Molly, a two-year-old collie cross, had a rough start in life. She was rescued from Romania and, after a gruelling 36-hour journey to safety, was rehomed in Scotland. However, she bit her new adopter and once again needed a new home. That’s when Mark and Julie, experienced dog owners, took her in—determined to give her a second chance.
Understanding Molly’s severe anxiety and fear
Despite their experience with dogs, Mark and Julie struggled to help Molly with her extreme behavioural issues. She refused to get into the car, froze on walks for up to thirty minutes, and displayed nervous aggression. While she was generally friendly with people and other dogs, she attempted to bite a visiting vet who advised she be put to sleep as was dangerous. Mark and Julie knew there had to be another way.
First impressions: a deeply anxious dog
When I first met Molly in their garden, her trauma from being transported from Romania had left deep wounds, and her anxiety was evident. She barked at me at the doorstep and only allowed me to enter when distracted with chicken. As I sat and avoided direct eye contact, she watched my every move, particularly where my hands were. Her trust was fragile, and her recent traumatic experiences had left deep emotional scars.
Rehoming rescue dogs – building trust: small steps with big impact
Mark and Julie were committed to helping Molly overcome her fears, but they needed a strategy. If she wouldn’t get in the car, they couldn’t take her to the lovely places they had planned. Additionally, she had health issues but wouldn’t let unfamiliar people near her.
I started my assessment by observing her reactions while discussing her history with Mark and Julie. All the while, I slowly introduced treats—at first placing them on the floor, then eventually allowing her to take them from my hand. After about forty minutes, she was comfortable enough to offer me her paw and let me pat her.
Despite these small victories, her nervousness was still evident. A simple noise, like unzipping my bag, startled her into snapping.
A new perspective: understanding Molly’s fear
To help Mark and Julie understand Molly’s behavior, I explained it from her point of view. She had been through an overwhelming journey, full of frightening experiences and unfamiliar people. The car, in particular, represented fear and uncertainty. Sometimes, the sheer volume of new stimuli caused her to freeze in place, unable to move forward.
Rehoming rescue dogs – the training plan: patience and positive reinforcement
We devised a behavioral training plan focused on slow, positive reinforcement:
- Playing a game with treats near the car to build positive associations.
- Introducing a muzzle in a fun way to reduce stress during medical examinations.
- Recommending treatments for her itchiness.
- Providing anxiety-relieving supplements to help her relax and engage with training.
Four weeks later: a new chapter for Molly
Mark and Julie stayed in touch via email, updating me on Molly’s progress. When I visited four weeks later, the transformation was evident:
- She was no longer suffering from itchiness.
- She had stopped freezing on walks and followed Julie’s lead happily.
- She willingly jumped into the front and back of the car when rewarded with treats.
- She had even begun associating her muzzle with positive experiences, excitedly anticipating the chicken treats that came with it!
The road ahead: patience and perseverance
While Molly has made remarkable progress, behavioural changes take time. Each step forward is done at her pace, ensuring she feels safe and secure. With dedicated owners like Mark and Julie and a deeper understanding of Molly’s needs, their journey together leads to a happier, more confident life for all of them.
Molly’s story is a testament to the power of patience, kindness, and the unwavering commitment of those who refuse to give up on a dog in need.