Both got a VERY stern lecture this morning when snarls and lunges started and I made them sit quietly next to each other. Short leashing both and making them walk on either side (while Darcy and Finn got to gambol and play ahead with few restrictions) was the order of the walk. Both quietened very quickly and within 15 minutes were able to mingle and sniff around the same areas.
It’s a process though and I am not optimistic that these two will be interacting safely anytime soon.
Any suggestions/ideas/training tips much appreciated!
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