Thanks ever so much for the lovely offer, I would have loved to have come but can't make that time tomorrow. Maybe we would be able to meet up at a later date!

Ali xx

Of course. That is not a problem. Laura (Stumpywop) will tell you what my moose is like, so you can be prepared lol.

We are also walking at the Lickey Hills tomorrow at 11:00am if you are able to make that (as with anyone on here).

Where abouts in Birmingham are you?

Jen

i dont know but dont hold the puppy higher than her or she will think its favered etc.

Hi Ali,

Thanx for allowing Yiannis, Oscar and myself to meet you and Molly today. i think Molly was very well behaved, even when she told Yiannis off for standing on her wih his clumpy feet (I think secretly she wanted that cow pat to herself!).

She certainly isn't aggressive or vicious. I think she needs to meet new dogs slwly and on her terms, not have dogs (of any age) forced upon her and puished in her face. I think you'll have problems if htis happens, as you did at the Dogs' Home.

If/When she meets new dogs, keep the both on lead until both dogs are calm and not barking o rmaking any silly noises to get to each other. Then allow them to approach slwly and they can have a sniff. When one turns away then lead the other one away. If they want to go back for more then allow them to. Dogs use their noses to meet and greet mostly to suss out who th eother person/dog is, so the more enthusiastic sniffing that goes on the better.

As today, i think Molly shodl be walked alongside any new dog for a short while. Half and hour in total should be enough. As we saw today, she didn't take a blind bit of notice of Yiannis until they were both off lead after the preliminary sniffs and snuffles, then they chased each other all over the place.

I thnk it's alaso important for Molly to stop when you know she's had enough. Yiannis can run about like that all day (although I thought he was limping at one stage) but I know Molly can't so rather than compeltly wearing her out, it's a more positive experience for her overall if the social time is stopped before she becomes sore again. This way, she'll look forward to making new friends with dogs rather than dreading it because she thinks she'll end up in pain.

I think Molly barking at other dogs to begin with is a combination of a couple of things. Firstly she did it today only when on lead. If on lead then you have control, not her (Which is how it should be) but if Molly decides she needs to run away, she can't if she's connected to you. She doesn't have the freedom to be able to make that decision.
Also, if you are apprehensive about meeting others then she'll pick up on how you're feeling and this may add to her barking. She certainly isn't barking out of fear or agression, that's for sure.

Also, when off lead she didn't bark at Yiannis at all (except for when he trod on her!). Een though she knew you were there to protect her, she had the freedom to run away from him if she wanted to.

All in all, I think it went very well and I don't think there are any "issues" with Molly's behaviour at all. Yiannis must smell of Molly 'cos since getting home the other 2 hqaven't left him alone - unles it's the cow poo they're sniffing at?!

Look forward to walking with you and Molly again. maybe we shoudl come over your way next time and I'll bring Zane. Once Molly has met Ellie too, then we could walk with 2 of my dogs in different combinations then work up to 3. Over time Molly will be happy walking in a group of ogs whether on or off lead.

Text me when you're ready and we can arrange another walk.

Laura xx

Laura,

Thanks to you, Oscar and Yiannis for meeting us this morning. I feel less anxious about the whole thing now! Lets hope that the Dogs Trust give her the time she needs to meet her new friend!

I think you are right about the cow pat she just didn't want to share Although she doesn't smell too bad at the mo but then maybe thats because she's sleeping by Dave

She has been out for the count since we got back!

Would love to meet up again and I think my Ellie would love to meet Oscar and the dogs although I can't imagine I will shift either of my boys off the sofa tho you never know!

I will text you soon and we'll do that walk.

Thanks again

Ali and Molly

Great! Oscar's looking forward to meeting your Ellie on our next walk already.

I think you did very well today also. I know it's easier said than done if you're anxious about something.

The Dogs' Trust should allow you & Molly (& family) to get used to the new pup and whether it takes a coupel of visits or 10 visits, I'm sure they'll be OK with it. If you explain that introductios need to be done slowly with Molly and consistently over time I'm sure they'll understand and you'll have her home with you all in no time at all.

Laura xx