	AllExperts > Experts
	Search

Dogs

Volunteer
Answers to thousands of questions

Home · More Questions · Answer Library

· Encyclopedia ·

Topic: Dogs

Expert: Kristen Cabe
Date: 7/22/2008
Subject: new dog owner basic questions

Question
Hi,
I will be picking up my new family member (dog) Friday from my local
Humane society. She is 6 year old lab terrier mix who was brought in
originally because her old owners kept her outside which allowed her to easily
get fleas and shaved her teeth down to flat nubs. She because of all this is
very shy. The reason I have to wait until Friday is because she was never
spayed. So the society automatically does that which is nice. So since then I
have visited her a few times just to get her to know me and visa versa. She
started off real shy but she is starting to lighten up a bit. On our first walk
around the complex we went up a walking trail they had. When we got to a
part that went into the woods she planted herself and would not go into the
woods. Second time she was ok. With the knowledge of how shy she is i want
to make sure the trip to my apartment and the introduction to her new home
goes smoothly and comfortably. I am aware that while some dogs love car
rides others dread it. So knowing this I want to make sure I know how to
make her comfortable with the car ride if she is not. If she is not comfortable
around my car and in my car, what can i do? Similarly if she does the woods
thing where she plants herself what can I do? I think she really has come to
like me as the few times I visit her whenever she gets scared she backs her
whole body up against mine. She is not one for treats. As even the society
says she doesn't care for them. She just wants her food and water.
So what suggestions can you give me? Thanks.
Adam

Answer
Hi, Adam, and kudos to you for adopting your new dog from the Humane Society, and especially one that may have some issues. It's likely that she wouldn't have been adopted if it hadn't been for you. Why people get a dog and then chain it up in the back yard is beyond me; dogs are pack animals. They want to be with their humans, not rotting away at the end of a chain.

If she is having her surgery on Friday, then she will probably still be drowsy when you pick her up, which will make getting her home much easier. I would recommend that you get a crate to put her in in your car, for your safety as well as hers. You will not want to allow her to jump up into the car on her own, because that could rip her incision - you will need to pick her up and put her in there.

She should also have a crate at your house (it can be the same one - no need to buy two crates if you don't absolutely have to). This will help her feel secure and get used to your routine. As she becomes more and more comfortable at your house, she can start spending less and less time in the crate, but in the beginning, she should either be in the crate, or on a leash near you. Do not give her full run of the house all at once. That could overwhelm her and increase her insecurity. Be advised that, although she seems to like you and be comfortable with you, she could still spook and bolt out the door or get away from you on a walk, so whenever you have to open the door, have her leash firmly in your hand, and when you take her for walks, the same holds true. After several weeks, she should start to settle in quite nicely. I'm guessing she will also start to enjoy treats. A shelter environment is very stressful, so it's not surprising that she was hesitant to take treats while there. It's a wonder she would even eat. On the subject of food, if you have not done so already, I would encourage you to take a look at my dog food page, which is located at http://dogfoods.angelfire.com, to learn how to choose the best food for your dog. During the first couple of weeks, you will probably want to keep her on whatever food the shelter had her on, but that is probably a cheap junk food, so I'd switch her to something better as soon as I could, if I were you.

If she balks on you, the best thing to do is to ignore the behavior, and use firm, yet gentle, tugs on the lead to get her brain moving forward again. Say, for example, she plants herself at the door to your home. Do not look her directly in the eyes, but see if you can get her to come to you by using a gentle voice and tapping your hand on your leg. If she stands there and looks at you like you've lost your mind, then begin quick tugs on the leash until she takes a step forward. Do not pull or drag her, but do not allow her to move backwards either. If she fights, let her, but when she stops, start the tug-tug-tug-tugging again. The moment she takes a step towards you, put slack in the leash, and use a happy voice to praise her and try to encourage her forward. Repeat as necessary.

It is very important that she be wearing a collar that she cannot get out of. I would suggest a martingale style collar, which has a limited slip which prevents 'backing out' of the collar.

I don't think you will have any issues that you cannot handle with her. It sounds like you have a pretty firm grasp of what you are doing.

Add to this Answer Ask a Question

About Us | Advertise on This Site | User Agreement | Privacy Policy | Help
Copyright © 2008 About, Inc. About and About.com are registered trademarks of About, Inc. The About logo is a trademark of About, Inc. All rights reserved.