Has anyone adopted a Doodle through a Rescue agency?

[DBlasher]

Hello!  We just adopted a medium Goldendoodle through a rescue agency.  They think he is about 1 year old and was rescued from an Amish breeding operation.  I was wondering if anyone in this group has a "rescued" Doodle?  If so, have you found that the Doodle adjusted fairly quickly after you adopted him/her?  This sweet boy we got is so timid and afraid of many sounds in the home as he had been left outside in a 6x6 kennel with a few other pups that weren't purchased.  Basically, no real human contact and no idea of what it's like to live inside a home with a loving family.  He was one giant matted mess and had to be shaved down prior to being placed for adoption.  Our 4 year old Goldendoodle has been patient with the new pup so far, but is getting a bit anxious to play with his new canine friend!  Have another 9 days before letting them play as Teddy was just neutered.

Any advice would be appreciated!  My main concern is that this little boy can be housebroken and will lose some of his fear of humans (he is already attached to me, but is reluctant to let anyone else get too close to him.)  He loves our Doodle, Bailey and they played nicely on our first meeting, but now he is confused as to why they can't play.

Kindest thanks,

Deborah

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

Deborah ~ First of all, thank you for adopting this boy.  I have not had this experience, but I think you will find many others on this site that have and will have some information to share with you.  I would think this is a very confusing time for him too and it will take some time for him to trust you and your family.  As for as potty training, I would think you would start at square one, just like he was a little puppy.   I hope Jenn D sees your post as she recently adopted Mac and has posted some very interesting discussions.  I believe she now has 4 doodles and definitely has expertise in this area.  Looking forward to updates on your doodle and his new brother.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Hi Deborah,

Dozens of us here have adopted doodles from rescue groups and shelters. The Doodle Rescue Collective (DRC) actually got its start here on Doodle Kisses and many of us are active in doodle rescue through DRC and IDOG, which are both reputable, nationwide doodle-specific rescues that have placed thousands of doodles in new homes.

There are several groups here on DK that provide resources for owners of adopted doodles. There is also the DRC website which has resources: http://doodlerescue.org/

I can reassure you that Teddy can and will be housebroken; you need to handle it exactly the same way that you would housebreaking a new puppy. Your older guy will be a big help with this. 

Regarding the fear of humans, give him time and don't press the issue. It typically takes at least 2-4 weeks for an adult rescue to even start to feel comfortable and safe enough to begin trusting people. Let him choose to approach people rather than having them approach him. Don't let strangers come at him. Don't force him to approach anyone or anything. When he does come to someone, have them limit petting and touching to his sides and chest, never his head or face. Praise him to the moon for any little progress. Give him a "safe" space from which he can observe the normal comings and goings of the household. A very consistent routine is mandatory: the dog needs to know what to expect from you and what is expected from him. Stick to a schedule for meals, walks, playtime, bedtime, etc., even on weekends. Limit visitors to the house as much as possible as he settles in. 

When he exhibits fear, don't baby him or use a sympathetic tone of voice or phrases like "It's okay". Instead, keep your voice cheerful and upbeat. He will overcome the fear issues. It just takes time.

My guy was terrified of everything outside of the house. Garage doors opening, crows cawing, a big rock or statue of an animal in someone's yard, a bird flying out of a bush, you name it. After the first month,  we enrolled in a socialization class for adult rescue dogs. Very small group, basic leash training & obedience. We had weekly assignments to take the dogs out to at least three new places each week. Walking past a schoolyard at recess, going to the vet's office and just sitting in the waiting room for 10 minutes, that kind of thing. I learned to use upbeat and encouraging conversation when he froze up or balked at the sight of someone or something strange. It would help if you could find a trainer or group like that in your area. 

Was your new dog in foster care prior to being adopted? If so, the foster parent(s) might be able to give you some tips. 

Most reputable rescue groups also provide help and advice for new adopters. 

Thank you for adopting. I can promise you that the rewards will be well worth it! 

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Great advice!  I have one "adopted" Doodle boy.  He has had his share of issues....but since we got him as a puppy, they are not the same as yours.  I really think what they need most of all is love, and patience.  As Karen said so well, they also need for you to TEACH them how to behave and what you're expectations for them are. He'll need you to be a leader and show him that "you've got his back".  The right kind of training is key.  Good luck and thanks for giving this guy a chance.

