MA PETITE – A1090897

Ma Petite is a lovely flower, a little black orchid, shy, even a little wary and so needy of human care and affection. She is very pretty and petite and although she will probably grow a little bit more, she will never be a big dog. She was found as a stray and yet, she has been well cared for, looks very healthy, enjoys a good weight and wears a perfect little black dress. Ma Petite is coming slowly out of her shy box. She is submissive, though,  rolls on her side for belly rubs and often keeps her tail close to her hinds. She loves to hang out on a bench, on the floor, wherever…with a caretaker and snuggles tightly against him or her. She walks quite well on the leash, does her business on the way(we can not say for sure if she is house trained) and nears very closely other dogs, big and small without any problem. She is shy in playgroups with her peers but I know that she will also come out of her shell with them too… She just needs a little bit more time.Ma Petite can sit on command and takes treats very nicely from the hand. She does not guard in her cage her food or her rawhide. Ma Petite might be timid but  prefers not to hide in her den. I love the way she is sitting tethered loosely  on the wall while a kennel staff is cleaning her bed. She looks so comfortable, so many pooches passing in front of her, people too, like she is part of the house… We all love Ma Petite. She is tiny, cute as a button(well she is a flower), cuddly, easy going and friendly…We dream for her of a house that will welcome her and an owner who will love her to pieces. Ma Petite is at the Manhattan Care Center, waiting for …You..

Another volunteer writes:  So tiny, so shy, our sweet little girl with win your heart in a NY minute.   Likely housetrained and with lovely leash manners once she’s out on the street she quietly trots along by my side.  Ma Petite and I huddle in a doorway to get to know one another, and it doesn’t take long before she crawls into my lap and gives me a kiss.  She’s looking for a quiet home in which she can feel safe, comfortable and be loved, and you will be her everything…her world….There is nothing more rewarding than offering your heart to a dog who is so wants to offer hers to the right person.   Are you that person?

PROFILE :

KNOWN HISTORY: N/A
ASSESSMENT:
Look: 2. Dog’s eyes are averted. Her body posture is stiff and fearful; her tail is low and not moving. She allows head to be held loosely in Assessor’s cupped hands.
Sensitivity: 2. Dog stands still and accepts the touch, her eyes are averted, her tail is between her legs, body stiff, mouth closed, lip long, ears back, lip lick.
Tag: 3. Dog spins toward the touch, crouching, tail is tucked, mouth closed, body stiff.
Squeeze 1 / 2: 2. Dog does not pull back paw, lip lick, tense.
Toy 2. Minimal interest. Dog appears interested, sniffs, but does not fully engage.Summary: Ma Petite was nervous throughout the assessment, though seems to interested to engage in human interaction; slow approach is advised.PLAYGROUP:
When off leash with a female greeter dog Ma Petite is fearful. She runs away from greeting and will lie down by the door avoiding looking at the other dog.MEDICAL BEHAVIOR:
During her initial medical examination, Ma Petite was nervous and a bit tense though allowed all handling.RECOMMENDATIONS: Experience
Potential challenges:
_X _Fearful (Ma Petite has been observed to be fearful and fairly nervous upon approach for interaction though will warm up within a several minutes. The behavior department recommends allowing Ma Petite interact at her own pace; allowing for a period of decompression to aid in acclimating to a new home environment. Force-free, reward based training only is advised when introducing or exposing Ma Petite to new and unfamiliar situations.)