Got another dog and need some encouragement

catkins

Me and OH already have an 18 month old largish long haired dog who, obviously, has lots of energy and takes up much of my day with walking, playing, grooming etc.


Just before Christmas we got involved with the rescue of a dog of the same breed who was being neglected.


We looked after him over Christmas as no one else would take him as they didn't want their Christmas spoiled! Since then he has had 2 homes - the first lasted 3 days, the second a week!


Both new homes knew he had never lived in a house so despite being 7 months is not housetrained, does not walk well on a lead, gulps food and water, doesn't know how to play with toys etc.


So we have him. Both me and OH agree that we cannot even think of him going to yet another home. His breeder lives abroad and has offered to take him back but that would involve the journey on his own plus she has 3 other pups she cannot find homes for.


We would never have chosen to have two young dogs. OH works long hours and I don't work, partly due to health issues. I can't walk them together so they have to be walked separately. This means our original dog who was getting 3 walks a day of usually about an hour each is now getting 2 shorter walks a day. I feel guilty about this but the dogs do spend quite a lot of time playing so are getting exercise that way.


We have only had him just over a week but I keep thinking that I just can't cope. Having been through all the hard work of house training etc not that long ago I am struggling with it again. Of course house training a 9 week old who you can pick up as he starts to wee is a bit different to a 7 month old who I can't just pick up and does a large amount of pee!


Feeding is a nightmare - we have a small house so separating them is not easy plus our original dog is not a good eater and rarely just eats what he is given straight away. As he was the only dog we allowed him to graze which probably wasn't the best idea and it's now proving a pain. Having another dog pinch his food has not improved his eating one bit!


I know it will get easier but I suffer from ocd to an extent and depression quite badly. I let them play for a while and then make then settle quietly but while they are playing madly I am watching all the time so they don't hurt themselves or damage anything. I have had to move lots of plants and ornaments out of the way of the pup so my open plan downstairs looks bare (I not long ago put everything back because original dog could be trusted now).


I have a mop and bucket sitting constantly in the kitchen for the accidents, I feel I am forever clearing the garden of poo (a good few times a day) and don't seem to have any real peace and quiet.


We are no way getting rid of the pup and I am not looking for comments about how good we are for taking him on, I just want some reassurance that I can cope an maybe some ideas on how to cope. We will probably keep the pup's fur clipped (it's fairly short at the moment) so there are not two dogs needing grooming every day.

Person_one

First of all, three hours of exercise was far too much for a young large breed dog anyway, so you can stop feeling guilty about that straight away!

House training, I feel your pain, my two rescue dogs were a nightmare at first, and still have occasional accidents, but it will get better. The new dog has the example of the already trained older dog which should help, Slidell but surely.

As for food, what are you giving them? Mine would graze on dry food, but one started to get a but tubby so I started to use just a little bit of wet with each meal, this meant they ate the lot straight away so it was easier to monitor and to make sure there was no stealing.

I don't blame you for feeling overwhelmed, taking on a new dog is always hard work, and you've got it harder than most. When things have settled down though having row who are good mates, who play together and sleep curled up together is lovely, in a couple of years you'll say you wouldn't change them for anything!

(Use Simple solution for the wee, it gets rid of the smell when other cleaners don't, which us half the battle.)

lee111s

I have a 10 months springer and a 4 month cocker so I totally understand how you feel! I almost couldn't cope for the first few weeks but trust me it gets easier. The youngest now is so much better, follows and does everything that my super well behaved 10 months springer does.

The springer has been out of his crate when we're not around for about 2 months now and has never shown any signs of chewing furniture, that's how good he is. I'm very lucky to have him!

Just stick at it, be consistent. Can you not start to take them out once each and once together? My two run around and chase each other lile mad when they're out, really helps exercise them and also means they don't have to be out too long, too much is bad for their growth at such a young age.

catkins

Thanks for the replies.


Just to answer a couple of questions.


I can't walk them together as the rescue is terrible on lead at the moment. Also the 18 month dog usually walks lovely but when me and OH have walked the two together they just keep trying to play and in the middle of the street that is not a good idea! They can't be let off to play as the rescue has no recall at all and the 18 month has not brilliant recall (they are sighthounds).


The rescue will eat anything and I mean anything! So far he has eaten plastic and cardboard because we didn't get to him in time. The 18 month old is a terrible eater and always has been. He has always been underweight and some days eats very little or even nothing. The vet says not to worry because he is healthy and has loads of energy.


He started on kibble with a little bit of cooked chicken or tinned food. He didn't seem to like that although we tried various brands of kibble. We did the taken the bowl up if he didn't eat and trying again later but it made no difference and after he hadn't eaten for 3 days and was bringing up bile because he was hungry we decided to try raw.


He does like the raw but still never wants to eat it as soon as you give it. We can't leave it down as the rescue is not being fed raw. He gulps food down without chewing as he wasn't fed regularly - lived in a barn with other dogs and a bit of food thrown in now and then. Not chewing raw food would be dangerous so unless and until he learns not to gulp we don't want him to have it.


If we leave food down for the 18 month old the rescue will pinch it so we end up having to put the rescue in his crate in the hope the other will eat.


