Fred is a Resource Guarder.

     About three weeks ago, I went to the local animal shelter to adopt a dog I had seen on their website. It was advertised as a 6 year old poodle, found roaming the streets. It was obvious from the photo that his coat would need a little TLC, but he met the landlord's requirement for a small dog and my want for a furry one. Most people know that this story took a turn when I arrived at the animal shelter and discovered that poodle was much older than "6" and needed a lot of medical attention that the rescue group, that was offering to take him, could get for him and I could not. I ended up browsing the other dogs, many of which were either too big, were breeds that are adopted out on the spot (yorkies, chihuahuas, etc.), or had very out going personalities that would also be quickly adopted out. The there was Fred. Head and tail slung low, sitting in the corner while one of his "cell mates" barked her head off and the other two prodded him with their noses. He just looked so...sad. I couldn't leave him there. Well, I had to, for almost a week, until the shelter was able to process him out, but he was the little furry boy I adopted that day.
     What we know of his background is this: He's a three year old little boy that was already neutered when he arrived at the shelter. This former owners reported him as a "Jack Russell" mix, though most people see more of a West Highland terrier when they look at him. (I just see Fred.) He was dropped off at the shelter because the kids that he was purchased for didn't take care of him.
     His coat was pretty sad looking, but he's very well house trained. He liked the kids at first. He adores Sean and I. He didn't like the room mate at first, but they've grown on each other. Over the past few weeks, he's gotten a bit more comfortable in our house. However, it's become obvious that he's very insecure. He barks at people and dogs outside. He freaks out when any dog gets too close. He gets along okay at places like the pet store or the lake, for a bit. But he cowers when there are too many people too close or larger dogs around. At home, he's a bouncy, happy little dog, most of the time. Outside these walls, his head and his tail go down and he starts barking and growling. Even at home, he growls if the cats get too close to the bed or us, his people, in general. It took a few weeks to get a clear picture of everything, but, indeed, it seems like Fred is an insecure resource guarder.

     We've gotten tons of help from the Dog Forum and all of their wonderful members. I also picked up a book on my Kindle that the posters there recommended; Mine! And I've begun working with Fred on the "Leave it." command. This is just another leg of our journey. :-) (I realized recently that my content is going to end up all over the place, but...that's life!)
     If you suspect that your dog may be a resource guarder, you may want to start here. If you just want to work on basic training with your four-legged friend, the Dog Forum is still a great place for more info on that or anything related to dogs. We are AprilNFred there and we'd love to have you! :-)

Meet Fred...

     It's come to my attention that I can't begin to call this a proper website without at least an assistant editor. Therefore, meet Fred. Well, Prince Wilfred Heise, to be precise. He officially joined the family on May 7th, 2013 and has quickly become my right-hand man. (Even earning a spot in my bed and I've had a long-standing "No dogs in the bed!" rule. I think my dear mother likely fainted when she heard that one!) But here he is, a 3 year old Jack Russell terrier mix with an affection for bow ties, that has vowed to keep me honest and not let me post anything too bitchy on this new adventure!