New Timid Iggy Advice Needed

[Jules80]

I have just received a mature Iggy (ex brood bitch) 5 year old and she is understandably extremely timid. We have only had her going on 2 days and so far can't touch her/attach a lead or feed her out of our hands (not that I'm pressuring her).

After deliberately ignoring her in the house (comforting method didn't work), she started to come out of her shell and explore around a lot more. She did a few pee's and a poo (not house trained) and that was fine. I went outside to the yard and left the door open and she eventually followed me out and started exploring the back yard, she seems to be quite happy doing that. Then she came back to the door before going back in and suddenly started barking at me a fair bit then went back inside. Did this a few times. I'm thinking she was just confused at who I was and scared of course. Back inside she is alternating between her crate and wondering around, sniffing my elbow and the ground, sometimes seems to be growling at me but I just can't really tell.

My question is should I tell her to stop barking/growl when she does? Or should I just let her? And what is the best command/sound to make?

I of course don't want her to feel she is dominating me because they won't help anyone involved but don't want to frighten her more either, kind of a strange situation right now.

Should I continue the ignoring method until she feels comfortable to come up to me fully or should I go up to her and try to get a lead on her? (highly possible she may bite).

Thanks for any advice you can give me!

Edited April 9, 2013 by Jules80

[megan_]

For the first month or so I pretty much left my fearful girl alone. I fed her etc, but no walks (that took 6 months!).

I'd focus on her feeling at home and getting to know you, rather than taking her out into the big bad world just yet.

[Jules80]

For the first month or so I pretty much left my fearful girl alone. I fed her etc, but no walks (that took 6 months!).

I'd focus on her feeling at home and getting to know you, rather than taking her out into the big bad world just yet.

Thanks Megan, appreciate that. How long did it take before you could touch her? Or have her eat out of your hand? How is she now?

[megan_]

She is a happy little possum with me now - but I've had her for 4 years.

At first I never tried to touch her, just let her approach. She sat next to me on the couch about 1 - 2 months in but if I moved she jumped off. She loves a scratch behind the ears but not a big, restraining cuddle.

It was at least a few months before she'd eat something out of my hand comfortably. I had to hide from her view for the first month for her to even approach her food. If I had my time again I would take things even slower to be honest.

Do you have a good behaviourist that you can work with?

[megan_]

Forgot to add that there are a few iggy experts, including those that run a rescue and would have experience in dealing with scared iggys. I think GoldenGirl85 and dogmad would be good contacts.

[Jules80]

Thanks so much :) I don't have a behaviourist yet no but trying to do as much research as I can. She is going through a stage right about now of jogging into the room then barking at me and grumbling

and then running out, each time getting a little closer and sort of sniffing (but not really threatening just timid barking). I think she feels I'm a little bit of an intruder in her home. I am taking the advice to just ignore her barking and not give her attention and reward that behaviour, hope that's the right way to go, she seems to be gradually losing interest in it.

Ok so it took quite a while for your little one, that definitely helps keep my confidence up. Can I ask one more thing, did you ignore her to start with (not in a mean way just to let her be) or did you try to comfort her with 'there there it's ok', I am not sure which is best to be honest.

Thanks for the contact too.

Edited April 9, 2013 by Jules80

[megan_]

I just ignored her, as you said, not in a mean way. I just went about my business, but made sure not to make super-loud, unexpected noises. I think it really helped that I had another dog who respected her space and let her approach him when she was ready. I also just slept with the back door open and left a trail of beds, inside and outside, so that she could choose where to sleep. At first, she chose outside (even in the rain!) but then within a few days started sleeping just inside the door, then a bit closer etc.

I would "talk" indirectly to her (not looking at her, but as I was cooking etc I'd just put on a soft, sing-song voice and chat away).

Where about are you in Vic as I could recommend someone.

[mita]

I think GoldenGirl85 and dogmad would be good contacts.

I agree, make contact with GG85 & Dogmad.

I've also got a list of tips for dealing with a shy or underconfident dog. Would you like me to PM?

[HazyWal]

http://www.dolforums.com.au/topic/106172-italian-greyhounds/page__st__2805

Pop into the Iggy thread in the breed subforums. Dogmad and Indigirl run Iggy Rescue and will definately be able to help you I'm sure.

[Jules80]

ok excellent thanks ladies. Will look into the recommendations, great stuff.

Another thing, our fence is 4ft, iggy is about 13inches, is there a chance she may scramble over? She looks so tiny when standing beside the fence but I don't want to underestimate her. I am not looking

to leave her out there alone for any lengthy periods of time but would love to give her the option to go out there if she wants to (temporarily unsupervised).

[HazyWal]

I'm not sure as I own the giant version...greyhounds :) Hopefully dogmad will pop in later meanwhile would love a pic of your little girl :)

Edited April 9, 2013 by stans mum

[Jules80]

I'm not sure as I own the giant version...greyhounds :) Hopefully dogmad will pop in later meanwhile would love a pic of your little girl :)

Ok thanks :) haha I would love a pic too! She is just too shy right now and don't want to frighten her more with the camera. Sure that will all change.

[HazyWal]

I'm not sure as I own the giant version...greyhounds :) Hopefully dogmad will pop in later meanwhile would love a pic of your little girl :)

Ok thanks :) haha I would love a pic too! She is just too shy right now and don't want to frighten her more with the camera. Sure that will all change.

Poor little chook I'm sure it will change, you've come to the right place.

[Her Majesty Dogmad]

Jules - will you please call me urgently? You will have many issues in this situation. One thing that requires urgent attention - your fence is not high enough. Iggies jump that height easily and also climb 6ft fences with no problem.

I run Iggy Rescue with Indigirl and we are both experts on Italian Greyhound behaviour.

I need to talk to you in person rather than on the forum.

My no is 0422 498 960. I work so best to call me in the evenings. I can sometimes squeeze in a call at lunchtimes but my job is extremely busy these days so very hard.

Edited April 9, 2013 by dogmad

[Jules80]

Hi there Dogmad, thanks for your concern, everything is ok, it's actually going very well and I'm not allowing her into the yard without me there. I appreciate your offer, I have sent you a message :)

[CBL]

Hi Jules welcome! Definitely give dogmad a call - iggies are strange little creatures (I have one too) so I am sure she will be able to give you loads of advice.

I would second her call on the fences, even with you out there, she could be up and over it in no time.

Your little girl will need lots of time and lots of patience but you will end up with a funny little dog, there are really no words to properly describe an iggy!