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For what it’s worth (and I hasten to add that I’m no expert) compare her demeanour now with how she was and stop beating yourself up. Let her dictate her pace. I’d have thought that at this stage that the last thing she needs is change whether it’s environment or personnel. She will trust a calm undemanding mum in time. I was miffed that Mabel would wag her tail when my wife spoke to her but she gave me the square root of bog all and yet I was the one who fed her and walked her - she barely acknowledged me socially. However little things revealed that she was beginning to trust me like keeping an eye on me when running off the leash with other dogs. She wasn’t happy when I bent over her - I had to sidle up to her. The whole point of this screed (and thank you for staying awake thus far) is to demonstrate that it takes time. I NEVER thought that I’d get there with Mabel and we got her in November ‘19 but I assure you that she’s a daddy’s girl not something I demanded, I’m not a control freak, I just wanted a secure, confident and happy whippet. A companion. I’m sure that there’ll be suggestions from experience from others. Wishing you both well.Am back again, not sure whether I should have started new thread or not but not sure how to anyway.
Have not been successful in leaving her at home on her own but that is more down to me than her, have closed door to hall and just left but looked through window and she is just stood at door with tail hanging looking so miserable, I have had to go back in (I know I am doing the wrong thing)
Only time she gets really excited is when she sees her lead and harness. She is so much better when she is out, is now going up to strangers and half wagging her tail (would run away from people before) Has allowed a friends dog to sniff her without her snapping. So much progress with socialising her, she will sit on my lap when we are out but as soon as we get home she is straight into her donut bed and ignores me and only comes out to eat. Does not even play with her toys anymore
I am not sure what to think, her ears twitch every time I move. If I leave the room and come back she is out of her bed and on the fleece so obviously wondering where I am going but buries her head as soon as I return.
I'm baffled, she has only just started to eat food as I put it down, I always had to leave the room before but she still goes into her donut bed by her food and only when she thinks I am not looking will she try and sneak back to her bed in living room
She totally ignores me at home and does nothing except lay in her bed, the only time she comes to life is when she is out. I would love to be able to take her out for most of the day but this is just not possible
I think she has spent so much time on her own she wants to socialise but is also scared and I think maybe I am too boring for her
Am wondering if a dog behaviourist would help but how could I make sure that they were genuine and effective
Just do not know what to do next