New adopted doodle.

[Lynette Main]

I just adopted a 15 month doodle.She is very scared of everything except my other two doodles.It seems like she wants to be a part of everything but is really scared around people.I can see fright in her eyes.I could use some help from other doodle adopted parents on how to help this little girl not be afraid  of us.She is afraid of doors so I stand on the other side of the deck when we want her to come in. She'll run out ok  though.My husband calls her JET. Her real name is Aja.    H e l p

[Amy & Bernie]

Lynette I don't have any advice but I wanted to say 'thank you' for adopting her and working through this!

[Clifford, Cloud, Jake..and Kim]

How long has Aja been with you?  As a foster mom as well as a mom to two rescued doodles, I can tell you it can take a good two to four weeks before they really settle in, depending on the situation they came from.  Even if she was rehomed from a good home, there is still an adjustment with the routines of your home.  If she wasn't socialized with people you need to take it easy and let her start to trust you.  Take little steps and let your other two doodles show her the ropes.  In no time at all you will marvel at your new expanded family.  Time, patience and consistancy will settle Aja in in no time. 

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

I echo what Kim has said, and I would also add that if she seems treat motivated I would get some really yummy treats and I would use those to give to everyone so that they can coax her to do things and reward her when she does so that she can learn to realize that everyone is her friend and she can trust them.  Most of the fosters that I've had wouldn't hardly leave my side for the first week.  During week two they would start to be a few feet away from me, and by the end of week 2 I would finally start to see their little personalities start to appear.  Thank you so much for giving her a second chance.  There are some pretty experienced folks on here as well so hopefully others will start to chime in as well.

[Clifford, Cloud, Jake..and Kim]

Lynette - did you adopt Olivia?  If so, I seem to recall she came from a breeder (along with Sampson) with very little people socialization.  She has gone through a lot of change and she was skittish to begin with so again I would say please be patient with her and let her find her comfort zone.  Your two doodles are really going to be your best resource for helping her.  Hopefully Sue Cooper will chime in, she is fostering Sampson and I know he had similar issues.  (My second rescue is still skittish after nearly four months if we are carrying any type of plastic bag.)

[Frances Pendrous (Horan)]

We adopted a second doodle, Johnny, a few months ago. No matter where they originally came from, no one will ever really know their "story" so each and everyone comes with a different form of "baggage".  Mine certainly still has a few ongoing issues, but they seem to be easing with time and, of course, lots and lots of love and attention. My reply to you is don't expect too much too soon. It took 15 months for her to be molded like she is so it is going to take time and patience to try and undo the fears and memories she has from her past. God bless you adding another precious doodle to your family. Your original two doodles will be the best teachers ever and she will soon learn from them that she is safe and secure. Good luck and how on earth does one walk three doodles??? Two is tough enough ha ha.

[Sally, Ditzy Mitzi & Sgt. Pepper]

Wonderful on the adoption, Congratulations!   We know in time all will be fine, it will just take lots of tlc and patience. Sorry

I am unable to give any good suggestions.  I am sure you will get plenty of valuable advice from DK members.

[Ann Kendig]

Hi Lynette!

Are you able to spend some time alone with Aja?  Take her for walks, car rides etc. without the Shea and Mya?  I think she would benefit from some one on one bonding time with just you and Denny.  She needs to lean to trust you and to bond to you and not just your doodles.  I think she would benefit greatly from some type of obedience class and it would get her around not only other dogs, but people.  It will also help her to build some confidence.  I posted on your page about a breakfast on Saturday at Hollowell's.  If you can't attend we could stop by and pick up Aja.  She could socialize with lots of people and dogs. BTW,  I would love to pop by and take her for some walks, just the two of us, if it would help.  : )  Oh, and you could contact Hollowell's and they can put you in touch with a trainer that could maybe give you some pointers.  

 

 It is strange how one day she seems to take a few steps forward and the next day she is right back where she started.  I see that Kim posted earlier and mentioned Sue Cooper, who is fostering Sampson.  Sue and I have talked may times about Aja and Sampson.  They are very similar in the way they respond to people and situations.  Sampson has progressed but he also takes those few steps forward and then he falls back again.   I really think that Aja will improve, it is just going to take some time.  If you would like to talk to Sue I'm sure she would be happy to speak to you.  I will be following this post to see what responses you will receive.  I hope there are some folks who respond that have had similar issues with their doodles and they can give you some good feedback and suggestions.  I'll call you soon!

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

I think that is a wonderful idea - the DRC, especially Sue (since she is fostering Samson), can offer a great deal of support to you.  I think it will get better with time.  I am no expert, but I do know that you can get a lifetime of support from people on Doodle Kisses and the Doodle Rescue Collective. 

Thanks for adopting Aja :)

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

It will take a long long time.  She may always be afraid.  These things go away very slowly.   My husband baked dog cookies for TWO weeks  <-- not an exaggeration until our adoptee came even 3 feet from him.   They are now best friends.  She still is leary of all people.

Go to training.   We have learned to keep her in a heel with us.  It is there she feels SAFE. She loves her heel and looks for us to give her this command.  She depends on us.  We are her life-line to the outside world. Don't expect anything from her. Just drop a heck of a  lot of cookies, calm voices, cookies, sing, cookies, walks, cookies talking, cookies, sweet words.  It will happen. 

Keep her SAFE!   Some dogs keep you safe, with others you must always let them know they are safe because of you.  This bond and trust takes awhile... but it will happen.  She  Needs You.  She needs your dogs. 

Congratulations and thank you for adopting her. 

[Suzann, Rosey & Bandit]

keep treats handy and for every little thing she does that shows "bravery" treat her.  try and take her for walks on your own and if people ask to pet her ask if they would mind giving her a treat so she learns to associate stranger with positive reward.  It will take her some time and extra work from you and the other doodles will help show the way.  Congrats on your new girl.  Thanks for rescuing her!!  Keep us posted on her progress.

[Adina P]

Patience, predictable routine, and training is what I suggest.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I have nothing to add, except a big thank you for adopting this doodle.