Question from my sister regarding the dogs in BC that were surrendered to a shelter

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

My sister just contacted me and asked me this question.  My BIL and her are considering taking one of the dogs from the BC shelter and this is what she wrote: 

Just spoke with the SPCA.  It was an irresponsible breeder.  Dogs came to them matted and with ear infections, very shy and nervous.  Very undersocialized.  They had not even seen a car.  We would be interested in Rikki or Cassiopia.  Is a 9 month old who is not fully house-trained a bad sign?

I am hoping that some of you who foster doodles can chime in and offer advice here.  My sister is home all the time and they have an older well behaved doodle who is used to other dogs.  She is willing to put the time and effort in but needs direction.

[Shannon and Finn]

Oh, poor babies.  What a sad situation.  I would have your sister contact a trainer who specializes in under-socialized dogs and talk about what the steps would be for training so she is ready to go when they come home.  I think many issues can be overcome with good trainer support and lots of time and patience.  Sounds like it will be a great home for the poor pup if she is up for the work.

[Kaytlin and Cooper]

oh thats sad, I had heard good things about Avonlea :(

I think if your sister is prepared to put in the time and effort, the dog can overcome issues. Many people on here could give great advice having done similar themselves

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

It's not unusual for kennel dogs not to be housebroken as adults, let alone at 9 months. I have heard of many very lovely adult breeder's dogs who just never lived in a house and therefore were not housebroken.

Housebreaking may take a little time, but 9 months is still a puppy, it shouldn't be a major problem. The older dog will be a big help with that. The new one will learn what's expected much more quickly if he sees another dog demonstrating it, lol.

Jack was very shy and undersocialized when I got him, even though he had had a home, and it was not very difficult to help him get over his fear issues and become a comfortable, confident dog. Most of the people who have met him will attest to that. It does take some time and patience, and I needed advice from a behaviorist/trainer as I never had a fearful or shy dog before.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

There are also all kinds of resources available on the topic of socializing an adopted dog, both on-line and through your friends here who have done it ourselves. :)

[Katie and Sophie]

Awww poor pups.  I foster for a rescue group (not doodles, just a general rescue) and have a foster similar to this before.  He was a terrier mix who was left in a kennel in the back yard with his litter mates.  Their only interaction with people was when they opened the door to put food in.  I got him when he was about 8 months old and he was just like she described these pups to be.  Very shy and nervous, not socialized, and because they spent their life in a kennel outside they were not potty trained.  I don't know where these doodle pups lived before they were brought into the shelter (as far as inside or outside), but if they were treated this poorly it is very unlikely that they had the time put into them to potty train them.  With my little guy, it did take time, but potty training came pretty easily.  He followed my girls around, and quickly learned the potty training routine.  It took about a week or two for him to start catching on and within a month he was completely potty trained.  If your sister has an older doodle already, this will really help teach the new pup.  The socialization and confidence came with time too.  They learn to trust and the rest comes with that.  They are still young enough that they can adjust pretty well.  If she is willing to put the time into the pup then by all means, do it!  It is such a rewarding thing, and it will really bond them.  My foster left me as a happy and well-rounded pup who his new forever family is absolutely in love with and I still hear from them often.  He wiggled his way into my heart and will always hold a special place there :)  It really is an awesome experience and I hope it works out for your sister and BIL.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

There's one piece of advice I will give you now to pass along to your sister, just in case they do adopt one of these dogs. For the first week, they should try as much as possible to limit visitors to the house. This is hard, because their friends and neighbors will all be anxious to meet the new family member. But the dog is going to be beyond overwhelmed and scared out of its wits. It is going to need time to decompress, and a safe, quiet place from which to observe the normal rhythms and routines of the household; to learn who belongs to this new pack and who doesn't, and get adjusted to their every day comings and goings. The daily routine should vary as little as possible for the first week or two. This is who lives here with me, this is when I get fed, this is where I get fed, this is when dad comes home from work,  etc. When there are other extra people coming and going, it makes it much harder for the dog.

People will feel sorry for him or her, and it's natural to want to reach out, touch, pet, reassure, etc., with any doodle, let alone one who has been neglected and is frightened. All of us would want to start right in making up for lost time with lots of affection and attention. But that too will overwhelm the dog. He or she needs to be left alone unless he seeks out affection. They should make it a rule not to touch the dog unless the dog touches them. In fact, except for necessary things like administering ear medications, etc., they shouldn't go to the dog but rather wait for the dog to come to them. Obviously, soft calm voices and slow movements are required. If the dog hides or displays  fear, he or she should be ignored. Paying any attnetion to that will reinforce it. No "it's okay", etc. When the dog does seek them out, there should be rewards in the form of praise and treats. NO reaching out at these dogs to pet them. They can stroke their sides or chests if the dogs approach them or seek them out. Kind but confident voices, no cooing.

[Katie and Sophie]

This is EXCELLENT advice! 

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Yes, this is great advice.  My trainer is also the volunteer trainer for our local rescue.  This is exactly what he teaches adopters of dogs who are undersocialized and fearful.  Staying calm and low key and letting the dog come to you when they are feeling confident enough is really important.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

You gave him exactly what he needed; time to decompress and a safe place in which to do it.  I forgot to mention a crate, that's a must.

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

Karen this is such great advice and exactly what I need to pass on.  Just another question.  How should they introduce their doodle to the newbie?  I was thinking this should be done outside of the home.  Coby is very gentle, not territorial at all but they wouldn't want to upset him in any way.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I believe that a new dog should always be introduced outside the house on neutral ground...then a short walk before entering the house together.

[Amy, Cubbie & Ollie]

I would also suggest trying to keep Coby away from the new dog if the new dog is showing signs of stress and fear.  Cubbie was curious about Ollie but anytime he even walked within 5 feet of where Ollie was hiding, Ollie was growl and charge at Cubbie.  Once Ollie calmed down a bit, we let them sniff each other but watched for any potential issues.