The older dog rarely has to go in his crate as he behaves but the rescue I have to put in his if I want to go to the loo, or in the kitchen as he is into mischief all the time.

krlyr

It's only been a few weeks, I remember feeling quite overwhelmed when I added Casper to the family. Being a second dog, it changes the dynamics and is a bit tougher than just one new dog on its own.

However, it is going to improve. If anything else, it sounds like he can't get much naughter! :rotfl:

I couldn't walk my two on lead together for about a month, I'd be working on separate walks so they both have good manners, and then parallel walking them with your OH, to finally walking them together if you feel brave enough. Maybe look at the equipment you use - I know headcollars and sighthounds don't often mix, but a front-attaching harness like the Mekuti might work in giving you more control.
A few reviews of sighthounds with Mekutis here - http://www.dogpages.org.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=226946 - some say it does rub, but others are saying it's fab for control. If you're handy with a needle and thread, you could always add some fleece padding for comfort.

I think if one of mine barely ate, or didn't eat at all some days, on a fairly regular basis, I would perhaps be investigating it a bit more. I know some dogs aren't that foody, but to not eat at all despite getting 3 hours of exercise does strike me as a bit odd.


If it all feels a bit too overwhelming, why not set a deadline to review things by? Give it 3 months, for example, and make sure you keep a log of behaviours (as they are now and of any improvements) so when you look back, you can see if things have improved a little, a lot, or not at all. It might help you cope in the short-term to know you're not completely lumbered with him - and it may give the breeder time to rehome the pups they're stuck with and figure out transport etc. in case you do decide you can't manage.

huskypup

Hi - firstly big hugs for taking on this baby, we did the same 7 months ago - with our 18 month old malamute - we already had a husky and lost one (RIP baby) a few months earlier.

I think you need to go back to basics with both dogs!! - food down twice a day and lifted up if not eaten in 15 mins - and if that means you stand over them so be it. A dog will not starve themselves - change the new pup to raw - smashed chicken wings and veg etc to start with - they are small so its not too bad if he gulps his food down. The older dog will learn to eat his to stop the new one pinching his food.

I know its hard not to tell the new pup off - but it sounds to me as if he is craving attention even negative attention is better than none to him. Turn your back on him - clean up what ever he has done and walk away. Move all ornaments just as you did with your first pup.

Change them from leads to no-pull harnesses they tighten up on there bodies when they pull - it took our rescue all of 15 mins to realize he didnt like it. And huskies and malamutes are ment to pull - they also have rubbish recall so we dont let them off the leads unless in an enclosed area. Its a myth that dogs need hours and hours of exercise what they need is stimulation, kongs stuffed with frozen peanut butter - I also put in mushed carrots and freeze them.

All treats are frozen to make them last longer.

Old sheets down at the back door to catch muddy paw prints. And dont let them in unless they are sitting.

Well done for taking on this baby - try not to stress it is only mud - says the lady that was screaming like a fish wife yesterday when huskypup and malamute dug up half the garden -lol

Back to basics. Dont be afraid to use the crate for calm time - use the same words and commands everytime and offer treats for good behaviour - reward postive behaviour ignore and turn away on bad behaviour.

I can only say what works for us - hang in there xxxxx

krlyr

Great advice but please don't use a harness that works by making it painful or uncomfortable for a dog to pull. Loose lead walking can be achieved without aversive equipment - a front-attaching harness won't tighten but will take some of the power out of the pull as the dog isn't pulling from the back clip using all it's strength, you can effectively 'steer' the dog around without discomfort/pain.

elsien

I don't have any useful suggestions other than to say stick with it and it will get better. Here's my story, if it helps.

I got gitdog (accidental foster who ended up staying) at the end of August. He was housetrained but had no other training. And because I was his third home in as many weeks he was stressed, hyper, destructive, attention seeking and noisy. I was told that because of his energy levels he needed lots of exercise which I struggled with because of his pulling and working full time. Any of this sounding at all familiar?!
Walking wise I found sticking to the same route helped him to calm down. Having a calm environment at home, using a crate when he needed time out or I needed a rest from him, and a lot of consistency and training has started finally to sink in. Doing in house training and mental exercise can be just as tiring for them as a good walk, maybe that's something you could look at instead of longer walks? It's something I'm definitely working on as I'm petrified at the thought of walking gitdog when it's icy as even with a head collar I know I'll probably go for a burton if he sees another dog.
I had 3 months of wondering what the hell I'd done - every time I sat down with the paper he'd take one look and start winding me up for attention and I was despairing that I'd ever get anywhere with him. My stress levels went through the roof and I used to look for excuses to go out to get away from him for a bit of peace and quiet - how bad does that sound?
But training classes gave me a glimpse of the potential inside the naughty exterior and just this last couple of weeks I've started to see some real progress when we're out and about. It's still 3 steps forward and 2 1/2 back, but it's definitely do-able. You'll be the same - he's stressed and all over the place, as are you. It won't be like it forever, honest.


