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Post by sionedp on Apr 25, 2012 21:38:27 GMT
Hi everyone, my name is Sioned and we’ve recently adopted a gorgeous 5 month CHD whippet pup called Billy, who you may know! I’ve started this thread (with a bit of encouragement – thanks Suzie!) to say how difficult it’s been for us adjusting to having a pup in case it helps anyone else struggling with it. I also want to say a MASSIVE THANK YOU to lovely supportive people on the forum, CDH staff and Caroline Cowan the dog behaviouralist because the practical advice and kind words helped so much in the rocky first few weeks. Billy is a really loving dog with lots of amazing qualities, including the fact that, despite worrying about it a lot, he has been very calm and respectful around our cat, Smoky. And he’s an amazing runner! We have been really lucky with him and love having him around but for the first month we just felt totally overwhelmed. Billy had severe separation anxiety (understandably) and at first we couldn’t leave the room for three seconds without him barking, crying, pulling dishes off the draining board, weeing and pooing all over the floor etc. We both work full time and while we had arranged to come home every lunchtime so he wouldn’t be on his own for more than 4 hours, the anxiety was a big worry! On top of adjusting to cycling home and back to work every lunchtime, taking it in turns to shower/get changed/go to the toilet so that he didn’t start barking and the cat didn’t get more stressed out and the neighbours don’t complain we also lost a lot of sleep. He had diorreah in the second week so every morning would start with wiping poo off the kitchen floor or the living room carpet, same with every lunch break and every evening . We were both exhausted irritable, antisocial and emotional for about a month before things started getting better! It is getting better every day now. It’s definitely not a ‘Billy’ problem I think it’s our problem for not being prepared for the amount of work that goes into having a dog, it is a LOT! (perhaps even more with a rescue dog?) We realise that now and are getting into the swing of things, we have our rocky moments still but just to let you know, if you are struggling THINGS GET BETTER! ;D And there are so many great people out there giving support! It's totally worth it too. I have never had a dog before so am not sure if all the things that happened to us are ‘normal’ or not but to me it seemed really hard and crap! Not anymore thank goodness! We love Billy and he is much better now. I’d love to hear about any similar stories with happy endings (or ‘soon-to-be happy endings!). Sioned x
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Post by cherylW on Apr 25, 2012 21:57:06 GMT
Aww Sioned that's a great write up of your experiences with Billy, and how hard it can be to bring a dog home and settle them into your life. It can be difficult, people sometimes have unrealistic expectations that their dog will just instantly adapt and be totally secure and happy but it doesn't always work like that, it takes some work! As you and everyone else who has ever adopted a rescue dog knows, it is soooooo worth it though It's great that you've been so honest about what you've experienced, and also to see how far you've come in a short time ;D I know from seeing you and Billy almost every morning how well he's settling in with you, he is a really lovely boy and is clearly a quick learner and wants to please ( seeing how he respects when grumpy Megs says she doesn't want to play!). You and Matt are doing a great job ;D
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Post by kirsty on Apr 26, 2012 5:49:34 GMT
Aww that sounds so stressful Sioned, so pleased that you have come through it! We have 3 dogs and not one has been 'easy', I don't think any dogs are! I was brought up with dogs so knew how much work was involved, but that still never prepares you for when you get your own! First there was Betty, my partner rescued her about 10 years ago and she was there before me. At first she hated my guts and everytime I would go near my partner she would sit in between us, growl and physically shove my arm away! Jealous little madam! ;D She soon adjusted though and now gives me more respect than she does to Becky! ;D When Becky first had her she had quite a few issues. She didn't like to be touched, by people or dogs, and would run and growl if anyone tried to smooth her (she still does if she's being a grump!). She would also chase and bark at people walking, cyclists, tents, kites, dogs and just about everything else! Over time she has gotten much better, she still has the odd 'moment' but she has come such a long way and we wouldn't change her for the world! Next came Archie! A product of a dog breaking into my Mums garden when her dog was on heat! He was the runt of the litter and we totally fell for him However, people often think having a dog from a pup will give them the perfect dog, uh no! When you have a pup you have no idea how hard it is or what the dogs personality will be. I would always have an adult in future for this reason! Don't get me wrong Archie is a fantastic little dog, sweet as anything and so so loving! But the first few weeks were hard. There was lots of crying aaaaaaaall night, pooing, weeing, teething... much like a human baby! He still sometimes poo's through the night, it is something we have now accepted as no amount of training has stopped it. He knows it's wrong and looks all ashamed if himself when he's watching us clean it up but he simply can't help it! Not the end of the world and certainly doesn't bother us but could be a problem for some people. Then finally, along came Pickle ;D Rescued from Cardiff Dogs Home about 2 months ago (I think?) she is a fabulous little monster, but not at all what we thought she would be! In the home she was very calm, quiet and placid. Now she is like a whirlwind and her favourite thing to do is to squeal non-stop at pigeons in the street! Highly embarrassing! ;D She has also recently started chasing and barking at bikes, we have a mini Betty in the making haha! She is getting better and we will be taking her to classes when we get back from holiday but she can be very naughty at the moment! I think the point is whether a dog is rescue or not, adult or puppy, breed or mongrel you never know what they will truly be like until they are home and settled. It is something a lot of people can't comprehend and a reason why a lot get returned to the home. A dog is a massive commitment and you must be prepared to take the rough with the smooth before taking one on as you never know what will happen, but that's the fun part right? That said, they are very intelligent animals and are always able to learn. With a bit, ok sometimes a LOT of patience any dog can be put back on the straight and narrow. Just look at our Snoop ;D
