Scairdy Doodle

[Judy Ingram - Oliver & Cooper]

Terri

Thank you, I have started a new job where I am earning $15,000 less per year BUT I am glad to be employed. I am losing medical coverage and will have to sell my home.

Things just keep piling up. Sully is a 7 month old Aussi Doodle. He is gorgeous, black phantom with tons of coat. I was working with the breeder for several months to

Purchase a male puppy when she offered Sully at a reduced rate because she changed her mind about breeding him. When I got the crate at the airport and he was

Hiding in the back I knew I had problems. It has taken me 3 months, but he is a lap dog and adoring member of my family HOWEVER; she blames me for not socializing

Him which I know is totally wrong. I used to breed and show Irish Wolfhounds many years and know dog behaviour. Oliver my Golden Doodle has his K9 good citizen certificate

And is one of the best dogs I have owned besides a couple smart Dobies. Since I have to find a new home it will probably be an apartment (ugh!) and I do not know

What to do. He pees when even children approach him, he runs to hide in the bedroom so even my grandsons cannot let him outside for me. He does growl and bark and therefore

I cannot trust him. We have tried meat from strangers and even that gets dropped.

I am just reaching out to all my friends to see if anyone has any suggestions. I hate to give him up, but he needs serious training and I have no money to even take him

To classes right now. HELP folks please any comments?

[Lorraine Bromley]

IS you aussie doodle from Canada? I believe Shelly and I have the same breeder. I have been to that breeders personally.

[shelly]

Lorraine ~ because Judy's aussiedoodle looks SOOOO much like Tori, I was almost certain he was from the same breeder, but she says Sully is from Indiana or Illinois... I would have bet my life he was a "B.K-er" - LOL
Hope everyone in your family has enjoyed their summer! Has school started yet up there? We have less than 2 weeks - ugh! LOL (guess I'm just being greedy)

[Lauria Orr]

Hello again, Day 2 with this Thundershirt, and I have to say I am very pleasantly surprised! Melody does seem calm! I told my sister about the thundershirt last night, as she has a Havanese (sp?) she suspects was a puppy mill dog. She did not think so at first, but now, looking back, she really wonders. Her dog was a rescue dog. The Behaviorist she met with also said "Ripley" seemed to have issues common to puppy mill dogs, and he would likely never be socially "okay". My sister plans to order a Thundershirt for Ripley. If it doesn't help, it can be returned within 45 days. I think it is something all these dogs with nervousness could at least try, especially with such a great guarantee. Her dog throws up in the car, and gets shaky...and runs away from all people except for my sister and her partner. Ripley is very bonded with them, but that is it! That makes travel very difficult, etc....they use the D.A.P. collar with some success.

[Judy Ingram - Oliver & Cooper]

I am going to have to look up Thundershirt and DAP collar. You're all way ahead of me!!! Ripley sounds like my Sully. One of my grandsons and his girlfriend come over 3-4 times a week to visit with me. He gives Sully freeze dried chicken nibbles and Sully still pees and hides under my chair or on my lap!

[shelly]

Okay... I actually sat down and ordered the Thundershirt.... I also found a coupon on line to save shipping cost... you can return it if it does not work... I feel if any dog has issues strong enough to 'break the guarantee' it's Tori... so I have nothing to lose, right?! (except.... I do have this 'issue' myself - I'm not always the best at retuning things - I'll have to be sure I do! (if I need to) fingers crossed!

[Lauria Orr]

I forgot about the shipping coupon you can get on-line. That is great, Shelly. I ordered the Thundershirt for my sister's dog, Ripley, as my sister is reluctant to order anything on-line. I think it makes Melody feel much more secure, as she feels like she is being hugged. I love that! She still does get nervous with sudden noises, and runs for cover. I am excited for my sister's dog Ripley, as that dog is frightened so much of the time. I think this will help a lot. I am hopeful for you, Shelly, and Judy. Sully and Tori sound like Melody. Boy! I think early socialization is key. Melody does better with other people when we all go for a walk together, even if it is just down the block a bit, or if someone throws the ball for her.

[shelly]

Thanks! I'm excited... don't know if my DH would be as enthusiastic! LOL I'm not still convinced she barks incessantly at people b/c she is scared, she just sounds so mean and kind of gets in their space...but we'll see.... I'll keep everyone informed. Hope it comes before i have to go back to work! Definitely should have socialized her outside the house more... I was more afraid of what she MAY catch before her shots, than what the long term effects would be.. but I never knew 1/4 of what I know now... then!

[shelly]

Well I have been waiting for this since we bought the Thunder shirt.... I have finally had a situation where I think this really has helped Tori! I took her out for a walk this morning while my son was waiting for his bus... Usually we just walk to about the corner and walk a bit into the driveway of the firehouse sub-station on my block. there's this one spot that she refuses to pass. Have NO idea why! She just lays down and refuses to move. BUT NOT TODAY! She walked right by. Why? Because she was wearing her THUNDERSHIRT (i think). What ever the reason she did it... I'm going to test it again tomorrow! YES! Now off to work!

[Lauria Orr]

Hi Shelly,

That is good news! I hope that more and more we can improvement. Melody did not stop in her tracks either when we went to the mailbox. I don't know what spooked her about that. I hope these Doods get over this!