This morning, she actually wanted to play! It was very exciting, and I would have been so happy about it if it hadn't been for the fact that I was already running ten minutes late getting ready for school and work. And, in addition to the playful pup, I also had Matt to contend with. Matt has gotten his feelings hurt because it seems that Stella prefers me. I think there are two reasons for this:
1. Abandoned, fearful dogs generally prefer women.
2. I have a secret weapon.
My secret weapon is this: I keep treats in my pockets. Stella does not like sudden movements or loud noises, so getting up from where I am to go get treats is frightening to her. I figured out that if I keep the treats with me, she's much more comfortable coming over and getting petted since I don't have to move to get out her reward. Matt knows about this trick, but I think he underestimates the number of treats I keep. My pockets are usually bulging.
Right now, as you've probably gathered, Miss Stella gets treats for important milestones just about everything.
Going outside
Coming inside
Going in her crate
Coming when she hears her name
Giving kisses
Getting picked up
Eating
Drinking
Etc.
In addition to all of that, and very importantly, she gets treats when something is scary. Not all the time, mind you, because she would be eating us out of house and home. But randomly, if there is a scary noise or movement or leaf, she gets a treat. If she doesn't get a treat and we can coax her to come to us, she gets lots of affection. That way, we are hoping to recondition her so that those things are associated with love and treats, and not with fear. It's going to take some time, but she's making great progress already!
Bringing Stella out of her shell with bribery and patience... it works for me!
P.S. I should note that she has started to figure me out. Lots of sniffing has been happening around my pockets.
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