We adopted a 1-2 year old Schnauzer/terrier mix from spca last friday. They said they could tell she was probably previously owned by her reaction when animal control brought her in. So far we are only taking her out on leash. She acts like she wants to run. How long does it take for her to learn this is her home and we love her?
She also acts scared in certain parts of the house that were inhabited by our previous dog (God rest his soul 12/24/06) and these areas are to be her areas.
Appreciate any advice.
2007-01-01 06:41:26 · 9 answers · asked by motherbear 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Because you are dealing with a rescued animal, the adjustment period can take months. Some adjust within a month or two, or some can take longer. You also have to consider that you have no idea how she was treated by her previous owners. They could have been neglectful or even abusive. She may also not have a lot of training. Also, if she was brought in by animal control, she may actually have owners out there and may have gotten lost (did the SPCA scan her for a microchip? If not, you need to bring her to the vets to have that done...if she's chipped it's possible that she was lost...especially since she was not dropped off)
The reason that the areas your previous dog inhibited scare her is that they are scented as "his territory" and thus she likely feels like she is infringing on his turf. Get her her own stuff (beds, toys etc) and find her her own places for beds.
I would also recommend once she's been with you for a month to take her to an obedience or class or rally class. It'll be good for you and her; and also be a chance for you two to bond with a specific task in mind.
Lastly, remember to give her time. She has to adjust to you and you have to adjust to her. If she's between 1 and 2, she herself is also going through a "teen age" stage. So there is a lot going on in her mind, in addition to settling into her new home.
Beyond that, keep taking her for walks, try and play with her- even if it's in the house. I would not recommend taking her off leash in a non-fenced area (or dog park) until you've bonded.
2007-01-01 07:04:00 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Consider this...you can not spoil this dog too much! Give her treats all the time. Get a can of liver treats! Get her on the couch with you, give her lots and lots of love and pets. Get excited when you walk into a room and see her. Keep anything that scares her, away from her. Be it loud noises or other pets or raised voices.
Give her her own bed. If training, make it a kennel. Kennel training is the BEST, trust me, I know. then put treats and a snuggly blanket in there, a favorite toy. Get a loofa toy, the one in the BOBO commercial? My dogs love them and they are pretty sturdy.
Congrats on your puppy, you sound like just the person to give her all she needs. Don't worry, in time she will forget all the bad stuff that came before.
OH, HUGE point...make sure YOU name her. If she came with a name of any kind, change it. Using an old name can continuously remind a dog of a past that isn't so bright.
2007-01-01 14:47:14 · answer #2 · answered by WriterMom 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your Terrier mix smells the past scent of your last dog. Try as best you can remove any old bowls, toys, blankets that have that scent. Use a new collar and leash too
Love the dog as you love the one before.Any command like sit or lie down praise him or her and give a reward as in a bisquit. Give some room to roam the house that her scent will fill the house and she realize this her new home
The main thing love your pet and show shes home. I have adopted three Golden Retrievers in the past, great pets, smart, and very loving.
Good Luck!
2007-01-01 15:21:43 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
she needs to bond with and associate you with good things. She may have had a horrible start to life and learnt that humans cannot be trusted. Lots of love and gentle corrections with her. Make life fun and teach her that you are the good guy. The morning walk is the most important one of the day-try and stay out for at least 1/2 an hour. When you get home give her lots of praise and a treat. Make sure she has her own bed and toys-not ones from your previous dog.
2007-01-01 15:02:58 · answer #4 · answered by grouchyeve 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Since it has been only since last friday she hasn't really had time to adjust to her new home. Also she may have been attacked by a dog of the same breed as you late dog if that had happened she will naturally have some anxiety due to the dog scent of your last dog. Just give her time to get used to being a member of the family, a week isn't long enough. Give her plenty of love and attention and also if you can find some special treats that she enjoys give her some of them out of your hand.
2007-01-01 15:49:30 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
For rescue dogs, it can take 6 months to a year for the dog to fully trust you. A lot depends on how young she was adopted, how many times she's been in the shelter, how she was treated by previous owners.
One of the best and fastest ways to help that trust in you and confidence grow is to take her to a Positive Reinforcement training class.
2007-01-01 14:44:44 · answer #6 · answered by renodogmom 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
take her on a leash everyday around the edges of your yard, this will help her learn the boundries, terriers are famous for taking off though, the first sight of a squirrell or bird and they are gone
just give her time, it usually takes a good month or so for a dog to fully adjust, make sure she has a crate made available for her, dogs like to have a place of their own, crates have a den like feel that dogs really like.
hope i could help
2007-01-01 14:47:32 · answer #7 · answered by mandie m 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Continue to only take her out on a leash. Give her lots of love. Play with her often. Give her treats. She will get use to your house being home soon enough.
2007-01-01 14:45:15 · answer #8 · answered by ESPERANZA 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
find some way to distract her---another dog, lots of treats & walks
2007-01-01 14:45:11 · answer #9 · answered by Sm@rtAs$ 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