The Zim Family Cocker Spaniel Forum

As you may know, I've been trying lots of things to help Penny over her fears. My homeopathic practitioner suggested a remedy for her panic and terror two weeks ago, and since that time she hasn't had another screaming incident. Yesterday, we had a session with a Healing Touch for Animals therapist, who worked with her on releasing past trauma. I'm attaching two photos - the first one one right after Penny joined me and the other yesterday after she received the Healing Touch work. Amazing, huh?

I was worried that she would regress overnight, but today she has continued to behave in a much more relaxed way, joining me on the floor for some play and staying there spontaneously for quite a long time (she's been terrified of the floor ever since she arrived here). She did beautifully with the cues "come," "get it" and "sit." She even "sat" at some distance from me, without being lured. She invited Rosie the cat to play with her, and laid down next to me - with her back turned! - to be petted.

Jean,

I am so happy to see the "new" Penny.......she looks like a different dog.

It was her lucky day when she found you

Great news!

Glad to see the progress! You know Jean, I have been thinking of you and Penny often. I used to think the opposite of fear is bravery but it isn't. I have come to realize the opposite of fear is faith; faith in others, faith in your surroundings, faith that you won't be hurt. It takes much longer to grow faith than to become brave. Bravery comes when we "stiff-upper-lip" a situation and just go on - faith is grown carefully because it can only come with time and trust. Penny will be fine....in time.

Wonderful news about Penny. Hailey had a little regression here...what was the remedy the Vet prescribed? Her countenance is so much more open in the after picture.

Michelle, the vet suggested Rescue Remedy and the Healing Touch person added Bach flower essences of aspen and mimulus. My homeopath suggested aconite. Homeopathic remedies are generally available at co-ops. Contact me if you'd like more info. I think all this was helpful. I do T-Touch with her and have been finding it helps her calm down when something spooks her.
What's been going on with Hailey?

Hi Jean, she was just in the truck with Cassie the other night, while I ran into the store for about 10 minutes and when I came out, she was in a tizzy....two cars were parked next to us, that had not been there when I went in and I think maybe someone teased her....she is back about 2 steps from where she was in her demeanor....bitey, and quite a bit more fearful....I will get some rescue remedy, and have the Comfort Zones atomizer in the bedroom and family room....
Have been researching some training also....glad Penny is doing better....but with these fearful dogs, it is a work in progress.

Great news! Penny looks so much more relaxed in that second photo than in the first. She is so pretty!!

She is so sweet. You can definitely tell the difference between the pictures. She's actually drawing back in the first one and more relaxed and open in the second. I'm glad to hear she's making progress, Jean.

Penny is looking good. I love the Bach Flower Essence. Rosey was back on them today because she has had a terrible two weeks in agility after having a great fall. I remembered I was giving Rosey several different flower essences back then and she was qualifying with good scores. If Rosey doesn't stress at trials she tends to do well. But when she stresses, she gets neck tension and that makes it hard to do weave poles.

Colleen

Jean.love reading your updates.

The change in her shows in her eyes

Penny looks so much more trustful in the second picture. She sounds like it will just take time, but then it sounds like she will be really bonded to you. So sweet.

Wonderful news

@ Vickie - Wow!

Jean, Penny is beautiful!! I am so glad she is progressing. I have a little girl here, that has major fear issues. She always has, and it is not easy. I am going to try the flower essence for Ginger. I am so happy to hear about Penny. Wonderful!

Simon is still hiding under the bed when company comes. I think that will always be a given. He loves my grandson but is very stressed when Christian is here. I have been trying the Rescue Remedy - just 2 drops in his water dish the days that Christian is going to be here and I do see a difference. He doesn't pant as much and he doesn't run in circles.

We now have a new issue. At night, when I take my meds before going to bed, Simon gets aggressive and barks. I have had to put him in his cage to get him to stop barking and then he digs. If I talk to him it seems to make things worse. I am going to try taking my meds in another room when he isn't with me to see if that works or take them while he is outside. I don't understand this one at all.