Unexpected Problems?

[Susan, Zeke. Lily & Jasper]

Did you discover unexpected medical, emotional or physical problems after your dog came home? With many rescue dogs there are so many unknown factors to consider. It's very important to remember when seeking to rescue that you may get surprises. It doesn't mean that these dogs are any less desirable but just be sure you are willing to stand by your adopted dog no matter what. Especially when problems surface, your relationship with this dog is vital, you may be his or her only chance for survival. Doodle Kisses is a great place to support those who have uncovered unexpected problems. Please know that you are not alone!

[Adina P]

For us (Thule was our rehomed doodle) it was mostly naughty behaviors that she'd been allowed to learn and practice (counter surfing, jumping up on people, etc) that are not uncommon in energetic dogs. Previous to joining our family, Thule lived with an older couple. One of them became ill and could no longer manage her energy and so she given up to rescue. She was in the rescue/foster home for only 2 days or so before we picked her up so she was never abandoned at any point. However, she had some separation anxiety...not too severe, she was fine OUT of the crate but Clark had to use it for a while because she was not yet trustworthy and enjoyed 'reading' books, trying on shoes, etc. She barked and whined and cried and went nuts in the crate (even in the car on our ride home). But although we quit crating her a looooooooooong time ago, and she will gladly hide away for naps in an open crate now....I'm not sure she'd LIKE being shut in a crate for long. She's FINE at home alone with our other dogs though.

So I don't know if she has any special issues BECAUSE she had to change families or not. It's like with humans...some have 'issues' and fears due to genetics...others due to nurture (or lack thereof). I know one couple (family) who is wonderful...great parents, not fearful themselves at all...good folks. But their oldest son (who is 5? or so) is exceptionally frightened of new things. I can't think of a single "nurture" reason for this and neither can Clark...this boy is just that way inherently.... So I'm sure it is with dogs. Some dogs are JUST a certain way genetically, others are that way due to an unfortunate start in life.

Once a dog is in their forever home I think the BEST thing is to do the best for that dog regardless of past life. Just love, train, and treat the dog as he/she is meant to be treated. I've never felt 'sorry' for Thule. She's a happy, well adjusted dog with a great life. No sense in thinking about what might have been -- worrying about the past keeps you stuck there I think.

But...umm...getting back to the POINT of your topic =)... YES ... people should not expect a dog without any problems. Some may be there...if you rescue, you may bring home a dog with 'baggage' -- if nothing else, the sudden change from household to NEW household is a stress in and of itself and may bring with it insecurity or separation anxiety or health problems. There may also be things that have never been addressed, health wise, by the previous owners (if there even were 'owners' in a dog's past life).

But with LOVE and time and focusing on the present you can make your rescued dogs life FABULOUS! And your dog will give back immeasurably more to you!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

That was what led me here to DK...Jackdoodle has so many issues, both medical & psychological, that I had never dealt with before. I started participating in the various doodle forums on-line looking for answers & support. Having a rescue with an unknown history is a different experience than that of just buying a puppy. What has been especially gratifying is that I've been able to give help & advice as well as get it. It sometimes helps just to have a place to vent & share.

[Jodi]

I was wondering if you have any advice for me with Bentley re: being so fearful of other people. We take him to the dog park to socialize and play but he just doesn't like anyone to touch him and shys away. He won't even let kids touch him. My grandkids can play, lay, pull etc. and he loves them so much. It makes me sad that I can't seem to make him more adjusted. I have a few books coming from the library about shy dogs. Bentley was abused from the home he came from not sure about the facts just his behavior. I put my garden gloves on and he just freaked out. Bentley's dad put his face next to him to cuddle and he couldn't deal with that. It only took a few days for him to realize his dad was okay and to trust him. Someone tried to take a picture of him with a camera and he completely lost it. He is over that now but still so shy will pull away to avoid people. I recently had some cardboard in my hands and told him to go lay down in his spot and he dashed away like I was going to hit him. We could never hit him and I didn't think about what was in my hand it brought tears to my eyes that he would think I could ever hit him. I could use any pointers you may have. I don't know if Jack has any of those issues but if not maybe you might have picked up a few tips anyway.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Jack had most of those issues, and still has some of them, although he is a thousand times better now after 3+ years. It takes lots and lots of time, patience and love. You can look at my videos to see how scared he was at first. He also once "hit the decK' when he came into the kitchen just as I was turning from the sink with a cucumber in my hand.
I am not a fan of dog parks for socialization, and most experts in dog behavior agree with me. I took Jack to a socialization group with 3 other adopted dogs. We were given assignments such as taking the dog to 3 different public places each week. Places like Petsmart, a farmer's market, an auto repair shop, etc. Tell people NOT to reach out for him or pet him, to keep their hands at their sides. He should be approached from an angle, not head on. Get him out walking in neighborhoods as often as possible...walk past houses, parks, schools, etc. You must always see everything that's coming BEFORE he does. he will sense it if you are nervous, and he will take cues from you. When you see something or someone coming that you think will scare him, start speaking to him in a positive upbeat voice. Say "Good boy", not "It's OK"...there is a different tone & confidence level. have a conversation about something else. Ask him questions...the upturn in the voice really helps. Arrange to have people he doesn't know , either at home or elsewhere, to ignore him, but to have a treat ready if he should approach them. The key is to change his expectations of people. Start with these suggestions and remember that he will learn to trust...but it takes time, and it is 2 steps forward, 1 step back.

