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!

[Becky, Savannah, & Raleigh]

hi karen, no the cats do not have their front claws. they had them taken out as babies. Savannah (our gd) gets along great with them. This recent obsession just started about 7-10 days ago..it's like he just "noticed" them in the house. he has been better today...although he did spend about 10 hours with his big sis at doggie day care. i can't afford to take them there daily, and i don't want them to be zombies every day....but i have to admit, it is nice to have him tired out and not putting up much of a fight. we are keeping him tethered.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

When I got my cat, she was a kitten, and I had to keep her in the spare bedroom for a month because my poodle kept trying to attack her. Then I finally decided to let them fight it out. The kitten hissed and ran, the dog chased her, and after about an hour, they settled down. The kitten learned that there were places she could go where the dog couldn't get at her...under the bed, behind the sofa, etc. After that, peace reigned. But the cat does have her claws and when all else failed, she'd give the dog a good swipe with them.
I would make sure the cats have access to a safe place where the dog can't bother them, and let them work it out, with supervision until you've reassured yourself that the cats can get away if need be.

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

When we adopted Mariner we were prepared to be adopting a blind dog and we did know that he was on medication to prevent seizures but we were unaware of the severity of his seizure problem. As things have turned out his sight issues have become a very minor issue as he has regained significant sight but we deal with managing his seizure issues on a frequent basis. He is sensitive to almost any change of environment from weather to the most recent issue involving his reaction to being groomed.

Everyone here is supportive.

Thanks.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

As far as we can tell, Clancy has no glaring medical problems, thank goodness. The humane society both temperament and behavior tested him and found him to crave attention, be very calm, non-aggressive, and low key/energy. They were right on. What we didn't expect was that he would lift his leg and especially not INSIDE the house. The only one of our extended family's dogs who did that was an un-neutered male who quit when he was finally neutered at age 5. We have had Clancy 7 weeks now and he hasn't lifted his leg for 3 weeks. The other unexpected problem was that our non-aggressive Clancy and our non-aggressive, Springer, Gordie had at least four serious fights over bottom and next-to-bottom of the pack order. This has caused lots of concern about being able to keep Clancy, however I do have to say there has been no fight for two weeks and we have witnessed some accepted dominance behaviors between the two of them.

[Adrianne Matzkin]

Paws crossed that peace reigns in your home between the 2 of them!

[melody lamontia]

I have a similar problem I hope both our problems resolve..  these aren't exactly all the happy doodles stories I have read about... :)

[melody lamontia]

We have had Stuart now for two days. He was bailed out from a terrible shelter from a rescue group and they had him for a week.  He was tick infested and starving. He has gained some weight but is still only 50lbs and should weigh at least 80 (he is a big boy) when he was with the rescue he was with three other male doodles- no problems they ate together with no issues.  When he came to my house he wouldn't eat his food but went over to my other dogs bowl and ate so my other dog went over to his bowl to finish his food and Stuart attacked him (quite seriously)...  Now we are feeding them separate and now my dog doesn't trust him and there is definitely tension. Stuart now tries to play with my other dog but my other dog doesn't trust him and won't play.  I do have a trainer coming in a couple of days and am enrolled in obedience class (guess I will have to take my other dog back to obedience now too).  Stuart is sweet sweet with people but, this tension between the two dogs is upsetting.  They did meet before we adopted them and they played everything seeme fine.  This wasn't exactly they happy go lucky doodle week I thought it was going to be.  We are committed however, and will work through this I was just hoping I would have funny doodle stories to tell the first week...  I might add our first dog has never ever had a problem with any dog.  We have always raved how gentle he is but, he sure will not back down to Stuart...

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Melody, This discussion is very old and you might not get too many responses. It might be better to post a new discussion on the front page asking for help, etc. I know one member Amy, Cubbie, & Ollie had a similar situation and would be a good source of information for you. It does take a new dog (especially re-homed or rescued) at least a couple of weeks, if not longer,  to settle in. Everything is new right now for Stuart and he isn't sure what is happening or what is expected of him. Thank you so much for adopting this poor guy and I feel a trainer is a good idea! Good luck!!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

This is perfect advice. Two days is nothing; two weeks is nothing. It takes time for them to work out their places in the family dynamic and develop trust.

The way that a dog behaves with another dog outside of his home bears very little relationship to the way he will behave when that dog is sharing his space and all of his resources.

The home dog should not be expected to back down to the newcomer; he has an established place in the pack and he's earned it. As much as possible, his usual routine should not be disrupted. His favorite places should not be usurped. He gets his treat before the new dog. He gets his food before the new dog. Mealtime should be strictly supervised adn the dogs kept as far apart from each other as possible. Some people put the food bowls at opposite ends of the room and sit on the floor in the middle to prevent anyone from going to the other's bowl. If you start a new discussion, you will get a lot of good advice from people who have successfully dealt with the same issues. But it does take time.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Also, food is likely going to be a huge issue for Stuart, as he has probably never had as much as he wanted or needed on a regular basis and had to compete for what he got. It will take time for him to learn that food will always be provided at regular intervals in this new place and there is no need to fight over it. As Laurie said, he has no idea what to expect or what is expected of him, and a dog needs to know those things in order to relax and feel secure.

For now, it's important to try to stick to a very consistent schedule with meals and household routines.

I would also try to limit visitors for now. 

[melody lamontia]

Thanks okay I will start a new discussion. I appreciate your comments and support.  I feel like we are walking on egg shells here and not so comfortable...