Fearful Dog Case Study: How We Helped Bailey Go Home!

[@ceejay1794]

More shelter stories! Bailey was a very fortunate girl. What a happy ending for her people. She’s going to be awesome.

[@debbiesenese7120]

Yes, please continue with the shelter stories. They are so exciting to see a dog go from fearful or stressed or even unmanageable to controlled, happy & adoptable. Even our dog watches all Ian's videos! Keep up the good work and thanks for being such a loving , kind-hearted person to these 4 legged babies.

[@LylasDad]

I’m more thankful for folks like you than anything else in the universe. I can’t even begin to tell you how much I respect and adore the love you’re giving these beautiful babies. Thank you so much.

[@Priscapup]

I adore the work you and this shelter do! Fabulous! I have a soft spot for the senior dogs, lots of love to give.

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Thank you, Cathryn! I love the senior dogs too. They always melt my heart.

[@ashleya8532]

Me too! My first ever dog was an 8 year old pitbull mix (she's 10 now). She was considered practically unadoptable because she had "food aggression", "dog reactivity", "cat aggression", and they weren't sure how she would do with younger children or smaller, caged animals. She needed to be the only one in the home. Period. And this left her in the shelter for a YEAR after the owner had to surrender her due to homelessness. :( It breaks my heart to think that she was so overlooked because she is SUCH a sweet dog and I absolutely adore her. And, after being in a more stable (and less scary environment like the shelter) she's even made doggy friends, etc. And it breaks my heart that so many older dogs get overlooked! Because they really can make the best and most loving companions.

[@stingrayshark9373]

Just adopted my new dog last week from the shelter in Bissell's "Empty The Shelter" event. Shelter pets are the best, they know you saved them & are loyal to the end. Bissell Pet Foundation saved so many lives, truly a great organization!

[@kellys6164]

So thankful for you. This is so wonderful. What a sweet girl. Amazing transformation. Love is everything. Thank you so much.

[@AngelaHeyun]

I love this video and series! Bailey's story is beautiful - and I really like how you weave in learnings about fearful dogs, reading to dogs, body language, and playgroups.

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Thanks, Angela!

[@susangriffin9627]

Thank you for this! I'm adopting a 10 year old from PAWS, but I have to wait till he gets thru his heartworm treatment. I've become addicted to watching your shows. I just want to be able to give a senior dog a loving home

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Oh man! Heartworm is tough stuff. Good luck to both you and your pooch and thank you for adopting a senior dog. They always pull my heartstrings!

[@Sandisue]

OMG, I’m so glad she got a good home...and rather quickly! 😍😍😍😍

[@christopherrecio7537]

More shelter stories. These are GOLD!! Such great learning experiences.

[@denisemills1187]

Heartwarming. We adopted our shelter dog 2 months ago!,

[@suezaple4950]

Aww so happy you are helping Baily, poor girl probably is wondering why she isn't with her owners, That would certainly scare any dog , child or cat , She is going to be a awesome sweet dog , So happy she got into a loving home

[@drunkenant7319]

this is brilliant. My adopted dog is acting the same way as Bailey, so I'm going to read some stuff in front of her hoping my dog will get comfortable with me being around.... thanks a lot

[@amithey7493]

I am so glad I found your channel a few days ago! In 2 weeks a 3y.o. shelter dog will move in and I read like dozens of magazines, 6 books, watched uncountable KZbin Videos ... your videos are the best on KZbin by far. Thanks sooo much. I really love them.

[@BryantCabrera]

So glad she recovered and found a good home!

[@jamielynne9803]

Please do more of these! As an employee at a shelter, this brings me so much hope and happiness! You are seriously amazing. I'd love to see more of the work you do at the shelter.

[@Notorious_MIG]

I like these shelter stories. I’m thinking about adopting my first dog and this series helps give me an idea of what to expect and how to deal with it.

[@TarotJyotisha]

What a beautiful work you did with Bailey! 👍🏼

[@SharonLKirby]

Great job and wonderful HEA story.

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Thank you very much!

[@barbaramaas2009]

Happy tears are a great way to start the day. What an amazing job you all did with sweet Bailey! Such compassion and love you have for our furry friends shows in all you do. I especially appreciate the special work you do for our senior dogs who so much deserve to live out there lives in happiness. Thank you so much. ❤

[@shelby716]

I can tell this is going to be my favorite series!!! I love it!!!!! And Bailey is a sweetheart!

