Tia - South Yorkshire

Upon entering the house, Tia was very vocal at my presence. Owner had her shut in kitchen with a baby gate, but Tia managed to open it. She approached me and sat directly in front of me barking. I ignored this behaviour, threw a few treats to the floor for her and she soon settled. Once she realized I was not a threat, she demanded my attention, did jump up on me with her front legs but got off when told and did not mind me pushing her off. I performed a simple vet check, looking at eyes, ears, teeth and paws with no reaction. She was happy for me to touch her entire body and loves a good belly rub! Owner advised me that she does not like her ears being touched by I had no issues when touching her ears.

This dog has never been out for a walk so has had very little contact with the outside world.

I took her out for 15 minutes (would have preferred longer but worried about the severe heat today at the time of my assessment). She had no objection to being taken out and walked by my side with no pulling until I reached a busy main road at the end of the street. At this point, she turned and attempted to pull me back down the street. With a couple of checks, she was happy to continue with me, safely crossing the road and into a park. She showed signs that she was obviously nervous: ears alert but tail was tucked between her legs , but I observed that this was mainly due to heavy traffic passing us on the main road.

Once in a park space, I had the opportunity to walk pass children, tennis courts where people were playing and numerous walkers. Tia showed little interest. She had a little grumble at a young boy with a football, but lost interest when checked and walked away with no further problem. I also came across another dog which was off lead and ran to greet us. Tia showed no aggression and they sniffed each other quite happily. The dogs owner approached (an older man) and put his hand out to stroke Tia, but she moved away and had one, low grumbled bark at him. Again, I checked her and she demonstrated no further issues. She is simply not used to strangers or being out on the lead. She tended to walk circles around me rather than walk by my side but was attentive when I asked her to go “Down”, she laid down and enjoyed a belly rub. With regular walking, she would quickly become used to things you encounter outside and would feel more comfortable.

Tia is a beautiful, well natured animal. Do you have the time and patience to help this lovely girl enjoy being a dog.