Thought it was about time for a general update rather than another article and plus I love talking (writing) about my dogs – even though I’m sure there are far more interesting anecdotes out there!

I am amazed to see the change in my oldest boy. He was an Irish rescue that I have had for 3 years this July.

When he came to me he was very nervous and extremely hand shy – the horrible scabs, lump on his head and big scar on his neck showed us that he has obviously suffered at the hands of men…and we have worked hard with him to encourage him to let out a bit of doggy spirit (and by that I mean confidence and general doggy naughtiness that you see with happy, well-socialised and ‘get away with murder cus they’re so darn cute’ hounds that we should all be raising!).

Picking him up and bringing him home was traumatic enough for him as he had to be carried to the car – he had been abandoned on a motorway and was absolutely petrified of all vehicles – we gently laid him in the back and when I brought him home, he all but bolted (luckily he was on his lead by then and I guided him swiftly through the front door).

He crawled on his belly into the farthest corner and watched me, terribly apprehensive.

I didn’t want to crowd him so I went and sat in the middle of the room, facing sideways to him so I didn’t seem quite so threatening and eventually I heard this belly-shuffle as he wiggled across the floor and placed his head on my lap.

He had the hugest, saddest brown eyes I have ever seen…and I have to admit he melted my heart instantly.

The days after were almost excruciating because he didn’t seem to know much at all about ‘normal’ doggy things – he didn’t dare go on the bed we had bought him – HIS bed. He didn’t dare touch the toys we had bought him – HIS toys and he ducked his head if you moved your hand too quickly when trying to stroke him – fearful of a slap or worse, undoubtedly.

We also had a well known and highly qualified behaviourist do a session with us (where he got very nervous) to let us know that we were doing the right thing with him. I remember asking at the time if a confident, second dog would be a good thing for him in the future, and she replied ‘most definitely!’

Now, he is almost a different dog – he ADORES balls to the extent that the best chicken/turkey/liver cake means sod all when there is a ball about – and if it squeaks, he’s in heaven!

Walkies is a much loved event and each day he will tell us when he thinks walkies should be with a big doggy grin and the typical collie ‘oooh’ noise whilst he bounces around the room.

And yes, we did end up with a second pup. Just over a year ago we introduced Melon – another collie who has never known a punishment in her life (other than hearing exasperated swearing from my other half as he examined the newly ripped up carpets and chewed up walls whilst she sat on her bed looking innocent) and has been such a brilliant influence on Reuben.

She has increased his desire to play about 100 fold! He has started to realise that cardboard boxes, funny shaped dog toys and tug toys can be just as fun to play with as balls (Melon can play with ANYTHING and want to play all the time) as well as enjoying some good old rough and tumble with his much smaller counterpart.

But he has also had a wealth of socialisation from the other dogs in our family (there are 8 dogs in the immediate family – I blame my parents for taking us to the RSPCA so often!) as well as strange dogs out on walks. Reubs lived with my parents and their two dogs for a couple of months whilst I was staying there and trying to move house – it did wonders for him. Truly, good, happy socialisation experiences with other dogs and people (as well as random objects!) can really boost a dog and I can never, ever understand why someone wouldn’t start socialisation from puppyhood.

It’s brilliant for their confidence, temperament and understanding of the world around them – i.e. joggers and cyclists are not scary (and are sometimes fun to chase – yes Melon, you know I’m talking about you.)

Taking on a rescue dog can be a bit scary I think – especially as they may well have a traumatic past, but it is so immensely satisfying to see them regain confidence and begin to enjoy life. It can be hard work but really, really worth it.

And the most astounding part – the resilience and capability to trust humans again that so many of these rescue dogs have. It’s incredible.

Anyway, enough of me babbling on – do post a comment as I’d love to hear about your own dogs and their experiences!