The Pod-cast

[HangingOver]

Hello PodSquad,

Thank you for being on this crazy ride with us.

Here's the OG thread if anyone wants to go back and laugh at how staggeringly naive I was adopting my first rescue pup: https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/the_doghouse/5177112-oh-my-giddy-god?page=1

Could someone please explain who this dog is in my house and what they've done with Pod? Because he's been absolutely angelic today. Truly a wonderful, wonderful dog and even coped with my DF and DPs pal coming over for Sunday dinner and sitting up getting merry on red wine.

Or perhaps the collective will on MN have given me a SERIOUSLY needed good day. What a star. 🥹

Best wishes to you @HangingOver you sound a lovely person and I know you will do your best for Pod but only you and your partner know if it can work or not. No one could have tried harder, that's for sure.

@HangingOver Are you okay? I think I’m not alone in being worried about you. Please reach out for help if you’re not okay.

Hello PodSquad,

Sorry for disappearing for a couple of days. @Starmerdramallama's comment hit me between the eyes and I was having serious doubts the day I got back because he was just being horrible, horrible, horrible.

However, I've had two and a half (and counting) days of lovely behaviour from my Pod, I think attributable to having two mornings in a row of important work calls Wednesday and Thursday, so I put him in his crate with a Kong and went upstairs to do my calls, he had 90 mins sleep both mornings, and it seems to make him much nicer to be around. So I did it again today, and again he slept for 90 mins without waking. And now he's in the garden chomping on his bone.

On the strength of trialling leaving Pod alone for a few short periods of time, me and DP left him for a whole 90 mins in his crate with a Kong Wednesday night and went to the spa for a much much needed sauna and hot tub (I kept checking the camera so I could nip home if he became distressed, it's only 5 mins away) and it was absolutely blissful to recharge together and see our friend and yet again he slept the whole time.

It's still stressful and hard and tiring and I get monched when he's over-excited but I keep glimpsing these little miracles happening between us. My favourite is this: when Pod has had his afternoon sleep, which he usually does beside me or laying on my legs, he goes into this 'not awake but not asleep' mode where he rolls around on his back, having tummy rubs and making little ruwl-ruwl-ruwl noises and licking my arms and its just SO lovely. That alone is helping to counteract the niggling worry that rears his head when he's being a dick, which is "he's feral, he'll never want to live in a house with people, he hates it here etc." When he's sleepy and calm he's so affectionate with us.

Also, next week trainer is taking us to his vets (another local one) for a second opinion to rule out whether Pod has any underlying pain that could be causing his up and down behaviour, and then he said he'll give us things to work on from there.

Pic of Pod in snuggle-mode last night.

Aww you are doing so well Hanging. Pods are quirky, and not an easy breed, but sooooo worth it. Defo worth checking with a vet that he is defo ok, with no underlying pain.

Very pleased to hear your update.

It is rather fantastic that you can leave him and were able to get out with dp.

Interesting that he's so much better with a daily toddler-nap

Humans, cats, dogs - all mammals that echo each other’s developmental stages. Sounds like sleeping in the crate means he can have a deep healing sleep, as opposed to snoozing because he’s being a guard to his human. I think op you might be onto something. We’re all better after a good sleep. Rush without.

Oh my goodness @HangingOver, I am so happy to read your update! I really hope my last message didn’t add to your stress, at what was clearly a very difficult time for the three of you.

It’s great to hear that you are able to leave him in his indoor kennel for significant periods of time. It fits with his genetics and what he is bred to do, and also with the advice from experienced rehabbers on here, and your trainer, to avoid overstimulating him. And it allows you and your partner to have some time to look after yourselves, which is also vitally important.

I love the fact that everyone on this thread is so supportive and kind and that absolutely everyone is rooting for you and your little family.

Looking forward to seeing more updates in future when you have time.

@HangingOver That’s a great update! It sounds like Pod thrives on good sleep and a routine. That’s great that you’re working out what works well for him, and that then allows you and DP some freedom. Have DP and Pod bonded yet? Does Pod sleep on DP too? He’s clearly bonded to you, and he probably freaked out that you were never coming back when you had to go away for two nights, and then probably got overwhelmed with happiness and relief when you returned. I wonder if there’s a Pod owner support group on FB or something, where you could get the benefit of their experience and expertise?

Interesting to read your update. Seems that the crate is the way to go as he does settle and sleep. Perhaps it gives him a sense of security. Work crate time into your day schedule and see if his behaviour continues to settle.
pod has very obviously formed a strong, trusting bond with you and your absence was keenly and confusingly felt. Try to slowly build up longer daily absences so he gradually comes to realise you do come home.

If the crate works for Pod then great! Happy weekend to you & Pod 😀

Lovely update! So glad you had some time at the spa without incident.

Lovely update indeed!

I absolutely do not blame you for having a bit of a wobble, I certainly would with all you have going on these last few weeks.

Be interested to see what the vet says and I would push for a pain medication trial. There is a weird assumption amongst both (some!) owners and vets, that young dogs can't be in any chronic pain... and I really don't understand why!

They have been growing incredibly fast - they've had to push out adult teeth into a juvenile sized jaw which is continuing to grow, we KNOW this causes humans a great deal of pain - they wang themselves around like absolute idiots, which is a great way to cause all manner of soft tissue injuries and trapped nerves, sprained joints etc...

And that is before you consider any hereditary issues or conformation issues causing strain on muscles/ligaments/joints.

I would also look at gut pain - its about as well understood as gut issues in humans (ie, barely and no one links it to behaviour really and they absolutely should) - it absolutely can cause frantic bonkers bitey/diggy/spinny/leapy behaviour!

(Who is your trainer, they sound absolutely on the ball!!)

He likes his bachelor pad! I think he was probably best left at home, but would probably have enjoyed the spa...
Do look after yourself just now, it's a tough time you're having.

Thanks everyone, I can't believe how kind and helpful you all are every day 🥹

Pod is being nice AGAIN today so far. DP walked him this morning so I could get in the sea with my best friend, as as we were surfing I saw DP with Pod on the cliff waving at me and my heart about exploded.

Pod is having his enforced nap while I get my hair done and DP potters at home.

Then...later, I have the paddock booked! He's behaving calmly today so we're going to take him. If a shark attack happens I can always get in the car.

Since there's so much "outing" info on this thread anyway I'll post a link to a video of his first off-lead experience in a long long long time for anyone who wants to see.

Oh my goodness, Hanging, I can't wait to see a video of Pod!!!

I can't tell you how happy I am that things are going well for you 😀

Oh that sounds great @HangingOver, can’t wait to see how the off lead goes. Fingers crossed he is wildly excited but also reasonably behaved 😊

Actually actually sudden random paranoia about weird ex.... But DM if you want to see him and I'll send you his Instagram handle, rather than put it on here.

Reasonable is the most I ever hope for tbh 😂

Pod is on Instagram?!!!! OMG, sending a DM!

I love that he’s behaving so much better with his enforced morning nap.

Me too!

Updated 👀

Fabulous to see him in action 😍

Is he nicely shattered now?

Loved that, thats made my day after talking to quite a lot of numpty owners who just wanted a dog to cuddle and expect that dog to be perfect, make choices better than a human could, from day 1 with no effort from themselves!

He pretty much fell over when we got home! He absolutely adores sticking his nose out the car window too. Some from next weekend I'm going to book the paddock up a few mornings/afternoons a week so he can unleash his inner Usain Bolt.