erugan
I'm New Here
George
Posts: 12
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Post by erugan on Dec 5, 2008 12:58:04 GMT -5
Hi all, I just adopted George about a week ago, and I know its very soon and he is not fully adjusted to the new place, me, and my schedule, but he is whining horribly while I am away. Unfortunately, I have to work...to pay for all those new puppy coats, collars, and toys  , but I am only gone for about 5 hours. I don't think it's full blown separation anxiety because he is not destroying anything or going potty while I'm out. In fact, he has had only mistake in the house (the first day)  I would just chalk this up to being in a new place, but my mean neighbors are complaining. I have installed a baby gate to keep him from whining at the downstairs door, plugged in one of those DAP diffusers, and given him all sorts of wonderful chew toys (which I remove when I get home). I am also following the advice to ignore him when I first get home. Not so easy... I am doing I can think of to help him acclimate, can any of you suggest anything else.? Also, he seems to so sad and aloof. He just stares at me. Do they warm up? I read all of your posts and your dogs seem so loving. Did that take time. Thanks for everything. Beth |
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Post by Nettie on Dec 5, 2008 15:31:39 GMT -5
Beth, sounds as though you are doing the right things, don't try and push him, it does take a while, some don't take long and some do, as you say a week is a very short time, wait 'til he's been with you 3 months and then lets see what you're saying! |
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Post by kizzeysmum on Dec 5, 2008 15:56:08 GMT -5
Hi Beth
I had Joel as a foster about six months ago. He was also a very sad boy and it took about three months for him to lose the sad look in his eyes.
He has only just really started to come out of himself.
As Nettie says, don't worry at the moment it will take a time for him to adjust.
Rose Marie
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Post by shaznrich on Dec 5, 2008 18:14:27 GMT -5
Just to say that we have definitely noticed that it can take some time for personalities to emerge. We didn't really 'get to know' Angel for about 6 months as she got used to us and home life, but she is personality plus now! Keep doing all the right things and well done for inviting a lovely homeless hound into your life (and onto your sofa) ;D
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Post by Lisa on Dec 6, 2008 1:43:01 GMT -5
Are you giving him time out from you when you are at home? Did you take time off work with him we recommend a week to settle him in when he first arrived? If you didnt maybe its worth booking a weeks holidays now and going back to basics starting all over again. I am happy to go through all this with you.
Oh and tell the neighbours to not be such miserable sods poor dog has hardly had time to settle in.
If you have a dictaphone or can borrow one I would suggest recording it to see how bad it is and how long it goes on for.
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Post by Jane and Sara on Dec 6, 2008 6:40:53 GMT -5
No particular advice - you seem to be doing all the right things but it does take time. Neighbours are funny - one side is fine and bring the dogs presents - the other side were horrified when I got four dogs. Today I saw her and she said 'I never hear your dogs - they never bark!'. Actually the two bitches bark like mad when we are preparing to go out but I think my new carpets have muffled the sound!
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Post by FeeFee on Dec 6, 2008 7:00:33 GMT -5
Are the neighbours friendly enough that you could go round and have a chat to them, explain that it's very early days and a huge change of lifestyle for him, and that this is just a settling in problem?
Listening to a dog whining for several hours must be quite unsettling for them and they are probably worried it will go on forever. If you show you are concerned about it and are doing all you can to sort things out they might be more tolerant?
As others have said, it is early days and I'm sure you will get lots of good advice here on helping him adjust. Don't worry about the fact he seems very 'closed down' at the moment - once he knows he's safe and has the hang of your routine you'll start to see a happy loving hound emerging.
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erugan
I'm New Here
George
Posts: 12
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Post by erugan on Dec 6, 2008 10:04:56 GMT -5
Thanks for all the kind advice. Unfortunately, I could not take any time off from work, but I do not work full time--only 20 hrs a week. I hate to leave him, but I have to be able to go out right?
Last night, I passed up a date invitation because I was worried he would bother the grumpy neighbors. I have spoken with them, told them he is just settling in, but they do not seem to receptive. Oh well. Can't expect everyone to be lovely.
Besides his whining---he is the perfect dog. Neat and clean in the house, with only one mistake, quiet (when Im home), perfect on lead......just great!
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