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

Karen has given you wonderful advice based on experience and all I wish to do is to congratulate you and wish you and your new rescue doodle all the very best. It seems that patience will be the order of the day. There are many many people here who have rescued doodles who will give you all the support as you help this boy make the transition from misery to a loving home.

[Charlotte and Bo]

Hi Deborah.  I adopted Bo from the DRC when he was about 18mo..  He was pretty friendly right off the bat, but he had been fostered for awhile before I got him, so I'm not sure how he was before that.  He was a little unsure of men but would warm up pretty quickly.  His main problem is anxiety and he takes medication for that which has helped him cope with his separation anxiety and dealing with fear aggression especially at the vet.  Bo is a very sweet dog who will shower you with kisses if you let him. 

Listen to Karen.  She knows all.:-)  Just work on the housebreaking and let him come to you.  ( treats help).

[Donna Bay & Buzz]

Congratulations on your adoption of Teddy!  Karen has offered some awesome advice and I can't really add to it.  We adopted our Buzz "Clarence" from DRC last December. (we gave him a middle name because he came to us just before Christmas and he is an angel and my fav movie is "It's a Wonderful Life", lol.)  It took him a few months to get used to the normal sounds from our small cul-de-sac such as garbage trucks, anyone walking up to the front door, nightly noises, etc.  He still barks at times but I like it because he has such a nice deep bark no one would dare enter uninvited :)  I did find playing Pandora music on my kitchen speaker helped alot by drowning out some outside noises, thereby keeping him quieter especially at night.  Anyway, I knew he was finally really comfortable and well adjusted after about 4 months.  I would find him sleeping upside down, like our other doodle and then I knew.  He's finally feeling at home!  Best wishes!!!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Donna, I LOVE Buzz's middle name.  "It's a Wonderful Life" is also one of my favorite movies.

I also have an adult rescue.  He didn't have any of the timidity or lack of socialization problems you are experiencing, but he was still very 'needy' emotionally.  He craved  attention and acceptance.  I noticed a great deal of settling in at about 4 months, then more at 6 months.  At about the one year mark, I realized that he really knew he was home and it was forever.  Karen's advice is so perfect that there is nothing to add, except to emphasize that it will take time - longer than you want it to or think it should - for him to truly understand that he is loved and home.

[DBlasher]

Hello to all the wonderful Doodle parents that responded to provide insight to what I might expect with our new rescue!  I feel much better knowing that there is hope for this precious baby!  I had looked on DRC and IDOG however, no Doodles were available within 150 miles from us.  When I saw Teddy's ad through Adoptapet.com, I got in touch with the rescue that had him and talked with the Foster Mom prior to taking our Bailey to meet Teddy.  Bailey was a nervous wreck as there were a lot of dogs and cats there, but once he and Teddy were outside alone, things were fine!  Teddy stayed with Bailey like he was Teddy's Mom!  It was so cute!  What I do know about Teddy is that he was with an Amish "backyard breeder" that kept the pups that didn't sell in 6x6 kennels and they didn't have human contact and were underweight (had to fight for food).  Anyhow, Teddy was with his Foster Mom for 5 weeks before we met him.  They try to get a good feel for each dog's personalities and quirks prior to adopting them out.  We have only had Teddy for about 30 hours and I've seen a big difference in his personality!  He has just given me "Doodle kisses"!! I feel bad that he and Bailey can't play for another 8 days, but it's going to be great once they can!  Thank you all again for all of the tips and advice on bringing a rescue into the family!  We look forward to having this sweet boy in our lives!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Teddy is gorgeous!  Bailey looks like he loves that toy!

[Lynda Kamrath]

There are plenty of rescued doodles out there.  DRC and IDOG are two groups that rescue many dogs and have responsibly placed them in new homes.  Just take your time with helping him to adjust.  He will come around.  He is a beautiful dog!  What is that coloring called?  I have never seen it before.

[Emily, Bentley, & Maserati]

Karen, as always, gave excellent advice. Congratulations on your new boy! Patience, patience, patience! 

Our Maserati is a rescue doodle, but we brought him home from the breeders home. He was surrendered to the rescue group for which I'm the VP, so he is a rescue doodle, but not in the usual sense. 

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Great advice from Karen.  Just thinking…I can't imagine the feelings that go through a Doodle's head when he suddenly has a warm rug to lay on, all the food he needs, laughter and kindness, people to kiss, and the freedom to stretch his legs and play.  Even if it's scary at first, in most cases, it must be wonderful.  Lots of success stories here.  Teddy's adorable. Wishing you (and Bailey) all the best with him.