Update on Guppy the rescue dog

5 years ago

So I stopped by the HS to pay for Guppy yesterday and asked if I could take her home with me for a couple days until I leave on Friday and they said yes. Hubby is not here with the other 2 dogs, and I thought it would be perfect to see if she would do well with me without the distraction of her friends at the shelter. She reluctantly came into the house, I showed her where the water bowl is, and laid down on the couch to watch a little TV and ignored her. She slowly got closer and closer to me, and eventually jumped up to sit with me. She quickly bonded and stayed close to me from then on.

My only concern is I'm not sure if she's potty trained. I took her for a 2 mile walk last night (she's fat!!) and she never pooped or peed on the walk. I took her out several times on the leash to try to get her to void, and she never did. Took her out right before bed, nada. I walked around the house looking for soilage and didn't see anything, but was really concerned that she didn't at least pee. Took her on a 3 mile walk today right when we got up and again nothing. When we got home, I went upstairs and found her "spot", not sure when she went up there. poop and pee, so got the carpet cleaner out and then blocked the stairs. Ive take her out several more times and I have never seen her pee. I will take her for another walk this evening, but hope I can break her of this bad habit!!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (17)

Zalco/bring back Sophie!
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
What great news! Is it too late to crate train her?
sal 60 Hanzlik
5 years ago
I would take her out whenever she goes by the stairs and then praise her. I think she will pick it up once the other dogs go out and potty. Might take a little time but dogs are smart. Don't give up yet. Looking forward to seeing a picture.
Related Discussions
Dog Abuse/Rescue
Q
Comments (9)
Did you actually see the chain on the dog? And, we don't know that the dog had been taken care of in the past... we only have the owners word for it. The whole point of the controversy is that the local media and law enforcement refused to take into account the neighbors statement (and, there were actuall 2 people who called about the dog). The owners did say that they gave the dog an aspirin for pain once in a while! That dog needed a lot more than an occasional aspirin. Where are the owners vet records to back up their claim? Did you see the food and water bowls? I do know that I would have a very hard time walking by that dog for even one day, never mind, three days! And if the dog was so sick why even use that heavy chain (or any chain, for that matter) on him? He can't even get up. I think she did the right thing...the only thing that mattered for Doogie. It's disgusting how some dogs are treated in this country..and lots of times that disgusting treatment is perfectly legal AND sanctioned by the local so called humane society. And, excuse me, but.. there is a world of difference from a elderly, just bathed, dog, soaking up the sun and THIS dog who was found to be seriously neglected by a vet! That dog hadn't been lovingly bathed nor paid attention to, in any way, for a very long time. It may not have been illegal but it was most certainly immoral. And it would be nice if humane societies were at least required to put a priority status on almost dead dog calls! I don't believe for a minute that the owners cared, at all, for poor old Doogie. Silly
...See More
Rescue dog : how long to bond?
Q
Comments (14)
I've had nothing but rescues the last 30 yrs. One was feral for 4 yrs, and took me 9 months of leaving food and water beside road at same time every day to catch him. Most dogs have an adjustment period of a week or so, if they have been socialized beforehamd. One that only knew it's owners, or was not socialized, can take a month or two to really bond. I've found the previously in socialized dogs develop a REALLY strong bond, once they learn they are safe. My previously feral dog would defend me with his life. In fact, one night my husband walked into office where I was on my computer with my back to the door, and told me he was going to bed. Rusty (dog) was laying near me. My husband walked away, but 10 min later quietly walked back in and put his hands on my shoukders, scaring the crap out of me so I gasped. Rusty jumped to his feet, fur bristled, and did a low growl at my husband. I think if I had not told him "it's ok" or struggled, Rusty would have attacked and defended me. Some things you can do to help bond- have a schedule for feeding, walks. Walk dog briskly for 45 min a day. Excess energy feeds anxiety. Walking briskly, without lolly gagging to sniff, reduces stress for dog, increases bonding, and fulfill the dogs need for forward movement (like a pack/pack leader) would do. It also reduces energy level/anxiety levels. Keep high value treats ( something dog loves) with you, and whenever dog looks at you, when you are sitting around, toss a treat to him. If he approaches you, hand him a treat. Reward any desire for interaction by him. Look up NILIF. (Nothing in life is free). It helps dogs learn that they can control their environment, and what to expect. Get some toys for him, and play with him with them. Balls, etc. It will encourage him to interact with you. Again...walk briskly 45 min a day. I can't stress enough how much of a change/improvement this makes. Just make sure he can't slip his collar, because with a new dog, things like loud trucks/car backfiring, can really startle some dogs. And you REALLY don't want a new dog that is timid getting loose. I'd use a choke collar, or marinade collar as opposed to a regular one at least until you know the dog. Definitely don't use a flexible leash, as they can break or be hard to hold onto if a dog suddenly pulls away.
