Isidor is a young dog whose mother needed a dog sitter while she is away on her own adventures for a few days. He is actually a younger relative of one of my day dogs – a mix between Shiloh shepherd and wolfdog. I only have experience with the other day dog when it comes to that particular mix – apparently it's not that common.
However, I follow Animal Watch Youtube, and there I have learned that wolfdogs are not necessarily easy to handle. They are nervous, shy and has a strong escape behavior. It is important to socialize them properly and thoroughly right from the start, so that they learn that the world is not as horrible and evil as they may think.
I think Isidor has more wolfdog in him than his older relative. When we first met, he was extremely shy towards me and did not dare to approach me, hardly at all. Thankfully I had a secret weapon with me – dog treats. Using it, he slowly ventured to take my hand off me.
Isidor's aunt says that he didn't let anyone but her touch him. Not even the dog psychologist they go to, even though he apparently likes her a lot.
Therefore, I allow myself to feel both flattered and honored that he doesn't just let me touch him. He comes on his own and seeks physical contact, and he also has a fan up his stomach, let me fidget with my paws, and additionally “tasted” on my hands (affection on his part).
Respect.
It is so you are moved for less. And I actually will be. It is incredibly heartwarming to see a dog like Isidor warm up – and so soon. We have met quite a few times, and about a week ago he was here at home with us for a few hours. Now his mother is off to her stuff, and he has been here since Sunday (Tuesday today). Already yesterday I got to see the stomach for the first time.
Then is he is a young dog, and it's no fun. When his mother told me about him and his young dog ways, I got the picture that he was a monster – and he actually isn't. Boyo was significantly worse at the same age (Eight months). But he sure has crazy ideas of his own. He likes to chew on things. A little bit of anything, actually. He has tried to chew my shoes. The desktop. A chair. The knobs on the kitchen doors (at his height). He also finds it very difficult to relax when we go to sleep, which is what I actually find most troublesome about him. Everything else can be handled, but that very thing is extremely annoying. 😀
Like a little amusing curiosity; he is a prime example of why me not have vita (or bright) dogs. I walk around feeling like that inverted Dalmatian, with my black clothes and his white fur he so kindly and liberally shares. 😀
The dogs are having fun ihop. Of course, Isidor has a lot of puppy energy, which Boyo thinks is a little rough sometimes. But they play great together, and works as well as possible together. And as I told you about Boyo before; he is soooo good with this careful one, shy type of dog. He guides and shows that the world is not so dangerous at all. I confess to being extremely proud of him in that regard. He is soooo bra, my dog. ♥
In my experience is it easy to believe that these shy and overly cautious dogs are afraid, or that they cannot stand something. It naturally differs from dog to dog, but of the ones I met – Isidor included, they are much more durable than you think. You must be responsive and attentive, but I don't think you profit from, for example, not making demands, and within reason push them to get through what-they-now-think-is-scary.
Things I am very impressed with Isidor above all is his ability to read body language, mimicry and energy, despite his young age and the fact that we don't know each other very well yet. That's how I communicate with dogs to a very high degree. Some do not follow at all, while others grasp the gallop at once. Isidor understands immediately. I also think he has learned our routines very quickly, especially when it comes to when we go out and when we come in.
I think Isidor will be a fantastically nice dog when he grows up. He is already super cozy and great – I have become very fond of him. For his sake, I'm actually glad he gets to hang out with us for a few days. He deserves to get past some of his shyness and general avoidance behavior. Boyo is a fantastic teacher and role model from that perspective. It will be incredibly interesting to hear when his mother comes home, if she thinks he seems to have learned something during his stay with us.
I think one of the reasons why Isidor likes and trusts me is that I am clear. I don't have a lot of strict rules, but the ones I have, they apply. And precisely that I am so clear in my body language, how I use both voice and breathing, I think it also helps immensely. He doesn't have to think so much on his own, but only need to accept and like the situation. Then he gets support from both me and Boyo if something feels scary.
Now I'm going to enjoy a little quiet time before it's time to take the dogs out for a walk. I'm really tired, but in some direction we should be able to make it.