Resuced Doodle w/socialization problems

[Kelli, Gus & Holly welcome you!]

Ok ... I'm very new to this so please bear w/me. I just recently took in a 10 m.o. Goldendoodle named Holly. This is her 3rd home in less than a year - 1st home gave her away b/c she was too big for the owners other small dogs & the 2nd home gave her to us b/c she has biten the 13 y.o. son twice. We brought her home on Saturday & she was perfect w/my Bischon-Poo Gus who is 2 years old & 6 lbs. She was def. scared around my inlaws 3 dogs - 2 boxers & 1 mixed breed. She has been fine w/myself, my husband & my inlaws as well. Today we attempted to introduce her to Sophie the 6 m.o. boxer while they were both on leads & while outside, Holly seemed playful. When we brought them indoors & took only Holly off her lead, she was barking alot & crouching down as if to play but it didn't seem playful. Sophie was put back in her crate & Harley the 12 y.o. gentle giant boxer was left on a lead & Holly was left off. Again she did the same - barking, scared to interact w/him, crouching down. As time went on, she did seem to come somewhat closer to him. But when he would turn around to notice her she would take off. I'm not sure what is going on or how to handle it :*( We are going away this week on a trip & my inlaws will have my dogs as well as theirs. I really do not want to give her away & really want this to work. Anyone have any ideas, past experiences to share?? Any help is welcomed :*)

[HANNAH 8/2/07 & HONEY 7/2/08]

I would first try walking all dogs on leash together, and if they all get along form a small circle (about a foot apart from each other) with your dogs sitting facing each other, if they all get along go to step three...take them to an enclosed yard and let off leash but be sure you are supervising them. Be sure you all are prasing your dogs and treating them while the are doing what you want. Sounds like Holly has gone through so much already and for only 10 months has got to be very hard on her in 4 homes and having to learn 4 different lifestyles, including where she was born. Having one dog on leash and one off also sets up a dominace for the dog off leash, which is something you never want to do. Since you only have her a day it may be very difficult for her to have to adjust to other things and people, dogs...etc because of being in so many different environments her head must be spining. Can somebody else pet sit for you in your home with no other dogs around but Gus, or could one of your inlaws stay and one take care of their dogs? It just really all sounds like Holly is very confused and not sure of life at such a young age.

[Kelli, Gus & Holly welcome you!]

We are going to try tomorrow night possibly w/Harley like you said both on a leash then a circle & see where that takes us. Now that you say about the dominance thing I really saw that w/Holly. I'm wondering if maybe we can't try keeping my dogs at home & having my brother-in-law or sister-in-law come here & stay? I feel just as confused as Holly is right now. Thank you for the help!!!

[Lynne Fowler-Oodles of Doodles]

Kelli, when you adopt a rescue dog there is no way to know all the experiences that make the dog who they are. A sound or smell can set them to trembling or fighting and you'll never know why.

It takes some time for that dog to feel secure and safe and it does come with time, love and patience. We usually tell people to give it about 2 weeks before you notice they seem relaxed. In that time, they learn new things, new people and new routines. Especially since this is her 3rd home, she may need more time and she will come around.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I agree, there have been too many changes for this dog in a very short time, and she hasn't had a chance to be "at home" anywhere or to bond to anyone. One of the most important components in having a happy, sociable, well-adjusted dog is for the dog to understand the rules and routine of her household, and to know who her "person" is. In one day, Holly was taken from her home to an unfamiliar place with unfamiliar people and dogs, and then had to also adjust to more unfamiliar people and dogs. She has to be confused; she has no idea of where she lives, who she belongs to, what her place is, who else is in her pack, and what the rules are. All of these things take time. Even with a new puppy with no issues, it is advised to keep from having a lot of visitors in your home for the first few days until they become adjusted. This dog has never had a secure homelife. Even dogs who are rehomed once usually need weeks or months to start to feel secure in their new surroundings. I can't imagine what it must be like for this puppy, having been moved around so much.
The timing of your trip is unfortunate. Holly will not have had anywhere near enough time to adjust to yet another new household before she is taken to another unfamiliar house. She needs some time in one place with a regular routine. I agree that the best thing if you have to leave her, would be to have someone come in to your home, preferably without other dogs to confuse things.

