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Question about dogs adjusting to a new family!
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robynfs
12/6/10!!
Member since 9/05 4947 total posts
Name:
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Question about dogs adjusting to a new family!
A friend of mine adopted a 3 year old Cockapoo breeding dog from Tenn. The dog has been with her for 1 month and this is the issue:
The dog is lovely, sweet, well behaved, very few accidents...overall seems like a great fit.
The problem: She has 2 young sons, 7 and 9. They got the dog for the family, a dog that would be sweet and well behaved but also be playful and spirited. This dog is still extremely timid!! She follows my girlfriend around...but wants nothing to do with the boys. She has taught the boys to be gentle and quiet around her, and explained that she is scared etc since the environment is new blah blah blah....but the dog has not warmed up at all. The older son is in charge of feeding her, and still no change.
My girlfriend is very concerned. She thinks the dog is lovely, but she was told this dog is very playful and great with children. The vet checked her out and there is no physical issue with her.
What to do here? How much time do they give it? They realize this can be a 15 year committment if they are lucky, and are so disappointed that the dog hasn't warmed up or adjusted at all!
Please help! 
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Posted 1/13/10 1:26 PM  |
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IrishLasss334
I'll be there soon!
Member since 1/08 6549 total posts
Name:
Patty
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Re: Question about dogs adjusting to a new family!
I would recommend a basic dog obedience class. Obedience classes not only teach commands, but socialize the dog with other people and animals. Also, the instructor will be ablet o assist them on how to best help the dog at home with the family.
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| Posted 1/13/10 1:39 PM |
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greenfreak
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Member since 9/06 11483 total posts
Name:
greenfreak
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Re: Question about dogs adjusting to a new family!
Posted by robynfs
How much time do they give it?
Time to do what? Time alone isn't going to help her become more confident. If their focus is on what they want out of the dog rather than giving the dog what it needs, time will have no great affect. They have work to do.
They should start with structured meals, walks and playtime. Next, do research on a reputable trainer that specializes in positive reinforcement and submissive issues. And continue to provide for it's emotional needs and be patient. A month is not a long time when compared to a personality that's been around three years.
When puppies are not socialized in their early development stages, that can become a big side affect. The dog may never be the quintessential family dog, but could probably make a lot of progress if they learn how to help him.
When you say she was a breeding dog, do you mean she was in a puppy mill, a backyard breeder or a reputable breeder? If it's anything other than the last, she's probably had a pretty hard three years, and they should cut her more slack.
Brinkley took two months just to walk proudly on the leash. I opted to do all the work ourselves, but she sounds like she would need a trainer to help her.
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| Posted 1/13/10 2:10 PM |
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Shanti
True love
Member since 6/05 12653 total posts
Name:
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Re: Question about dogs adjusting to a new family!
Posted by IrishLass
I would recommend a basic dog obedience class. Obedience classes not only teach commands, but socialize the dog with other people and animals. Also, the instructor will be ablet o assist them on how to best help the dog at home with the family.
I totally agree!
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| Posted 1/13/10 5:28 PM |
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BriBri2u
L'amore vince sempre
Member since 5/05 9320 total posts
Name:
Mrs. B
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Re: Question about dogs adjusting to a new family!
When you say she was a breeding dog, do you mean she was in a puppy mill, a backyard breeder or a reputable breeder? If it's anything other than the last, she's probably had a pretty hard three years, and they should cut her more slack
I agree. They need to be more patient with her. She may just not feel comfortable yet with them.
Unless they have full background info on the dog, no one knows what she has gone through in her 3 years of existence.
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| Posted 1/14/10 12:14 PM |
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robynfs
12/6/10!!
Member since 9/05 4947 total posts
Name:
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Re: Question about dogs adjusting to a new family!
Posted by Beaver2be
When you say she was a breeding dog, do you mean she was in a puppy mill, a backyard breeder or a reputable breeder? If it's anything other than the last, she's probably had a pretty hard three years, and they should cut her more slack
I agree. They need to be more patient with her. She may just not feel comfortable yet with them.
Unless they have full background info on the dog, no one knows what she has gone through in her 3 years of existence.
She was from a reputable breeder.
My friend has contacted a trainer and will be working with the dog.
Thanks for all the feedback...big help!!
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| Posted 1/14/10 4:53 PM |
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