I don't really know if it has to do with a certain difficulty of working with ones own dog, or, this is the one dog that is a major challenge, because of his regrettable history.  Most often, the history of a dog is only a guess, because most often,  the public has nothing to do with the specifics of an animal's "past life"!   A rescue, or any dog for that matter, has some sort of a history.  Fortunately, most cases don't take on anything, too dramatic!  You get a new, or "used" pup (or cat) and there is a bit of baggage!   We all come with it too!  I know, only too well!  I've been on dating sites!   Fortunately, I've been very lucky, or at least smart enough to shed the past, and embrace a new beginning, and a new person in my life.  OK, enough about me!  

As I have mentioned, Boomer is a rough case!  I know enough of his history, to know that he could have been a statistic, instead of a wonderful little scared guy!  

The biggest problem I have with him, is that, since I am an experienced behaviorist of dogs in all conditions, I have done what I know is correct for me to do to gain his respect!   I am his leader, and could stick my head in his mouth, if it would fit, (and if that thought wasn't so disgusting); and he would not bite me.  I have gained his trust, and he will pretty much do what I ask of him!  What about the rest of the people in my life?  That is where the problem lies, and even my roommate, who has dozens of years experience working with these dogs, has a certain fear of him!  That is not good, and I have a rather depressed friend (and roommate) to show for it!  She is "mom" to him, but, he hasn't gained the trust in her leadership qualities, and he plays it out for all it's worth!  For the most part, all I can do is advise her, just as if she was a client of mine.  I can figure out what makes a dog tick, but it is always up to the owner to take the advise, and hopefully empower themselves with the tools I give them.

But...like I mentioned earlier, this is that much harder, because for better or for worse, I have committed to this little guy, and must succeed with him, or I am doing him a terrible disservice!  If Boomer had his way, he would be very content to live in a cave with "daddy"!  Not really my idea of a perfect life!

I am very interest in your stories, that relate to any experiences you might have had!  I do listen to other "behaviorist", and always listen to new techniques.  The fact is, I enjoy speaking to anyone that might have some insight for me.  Lets hear your stories!  Please?  You needn't be a professional to have something important to add to the blog!  Experience is everything!  Tell us about yours!

I do look happy, don't I?  I really am, but, being a guy who started his new life in a rough manner, makes me do things that even my family can't understand!

I think my dad mentioned that when I was dropped off on the road by the bad people, I was so scared, that I didn't know what to do; except to protect myself.  Just as things got a little calmer, I went and got hit by a car, and my leg felt like somebody had twisted it right off!  I was so sore, and so bummed out, and most of all...so lonely!  

But, like dad says, "that was the past, and to dwell in the past, is not a healthy way to live"!  So, what is a "dwell", anyways?  Alright, I get the idea.  

So, I meet my new Daddy at the doctors office, and he has the people there, call the good lady from the shelter!  All of a sudden they grab me, stick me with a real sharp tool, and "bam", I'm out of pain, and sleeping!  The next day, I wake up with less pain, and also, less legs!  I go to sleep with 4 legs, and awaken to 3!   Pretty lousy trick!  Even for Penn and Teller, the silly magic guys!  I was kind of sleepy still, but remember my new friend was there with another person that looked friendly too! Maybe, just maybe, things were going to get better!

But my leg was gone, and that concerned me a little!  I think I didn't sleep for a while , cause I was afraid that I would wake up with another leg missing!  If my math is correct, it wouldn't be long before I had no legs at all!  We dogs don't understand these things too well, and I was hoping that my new friends would explain things to me!  And just maybe, they would take me home with them.  

That is if they came back...!