I want to tell you about my dog Justy. Justy is my second dog. She is a border collie, and is m first border collie and my dream dog. She was supposed to be my dog for dog-dancing, exhibitions, agility and all kinds of activities.
But unfortunately, she was not so perfect when I got her. She was just a bundle of fear, afraid of everything and it really a lot. Whenever I took her to the city, she was not even able to walk or move, walking with her was impossible, because she always tried to hide under the benches, signs, trash cans ... It was very stressful for her anyway. Additionally, she was very afraid of people. All people, even me. She was not interested in people, mostly it seemed like she was deaf (hearing is fine, in fact). She ignored any voice, calling at all humans. Also she did not like toys. Until about eight months old, she had never play, never with anything. She was still just scared.
Every dog sure is special and every dog is the most precious and most beloved creature to their owner and it's no different with Holly and me. Whenever I saw her for the first time, barely a day old, a brown little mole that wiggled and whimpered she owned my heart and she'll own it until the very last day of her life. She is willing to share her life with me and I'll be forever grateful for that.
It was very strange, to love a dog that is afraid of you or ignores you. Also, it was very difficult, almost impossible, to work with her when she was not even interested in people or a reward. Some people told me to sell her, others told that I have to give her to someone skilled, because that is really challenging dog and it will not be easy with her. After consultation with experts, we reached the conclusion that her behavior is probably caused by bad early socialization (when she was still with the breeder). She will never be "normal" friendly dog. It was really hard for me, because she was already my baby and I just couldn't give up.
I decided to persevere and we started to work a lot. It was a lot of work for months, sometimes I was really desperate. However, it was worth it. Instead of learning the tricks and agility we were working on our relationship. When Justy was about eight months old (it was about a half year of our work), she started playing with a toy for the first time. Yay, I was so happy I cannot describe it!
Also a lot has improved with our relationship. Justy already hasn't been so scared of people or things, and we could normally go into the town, just she did not like petting. She was also able to concentrate on some exercises. Since then, it's just getting better and better. Justy is not perfect yet, but it is already close and I believe that someday she will be and we'll become successful in some sports.
The dog that did not notice a toy is now a dog who loves toys and will do anything for them. She loves frisbee the most and is relatively good at this sport. She already knows many tricks for dogdancing and most of all loves any exercise, where she is with me. She is now very fixed on me and for that I am very happy, I would never have dreamed that we'll have such a good relationship. She now loves cuddling! She even allows fondling from strangers and she is not stressed. I am very proud of her. My dream is already coming true, and she is the perfect dog ...
Here is some old video of Justy, there she was just 10 months old . I have other videos, but this is just her :).
She and my other dogs also have their own Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/freestylepaws.
She's my sweetheart.
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