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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Oh my giddy god......

984 replies

HangingOver · 30/09/2024 13:58

I can't actually believe I'm finally typing this... I think I'm getting a dog!

I've wanted one of my own my entire life. I had one growing up and look after friends and neighbours at every available opportunity as I adore dogs so much. A rescue came up locally and I thought he looked lovely, he was snapped up immediately, but came up again yesterday! Me and DP are meeting him this afternoon.

Any tips for meeting a rescue for the first time? Other than being gentle and calm? He's 8 months so a bouncy chap.

ARGGGH! So excited. 😁

OP posts:
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YellowDaffodilRedTulip · 02/10/2024 23:40

When mine use to jump up and nip/bite would walk forward into them, it off balances them and they fall down.

WiddlinDiddlin · 02/10/2024 23:48

HangingOver · 02/10/2024 23:03

PUPDATE: yes he is the Podenco famous across Cornwall. 🤣 So... He's not been as bad and first thing again thank goodness... The toys my friend brought over have been a LIFE SAVER I wish I know I needed like 50 to keep him entertained. He's had another couple of goes at the sofa cushions but shorter lived attempts. I feel like once he's chewed the corners off all the cushions that might be mission accomplished.

He's already coming down from paws on the counter with just the word OFF, not actually removing him! In one day! Clever boy.

The only thing that worries me if when he grabs my clothing. He grabs a sleeve or the front of my top and tugs. It said online your supposed to turn away, fold your arms in and stop communicating with him but I cant actually do that when he's ripping a jersey off me. I have a disease which means I get soft tissue damage very easily so I look like I've been attacked by a shark.

I did read someone else that someone said you should give them an alternative command, so getting a treat out and making him sit has actually stopped the chomping a couple of times so I will keep trying that.

I wasn't scared of him exactly because I knew it was play but equally it's a bit alarming having your clothes literally ripped off. Any tips on that much appreciated.

My friends are amazing. They've all voice noted and face timed with help and advice.

DDog was so anxious at bedtime but eventually settled and I quietly closed the crate. Me and DP sat beside him talking for 20 mins now he's gone up (early work) and I'm going to sleep on the eaten sofa near the crate. If he wakes I'll let him noodle about and then wait for him to fall asleep again (crate open + me sleeping on sofa not an option as he will go into actual orbit at the sight of a duvet. Should I wake him in the night for a wee or not?

For those awake late for baby reasons I might update in the night if you're bored enough.

I sent this pic to the rescuer and she cried she was so pleased. ♥️

Goodnight from me and Munchybiteyjumpyborkbork.

The jumping up is him trying to communicate, express how he feels etc.

You're spot on that turning away is neither practical nor helpful, he's going to get more frustrated than he already is and likely to pull/tug/bite etc, more.

Pre-empt him, pockets full of treats you can lob - as he approaches, do not wait and see for the moment, just lob some treats which will redirect him briefly - you can then grab a toy, figure out what he needs, find a longer lasting distraction or lure him to sit or down or whatever it is you'd prefer he did.

Over time he then doesn't get to practice the behaviour you don't like and he does learn behaviours you do like and you avoid frustration.

For looking on the worktops, even though he is responding to 'off', I would just move everything off them, and ignore and when he looks at a work top but doesn't get up OR when he gets up, has a look and then gets himself off... THEN reward that, so he doesn't learn the annoying sequence 'if I get up on the worktop, I get told to get off then i get a reward, hurrah, I'll repeat that'.

When prepping food etc, multitask it, lob treats at his bed so he realises that the bed is where the food happens, not under your feet/grabbing it off you. You will need to chuck fast and have non-bouncy treats to start with as it will take a few sessions for him to realise. Don't use words here, actions speak far louder anyway!

Nighttime - I'd sleep with him and I'd be doing that until I think he's grasped the 'how to ask for the loo' and isn't liable to eat cushions. Adolescents go through several needy stages even if they haven't got his history, and the key thing at the moment is him developing that bond and security with you - thats your platform, your foundation for literally everything else.

BettyBardMacDonald · 02/10/2024 23:56

Carouselfish · 02/10/2024 22:52

Don't forget op, sofas and cushions and things can be replaced. But this is a life you are changing and saving. Be patient. Keep coming back to all that love you have to give and how very much he needs that and a chance. Or several.
I bet a million pounds the previous family SAID their circumstances changed but it was actually just their cushions.

This.

I feel so happy that he finally has a loving home.

