xxlynne
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Dominque Staffie DOB 11.08 Gatwick (S) W Sussex KennelledDominque was found stray. He was bought in and was 'guardy' in his kennel from out set. However Sue kennel owner was convinced it was fear in a very young dog. On meeting him the situation was he has run out of time, so council no longer funding him.. could he be assessed re whether a rescue can offer him hope and work with him or if the ordeal is just too distressing for all'
On meeting he fixed his gaze and was snarling and snapping the air from within the safety of his kennel. I sat down near the kennel front and told him what a good boy he was in gentle affirmative tones which appeared to cause a little hesitation on occassion in the sense he has almost waiting for the next affirmation to tell me "I'm not convinced of you!". Treats bought him closer but no he wasn't going to be fooled by those. I kept talking changing my voice from gentle soft to lively, fun and affirmative tones with lots of eye contact and reassurance. It was important he learned to trust my eyes and voice. Sue the kennel owner suggested a slip lead when we began to see more hesitations and his nearness to the point of smelling my open hand. In the kennel with the slip lead dangling to move over his head and he headed for the 'ajar door and we entered the paddock. He fell into the smells and relieving himself, then turned to me and smelt me shaking his body which I always see as "the dog relaxing". I didn't feel at all scared of him by the way. On he went..over to the fence to see Sue and meet her warily at the fence but without overt snarls. Back into the paddock and a better smell of me and he was relaxed and happy. Instincts with dogs are very good. Dominque led me through the paddock door and I lead him back into the paddock for the last 5 mins. Back in his kennel and I released his lead and left him. He came towards the kennel front to see me go. When I went by from that point I focused on 'connection' with him and his neighbour knowing he was looking; hearing and mulling over his lovely time in the paddock. A few snarls but good eye contact.
Dominque named as he has a very precise petiteness 'french like' air. Sue the kennel owner will now support him 'for as long as it takes' free kennelling to our rescue, for us to get him prepared for homing and find his special owners. We are going to leave him for a little while before we put him through the ordeal of neutering.
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reclaimingrebus
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Spent time with Dominic today. He appears initially guardy, but on meeting I crouched down, stopped direct eye contact (which seems to stress him) and offered him cheese. He wasn't sure initally, but soon came round. Once he was focused on the treat pot I went in with him. He was still inclined to bark, but again usede my body language to say "I mean no harm, but I'm not going". He very quickly mastered sitting for a treat, and when I crouched down, again being careful not to stare, he very quickly was all over me like a rash, sitting on my knees and giving me the wash I obviously forgot to have this morning.He was OK to be touched all over, although he prefers you to give him a good scratch .If you pat him or move your hand suddenly, he is worried, but shows no aggression. I didn't walk him as I want him to build a bit more confidence in me before we come across a possibly negative experience.
I feel that he is a dog who will respond to confident but non assertive handling, as he is a dog that feeds off your confidence, and that as his confidence grows he will becomes less stressed and able to take more things inj his stride The kennel staff say he was improved greatly in the last few days.
He seems quite quiet in kennels actually, and although he was barking at the kenne staff whilst I was in with him, he came away when I called him.
Considering the state he was in a few days ago, I feel he is making huge and positive strides.looking forward to seeing him again
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reclaimingrebus
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Dominic continues to settle. Took him for a walk , obviously a new experience for him  , and apart from pulling he was fine. At one point he got snagged in the lead and considered chewing it, but let me take it off him with no trouble, and wasn't interested in it again. He totally blanked Nina as we went past the gate, and although he barked when he saw me, I think its just an attention bark, as he settled immediately for a treat. He was desperate for a cuddle, and as soon as I was in rang (climbing the stile) insisted on climbing it as well so he could wash out my ears! I think he's a little star!
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xxlynne
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What a different a week makes! All that trust building has turned this lad into a 'must have' doggie. Walked passed his kennel last night twice and he was just looking..no fear in those eyes.
Went straight into his kennel this morning allowing myself about 15 mins to put his harness on, take his collar off and tighten it. no need to have worried. Straight over to me, simply put the harness on, took off the collar, tightened it and put it on..lead attached 1 minute- we were out. We then introduced him to Cassie Muriel's little staffie girl with care but really there wasn't going to be any issues. A lovely walk together then time together in the paddock off lead mixing nicely and doing their own thing.Wonderful..so pleased with this lad..now we can get him snipped and chipped this week. He needs his home!