[@JessicaMeyer]

Fantastic! They're lucky to have you, every shelter should have a behaviorist. My dog (as I commented in the other video) has serious aggressive issues and spent 2 years in a shelter without any training. He used to belong to an elderly man who passed away. Glad Bailey found a new home so soon and had you to guide her, she could easily had become troubled like my dog.. hats off to you!

[@newtoninspired]

Sad dogs are really heartbreaking to see. Good luck to Bailey for new home!!

[@jacekczuba4145]

Absolutely awesome video, with a happy end! Marvellous work, only 2 weeks and such a change... I loved to see her change, become more "smiling", tail wagging and care-free. Super! You, and your co-workers, are simply magicians. And good people. Another proof that working with a dog in shelter profits and makes the adoption quicker. Awesome! Pity that I can give only 1 thumbs up.

[@JimmeeBanks]

I’m adopting a two dogs today, one has a demeanor similar to Bailey. Thanks for sharing the work you did to bring up her spirits. This was very helpful

[@existential-axolotl]

I love this!! I volunteer at my local shelter but don't get to interact with the pups that aren't ready for adoption yet. I love seeing them learn to open up!

[@markferrara]

You are truly inspirational. Thanks for sharing.

[@mariogirl2403]

What an awesome story! Bailey is a lot like my dog, Shamas. At five, he was in a shelter where he got neutered and adopted out. I don’t know if they have a person like you there, but when we got Shamas, he was about at the same point as Bailey at the 4-5 day mark. He’s come a long way since October but is still dog and traffic reactive

[@Julesuk1964]

Wow so happy Bailey settled in. Im learning tonnes from your videos, Im adopting a 1yr old dumped by its previous humans. Im expecting everything to be challenging, but you've really given me the confidence to manage every moment with compassion and empathy, Ive 7 weeks to cram in all that good advice, keep up the great work.

[@judyweikumbenson199]

This really helped me to understand and the right way to handle the 2 fearful dogs I am now fostering.

[@mozartrn1]

Very heart warming! Yes, please keep sharing these awesome stories.

[@turtlelife13]

Love the shelter stories! Yay for rescues!

[@kitkatkamo2100]

So excited to see this series continue!!!

[@sid3979]

So happy to see you doing this - well done!

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Thanks, Sydney!

[@ameliadediosromero8038]

Amazing! More please

[@JustMe-uc1lt]

Bailey 💕

[@lindsaye9472]

You and your team are awesome people. Great job! And love the idea of this series. Looking forward to seeing more.

[@Cruz-lt1lo]

God bless you!🙏

[@theshadowedmafia3339]

This is great you should continue doing this!

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

We will, for sure!

[@pamelajfederlein3038]

This is ssoooo sweet!

[@TS-wf2rn]

Love this! So inspirational!

[@lisacorcoran3358]

What a great video! Please make more like this!!

[@MaxchieG]

Love this ❤ continue the awesome job.

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Thank you! Will do!

[@jessicamerrill4837]

You do great work! I would love to see more shelter stories!

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Thanks, Jessica! We're already working on more!

[@jpucci72]

I love these things!

[@Inzanti]

These was wonderful!

[@alir.9894]

Awesome job! I wish we could do that with people...???

[@dylanjames4363]

Beautiful video.

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Thank you, Dylan.

[@dylanjames4363]

Most welcome. I work with dogs in the uk and have my own shelter dog. More of these videos on how to properly care for dog during the renominates process is what the world needs.

[@PaxPirate]

Such a great idea! And an amazing story! I look forward to following this! But my little rescue freaked out about the kennel sounds. ^_^ She's happy now though. She got butt scratches. Best scratches.

[@dalidasehic3610]

Yes a New Great and helpful video😃😃

[@Darthbelal]

At my work, we have a casual Friday, where one can wear blue jeans if they give a couple of bucks to the charity bucket at the employee entrance. I could really, really wish one of those weekly charities would be for animal shelters, those who make pets more adoptable and especially the people who move dogs out of over-crowded southern shelters to waiting homes in norther U.S. States. That's how 2 out of 3 of my dogs arrived at my home.....

[@nomnomnooma]

Ian make more vids we miss you!

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

I know! We just bought a new facility and it's kind of consuming my entire life outside of training. I have a vid on Reward Events that I'm chipping away on, though! Miss you guys too!

[@vincef7487]

8:04 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽‼️

[@ruthanneleeneveu8652]

Sweet!

