How to settle in a rescued dog? (springer spaniel)

SmileyS_2

Yesterday we took in an 11mth old springer,he hasn't been mistreated but his owners didn't have the time for him so we have took hi on a 2 weeks trial basis.
All going well so far but he is so very hyper all the time,doesn't respond to his name at all and spent most of the day trying to hump my girl springer or any of our legs :eek: (he is spade by the way)
We are being firm and consistant with him about getting on furniture etc but is there any way to help him get use to us as his new family and an easier way to get him to learn house rules?Also he is barking at teh slightest noise,will he get use to our noises and not bark so much at them (for instance when i get in from work in the eary hours :eek: )

I think we have been spoilt with our springer,although she has her moments she is such a delight and very chilled and doesn't bark at all LOL:T

Thanks SS x

mjburton

TLC, patience and a DAP diffuser! It releases mother dog pheremones that the dog finds comforting. They can be bought from your vets or have a look on the internet.

Kimberley

Give him time, he's only been there a day, it takes some of my foster dogs a few days when they come to me or go to their new homes. After about a week you can start teaching him some manners. Remember you are the pack leader, not him

maggie110

Stuffed kongs and raggietoys, I am owned by 2 springers and a staffy and you need to tire them mentally as well as lots of walking. Springers are clever dogs put a bickie in a empty loo roll or kitchen roll fill the ends with news paper then place in a box and fill with news paper then watch the dog work to find the biccie, hide treats all over the houseand get the dog to seek them out. Its very early days yet and it takes alot of adjusting from all sides to get to know each other but good luck !
A good site for lots of info is..........http://www.itsaspringthing.co.uk/

orlao

I'll vote for the DAP diffuser too:D

TBH, he's 11 months old so he's at the Kevin teenager hooligan stage and if his previous owners hadn't time for him it's likely that he's bored (and learnt to make his own amusement:eek: ) and untrained so you'll have a big job to do!

First things first, a quick check up at the vets and while you're there ask who they would recommend regarding a training group. Go as soon as possible...if only for support.There is no easy way to train a dog well but it is worth doing it properly and it'll take a lot longer than than 2 weeks....sorry;)

He should be a bright dog, most spaniels are so start teaching him one thing at a time, lots of praise and treats...... starting with his name, then here, leave, quiet etc. He'll only get used to your house rules if you teach him.

Good luck and I'm sure he'll be worth the work

O x

Watty1

I rehomed a year old German Shepherd unwanted by a neighbour who was hyper. After 2 weeks I was ready to give up - a year later he is the most wonderful dog. I knew nothing about dogs but I did change his food - nothing with colourings or additives - I walked him twice a day to try and wear him out but the best results of all came from finding a dog training class that was wonderful. It was great fun and gave us both something to think about. Hang in there! Your dog will come right with patience - hes just at the unruly teenage stage and probably unsure of himself. Encouragement from others really helped - so sending you bucket lots of it.

Watty1

oh just realised forgot to add tip - is your dog food motivated or toy motivated? Rewarding the good behaviour and then giving time out for the lesson to sink in really helps.

cheepskate_2

Him being hyper, I wonder if this is the reason why the owners don't want him/ don't have time for him. .

Lots of people don't like hyper dogs, one of our first dogs was so hyper but this is the kind i like as you can do so much more with them, once you get the training in line and they are so eager to please once you find their thing, be it a kong/ball or praise. .

I have to agree with Maggie110, do games like this, it will use his natural ability and tire him out.

A game we used to play with our Weimmy was to let my son hide in woods, in and out of everything so there is a long trail, obviously i knew where he was, and then let the dog go search. This let them use that natural high that they have in doing something that they enjoy.

Hope he fits into your family .

brandyslad

Hi,

we rehomed a Boxer and when he first arrived he didn't know his name either! It was so wierd, we could shout and call him but he would just stand there and no response, he was also very hyper, when I first took him out for walks he freaked out a bit as his previous owners had never walked him, same story as your dog - no time for him. I nearly had a nervous breakdown with him at the start, I thought how I am I ever going to leave this dog on his own as he would bark and bark, but now he is great, dead chilled out, relaxed and great on the lead. He knows his name, now at times he can chose to ignore it if we are out and about but he is gentle with other dogs and kids which is what I wanted. Have patience with him, he will come round once he knows he is there for good. And Good Luck, it is worth it!! I agree with the other poster though, our dog was on cheap dog food when he arrived - what the last owner sent - we changed it to Boxer Eukanuba which he loves and I think that helps. Check www.petplanet.co.uk for great offers. Always a good deal on the dearer food and I am no scientist but apparently feeding them good food prolongs the life of pedigree dogs and leaves them less suscipteble to cancers etc

brandyslad

Forgot to say, get him a kong, they are great, dear to buy at first but they last forever and he will be hours getting whatever is in it, out of it. Our dog loves his, peanut butter is great in it! Pet Planet again is great value for them and free delivery over £29.