Afer all the bad news from so many last week, hopefully a good news story. I think Ben is beginning to realise that people are worth liking. The breakthrough happened when we began to lead walk him. From the time he arrived, he hated the lead, and went ape as soon as it was put on. I'd been going so softly, softly with him, so I didn't force the issue, but he's now getting to a size where something had to be done, so when we came back from holiday, Ian & I began to take him and Finn along the road each evening. The first couple of walks were between a disaster and a comedy act, but then something clicked. I think a 'working dog instinct' must have kicked in, because once he got over fighting the lead, he began to watch me intently as he walked along. He's always been quick to learn, and knows 'sit', 'down' and half a dozen other commands both on voice and hand signal, and it was obvious that he was watching me to see if I wanted him to do anything. And the great thing is that this has carried over into daily life. He's now making eye contact with me & Ian off the lead - a bit shyly to be sure, but he's doing it - and he's coming to me, again a bit shyly, for a cuddle. And when I'm walking around the house or paddock, he heels off lead, always watching me closely.

He still has a way to go. We met some kids on bikes yesterday, and he was fine with them, but he's still wary when we meet adults (I'm becoming more and more sure that someone mistreated him in some way), but I'm beginning to believe that he is going to end up, if not 'normal', close to it - and if he does, he's going to be a super wee dog :-).

Now next step, walks in the village ........ :-)

Hi sis, Im soooo pleased for you and Ian. All your hard work and patience has paid off in the end, and youre right, he will be a super dog. xxx

He really will Phil. I know I teased you when you said how clever Kai is, but these working beardies are SO quick to learn. Madame is still the most intelligent thing on four legs I've ever met, but all her intelligence was dedicated to arranging life as she wanted. Ben just wants to learn - and he does, often at the first lesson :-).

Hi Sharon,
Brilliant. He sounds as if he maybe was mistreated because my Toby had been mistreated before I got him and he was wary, shy and wouldn't have eye contact with me for a long time but now he loves people.
I'm sure Ben sounds like he'll learn to trust you. That's what makes it all worthwhile, isn't it?
Dot

Thanks Dot :-). Its comforting to hear of others who have had dogs like Ben that 'came right' in the end - and yes, the improvement makes the time, work and worry seem like nothing.

Nice to hear about him again, was wondering how he was. Good to hear he is bringing some light into your life, and it would seem you are doing the same for him:)

Anita, Gina, Natasha, Nicky thanks to you all. We took another big step forward this evening. Will, the retired farm manager who named Ben has taken a real shine to the wee fella, and often walks along the road to speak to him. Before Ben did the standard - was happy to see Will through the fence, but got upset and then 'switched off' if we met outside. But this evening he saw Will coming and actually pulled on the lead, tail wagging to go and say hello!

Pulling on the lead ----oooh, Gentle Ben actually showed eagerness to see a person?????? I'm so happy for ye ;) :D :D :D
I can't wait for the next 'episode' of "Ben out of the wire" ;) :D :D :D :D He's such a sweetie. :)
toodles

Hi sis, that is SO lovely to hear, the real dog is starting to emerge, Im so pleased for yoy xxx

Don't worry Sara, I'll keep you all bored ... er .... posted .... about Ben :D! Thanks :-)

So glad Ben is coming out of his shell, I remember the first time my Siamese purred after we got her it made me cry as she had spent days hating us Anne

Anne, wonder if many orientals act like that? Van the Havana screeched and loathed us for a solid week, and I know that Sam had a noisy few days with Henna her Havana too. Both then suddenly decided that they like us, and turned perfect :-).

Thanks again to all for the kind wishes for wee Ben.

:D
Nicky

Oh bless him Sharon, little ones like that make your heart bleed as all you want to do is hug them but thats the last thing they want, sounds like all your patience is doing the trick though :) won't be long before he becomes your little shadow me thinks :D

:D

Ahh, sounds idyllic
Gina

Sharon

Glad things are taking a turn for the better...:D

Regards

Natasha

Good News Sharon! :)
I'm really glad that your hard work is paying off now.
Big X from me & the hounds for little Ben. X
Nicky