[@InsideTheDogWorld]

Great video! 😍

[@ziomcom8487]

Reading to a dog...it's even cuter then any photos of tattooed motorcycle riders holding a baby!! :D Way to go Ian!!!

[@kaykaysnow4766]

Watching this with a hopeful heart.....I rescued a badly abused Treeing Walker Coonhound. He is magnificent but his fear exceeds anything I have seen before. He will not leave the house. Meat treats, calm encouragement, do not entice him. I am on day 4 now, and aside from time, I wonder if anyone has any suggestions. We are bonding nicely by the way.

[@kratuna0]

Wondering how much of her progress was due to your (and the staff's) work and how much was just due to time passing by and she gaining confidence by getting to know her environment.

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Yes time passing is definitely a factor, although as the Exec Director pointed out, dogs like Bailey typically struggle without the additional intervention...some even to the point where they're no longer adoptable. It's definitely a delicate dance that needs active participation. Passively waiting for dogs to adjust is just courting fate!

[@Freedomai-n4g]

Hi Ian I'm in the UK and love your training. Our staffy cross has come on so much using your methods, I wish we lived closer so we could attend your classes. I just have to wait for your videos, I do enjoy them. I am struggling with to things, recall and jumping up at people. I've tried what i can and a few diferent ways, how do you do it? or could you point me to someone training it the right way. Thanks for all you do and please keep up the videos :)

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Hi Andrew! We have a Jumping PDF on the website that might get things rolling and we are working on an online Jumping course. Come is a process to get it down cold, but start with engagement and short distances in distraction-free environments. Don't call unless you're sure your dog will do it. Teach the word and the action a bunch before trying it amidst distractions. Email me if you like and I can send you a handout for that too. 😉

[@cachitagarcia]

I love it!

[@danielleemond9209]

Hi, if you have an opportunity to teach us about dog who guard things, I would love to learn about the subject. I might get a chihuahua mix who as been brought back to the shelter for that reason. It's not completely clear for me how to adapt depending on what the dog is guarding (objects, food, favorite human) and from who (other animal or human). Thank you for your help, you make very informative video and I keep sharing them to my people :)

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Hi Danielle! Guarding is tough. And, as you pointed out, the strategy changes depending on what they're guarding. I would suggest the book "Mine!" by Jean Donaldson. It lays out step-by-step protocols for every scenario. Good luck!

[@derrickclark898]

Could you give some advice? I adopted a German Shepard mix from a shelter and she is very fearful. Around 6 months old. She has come a long way and now loves to cuddle with me and give lots of happy tail wags. But only when inside. She is terrified of the outside world. She follows on a leash ok but is clearly in distress the whole time. I want to take her for walks but I don't want to push her too much if she isn't ready. She won't usually take treats or affection while outside. I live near a school so sometimes there are sounds of children or cars in the parking lot but nothing crazy. Without driving her somewhere, there is really nowhere else I can take her either. It's been 2 weeks. Any advice on how I can help her build confidence and go for walks? I have had many dogs in my life but never dealt with a dog so fearful before.

[@messynaturedweller]

I have a rescue from russia. Had her for 6 months now and she is so much more secure in her behaviour now, though she still seems scared and unsure when it comes to anything not calm. She doesnt play, seems scared when she sees me playing with the neighbour's dogs and doesnt understand when i try to play with her. I have tried looking up tips online but havent found anything substantial. I just want her to become a safe and happy dog. Do you have any advice? Please and thanks.

[@bealol1016]

Hey Ian! Sorry to bother, but I have a Chihuahua terrier, 5 months old, and she has a aggression problem. She can randomly start going off and chasing my younger sister. We try to see if somethings hurting her, or shes hungry or thirsty, but no luck.. Any ideas as to what's making her aggressive? I'd had her for three months, so I'm not sure what's wrong?

[@eunicediaz4649]

I need help! I adopted a pup from the humane society (6 months old) and she's always fear piddled. At first we assumed this was a puppy stage she would grow out of but it's only gotten worse. In high stress situations she'll deficate on herself. I have another dog who I thought would help her with her fear and anxiety, but all this has done is make her co dependent onto him. I can't take her on walks because she is so fearful. Once I tried walking her and a dog in out neighborhood barked at her behind it's privacy fence and she freaked out, wiggled free from her collar and took off running down the street. When I finally caught up to her she had vomited and dedicated on herself. She's fearful of me, won't come near me (even with treats) unless my other dog is around me and trying to get yummies as well. How do I help build her confidence and bond with me???