Edit - and I'm not suggesting it'll take you months either. That's probably just me being a useless dog trainer.

neveranymoney

Catkins, I can't offer any advice to you as I'm only learning the ropes myself, but you have been a great source of encouragement to me at times when I thought I was going round the bend so I didn't want to read and run.

I can't imagine how overwhelming two young dogs must be and how it must feel that your just settled down nicely routine must be up in the air, but you always strike me as someone who knows their onions and this too, shall pass!

After scampers, I tried to be positive about having 'freedom' again but it actually felt rubbishy and then when Shadow arrived, well, she was a bleddy big shock. I secretly cried thinking I had done the wrong thing, I obviously wasn't cut out for dog ownership, we were the only people on the planet to have gotten an evil labrador. She bit everyone continuously, ragged on all our clothes and just when I thought we had all cracked the toilet training, she piddled lakes on the mat, as somewhere wipe clean would have been too easy for her! I would be very anxious in nature and very 'wound up' and the second guessing yourself constantly and worrying about everything is exhausting, so you have my sympathies. Now I have the most loving wee dote of a dog ever. I literally truly love her, I can't wait to see her if I'm out with out her, I love cuddling with her and the funny things she does - I could write a book and what do you know? All of a sudden, she doesn't mouth, steal clothes and hasn't widdled inside for months now.

I remember you saying you have had dogs all your married life so deep down you know it will all settle eventually - you wouldn't have taken this wee dog on if you didn't feel you could cope. I think you can!

Anyways, not much point to my reply really but I wanted to let you know I reckon you will do a grand job of it. A few hours dog free escape would do you the world of good. Easier said than done as I have no outside family to help and a husband that works dicky shifts so I do know how oddly isolating dogs can make you feel but a wee trip out alone for an hour when you can will hopefully lift your spirits. Good luck!

catkins

krlyr wrote: »

Great advice but please don't use a harness that works by making it painful or uncomfortable for a dog to pull. Loose lead walking can be achieved without aversive equipment - a front-attaching harness won't tighten but will take some of the power out of the pull as the dog isn't pulling from the back clip using all it's strength, you can effectively 'steer' the dog around without discomfort/pain.

I used an Xtradog harness for our original dog with the double ended lead and found it brilliant.


I need to get one for the pup.

elsien wrote: »

I don't have any useful suggestions other than to say stick with it and it will get better. Here's my story, if it helps.

I got gitdog (accidental foster who ended up staying) at the end of August. He was housetrained but had no other training. And because I was his third home in as many weeks he was stressed, hyper, destructive, attention seeking and noisy. I was told that because of his energy levels he needed lots of exercise which I struggled with because of his pulling and working full time. Any of this sounding at all familiar?!
Walking wise I found sticking to the same route helped him to calm down. Having a calm environment at home, using a crate when he needed time out or I needed a rest from him, and a lot of consistency and training has started finally to sink in. Doing in house training and mental exercise can be just as tiring for them as a good walk, maybe that's something you could look at instead of longer walks? It's something I'm definitely working on as I'm petrified at the thought of walking gitdog when it's icy as even with a head collar I know I'll probably go for a burton if he sees another dog.
I had 3 months of wondering what the hell I'd done - every time I sat down with the paper he'd take one look and start winding me up for attention and I was despairing that I'd ever get anywhere with him. My stress levels went through the roof and I used to look for excuses to go out to get away from him for a bit of peace and quiet - how bad does that sound?
But training classes gave me a glimpse of the potential inside the naughty exterior and just this last couple of weeks I've started to see some real progress when we're out and about. It's still 3 steps forward and 2 1/2 back, but it's definitely do-able. You'll be the same - he's stressed and all over the place, as are you. It won't be like it forever, honest.

Edit - and I'm not suggesting it'll take you months either. That's probably just me being a useless dog trainer.

I feel at the moment that it will take years!


OH came in from work and I burst into tears. Today was the first whole day I had been on my own with the two dogs though from 7am to 6pm so quite a long stressful day.


I know it will get easier but, as I said, having not that long been through it with our original dog and swearing to OH that we would never ever get a puppy again it's just not what I wanted. I guess I feel a bit annoyed that we have a dog we don't really want but I am determined that pup will not suffer for that.


I felt I had got to such a good stage with original dog, enjoying our walks together, enjoying playing with him and training but also that when I wanted to do something that didn't involve him he would lay quietly and let me and I didn't have to keep putting him in his crate just so I could go to the loo in case he decided to destroy something.


Luckily the two dogs get on great and the 18 month old is even teaching the pup how to play with toys but part of me feels guilty that the older one no longer has all my attention.


Trouble is I am a big worrier and just see all the problems. At nearly 60 and not in the best of health (depression, fibromylgia (luckily not that bad), anxiety, migraine) I could do without the stress

elsien

neveranymoney wrote: »

I secretly cried thinking I had done the wrong thing, I obviously wasn't cut out for dog ownership, we were the only people on the planet to have gotten an evil labrador.

Do you know what, we should do a poll on how many people have taken on a dog then spent weeks wondering what the heck they'd done and berating themselves for getting it wrong. It's clearly not that uncommon. You always hear the success stories of dogs fitting in straightaway and they always make me feel completely useless.