Major Improvement with Fearful Dog

“This is day 25 since I became the proud but naive owner of Chloe, a nine month old terrier mix that had been rescued only a month before from an outdoor puppy mill. I didn’t know what I was in for never having heard of “scared dog syndrome” Chloe was scared of every sound and movement. I wasn’t even able to make eye contact without a quick retreat deep into her crate, much less touch her. Constantly talking and maneuvering around her was slowly bringing her out but I knew I needed professional guidance in order to move forward. Heather Polechio was recommended by brother wolf so I gave her a call. My requests were to incorporate Chloe into the house hold and to know when I can reach out and touch her. At this point we had only been making eye contact for about 5 days. I almost had to cancel my appointment, upon arrival of my first guest Chloe ran under the bed and stayed for 30 hours, she came out on her own just in time only to run under the couch as soon as Heather arrived. I was having my doubts about the situation, however Heather shared plenty of information, accessed our living quarters, made some rearrangement suggestions in order to give Chloe ” safe places” throughout the house without isolating her. We then got her out from under the couch, I held her for almost the 1st time until long after her heart stopped pounding. Several hours after Heather left and Chloe adjusted to the rearrangements I was stunned when she bounced upstairs, approached me and wanted to interact, but as usual it was two steps forward and one step back so downstairs she went needing that comfort zone. Staying on course with tricks and treats today Chloe came upstairs unexpectedly to join me on the couch and even licked my fingers, I am thrilled. I suspect tomorrow she may regress a little as has been the pattern but I no longer have my doubts. Thank you Heather! PS: Day 28 her tail went up and she started to play…”

-Leah Black, Asheville