Hey everyone, Jenn here! I'm one of the Universal Trustees, though you might not hear from me often because I'm usually in the background, handling all the techy stuff. My journey with Universal Rescue started in a rather unexpected way— as a foster parent with the intention to adopt. Little did I know this decision would lead me to Bosco, now affectionately known as Stan or Satan depending on the day. This will be one of many blog updates I write about my journey with a nervous dog. We are still learning so stick around for the ride there will be many more parts to this!
The Urgent Call
A few weeks into my foster journey, I got an urgent call to take in Stan. There hadn't been any formal assessment, and he needed to be moved immediately. How could I say no? With years of experience dealing with reactive dogs, aggression, resource guarding, and caring for deaf and partially sighted dogs, I felt prepared for the challenge. But nothing could quite prepare me for Stan.
Meeting Stan
When we first met Stan, it was clear he was larger than anticipated—coming in at a hefty 32kg. He was also petrified of everything. We believe it was his first time in a car, and he certainly behaved that way. Stan seemed to prefer the company of women, showing a bit more relaxation around me compared to men. Still, he was silent and rigid, hardly moving from his bolt-upright position during the car ride home.
Bringing Him Home
Once home, Stan was uncertain and anxious. He didn't answer to his name, didn't know sit, or pretty much anything. He didn't seem to know what to do with himself, but he instinctively sought the safety of the crate. To our surprise, he slept through the night—a small victory! But our challenges were just beginning.
First Steps Outside
Stan's first walk was a brief, nerve-wracking experience. He was terrified of everything—leaves, sudden movements, even the wind seemed to unsettle him. Just two minutes into our walk, Stan had had enough. He performed the classic bullie move of refusing to budge, and we headed back home.
Building Confidence: Dog Training Classes
Determined to help Stan gain confidence, we enrolled in some dog training classes. Here, Stan began to shine more, building on his experiences each day. The classes provided a structured environment where he could learn and grow, gaining confidence with each new challenge.
Discovering Agility
While I initially considered scent training due to Stan's keen sense of smell, I wanted him to have fun and build confidence. So, we decided to try agility training for fun! At the beginner's level, it was tough. Stan wouldn’t sit, wouldn’t jump over the baby jumps, and the tunnels were a complete no-go. He once got halfway through a tunnel and just stopped, lying down in the middle! I honestly didn’t think our trainer, Jess, would let us back after that first session. Although this was just the start of many #itsastanthing to happen at agility.
Perseverance Pays Off
But we persisted, and week after week, Stan's confidence grew. By the time we reached the intermediate level, Stan was truly enjoying himself. Agility became a joyful activity for him, not something he was forced to do. We've now been doing agility for over 14 months. Technically, we're in the advanced class, though Stan’s performance depends on his mood! Some weeks we excel, other weeks we’re all over the place, but he always has a blast.
Stan’s Agility Antics
Stan has his own unique style on the agility course. He loves making up his own course, hanging out on top of the A-frame, launching off the dog walk into me, knocking over jumps (because he knows Jess has to pick them up), and most hilariously, charging into my legs to take me out!
Why Agility?
We do agility because Stan absolutely loves it. You can see his smile on the course. It’s built an incredible bond between us, improved his recall, enhanced his tricks, and most importantly, reduced his anxiety about new things. He trusts me now and will follow me almost anywhere.
Benefits of Agility for Dogs
Physical Exercise: Agility provides a fantastic workout, helping dogs stay fit and healthy.
Mental Stimulation: The challenges of navigating an agility course keep dogs mentally sharp and engaged.
Confidence Building: Successfully completing obstacles boosts a dog's confidence and reduces fearfulness.
Stronger Bond: Working as a team strengthens the bond between dog and handler.
Behaviour Improvement: Agility training can improve a dog's overall behaviour, including recall and obedience.
Fun and Socialisation: Agility is fun and provides opportunities for dogs to socialise with other dogs and people.
My Advice
If I have one bit of advice, it's to invest the time in doing fun things that stimulate your dog. Whether it's agility, scent training, obedience, or even cani-cross, get out there and spend time with your bullies, showing the world what they can do! I'm lucky to have a fabulous trainer who adores Stan, but honestly, there's nothing I wouldn't do with him. We're even learning to swim now! Watch this space for more updates on our ongoing journey to making Stan a less fearful and nervous dog!
Follow Stan's Adventures
Want to keep up with Stan's antics? Give him a follow on Instagram @stantheebt
Summary
Being a part of Universal Rescue is more than just a role—it's a commitment to changing lives, both canine and human. Stan’s journey is a testament to the power of rescue and the incredible transformations that are possible with dedication and care.
Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Whether you're fostering, adopting, or supporting in other ways, you're making a difference.
Until next time,
Jenn
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