My New Dog

[auntysocial]

I adopted Buddy from a shelter last week. He is a 65 pound shepherd mix who is supposed to be about 5 years old. We picked him because the shelter told us he had lived with a cat, and we needed a dog who would be OK with ours. We were told that he lived in the backyard at his previous home, and didn't get enough socialization and training. I

Comments

[mbif]

Actual fetching (chase, bring back, repeat) is not instinct for most dogs and requires training. You can teach him that bringing it back means more funtime with the use of key words and lots of treats and praise. (Not all dogs care, though, even with the best of encouragement. Caiman couldn't care less. The only reason he has any interest in fetch is because OTHER dogs chase the ball, and he likes to chase the dogs chasing the ball. LOL.)

As for the pacing, part of it is likely to be the transition, and part may very well be boredom. Make sure he is getting plenty of exercise and is also being stimulated mentally (stuffed kongs and brain-teaser dog toys can help with this!)

[kayasbluetaco]

Alot of that is not sure what to do with himself. New surroundings, he doesn't know what he can and can not do, where he should relax... do you have a relax place for him, i.e. god bed? It's going to take some time. Usually when I get a new rescue, I d not show TOO much affection at fist, I just sort of take care of their needs and let them adjust a little and realoze I am the source of their comfort. And take for a lot of walks... good bonding time...

[kayasbluetaco]

haha... dog bed... dog spelled backwards, you know how it is :)

[heartsongforgod]

Great for you adopting a shelter dog. With the mouthing, yelp anytime it is unacceptable even if it's not hard at all. As soon as you feel teeth touch skin or clothes, yelp and end the play time. Get up and walk away. Once he has settled down completely, you can start playing again

[condorave]

I don't have much training tips for an adult dog, but I just had to pipe in and go aahhhhhh! at how adorable your new pup is. When my puppy used to mouth I would say "ooowwww!" really loudly and ignore her (stop playing with her) to show that it is not an acceptable behaviour. It took a couple of weeks but she finally figured it out and stopped. I would think that strategy might work on an older dog as well.

[condorave]

And I think it's really great that you adopted a dog from a shelter! I wish more people would.