Weathering Stormi

     A topic I have seen frequently discussed is fearfulness.  It is heartbreaking to see a dog trembling and hiding, groveling and showing it's belly.  It can be terrifying to watch a sweet friend turn into a snarling beast.  All too often, posts which began to discuss this problem turn into a free-for-all bash on whomever caused the poor animal to behave this way.  None of this verbal abuse against the abuser actually helps the dog (Although it helps humans feel better).  Sometimes it is nothing that anyone has done intentionally, simply a natural tendency that the animal was born with, but had never been addressed.

     Regardless of the cause, there are ways to help correct, or at least help a dog cope with fearfulness, and prevent or manage the aggression that may result from it. 

     One case that comes to mind is an American Pit Bull Terrier named Stormi.  The details of her life before her owners saved her are mostly unknown, but there are a few things the new owners were told.  The first 6 months of Stormi's life were spent in a garage, where she had minimal contact with anyone- human or animal.  Stormi was a "leftover" from a litter bred by an amateur.  She was given to a friend, who passed her along..... until Stormi was fortunate enough to find her furever home.  

     Stormi's new people, we shall call them "Z" and "L", had a lot of work ahead of them.  "Z" laughed as she recounted the tale to me, saying "We were told she (Stormie) was already kennel trained.... we didn't realize they meant she used the bathroom IN her crate!"  It has been a wonderfully rewarding experience to watch "Z" and "L" bond with Stormi, and allow her to blossom into a sweet and affectionate compainion.

     I remember the first time I met Stormi (I already knew "Z" and "L", I helped them with their first dog) in the entrance of a petstore.  She was a wiggly blur, emanating stress and nervous energy with her hyperactive circles, lunging, and jumping. 

     Any loud noises would cause her to flatten.  She would wiggle and whine and drool excessively when offered attention or affection, often jumping up and scratching or nipping the person touching.  Sudden movements (especially from men) or new people cause a bark and lunge/dart and hide response that is so frantic "Z" does not trust herself to hold the leash.  Stormi's prey drive towards other animals put her collar buckles in danger of snapping open.

     Stormi has been through intense and consistent counter-conditioning to: fix her potty misconception (and I will be the first to nominate "Z" and "L" for sainthood for their legendary patience and consistency on this issue!), basic obedience, help socialize her safely, and most importantly, allow Stormi to trust, so she can relax and enjoy life.  Stormi's training has covered all four quadrants of Operant Conditioning and relies heavily on structure (ie. routine) within the household.  Since the day "Z" and "L" were generous enough to open their home to Stormi, they work diligently to manage Stormi's behavior, and keep her safe and comfortable.

     It is a life-long commitment.  Stormi is now an adult.  At this point, the chances that she could be successfully re-homed are slim.  She has bonded and trusts "Z" and "L", and that took quite a lot of consistency, patience, and love to accomplish.  Stormi is a part of their family. 

(Stormi can now hang out around other dogs with supervision)