Betty Boo is a nine-year-old female Chihuahua Cross. She is fostered in Gorleston, Norfolk. She was brought over from Romania via a private adoption. But we were asked to take her when her owner became too ill to care for her. Betty is a sweet and submissive little girl who is initially wary of new people.
She soon overcomes her nerves and quickly becomes a friendly little lap dog. Betty is wary of other dogs but could get used to calming, well-behaved dogs in her forever home. But she would be happy to be an only dog.
If your dog panics
Betty wants a home with no children under twelve. When you adopt a Safe Rescue dog, you MUST use a slip lead. This will keep your dog safe. Your new dog will be nervous and will not trust you. And you will not know which situations might upset your dog.
If your dog panics, then a slip lead is the only way to prevent your dog from escaping. Many dogs can run from a collar and harness. It will take AT LEAST 3-6 months for your dog to settle in and for you to know your dog fully (longer for nervous dogs).
The slip lead must ALWAYS be used during this settling-in period. Even after your dog is settled, it is safest to use the slip lead in situations where your dog may become scared (e.g., visiting new places, around unfamiliar people, at the vet) and unexpected triggers might happen (e.g., around bonfire night).
Nervous dogs may always need to wear a slip-lead as a backup safety measure. The slip lead is a safety device and must NEVER be used as a training tool. Using the information to apply pressure to the dog’s neck is damaging.
If your dog pulls on the lead, we can advise you on training methods to avoid harm. Once your dog is settled, you may want to consider using a harness (together with the slip lead) if your dog is comfortable with being handled when it is fitted.
Most harnesses are not escape-proof, but harnesses with a strap behind the ribcage (e.g., Ruffwear Webmaster or Perfect Fit Harnesses) are safer. Retractable/extendable leads must never be used on our dogs, and adopted dogs must be collected from the rescue and transported straight home in a crate.
