Liza Bean the shy pit bull is working on her independence training
A few weeks ago we invited Petfinder rescue group members to nominate their behaviorally-challenged dogs for a chance at a complimentary phone consultation with It's Me or the Dog star and renowned dog trainer Victoria Stilwell.Painfully shy pit bull Liza Bean at Marley's Pit Stop Rescue in Los Angeles earned the most votes from Petfinder visitors (meet the runners up here).
Victoria called Liza Bean's foster mom, Elizabeth Lujambio, and although she'd only committed to a 20-minute consultation, she spoke with Elizabeth for 45 minutes. "It was amazing!" Elizabeth tells us.
Victoria told Elizabeth that Liza Bean needed to do some independence training. Elizabeth realized she needed to "take a step back and stop thinking of her as my little dog -- and start giving Liza Bean some tools to build her confidence."
After the jump, Elizabeth's description of her consultation with Victoria and Liza Bean's progress.
"With just a few
suggestions from Victoria, we were able to move Liza's confidence ahead."
Elizabeth Lujambio, Marley's Pit Stop founder and Liza Bean's foster mom, tells Petfinder about her consultation with Victoria Stilwell:After answering Victoria's specific questions regarding Liza Bean's background, I was given a two-prong approach to help Liza B. First, I was informed that the animal medical community is now accepting the possibility that animals, like people, can be subject to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
As Liza was kept in a crate and used only as a breeder dog, knowing human interaction only when in heat and for basic care, it is highly suspect that Liza suffered not only lack of socialization, but is also recovering from PTSD.
Victoria recommended we purchase and use a DAP (Dog Appeasing Pheromone) collar. Veterinarian-developed DAP mimics the pheromone that the mother dog produces to calm and reassure her puppies. Dogs recognize these pheromones throughout life, as they appear to have a relaxing effect on both the young and adults. We have ordered one for Liza (as well as a couple of other pooches in our rescue) and as we have never used them will keep you posted as to their efficacy.
Secondly, and probably MOST importantly, Victoria addressed the human bond Liza has currently with me, Foster Mom. Liza is very bonded with me, feels safe and acts like a relatively normal, happy-go-lucky pooch at my home or when on walks with me. But the moment Liza is put in a new environment without me being nearby, she regresses and tries to hide in a small, dark place or behind my legs when being introduced to new people. Ironically, if the new person has a dog with them, Liza is much calmer!
Per Victoria's instruction, Liza and I are embarking on "independence training." This type of training involves my building Liza's confidence by engaging the learning part of her brain vs. the emotional part of her brain - I am very protective of Liza and yes, emotional, when I see that she is uncomfortable. Liza, being no fool, of course, senses this and reacts accordingly.
I had set myself up to be one of Liza Bean's only "safe" places, so when we placed her with an adopter and I left, away went her safety and confidence! Inadvertently, I was causing Liza more anxiety. I will be taking a step back and instead of affirming that Liza is safe with me, will introduce the world as a safe place, too.
Sounds difficult or too cerebral? Not at all! It's pretty simple, actually: Liza and I will begin adding some more basic training to her repertoire. Liza has always been a very well-behaved pooch, so no real basic training was provided. I am now walking with her, treats in pouch, and engaging her brain.
On Friday, Liza learned "down." She met a woman and her Aussie female and was given a treat by a stranger just for doing a "sit" -- BRILLIANT! That was the first treat Liza had ever taken from a stranger! Liza accompanied us this weekend to adoptions and using the same method was able to go for a walk with a new volunteer without being dragged out of her crate and yes, her tail even went up!
It will be slow, baby steps for Liza, but with just a few suggestions from Victoria, we were able to move ahead a bit with our Liza's confidence. Throughout the week, I will do two small training sessions (for her and me!) per day. Depending on how she does, I may even have one of our volunteers come over and take her out without me being there!
I tend to be a bit overprotective of my dogs and what was really amazing to me was how Victoria was kindly able to educate me that perhaps this has been a hindrance for our special-needs, shy pooches. As I go in to a mini-depression every time a dog leaves my home for their new, fantastic home (duh, the reason I DO rescue), I think I will suffer less from the empty-nest syndrome and actually be happy when I see my babies blossom and get their forever homes.
We are excited at the real possibility of participating in Liza's confidence-building training and finally seeing her go to the home she deserves, but I think Kleenex may be upset with their drop in sales, since tears of joy are often shed in less volume than tears of sadness. More later ...
Previous entries:
Rescued pit Liza Bean to get a Victoria Stilwell consultation!
Victoria Stilwell to help one lucky, behavior-challenged shelter dog
God bless Elizabeth, Victoria and people like them - on Earth Day - for adding so much kindless and love to our planet! Go Liza Bean, you can do it!
your dog is so cute
Wonderful results! I set myself up to see "it's me or the dog" every week and kick myself if I miss it. I really appreciate her NON use of shouting - I have hounds and do tend to shout at times; I am now finding that soft words get me more attn - "huh, what she say?"
I, too, have several special needs, shy dogs. My star is Farrah, who came post safe delivery of her puppies w/a documented history of being beaten - she has now been here a year. She was here a month, started going to dog class only for safe socialization: first class was spent cowered on the ground at my feet - I did not allow anyone to approach her; by the end of the 6 weeks, she heeled on a leash in the group, rolling over for belly rubs by other students w/her tail at least level :). Since September, I was able to safely expand her horizons when a local sorority started walking my dogs. From not allowing them to approach her to now demanding a walk w/the different girls, Farrah has been transformed. She still needs to become comfortable in a commercial, large social venue such as Petco, dog parks, etc. and we are working on that. Yeah for all the improving, improved and beloved dogs Victoria helps - and yes, Farrah does need a new home - preferably w/one or two smaller neutered males w/whom she can play :). It will be a special home because she is so special to me. I will have a very hard time sending her on to the rest of her life :).
YESH for Liza Bean and all you have helped w/your story! Thanks.
I am so happy to hear that the consult helped so much - Liza seems like a great dog, glad to hear she is on the right road!!! ((hugs))
I expect Liza to eventually be a happy confident companion. I can see it in her. The suggestions for getting her involved in experiencing and learning what it is to be a real dog seems to be just what she needs. The world outside the crate is strange to her, but with plenty of exposure and work on learning and problem solving she will blossom. I am very thankful for Victoria's help with her. Elizabeth will as always give this dog the care and love she needs to turn her life around.
Congratulations girls!!!!
These are great news,
Have fun on your training and lots of luck fiding a great home for Liza Bean, she is a sweet girl.
Good Job!!!
Claudia
Wow- I am so happy to hear that Victoria was able to set Liza and Elizabeth in the right direction.
Liza is a wonderful dog and scared to death of the world beyond her crate. It hurts to see such a great dog with a personality missing out because of a terrible start in life. She has so much potential and so much to offer. She would make a great addition to the right family and Victoria's help has set Liza in a new and hopefully prosperous direction!!
Go Bean!!
Much Love,
MPSR Sarah