[Adina P]

I am not saying this from experience as I have NONE rehabilitating dogs. It is just from what I've read and what makes sense to me so if anything seems 'wrong' to those with more experience feel free to jump in and correct my advice.

I second Karen's suggestion for her to remain in your home if possible and have someone you trust completely (or a licensed/bonded pet sitter) come in a few times a day to let her out for potty. If she can be crated in the house even better. I think she'll just be thoroughly confused with more change.

BUT if she does get taken to your in-laws...I see NO reason her freedom can't be restricted considerably while she is there. She has a bite history and although I have no idea of that bite's circumstances, it makes me think she might tend to lean on the easily 'stressed' side of temperaments. MAYBE. Just guessing. So restricting her freedom to a crate or behind a baby gate and on leash time will prevent her from having to act on things before she's ready to. Don't feel sorry for her, just make sure she is well managed and not allowed to do anything and everything in this constantly changing, stressful time.

Here's how I see it: Here is a dog who has no idea where her home is. Isn't quite sure what to think of you or your family or your other dog. Doesn't know the hierarchy in the house, doesn't know the boxer...is sort of trying to feel everything out. I think a major restriction of freedom will actually be FREEING for her. If she is able to relax in a crate or behind a baby gate and sort of WATCH the dynamics of the house and get a feel for her new home a little at a time, she might feel more comfortable over time than if she is thrown in suddenly. I think even IDOG rescue recommends that new rescues are kept away from the other dogs of the house for a certain period (3 days?) and only gradually introduced in short spurts. Let her see how things are run, set CLEAR boundaries, google "Nothing in Life is Free" training, and help her to 'earn' her freedom. It's not punishment it's just giving her a chance to relax rather than have to deal with the stress of so many new people and dogs to meet in such a short time.

I also think that a walk as Denise suggested, WITH the other dogs is probably a better way to get to know them than just off leash play time. For now.

Good luck and keep us posted.

[Adrianne Matzkin]

Kelli,
My foster came from a PM and shelter where he lived 4.5 months out of his 6 months behind bars. When he came to live with us, he spent more time laying on the step from our kitchen to our patio in front of a mirror for 3 days before he attempted to spend any time with us. We went to him. We had to teach him how to be a puppy. By the time he left here to go to his forever home a month later, you would have never recognized him! SO much more confident - he had a long way to go but he got a great star!!

Sounds like Holli is a bit like Mickey - so unsure of everything. You have to start at the beginning - building a relationship from scratch. Sounds like she really wants to play but it just not sure how to. She may not have ever been with other dogs before.
One dog on leash is not a good idea.
You should find training classes (not a Pet Smart type of place) to take her to so you both can learn how to work together and for Holli to socialize with other dogs while under the watchful eye of a trainer. You both will form a wonderful bond also by training together.
Find other DK members to romp with. Doodles are just wonderful teachers.

I agree with the responses posted- if at all possible someone staying at your home would be the best for Holli. It will give her the continuity she really needs to learn that your home is now her home forever!!

[Jacquie Yorke (DRC)]

I don't mean to sound judgemental.....but I'm confused as to why you would take on a new dog and a rescue for that matter at a time when you knew that you were going away on vacation?......It takes a week to two for most to acclimate and this dog has some obvious issues to begin with on top of the fact that being you are her third home, I would think that "stability" and "routine" to help acclimate her to her new surroundings and family would be something that you would have considered before bringing her home? ......Personally, I would have cancelled my vacation...

[Kelli, Gus & Holly welcome you!]

Well I rescued her b/c she probably would have been put down or been placed in a shelter to sit for weeks or months on end & yes it's unfortunate that it just so happens we will be going away. We already have our $$$ in on this trip & I'm not cancelling ... just like I'm not going to give up on Holly.