[Jodi]

Karen,
Thank you for your advice and suggestions! I am going to look for a socialization group for us. I will let people know to ignore since they always want to pet him. You talked about having a treat ready if he approaches someone he doesn't know is that for them to give the treat or me? I am so hopeful now hearing how Jack is a thousand times better. They are so worth the extra love and work to heal.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

The treat is for the other person to give. (I know that would take a bit of prearranging, but you can make a habit of carrying some with you). After awhile, Bentley may associate a nonthreatening stranger with a treat.

[Jodi]

Karen,
We have been trying giving the stranger a treat with Bentley and it worked so well!! We spent time with family for Easter out of town with wonderful success. Bentley even fell asleep with his foot on his sister's feet. He felt so comfortable and I believe the difference was starting off with the treats and ignoring him. I have also been spending a great deal of time at so many different places with him. I got an attachment for my bike a couple weeks ago so he can walk next to me in and around our neigborhood. I took your tips on seeing ahead before him does like families ahead and I just reminded him that he needs to watch me. I no longer have to stop and walk my bike past them with alot of room. He is still real nervous and I can see it but catching it ahead is perfect. He loves going with me. Thanks again

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I'm so glad this is working for you! Thanks for letting me know, and please give Bentley a hug from me & JD!

[Doris]

I made the mistake of assuming that Bodi had been fixed. Duh . . . didn't look down there and found out when we went to the vet. Since he was already 2 we scheduled the surgery for the next Friday. He had some wild behaviors, but the surgery plus taking walks for the first time and a routine (he had never had those things!) really turned his behavior around. He is a wonderful dog now after just a few months.

[Susan, Zeke. Lily & Jasper]

We had a very bad experience in the park a few days ago. DH & I each had a doodle to walk and things were going pretty well so we decided to let them off leash. Both dogs have been doing well with their recalls and we have been practicing off leash on walks for several weeks with progressivily better results until......this day. Zeke, who is older and wiser is usually 100% on call back on the first call. ( Lily maybe 50% ) My routine is to let them run a while, call back then release and repeat every now and then, treating them each time they come. Zeke picked this day to test the limits and when he did, Lily went totally out of control. They both acted deaf for what seemed forever but was actually about 15 minutes. Finally Zeke came, but Lily never would so we leashed Zeke and proceded to walk back to the car. She zoomed all around us as if taunting us & Zeke and we tried to ignore her except to call her to come every now and then. Once when we stopped to call her, she got in a ditch that was standing with about 6 inches of water and started digging furiously like she had gone mad. She had a crazed look in her eyes that I have never seen before. After this she continued to run all around us til she finally just pooped out and couldn't run any more. DH was able to walk up to leash her and we were able to continue home. ( for a much needed bath!!!!!!!!! ) I was very torn between relief, fury and consern that we had witnessed a hidden behavior. All has been back to normal since then, but Miss Lily has lost her off leash privilages for a while.

[Becky, Savannah, & Raleigh]

Raleigh has been with us for 3 weeks now. We have worked through some issues quite well, but the one that has been most pressing is his OBSESSION with our cats, especially our male cat, Ripley. He will not leave him alone, and actually tried to nip at him this afternoon, but got my hand instead. he can't rest if ripley is anywhere around and he paces looking for him. i'm not sure if ripley is contributing to this...he is very friendly and has full reign of the house. He and our older GD get along great. We are doing a training program at the local petsmart and he seems to be picking up some good commands; the trainer suggested tonight tethering him to a door so that he has to be forced to see the cat, but can't chase him. any and all comments would be really really appreciated. I called the rescue that he was fostered through, and expect to hear from the foster mom tomorrow. apparently, she had cats as well and didn't have this issue. not sure if Ripley is stirring things up with Raleigh. I really want things to work out, but am scared that the cats will get hurt.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Do the cats have their claws?