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MURIEL
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Just wanted to comment on dominque, to help him find a new home, he was a beautiful boy, very friendly and attentive, we never would have thought that he had that he had been like he was previously, it just goes to show, after a bit of time, they know when they are safe and loved again. He was brillant with Cassie and us, on and off the lead and it was so difficult to choose but we felt, he didnt seem quite so interested in wanting to play with Cassie as Ashley did, maybe as we dont know what hes been through he needs to be a first dog in a family, to get all the attention he deserves but he will make someone a lovely companion. So please think about him, we will certainly keep posted on his progress.
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reclaimingrebus
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I think he's a little smasher too.
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xxlynne
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Dominique came out for a walk today no issues walked straight in he greeted me well on with the harness, off with the collar tightened it then back on and we were off. Lovely walk around the field then a run around the paddock. Lovely dog 
Booked in for snip, chip and vax Friday morning.
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reclaimingrebus
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No ill effects from his trip to the vets. Really happy little chappie, quick to learn and good to handle. I LUFFS him 
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MURIEL
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I am glad to hear that Dominque has recovered well from his op and is getting on well, as he is a lovely boy, lets hope he finds a new home soon.
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ali12345
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Dominique is a little fella who makes you smile just to see him He has come on leaps and bounds since he arrived. No chance to walk him today but seeing him looking out of his kennel just makes you smile. Sweet boy.
Alison
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xxlynne
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Dominque came out to play with Tracey today. Our hunch was Tracey was good with dogs. She showed she had a flirty side to her personality..a little teeze and Dominque joined the fun. Walked lovely together with reclaimingrebus allowing Tracey to show she was a star and just pipped at the post again Dominque..
He is a gentleman and delightful in everyway.
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reclaimingrebus
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Dominique bless him is sometimes initially just not quick enough to bond with strangers. It just takes him a little time to get to know you, and then he's all over you like a rash. Continues good in kennels and a delight to take out and about. Someone is going to be really really lucky with this lad (not that I'm in any way smitten at all )
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Heather
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What a lovely little fellow - Tom and I met Dominic properly today. I'd seen him in his kennel on our last visit and he'd been quiet and nervous, but even a few days later and once we made a fuss of him he was very friendly. So obligingly sat down to let us get his harness on more easily - the only problem was he didn't realise the leg we needed was right against the kennel door so we had to encourage him to stand up again!
Every time we had to climb over a fence, he was first through but happy to wait at the other side until all 3 of us were over before continuing. And kept checking round every so often that we were still there, frequently doing a little jump up so Tom could pat him whilst walking. He trotted along on his walk so smartly, how sweet.
How much more this little lad would come out of himself in a family!
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cobden28
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It makes you wonder who made such a lovely-sounding dog the way he was when he was brought in.....who, how, and why.
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reclaimingrebus
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Janet very kindly walked Dominic today - he was, as usual , a little star ! Hopefully she'll post shortly
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Janet
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Yes, Dominique was a little star! I love the way he does a little 'dressage' walk, lifting up his front paws when he thinks he's going to get a treat - so cute! He did sit for his treats, although sometimes not straightaway.
He said hello very nicely to a border collie on our walk and was admired and made a fuss of by several people. He wasn't over bouncy, didn't jump up a lot and he gives a lovely face wash! He really does make you smile and I think he's great 
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reclaimingrebus
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Walked Dominic today, passed the sheep test, good to get in and out of the kennel, doesn't bark, but will come to the kennel door for a fuss. Thoroughly pleasant walk. (have I mentioned that I REALLY like this boy?  )
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Heather
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Tom and I walked Dominic with Becky today - two littl'uns together. He was VERY keen to get out and at first wasn't too chuffed to be sharing his walk with Becky and had a small snap at her. However, they settled down and tolerated each other and with more contact with other dogs he should be fine.
He smartly trotted along and was good at rushing under the stiles, also jumping up every so often for a pat. He's very strong and can pull quite a lot. It's good to see that Dominic is becoming more confident and even very slightly naughty - although according to Tom "if you tell him off he's OK!" (Nothing serious, just stopping and sternly saying his name.)
Also happy to have a run towards the end of our walk - Tom less so but they wanted to catch up with Becky in front!! Lovely little fellow.
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