New member intro and questions

[MrSteve]

Hi Everyone!

I spent a bunch of time reading the training and behavior boards the other night and picked up a couple of good tips, but thought I’d post this message to introduce myself and my dog Buddy, and see if I could get some information about our specific situation.

We’ve had Buddy for about a week, he is an informal rescue and according to his Vet is 2 years old. He is neutered, and weighs 96 lbs. He has been seen by the same vet his whole life, and I have all his shot/health records.

I haven’t seen much posted about people taking on older dogs, and having to train them, so I thought I’d see if I could get some advise. So far I’ve taught him to sit, heel, and “go outside” when I open the door to the backyard. He seems to be crate trained as he goes right in when I open the door and tell him to go in. I’m working on stay, and down (which he has been resisting unless I grab him and push him down, and then he often rolls over on his back).

The biggest problem we are having now is that he doesn’t seem to know what to do when he is free in the house. I got him one of those Kong toys and he seems to like it, often when he starts getting too playful with us we tell him to go get his toy and he’ll bound out of the room looking for the Kong. But other times he will attach himself like Velcro, nudging, licking, and mouthing until I have to raise my voice to get him to stop. I know some of this is probably from separation anxiety, and that time alone will probably lessen the problem, but he’s a little too big for this to go on for long.

He seems like a great dog with a wonderful disposition, always curious, but not afraid or aggressive. I wouldn’t have taken him if he had been afraid or aggressive.

I’ve had GSDs, and a Staffordshire Bull Terrier in the past. The SBT was also a rescue, but when it came to training it almost seemed like she could read my mind. We lost her to cancer last year.

Is there anyone else in the metro Los Angeles Area? I’m in Pasadena, and would love to meet (and learn from) some of you.

Sorry this is so long.

Thanks!

Steve

[Judi W]

I don't have the link here at my office (maybe someone else does, if not I'll do it tomorrow).

NERR has a wonderful "owner's manual" for people who have taken on a rescue dog. It is quite well-written and has lots of good information that will apply to your situation.

[MrSteve]

Thanks for the tip!

I did a search on NERR "dog rescue" and found http://www.rottrescue.org/reference.html, is this the one you mean?
It seems to have a lot of good info.

It will keep me reading for a while.

Thanks again!

Steve

[cinde33]

Very good info, I read it twice. Makes a lot of sense.

[KattOK]

I semi-rescued Holly when she was 1 1/2 years old. She kinda knew how to walk on a leash and was housetrained. Other than that, she didn't know much. Although I should have started training after a couple of months (when we had bonded), I was a wimp (it was winter) and didn't start formal training till she was 2 1/2. Don't let anyone fool you into thinking a dog is to old to learn anything. Rottweilers are fast learners and sometimes Holly was bored in basic obedience. She now has her CGC and we're looking for classes for pet therapy. Holly was 3 October 2001.

Let Buddy adjust to you and then start formal classes and don't worry that most of the other dogs are about 8 months old. You & Buddy will learn lots more than if you try to train him yourself.

[AngelBunny]

MrSteve:

Congrats on your rescue! I volunteer with NERR, have fostered dogs for them, and adopted one of the cuties we fostered.

You've had Buddy for a very short period of time. Since he doesn't know you & doesn't know your routine, it's not surprising he seems to be bouncing all over the place. He'll settle down when he understands your routine and what's expected of him.

Enroll him in obedience classes as soon as you can. Give him plenty of exercise in addition to the mental stimulation of classes.

Also, keep in mind males typically mature at around 3 yo, so your Buddy is still a juvenile.