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Post by Becky on Apr 26, 2012 7:51:25 GMT
Sioned, it was lovely to meet you on Saturday and even better to see how fantastic Billy is looking, he really has flourished with you guys He is a cracking boy!! Kirsty paints such a pretty picture of our pack, but it is all true!! We dont do easy dogs in our house . But I have to say that for every chase of a bike, or bark at a pensioner, or squeal at a pigeon or poo that greets us every morning, there is no feeling in the world like the feeling to coming home to a fab dog who loves you unconditionally!! Regardless of what you are wearing, if you have cleaned your teeth, if you have brushed your hair, they dont care less, they love you and they are so pleased to see you (whether you have been out for 4 hours or just popped to the corner shop!). You wouldnt get that from humans ;D
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Post by hwyaden on Apr 26, 2012 8:40:29 GMT
billly's a very lucky boy
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Post by daffysmum on Apr 26, 2012 8:43:07 GMT
Sioned
It was lovely to meet you on the weekend and see how great Billy was looking - I'm sure he looked fab in his new pyjamas you bought him.
We have three dogs at home.
Daffy was rescued from Cardiff Dogs Home about two years ago. She is very nervous of men and has a loud bark (well when I say bark, its sounds more like WOOOOOO WOOOOOO WOOOO) she can get quite scatty when we are walking her if she is unsure of the people that are around. BUT she really is a fab girl, she fusses over my kids (and the other dogs) like a nanny and there is nothing she likes more than a cuddle on the sofa. And what a welcome we get when we come home ;D
Smudge was rescued from Hope Resuce almost a year ago. He doesnt like people who wear flourescent yellow coats and can be a bit chopsy barking at the ducks in the park, but particularly the swans. He has bonded with my teenage daughter like you wouldn't believe. She has trained him from scratch and can even use hand signals to get him to follow commands now. He helped her through a difficult time and we wouldn't be without him.
Then there is the baby of the family, Sam. He is thirteen weeks old today. He is absolutely adorable and love to cuddle and swim in the bath. But, like you say, he is a baby and did cry in the night for a while and we are working on the house training. He gets the idea that he should go outside to the toilet.....most of the time.
Every dog will have its foibles but with patience and perserverence the love they give back is immense and unconditional.
I wouldn't be without my four legged family members.
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Post by sionedp on Apr 26, 2012 14:45:14 GMT
Wow! What an amazing mix of experiences with happy endings, thanks so much for sharing! It sounds like even with experience of dogs there can be challenges, and it's as much about you adapting as them also I love the phrase 'for every poo that greets you. . .' hehehe. It's true Billy is always pleased to see me and there's nothing like when he runs towards me - legs and ears all over the place : ) - lush. Lovely to meet you too Becky (and gorgeous pork chop!) and you Daffy's mum, smudge's girl and Smudge, Billy does love his pyjamas but has also peed all over them Probably to make sure we don't borrow them! Cheryl, Megs is brilliant with Billy, not grumpy, authoritative ;D Another great thing about Bill is he's inspired me to buy a camera and put pics up on the forum - which I will get round to eventually x
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Post by Jo on Apr 26, 2012 20:41:44 GMT
Hi Sioned I think I met you briefly last Saturday at Pets At Home with Billy. I was walking/holding/cwtching/loving Jade most of the day! I must say I am so impressed with everyone's perseverance and patience with their new rescue dogs. I wonder if these problems arise particularly more with dogs from pounds who may have been living in kennels for some weeks, months even? I had such an easy time with Patch by comparison! And I am well aware how very lucky I have been with him, and am eternally grateful for it. I will be looking for a companion for him in a couple of months, hopefully from CDH, and anticipate having less of an easy ride. I took on Patch at quite a dark time of my life... he has really been the one light for me in a dark tunnel! So it was a massive blessing that he was such an easy dog, as if it was meant to be. I don't think I would have coped with the stress as well as the rest of you, as well as the fact that he was my first ever dog of my own so I had no experience to draw upon. Patch only cried for the first night, chewed one piece of skirting, and maybe 3 or 4 cushions. I think I got let off quite lightly! He could have hated the cat but, despite wanting to chase all other cats, he respects and even looks up to her. She always goes to drink his water, and even eat his food, but he just looks on in a rather bemused fashion! I wonder if this difference is down to him coming from a foster home (through Hope Rescue), rather than straight from a kennel? Possibly. Despite being an "easy" dog, there was still a lot of training to put in, and people must always be prepared to put the work in... but I find this work a joy! It is such great fun teaching your dog new tricks and I am always in awe of the amazing things some people do with their dog! I can't wait to welcome another dog into our home... and it's great reading all your stories, preparing me for what might come! eek!
