DoodleKisses.com

Labradoodle & Goldendoodle Forum

Can anyone describe rescue dog behavior for abused dogs and for neglected dogs? I've had abused rescue dogs with me before and I know a few of the signs but probably not all of them. However, my observations are telling me Mac was more of a neglected dog but I'm not sure. Keep in mind these are my impressions only after 3 weeks with him so I know his personality will change. He doesn't really shy away from people. He's generally submissive to humans but doesn't jump by loud noises, fast movement or objects we hold in our hand. We can hold a spatula near him or a fly swagger and he does not cower which is good. However, he is tentative when getting petted. He will come up and lean on you or put his head on your leg but he will never look you in the eye and always keep his head lowered. He will tentatively get on the couch when you ask him but will lean into you when he is up there. The saddest thing is just I very rarely see a look of life in his eyes. Only when I play ball with all of the dogs in the back yard but that is it. He seems to want our attention by leaning on us and following us around but there is no happy light in his eyes most of the time. Even though Jake was confined in a crate a lot before we rescued him, he had the dog "light" in his eyes. I just don't know what could have happened to poor Mac in the three or so years of his life that makes walk around so glumly. And I truly hope we can show him more than just during the time he is fetching a ball. :(

Views: 588

Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

The first picture is heartbreaking, he looks like he was bracing himself for the next sadness. Picture #2,
he looks confident and happy.
Nice comparison Nancy!

Wow! I much prefer Clancy happy eyes!  

Nancy I totally see what you mean. I hope this for Mac.

I have told people this before, but as they say, a picture is worth a thousand words.  And, as they also say, the eyes are the windows to the soul! It will happen, Jenn.

four hours after impacted anal glands expressed and I finally see a smile!

He must feel so much better! 

Mac, you are adorable. You have lots to smile about now! 

Ahhhhhhh :-)

Aw, that fantastic doodle nose!  He's got to be feeling better already! 

It takes some dogs awhile to get comfortable in a home.  He may not be sure that this is not just another foster or stop on his journey.  Give him time.  I've found that rescues often don't have the confidence of a dog that you've raised as a puppy.  But they learn to be grateful.  He knows what life could be like and he will appreciate having a home.  He just needs time.

I do think there is 'something' special that adult rescues have and it does make them seem grateful.  It makes me feel even more obligated to make Clancy's life wonderful.

Here is Wayne's first day at my house.  He was very frightened.  I couldn't get close to him for about 3 hours.

Panting, whale eye, that was one anxious dog!

RSS

 

 Support Doodle Kisses 


 

DK - Amazon Search Widget

© 2024   Created by Adina P.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service