HangingOver · 03/10/2024 03:19

Guess what time of day is for zoomies and taking a shit on the floor 🤣

OP posts:
Fraaahnces · 03/10/2024 03:27

If you have the same connective tissue disorder as me, I feel for you. I looked like a murder victim when Ivydog was a puppy too. (She had a rather protracted adolescence as well… sigh… Worth it - she’s a doll now.) Walking her was an absolute nightmare for me too because she is afraid of dogs - all dogs. (Never mind that she’s 60kgs) - she hides behind me or under me when Schnitzel and Struedel the sausage dogs from three doors up run at the gate and has caused several dislocations. (Their owner is most confused at the reaction they get btw…)
Training note… the best advice I received was not to spend too much time “chatting” with your dog. They need to learn commands and body language. And (rather like men) they tune you out as just noise. A sharp “No!” when they misbehave as well as the body cues is vital. They moment they do what you want, a gentle “Good!” In a warm, loving tone with a treat (you will have them in every pocket - or carry a little treat pocket thing on a belt… even better). Everything has to be in that instant or it’s a waste of time. (I found the same with my kids, btw, and they’re all awesome! 😆 It’s actually pretty true given that they’re older teenagers/young adults. We’ve had very little in the way of drama from them. They’re all very reasonable humans - must be thanks to the dog.)

Overtheatlantic · 03/10/2024 04:44

He’s lovely OP. You seem like exactly the person he needs to feel safe and loved.

FrannieY · 03/10/2024 06:32

Morning! How’s your boy this morning? Did the bedding survive the night? Vet mats are great, offer padding, are comfortable, easy to wash and tumble dry and less likely to be shredded.

He will settle down but it’s also cold which could lead to early mornings. Worth looking at jumpers or PJs.

Thundershirts are great for calming dogs, both to help him settle but it’s also coming up to fireworks season. They’re basically a big and comforting hug for dogs.

And definitely Grannick’s or other Bitter Apples on all the furniture and soft furnishings etc that you don’t want chewed up. It will get easier, everything is new and exciting at the moment.

Good luck!

Twiglets1 · 03/10/2024 06:41

@HangingOver sounds exhausting but of course he isn’t settled yet in your house.

When our Lab puppy tries to chew something he shouldn’t ( like shoes) we were told to offer him an alternative instead like a Yak chew (from pet shops or Amazon) or other hard chew. When he chews my clothes I again offer an alternative like his blanket or a soft toy & he’s happy with that. Gradually learning what is & isn’t allowed.

I would take him for short neighbourhood walks today - especially after meals when he may want to toilet. Give lots of praise when he does wees/poos outside and a piece of kibble or something. The noise you make when he counter surfs can be used when he tries to do anything he isn’t allowed. He won’t mind being told No, dogs just like to understand the rules (though may need to be told quite a few times before the penny drops). We use child stair gates to stop the puppy going upstairs if that’s something you want to enforce. You can take them down in a few months.

BunnyLake · 03/10/2024 07:04

Can you take him to some classes? It would be worth checking out. One tip, don’t go lower than him (so don’t lie on the floor etc), it can signal to them that they are the boss and can get them too hyper in their behaviour.

GelatinousDynamo · 03/10/2024 07:14

Oh yes, 3 am zoomies... He will settle, don't worry. I would probably put a big blanket on his crate to make it more cosy (if he tries to play with it, try when he's already inside it) and I wouldn't lock him in... But sometimes it probably can't be avoided.

Whenever he jumps at you, your first instinct is probably to take a step back - don't do this. Dogs communicate by body language and a big part of that is by giving up or winning space. So when you step back, you show him that you don't mind this behaviour or that you are a pushover. You need to (calmly) step forwards, into his space, to win it back. Straight back, don't look at him, don't interact, just take a few steps. He will back off quickly.

Hotdogsarevile · 03/10/2024 07:19

I don’t know a single person who got a pet and then had the “what the fuck have I done thoughts” 😂 we got our dog when he was 6 months old, he used to jump up and snap his jaws right in our face, honestly I don’t know how he didn’t make contact.

we used to give him time outs when he got way too excited (once we could catch him that is 😂) but it was so temporary, he turned into the best dog ever, he’s just at the adolescent stage along with all the anxiety of being in a rescue etc

hang in there it sounds like you’re doing all the right things, but try and book onto a training course, it will help you bond as you learn together xx

ApolloandDaphne · 03/10/2024 07:33

How exciting. We lost our old girl about 5 weeks ago and the house is so quiet without her. I'd love to get another dog but now is not the time. I can live vicariously through your new dog! I hope you post pictures when he is home.

IVbumble · 03/10/2024 07:34

Make sure you always have a toy with you to try to shove into his mouth before he gets to your clothes - keep this toy as a 'high value' toy that he only gets to play with occasionally.

Remember he's still a puppy in his emotional development which has regressed with being in a new home with new people.

Only pet/stroke/treat reward him if he has all four paws on the ground - this can progress to only stroking if he sits in front of you. Make sure everyone does the same to avoid confusing him.

If you think he's going to grab clothing turn your back to him fast and 'bump' into him fairly strongly - he will come round to the front of you again - repeat until he learns that is not the way to approach you.

