Longtime readers might recall the three dumped dogs rescued in June 2022. We subsequently reported how Maeve had found a wonderful home, while Marshall continued to work on his confidence as he waited for an adopter. At the time, the third dog, Mindy, was still too shy to handle. So when Rescue Ranch staff member Sydney Palmer recently told me she was teaching Mindy to walk on leash, I jumped at the chance to catch up on her progress. A scared dog turning a corner is good news indeed.
Scared dog progresses with kind, patient training
The fresh snow made a beautiful setting when I arrived at the Sanctuary for a walk with Sydney and Mindy. Mindy was anxious, so Sydney’s Rescue Ranch pup, Baxter, came along as well. Baxter often helps Sydney socialize shy dogs. Since security is important for a dog who could be difficult to catch if she escaped, Sydney used a slip leash in addition to Mindy’s harness.
As I followed, Mindy occasionally balked at the leash. Sydney was unhurried and calm, and it wasn’t long before Mindy moved forward again. Once she got going, she set the pace eagerly. Her progress was remarkable, given that she had remained largely unapproachable for over a year. Now, in just three months, Sydney had her walking on leash! Mindy ignored me, but after about ten minutes, she sniffed my hand. Soon she allowed me to approach and pet her.
As we headed toward a quiet corner of the Sanctuary, Sydney recapped Mindy’s story. Though still young when they first arrived, Mindy and Marshall had missed the critical window for puppy socialization. They’d cower and flee when approached. After Marshall moved to the Adoption Center, staff paired Mindy with extroverted playmates. She began to show curiosity about humans, but, as the months passed, Sydney wanted to do more. One day last fall, she decided to try Mindy on leash. Once cornered, Mindy simply “pancaked” to the ground and offered no resistance. Initially, Sydney walked Mindy with her yard mate. But, as she grew accustomed to the leash-up routine, Mindy started to enjoy her adventures and they began walking solo.
Mindy has come far, but consistency is key
Mindy visibly relaxed as our walk continued and began to check in with Sydney, indicating that she is learning to take cues from humans. Every so often she’d stop to lie down or bury her face in the snow, while Baxter raced around us in joyful circles.
Back in her yard, Mindy remained motionless while Sydney unharnessed her. Then she began her usual restless pacing of the perimeter. She came right up to me for treats, however, and stayed closer each time. She even checked out my camera and booped my empty hand.
Sydney’s work with Mindy has laid the foundation for building trust, which just goes to show: it’s never too late. It’s clear that Mindy could advance quickly with the right person, now that she’s willing to connect. What she needs is consistent practice in a low-stress environment. If days pass between her walks, she’s harder to catch. An outgoing canine companion would speed her adjustment and help her learn to be a dog. With the progress she’s made so far, just imagine what could happen in the right home!
