Helping Loki and Elizabeth find how to be Happy...

Elizabeth asked:

Why are you here? How can we help you?: I'm feeling unsure about Loki. He came with unexpected issues, and he is behaving like a puppy mill dog. We really need a dog that can travel with us and be around lots of people. I need advice. I feel terrible, because I'm not sure we have the time to work with him right now. We weren't expecting an undersocialized dog.
At 9:19pm on August 31, 2010, Lynne Fowler - RRC Admin said…: Eliz, All rescue dogs come with SOME issues. What rescue/shelter did you adopt him from? Plus, it takes a rescue dog at the very least 2 weeks and usually closer to a month before they relax and KNOW they are finally home. What is he doing and what are his issues and maybe we can talk them through.

Posts

Member Since 2010Permalink Reply by mary pat fleming on September 5, 2010 at 1:16am

Elizabeth, Loki is very fortunate to have found you. I have always adopted pound-puppies and shelterdogs and they have, each one of them, turned out to be wonderful animal companions, beautiful trusting eyes and soft faces full of love. TIME and consistency are your big aids in helping this fellow into a consistent, comfortable and obedient routine. Please keep us posted on his progress!

▶ Reply

AdminPermalink Reply by LM Fowler - Admin on September 5, 2010 at 11:44pm

Hi Eliz, How's it going? As you approach week 2, are things settling a bit?

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by 0h3mojw1v225u on September 6, 2010 at 12:05pm

Things are getting much better. Loki loves swimming in the river and bounding through the woods with us. We saw him play for the first time two days ago! He is chasing and carrying sticks in his mouth! He is slowly getting used to people but it takes him about 15 minutes before he stops trying to run away. My friend who will be helping me in my fiance's absence is coming over lots and walking with us, so he is getting used to her.
He did poop himself when four children who were visiting our place approached him. They kept their distance as we asked He was very scared of them, desperate to run away. But things are going pretty well, all things considered.

▶ Reply

AdminPermalink Reply by LM Fowler - Admin on September 6, 2010 at 12:21pm

I am so glad. It sounds like you are finally on your way. Each success will help him learn things will be OK. Remember, it has only been a couple weeks...by a month or two months, you will see him come more and more out of his shell and be more trusting. Sometimes it's very hard to take in a rescue dog, in the beginning, but once he realizes he can trust you, you will have a wonderful companion and friend. Keep us posted, you never know who else you are helping with this thread. Sending hugs.

▶ Reply

Member Since 2009Permalink Reply by Dr. Judith P. LaVorgna on September 6, 2010 at 12:31pm

Some children scare me too!! Seriously, children can move quickly and startle a dog...or tease a dog. Possible that happened to Loki previously...plus...dogs and children are so often at the same eye level...and the eye contact is often inconsistant at best. Loki sounds like coming along and letting herself "feel" like a playful dog...good experiences often are key. With new pups coming home people are often told..."100 days 100 people"...so that gives you the sense of how many positive experiences an older dog without that base might need to feel comfortable. Think of her as a good girl, tell her that, treats say that. You are doing well and I agree with Lynne below that time is your best friend right now.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by 0h3mojw1v225u on September 7, 2010 at 7:22am

Well this morning was an adventure! Loki barked when our cats came into the room, which resulted in them knocking something off the dresser, causing me to awake with a start and shriek, and Loki to pee. I know he's just doing his dog duty by barking, and I don't want to discourage it, but I also don't want him to bark every time a cat enters the room and them scare himself. It's not too good for morale around here. Any suggestions?

▶ Reply

Member Since 2009Permalink Reply by Dr. Judith P. LaVorgna on September 7, 2010 at 8:38am

Elizabeth I have three cats and 3 dogs...still happens here from time to time. And the cats can outsmart the dogs and really be the perpetrators! But, here again it will take time. And remember, Loki peeing tells you he was nervous..maybe startled by the crash off the dresser. So, good experiences in just living with each other and snoozing etc. will help. Doesn't happen overnight. I have one cat who's sole purpose is to antagonize the dogs.
She's a purrfectly nice kitty otherwise!!!