Bailey is doing so much better!
He loves his Golden sister, Remy, and they wrestle and zoom out the energy several times a day. He is learning how to play fetch and actually drop the ball. He even likes the little terrier and the kitty cat! He doesn’t care much at all for the horses?
With A LOT of training he is now able to get in a vehicle, sit and wait at the doorways, sit and stay in his special place until released and walk on a leash without pulling.
He is no longer marking inside the house. He does not pace frantically or dig in and knock over water dishes repeatedly throughout the day. Prozac had helped with the anxiety.
We are working on his manners with house guests to stop the lunging and snapping.
No touch, no talk and no eye contact from strangers is important to keep him calm. Training has given him some confidence in himself and trust in me to be his guide.
Bailey has been quite the challenge and we have a long way to go? (dreading his next vet visit in November-2 leashes and a muzzle last time…). He will probably never be a typical happy go lucky Golden but I know his life is much better now and he isn’t so stressed out. He is actually very cuddly and loving once you earn his trust-I am so glad I got to see that side of this wild one!
I don’t know the circumstances of his previous home (owner surrender) but he definitely is too much dog for an inexperienced owner. The intact part certainly didn’t help!
I am certain this isn’t something you want to put online. Not exactly the sweet Golden story people expect but Bailey is the reality of what happens when you get that Golden that is not the sweet cuddly one and you don’t have the time, resources or knowledge to put in the effort to make the dog be their very best. Sadly he isn’t the first “messed up” owner surrender I have taken in.
I am grateful that Bob called me about Bailey because I think we are a pretty good fit. I seem to fall for the “bad” boys-Bailey sure has stolen my ❤️