...See More
Should I take my dog back to the rescue.
Q
Comments (12)
I would agree with the others .... you made the right choice. That took a lot of self honesty and strength to admit that. Sounds like you have learned a valuable lesson. You made the same mistake that most people make -- you didn't do the research before settling on a dog. VERY common problem so you are not by any means alone on that account. For example, many people get a puppy or kitten because they are so incredibly cute. But both are also a huge amount of work being extremely energetic and needing a LOT of attention and training. Dogs, in some respects, have even higher research requirements that a prospective owner really needs to do because many breeds have been bred for certain tasks. As others have pointed out, yours had heritage from two breeds of dogs that were working animals. It is hardwired into them to be active and doing something. Not a good choice for anyone who is single and living in an apt. The fact that neither breed would be considered a small dog could well have become another issue down the road considering the confines of your space. That being said, don't give up on being a dog owner. Just do your research this time around. Look into the size the animal will reach. How energetic will they be? How much attention do they need? What is their temperament like around other people or animals? What age will work best for you? Yes, puppies are adorable BUT, again, they require a LOT of attention and training. Older dogs may be a much better choice for you. No, they will not live as long, but they are usually far mellower and less hyper. Furthermore, there are often lots of older animals which could be loving companions in shelters because no one wants to adopt them. People want pups instead. Had friends of mine who adopted an older boxer from a foster home. He only lived about 5 years once they had him before dying of old age. My friends had no regrets. He was a friendly, loving animal that they were able to provide with a good home. It is possible that some folks here might even be able -- with the proper information -- to help you in your research by recommending sites to check or even breeds to consider or to definitely NOT consider. For example, personally, I would NOT recommend you even consider a Jack Russell terrier. Amazing animals but they have LOTS of energy and require having things to do or they will demolish one's home while away at work. Financially, this may not be feasible for you, but once you get a dog, you might consider a "doggy daycare." My sis's best friend got two dogs from a Humane Society. (Two, in part, so they could keep each other company while she was at work.) The one dog, in particular, was a mutt in which there was no real way to determine lineage, However, she could tell the dog was a high energy animal. So she sends them to a "doggy daycare" where they are able to run and play with other dogs as well as get some training while she is at work. When she picks them up, they are still overjoyed to see her and want to play or go for a long walk. But, having been active for much of the day, their energy levels are much more manageable.
...See More
I'm going to meet a rescue dog today!
Q
Comments (29)
Aww, thanks Maggie. I think you have a good heart, too. My husband just rolled his eyes when I told him I want her. He knows I usually get what I want, I guess it's lucky for him it's rescue dogs and not diamonds. We will all definitely spend some time with her to make sure it's a good fit. I know the heartbreak of taking in a rescue that we had to return because he bit me once severely on the arm (yes, I kept him thinking maybe I had startled him) but then attacked me when I patted the seat to tell him he could jump up to sit next to me. Luckily I was wearing a thick bathrobe and he never broke skin. My husband cried when he brought him back to the shelter, he had gotten really attached in the two months we had him.
...See More
stacey_mb
5 years ago
Awww, glad your rescue is feeling comfortable at her new home! And hopefully the potty issue will be resolved very soon.
cooper8828
5 years ago
I'm glad it's working out. We got a "rescue" dog recently. My neighbor passed away and the dog was a regular visitor here anyway, so we took her in. We have some training/retraining to do also, but she is genuinely a good dog!
1929Spanish-GW
5 years ago
Shes still getting used to her new surroundings. One of our rescues only peed twice a day for several months until she got comfortable with us. Let her out hourly and control her access to remote orts of the house. Then gently potty train as if she’s not.
User
5 years ago
Good thing you found "her spot" pretty quickly. She'll learn the ropes of her new home, no worries!
PRO
mdln
5 years ago
Is she used to peeing/pooping off leash in a fenced yard?
Ninapearl
5 years ago
when you are taking her out to potty, is she loose or on leash? the best way to train is to take her out on leash to a specific spot, use a word she will come to associate with doing her business ("potty" comes to mind LOL). stay there with her for at least 15 minutes and just keep saying the word. when she eventually goes potty, praise her like you've lost your mind and make it the happiest time of her entire day. she'll get the idea pretty quickly if you are consistent. i know it's a pain in the butt to have to stand around and wait but you will be rewarded tenfold once it clicks with her.

