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Member Since 2009Permalink Reply by Nancy Brewer on June 30, 2010 at 11:30pm

Hi,

I also took in a mini doodle with the same issues. The owners were going to put her down also. I found out they also had small children and I believe they were poking on her when she was in her cage with her food. She doesn't seem to have any issues with adults but I have to be more cautious with my 9 y.o. who can get a little bossy and expects her to do what she wants now and I'll see her start snarling at her which I then interverne. I do believe with consistancy it will all work out. We adore her and thanks for your patience.

AdminPermalink Reply by LM Fowler - Admin on July 1, 2010 at 7:51am

You're right Nancy and Thank You for giving your girl a better option and life. This is a common thing where people have children, get a dog and then don't teach the children the right way to treat a dog. Then when the dog is just trying to protect himself, the family will get rid of the dog because he bit one of the kids. I can't even tell you how in many crossposts I do, it will say, dog was growling and biting at the kids and I just know that they were letting the kids pull & poke at him and then they are surprised at his reaction. It's easier to get rid of the dog then teach the children, I guess.

As for Ripley, he is wonderful with older kids and with my new little foster, who is just 5 months old, he is being such a good teacher. Because he is only a year old, they play so nice together. I think with more time, Ripley will fit in here with my pack even better and the past bad behavior will completely disappear. Given some training, patience and a chance, Ripley has flourished.

Member Since 2009Permalink Reply by Jeannine, Gamine & Thalie on July 1, 2010 at 6:49pm

What a gorgeous doodle!! I cannot believe that some one FROM a rescue was going to put him to sleep. I guess not everyone is qualify to be a rescuer.

Good job Lynne he is, I'm sure, a very happy doodle now, thank to you and your family.

AdminPermalink Reply by LM Fowler - Admin on July 1, 2010 at 7:24pm

He's coming along. He will still have him moments but now at least he knows his commands so it's easier to "talk him down." The constant repetition has taught him the right words, which he never knew before.

He is a really sweet and lovable boy. I don't think anyone just snuggled him at his previous home. He is getting used to that, too.

Member Since 2010Permalink Reply by mary pat fleming on July 12, 2010 at 6:55am

Thank you for rescuing a biter. Unfortunately, the myth still exists that once a biter, always a biter... the lack of understanding is frequently more common regarding the truth: many a dog can be re-homed and re-introduced to a better way of life through consistent but non-violent training. I am always so happy to hear these stories of successful retraining and I learn so much about the real needs of dogs, the improved ways we can approach these situations and especially, when the dog catches on and that glimmer of understanding in his eyes lights a spark of new life in his heart, his mind... suddenly - or so it seems -- there is a whole new level of communicating with him and lo! and behold! he GETS IT!!
There is nothing sudden about it, of course but we know that. It is that each patient communication to the animal reinforces the path his mind takes that he is safe, respected and loved. Snuggling and affection go a long way towards healing a dog's broken trust with humans. Congratulation on every successful moment with your rescues! Thank you for doing this work of the heart.

AdminPermalink Reply by LM Fowler - Admin on July 12, 2010 at 7:56am

Thank You, Mary Pat. It is very rewarding to see him start his "scared stance" then know the words and back down with a tail wag or a hand lick rather than lunge, like he would in the past. At one time, I couldn't touch him while he ate or take something away from him. But through constant repetition, I can now reach into his food bowl and he is so good with "drop" and "sit" that it amazes us, sometimes.

Another thing that he really loves, is to swim. When we first opened the pool, Memorial Day weekend, he was afraid of it. But since I got out of school in June, I took him in, taught him how to swim to the stairs to get out and how to get up on and float on the raft. He now will go in by himself and it almost looks like he is so proud of himself, just laying on the raft and floating around.

The "healing the broken trust" is really starting to show itself, more and more now. He has been here just three and a half months and he is a completely different dog, that I am glad I kept him and gave him the chance at living a great life...with love and trust that is mutual.

Member Since 2010Permalink Reply by mary pat fleming on July 12, 2010 at 8:01am

Reading this brings me a tear of joy in my eye, Lynn! Thanks for sharing. I'll take this happiness I feel into my entire day to share with everyone I am in contact today. I can just imagine him floating in the pool, wondering who his Fairey Dog-mother is, who brought him to this incredible ''island paradise'' !

AdminPermalink Reply by LM Fowler - Admin on July 12, 2010 at 8:23am

Haha, that is exactly how he looks floating around, sitting pretty on a raft. All the other dogs are "ascaredy cats." Ripley can do something they won't. He is quite proud of himself. I will have to try to get a picture of him. Thank You for being so joyful about this, I know I am very proud of him.