BunnyLake · 03/10/2024 07:47

Hotdogsarevile · 03/10/2024 07:19

I don’t know a single person who got a pet and then had the “what the fuck have I done thoughts” 😂 we got our dog when he was 6 months old, he used to jump up and snap his jaws right in our face, honestly I don’t know how he didn’t make contact.

we used to give him time outs when he got way too excited (once we could catch him that is 😂) but it was so temporary, he turned into the best dog ever, he’s just at the adolescent stage along with all the anxiety of being in a rescue etc

hang in there it sounds like you’re doing all the right things, but try and book onto a training course, it will help you bond as you learn together xx

Really? I’m quite surprised as I’d have thought a lot of people would have thought ‘wtf have I done!’ I know I did. A bit like when you bring your first baby home and you think heck what have I done. It soon goes though and they quickly become part of the family. My pup chewed up my £250 brand new, never been worn ankle boots from Russell & Bromley 😭 She’s actually not a chewer (12yrs old now), it was just a one-off and decided it would be those she chewed 😩

Elphamouche · 03/10/2024 08:04

BunnyLake · 03/10/2024 07:47

Really? I’m quite surprised as I’d have thought a lot of people would have thought ‘wtf have I done!’ I know I did. A bit like when you bring your first baby home and you think heck what have I done. It soon goes though and they quickly become part of the family. My pup chewed up my £250 brand new, never been worn ankle boots from Russell & Bromley 😭 She’s actually not a chewer (12yrs old now), it was just a one-off and decided it would be those she chewed 😩

I assumed the PP meant she doesn’t know anyone who hasn’t had those thoughts. I know we have with all 3 😂.

Hope you’re okay OP, it’s fucking hard but it’ll be worth it.

Hotdogsarevile · 03/10/2024 08:12

Elphamouche · 03/10/2024 08:04

I assumed the PP meant she doesn’t know anyone who hasn’t had those thoughts. I know we have with all 3 😂.

Hope you’re okay OP, it’s fucking hard but it’ll be worth it.

🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️

yes of course I meant I don’t know anyone who hasn’t had those thoughts

I definitely had those thoughts when I brought my twins home 😂😂

BunnyLake · 03/10/2024 08:24

Elphamouche · 03/10/2024 08:04

I assumed the PP meant she doesn’t know anyone who hasn’t had those thoughts. I know we have with all 3 😂.

Hope you’re okay OP, it’s fucking hard but it’ll be worth it.

Ah. I took it too literally 😁

BunnyLake · 03/10/2024 08:26

Hotdogsarevile · 03/10/2024 08:12

🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️

yes of course I meant I don’t know anyone who hasn’t had those thoughts

I definitely had those thoughts when I brought my twins home 😂😂

Gosh twins, yes that must definitely be a wtf moment 😆

HangingOver · 03/10/2024 09:10

Morning pupdate crew.

It feels really poignant writing this morning because its the 8th anniversary of my mum dying and I actually joined MN to write what ended up being an epic number of threads about the whole experience all the the MNers really, really carried me. And I feel like it's happening again.

So he slept in his crate about 11 - 3 and 4 - 6.30 which I'm taking as a big win! The poop on the floor is neither here nor there, he was actually signalling and I didn't realise in time.

He ADORED his morning walk so I'm just going to start with the small walks a few times a day from now on because he loves sniffing and meeting more dogs.

So DP has gone to work and its me and Mr. ChompyBounceyBarkyBum for the day. God knows how it's going to go but I'll take it hour by hour and apologise to everyone I have calls with today!

OP posts:
DancingFerret · 03/10/2024 09:19

More pictures, please.🙂

caramac04 · 03/10/2024 09:23

Aw I think your new pup will be fantastic. You will have a great life with him I’m sure. You’ve had lots of advice so I’ll not give more but just to say I agree with on lead walks for now.
You sound kind and patient and they are exactly the qualities needed for good dog training.

blobby10 · 03/10/2024 09:24

@HangingOver He look very sweet asleep - be firm and consistent with your commands as it sounds like hes a quick learner. You sound like you have everything in place and are really switched on to his needs but don't pander to him too much! He is a dog so don't treat him like a child - it was very kind of you to sleep next to him last night but please don't do it too much Grin

heathspeedwell · 03/10/2024 09:33

Congratulations! He's utterly beautiful and he's very lucky to have found the perfect home.

Another one here who had very serious doubts about our first rescue dog. She was also a teenager, also big and very nippy.

I am eternally grateful to my DH who was calmly convinced that with consistent love and training she would turn out fine. He was absolutely right and she brought us so much joy for many years, as have our more recent rescues.

julesover40 · 03/10/2024 09:36

Loving the updates. Sounds like you are going to be a very calm, kind presence.
He is totally adorable x