[@thotchocolate8503]

Are the dogs at this rescue able to be transported? I’m lucky to live relatively close to the rescue... I’m in Buffalo, NY. But obviously it’s still rather far.

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Hi there! The shelter doesn't transport any outgoing animals. You could certainly arrange for your own transportation if you wanted to adopt, but the shelter won't. We have a person who arranges transports to us from other places to help them out, just not the other way around.

[@alisha7224]

Do you have MORE advice for my fearful shutdown foster dog? He doesn't want anything to do with me. He does have a history of aggression towards men. I haven't had men over to see it yet. I just want him to have a personality & feel joy. He lays around wanting nothing to do with me. He doesn't seem to enjoy being pet or being brushed. He follows me around....always out of reach. He's an Australian Kelpie.

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Depends on how long you've had him. For a dog like this they're often suppressed a lot during the first few days or even weeks they're in the new home. Make the environment as predictable and stable as possible, and keep him moving. Check out the "Treat and Retreat" protocol from Suzanne Clothier. Once you've got some buy-in and trust built, you can switch over to our Engagement drills we show in some of our vids, specifically this one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kIiTm6SDgd-Wi7M

[@moirhann]

Lovely story :-D aawwhh. she is SO sweet .such a beauty. .A dog like that i would feed - once a day - tryptophan and magnesium + vit B complex. It works after just 2-3 hours.. That makes them process the stress hormones 75% faster and you can get them more "normal". They sleep at night and gets a break helping them to cope better.. just think about the shock. loosing her guardians, a new home with smells, cramped space etc.. poor dog. I feel so sad for shelterdogs.. Great that people like you can help them .:-D Reg. the tryptophan coctail. It has worked on every reactive and scared dog i have worked with and can help a lot in all stressfull situations..Some dogs are not able to make enough of the chemicals for their brain to function properly so they need a little boost to make it work. .. just wanted to share this with you :)

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

That's very interesting. I will definitely investigate more into that. Thanks for the suggestion!

[@moirhann]

My pleasure :) We need to share what we know to help each other. There is some products already made for this that i use it is called Max Relax from Trikem ..:) A very good Swedish product. Also - i should mention - get your paws on a copy of Anders Hallgrens booklet about his reserac on reactive dogs and back problems. He did this study with vets and they found that over 80% had some back or neck issues.. he is one of the founders of positive dogtraining - writing books about the method back in 1974.killing the alpha myth allready back then. . He is my hero. You can find all of his books on his website - it is in english : www.andershallgren.se/en/

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Awesome stuff. Thanks for turning me on to Anders Hallgrens!

[@ScruffMacGruffxbox]

more

[@9516816]

My wife and I got a sheltered female mixed lab. She's not comfortable with any males. But takes no time warming up to females. Say anything I can do to ease the dog anxiety so me and her can bond? It's a little discouraging

[@marieschrader9150]

Im in desperate need of help. I recently rescued a dog from an abusive home. He's a small dog . i believe a terrier mix. He's so traumatized and was very neglected. The biggest concern is that he constantly wants to be outside. He'll cry when he isn't out. And when i take him out, he pulls so much. He's a SEASONED ESCAPE ARTIST. He escapes from his harness all the time. Im afraid to even walk him now. And when he's inside, as soon as we open a door he's out and running away. HELP PLEASE

[@anyamarais5504]

How would you go about helping a dog who isn’t good with starngers & kids. My grandma’s Min Pin can’t stand children or strangers. He becomes aggressive and tries to nip them. Please, please help. He is such a special guy and I hate seeing him become so upset around new people.

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Hi Anya. The main thing is to change the dog's Emotional Response. That's done with Classical Counter-conditioning, mainly. There's an over-emphasis in working on what the dog DOES, but until you change how they feel about strangers and kids it'll never really get better. We have an article on our website on Classical Conditioning if you want to read up: www.simpawtico-training.com/understanding-classical-conditioning/

[@joyceabender]

Terrific story! It was very enlightening to see the specific techniques you used to make the transformation. Massive kudos to the whole team for the sustained and well-thought-out effort that made a happy outcome possible for this dog. I wish you'd ditch the raucous music and grainy photo montage. They're jarring, dissonant elements that detract from the otherwise well-produced video.

[@3Narziss3]

Lol. Not really