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Adopted dog success stories?
My husband, 78, and I, 75, adopted a little seven-year-old Rescue terrier seven weeks ago. He’s the cutest, most loving thing with the both of us at home. But we have discovered since bringing him home that he has terrible separation anxiety. We cannot leave him in a crate, or in a room or even in the house for a minute without terrible heartbreaking crying and barking. We even installed cameras and the barking and crying do not diminish no matter how long we are gone. So we have not left the house together now for over a month. We have spent a small fortune on a behaviorist veterinarian and trainer, and we are doing everything, including putting him on Prozac. We are hoping that sometime over the next several months things will improve, but it’s a challenge. Question, has anyone survived the sort of situation? Also, are we insane adopting a dog at our age? He may be seven but he’s a little so he might have a pretty long life. That part doesn’t worry me as much as the behavior issues. Finally, returning him probably means euthanasia so it’s a horrible, horrible decision whether to keep him or not.
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So sorry for my response. You are right. I always started out with a puppy and trained him/her. Just didn't consider you working with an older dog. Thanks for your response.
I love dogs, but the reality is that you train the dog or the dog trains you. So far, guess who's winning?
Many years ago, I took in a rescue dog, from a breeder friend of mine who grew very ill.
She was 8, right at the border of adoptability.
The first few months were tough; she and my other dog fought for dominance, and their weapon of choice was urine.
Long story short: I laid down the law and crated them when I was away. I was very reluctant to do so, but it established my dominance. Peace descended over my domestic kingdom.
Sadly, she only lived two more years. I did my best, but she could never adjust to a new home after 8 years of being Queen Bee at her previous home. She developed mouth tumors; putting her down was my only option. My heart still breaks at the thought. The breeder friend of mine told me not to feel bad, that I'd given the dog two years she would not have had otherwise. Cold comfort, alas.
Anyway, you may need some tough love with your new pet. You're giving him a home, but don't lose yours in the process. Old dogs can learn new tricks -- they might just need more incentive.
Good luck!
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3 ReactionsThanks I really appreciate your story. You did give that dog two years of a home and family she never would’ve had otherwise!
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1 Reaction@tcokeefe Don't give up! I like the comments above and agree with @muley, @scain and @victoriase. Three years ago, we got a 2-year-old Deer head Chihuahua from a nearby shelter that took in a hoarding case of 14 dogs. Just like kids, the early trauma stays with them. This guy would never be suited to staying overnight by himself, as others could do in the past, so we have great friends who help when travel comes into play. But he has learned to deal with us going out during the day - albeit with some dramatic welcoming us back. LOL. We had barking issues more with being protective when hearing outside noises and recently learned from friends about an "automatic spray bark stopping" collar. Rather than one that zaps (which really freaked out our guy) it emits a citronella scent. It surprises the dog and then calms him, so it breaks that cycle of when the more they bark, the more they want to bark. Both my neighbor and I were shocked with each of our results, so it could be something to keep in mind to try. Either way, I hope that you can keep your routine, so he gets used to it and sees that you always return.
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