i'm so glad you waited for her to come to you for affection. you know for sure now that she wants to be your friend. it's so sweet!
maifleur03
5 years ago
Besides the off the leash other thoughts are that she may have been paper/pad trained and not know that it is alright to go to the bathroom outside. The neighbor in back of me opens the door, clicks on a long leash, then sends her dog down the stairs. Granted I do not think my neighbor could use the stairs but there are other people that do the same. You may have to walk one of your other furkids with her or take both outside so she gets the idea that it is fine to go potty out there. Being desperate she attempted to hide what she had done.
pudgeder
5 years ago
Can't wait to see her face!!! Glad she's coming around too!
sleeperblues
Original Author
5 years ago
Cooper, so happy you got a new dog that would have gone to the shelter, glad she's a good one and good luck with the re-training!

1929, thanks for mentioning that about your new dog. Relieves my mind a little.

mdln, I think that's it exactly. The HS has a big open unfenced area where the dogs roam freely. We don't have a fence, so I either tie them out to go or they go on our walks.

Nina, thanks for the advice and I tried exactly that. What I found that seems to work is put her on a long lead and leave her be. Yesterday I found a pile in the yard that I didn't see her do, so I watched her today and sure enough she pooped and peed.

maifleur, I put pee pads down but she is not interested at all, I think figured out the solution. Get her out and don't watch her, ha ha.

I am going to take her back to the shelter today for a couple of weeks, and I am so sad. We have really bonded. She follows me everywhere and lays on the floor when I'm online or reading or watching TV, she sleeps at the bottom of the bed, she's started eating. Never heard a bark out of her. She's somewhat playful and I think she will get along great with the rest of the pack. I'm going to miss her so much, but I just think it would be too stressful to travel in an RV with 2 other dogs to a place with more unfamiliar dogs and people. But I think she is going to be a great dog! Thanks for all your advice and encouragement!
blfenton
5 years ago
When you take her back do you have a blankie that she has been using or a shirt of yours that she may have been with that you can leave withher at the shelter. It might help her to remember you so that she doesn't think she is being abandoned while you're away.
cooper8828
5 years ago
You're going on an adventure and will be coming home to another adventure! How great!
bpath
5 years ago
When Guppy comes back, will there be you AND the others? She might be a bit put out, although surely the scent was in the house during her sleepover. In addition to a blanket that has your scent on it, maybe bring something with your dogs’ scent to the shelter, too.
Ninapearl
5 years ago
In addition to a blanket that has your scent on it, maybe bring something with your dogs’ scent to the shelter, too.

this is an excellent idea! my brother-in-law and his wife recently adopted a sweet 7 year old aussie girl from the shelter. she bonded to them instantly and within a couple of days, she and he were inseparable. she had to go back a few days ago for her spay and not only did they send her bed and one of his tee shirts, she actually WORE another of his tee shirts. it was so cute! she was only gone overnight but i'm sure she felt more secure with his scent around her.

so glad to know guppy is becoming so comfortable and yayyy for poo and pee!! LOL

now, when are we gonna get to see a picture of her??
lucillle
5 years ago
I'm going to miss her so much, but I just think it would be too stressful to travel in an RV with 2 other dogs to a place with more unfamiliar dogs and people.

I agree. You are managing her first experiences with you well and setting her up to succeed.
lisa_fla
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
We rotated bedding between the cat and the dog when introducing animals. It sounds like you are off to a good start

Update on Guppy the rescue dog

Comments (17)

Zalco/bring back Sophie!

sal 60 Hanzlik

Related Discussions

stacey_mb

cooper8828

1929Spanish-GW

User

mdln

Ninapearl

maifleur03

pudgeder

sleeperblues
Original Author

blfenton

cooper8828

bpath

Ninapearl

lucillle

lisa_fla

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Update on Guppy the rescue dog

Comments (17)

Related Discussions

sleeperbluesOriginal Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

sleeperblues
Original Author