Hi,
My name is Dia, and my dog and I live in British Columbia Canada. Boone is a two-year-old neutered Baladi dog, from near the Suez Canal in Egypt. Baladi is essentially a street dog, though my sister (his rescuer) and I suspect he's got Saluki/Canaan bloodlines. He's definitely got a sighthound look to him, though heavier than pure sighthound. He was born feral, found when six weeks old apparently lost or abandonned by his dam, and my sister brought him over to Canada when he was five months old.
Boone is smart, independent, gentle and affectionate with those he trusts, without being demanding. He's a good guard dog, and has a natural courtesy, which means he has never gotten into trouble when left alone in the house (not counting a few shoes/slippers during his "teething" stage). It took him a very long time, over a year, to get to the stage where pleasing the human was at all rewarding to him. When I got him, the best treat in the world couldn't get him to perform, unless he felt like it; almost two years later, he's willing enough with a "Good boy" and intermittent treats. However, he still reserves the right to make the final decision and forego treats/praise etc.
Boone has deep-rooted fear issues, especially toward people he doesn't know, which he disguises with aggressive displays. He's much improved in the two years I've had him, but he's still a work in progress. He does love other dogs, unless they are on his property and unfortunately he thinks his property extends considerably farther than our fenceline. He is great with dogs off-leash on neutral territory, but on-leash he has frustrated-greeting syndrome. Unfortunately, if allowed to greet, his anxiety and eagerness can make his body language conflicting and this has sometimes led to snarling/biting, so I avoid letting him greet even though his successful greetings far outweigh his unsuccessful ones. He seems less anxious with small dogs than large ones, and doesn't seem to like puppies of a certain age. Because of his fear and his breeding, he's only allowed three people to touch him in two-and-a-half years; my sister, myself and my boyfriend. Even people who he sees regularly are not permitted to put their hands on him, although he's not above taking treats.
Boone is not quite my first dog, but I was very much a newbie when I got him, so learning how to deal with his issues has been quite challenging, and at times frustrating and depressing. Still, despite his issues and the work in managing and changing his behavior, I think he's a remarkable and special dog and I love him dearly.
I look forward to discussion and learning more on this forum.
Thanks,
dia and "Baladi Boone"