Minnie’s real issues became apparent when she didn’t want to leave her crate and when she was outside of the crate her tail was tucked and she was hiding on a bed in a corner. We didn’t allow the hiding to occur and began to work with Minnie on hanging out with the family. She took very well to our cats and seemed to be more nervous around the dogs. She was quick to growl and snap anytime they came near. Minnie’s first few meals came in the form of hand-feeding to help build her confidence and learn to trust humans more. She became a little food aggressive toward the other animals so we began our work on that being sure that each time she ate she had another dog near her.

After a couple of weeks Minnie began raising her tail and following the humans around the house. She was hanging out with the dogs more but not really bothering them until they began playing and this is when her barking issue started to show. Part of her wants to play but I don’t believe she knows how so she runs in and barks instead. She’s bitten my Rottie pup a couple of times but her bites are so minimal the pup doesn’t even realize it. She tried the same behavior with our Beagle/Dachshund but he didn’t tolerate it resulting in a small disagreement which quickly ceased. She has tried playing with the larger, older Rottie but TBAA doesn’t want anything to do with her. Minnie has really begun to show some great personality. She struts around with that tail high and enjoys being with the family.

Being that Minnie is so small we started allowing her to spend some time in our laps which she was not comfortable with. I realized that Minnie didn’t know how to be loved by a human. She would shake uncontrollably anytime she was in your arms and was only comfortable in her own bed. So we started some love therapy to where we would hold her a little more each day. She is now enjoying the laps more and even comes looking to get petted now and doesn’t run away when you bend over to touch her.

Minnie has started to bark and whine in her crate as well as push her crate across the floor but we’re working on it by ignoring the behavior. She is getting better at barking during playtime and when something is outside. Minnie is still working on her housebreaking as she likes to potty on the dog beds and will occasionally potty in the crate. We’ve put her int a much smaller crate and this has subsided. Minnie will need continued training for houesbreaking, crate training and leash training. As of now she goes out without a lead and comes when called. Minnie will be back into her foster home the week of March 21st and is ready for adoption.

For more information on adopting Minnie please contact Melissa Cooke at Melissa.Cooke@comcast.net.

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Mt. Juliet Dog Park

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Dizzy’s Dog Wash & Corner Store

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Nashville Paw Magazine

Paul Breeding Photography

Mt. Juliet Animal Shelter