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| HSSV's Laiyah "All Things Pawsible" |
Laiyah's Story was published HSSV "All Things Pawsible" Spring 2012:
Laiayh, about 3 year-old Dachshund-Chi mix, had spent most of her life on a balcony. Not just hanging out - Laiyah was living up there full time. She never wore a collar. Never went on walks. Never become house-trained.
"Coming down from the balcony was a big step, but it was very disorienting to her," says Dob Behavior Specialist Michelle S. "Laiyah was under-socialized, distrustful and fearful. If we had put her in a room out front and showed her to potential adopters, she probably would have failed. She might have become more tentative, scared, and potentially aggressive."
That's why every animal that comes to HSSV undergoes immediate behavioral assessment. For Laiyah, the team observed a number of behavioural challenges. "She probably never had a collar or been on a leash because she was estremly resistant to having anything around her neck, "Michelle S. recalls.
The team created a safe, slow process that would help Laiyah become more socialized, trusting, and comfortable. "Every interaction with a dog or cat will set them up for succes - or failure." Michelle insists, "Our job is to give each animal everything that they need to succeed."
Each time the behavior team introduces or reinforces a new behavior, they accompany thet event with a lot of positive, fun, and exciting associations. For Laiyah, sometimes she's get a soft pet. Sometimes a treat. "We quickly learned that Laiyah is very motivated by attention and by food." Michelle smiles. "And she's really smart."
"Laiyah already knows commands like 'sit' and 'down'. And she's learning roll over. Her best trick - the one she loves to do the most - is to jump up into your lap and kiss you."
Laiyah has come a long way from that balcony. Now she's rady to move into home with a family that has the time, patience, and love to help keep her going from good to great.
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| HSSV's Laiyah |
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| HSSV's "What tennis ball?" |
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