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Post by Baglady on Apr 26, 2012 23:00:47 GMT
Hi Sioned It was lovely to see you and Billy last weekend, and I'm sooooooo grateful that you've posted up about Billy's 'settling in period' There's nothing nicer than to read here on the forum about dogs that have gone to their new homes, settled in immediately, shared food and toys with resident cats and dogs.... .... who don't peep and poop in the house, don't upchucky in the car on their way home, don't chew chair legs or favourite slippers, don't cry immediately they are left for 3 seconds, who sleep like angels from the first night, who tear around off lead on their first day and come bounding back with a 100% recall.... Ahhh, yep, it's amazing when all that happens, but new adopters are just as likely to encounter settling in 'wibbles' and it's sooooooo important that people considering adopting a stray understand that it's a lifetime commitment, and sometimes (if not oftentimes) there will be things to 'work through' with your new dog. If people have an expectation that adopting a dog (or indeed, buying a puppy) should always be a breeze, sometimes the 'wake up call' can come as such a shock that the instinct is to give up. Sometimes, the rehoming simply isn't the right one You may have done all the preparation possible, may have covered every corner you could have, been willing to persevere, but it just isn't right Sometimes it happens, no-ones fault, it just isn't to be, and in this instances you simply have to do the right thing by the dog, and by your family, and existing pets, no matter how heartbroken it makes you feel. But if people go into their new relationship with a dog with eyes wide open, and a willingness to help their dog settle, attend training, put in the hours, then sometimes the wibble is simply that; a wibbly learning experience for the dog and the new owners, and the beginning of a 'for better for worse, in sickness and in health, till death us do part' lifetime commitment. Sioned, as I said, I'm so pleased that you've posted. It will give encouragement to others who may have found their first few days or weeks 'challenging', and underscores the importance of asking for professional help (as well as emotional support) if it's needed post adoption. It really was lovely to see you both Sioned, and thanks for your very honest post, I'm sure it will help a lot of people and ultimately, a lot of dogs
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Post by Kara Collie-Cross on Apr 27, 2012 8:13:16 GMT
Hello We didn't get to meet you on Saturday, I think you might have been gone by the time we chauffeured Sir Chad down. Would have been nice to meet you. Any friend of Cheryl's Megan is a friend of ours. ;D Kara has a bit of whippet or small lurcher in her we think (collie-x) and she likes sight hounds a lot. Your write up is great and reminds me a lot of when I first had Kara. Kara was 5 months old when she came to me, and I had no idea that that still meant 'puppy'. LOL Her previous owners had taught her very little and I remember when I first bought her home I thought "oh...my...God... whathaveIdone? " She chased the cat around the place, she was like a whirlwind all over the furniture, she was trying to eat other dog's poo, try to take cyclists off their bikes, chewing the TV remote controls to kingdom come, weeing in the kitchen, considerable separation anxiety, taking the stuffing out of anything that was stuffed... and she took "high energy" to another level.... And then there was the whole change to my routine... I couldn't go to the gym in the morning anymore cos she needed to be walked before work, I was also coming home at lunch time, after work you can't just flop on the sofa as she needs to go out... BUT... it was only 4 weeks or so and it felt like we'd always been together. Now she's clean, she's much calmer and no longer uses the living room for circuit training, she's become very affectionate, is full of personality and her and the cat are mates now and provide us with daily comedy. Life is a bit different... I used to be a real gym bunny, whereas now we walk a lot more. I've also made new friends since I've had her, like Cheryl. She also helped me pick a decent guy for once her she is a much better judge of character than me. When she first saw Gareth she ran up to him with a massive smile, like she'd known him in a previous life, threw herself on her back on his feet, legs akimbo, and was basically a complete tart!!! ;D LOL She comes on holidays with us and is naturally factored into everything we do. She's family. I wouldn't ever want to be without her.
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Post by sionedp on Apr 30, 2012 10:15:50 GMT
AWW thank you for all the brilliant stories!! Billy pushed himself through the cat flap while we were out over the weekend, broke it off the door, tore open three bin bags in the garden and threw rubbish everywhere! But after reading all your stoies we just laughed, good job we love him!! x x x
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Post by hwyaden on Apr 30, 2012 11:02:05 GMT
it's amazing what dogs and toddlers can get away with ;D
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Post by skye on Apr 30, 2012 19:48:54 GMT
Aww lush stories!
My jakey has been in comparison was way to easy, he slid right into the pack with none of the issues i expected from a rescue dog. Or so I thought for the first 2 months... over this time he started to join in the collies deep paranoia of the post man.. A bit of a bark but not something we are not used to, then about 3 weeks ago they all start off having a woof. I called out telling them to stop, number 1and 2 did but not jakey, so I yelled his name down the stairs again at which point he hid under a chair, growled and wet himself! lesson learnt for all of us, Jakey does not do loud voices!
It takes a long time to get to know a dog but seconds to fall in love with one!
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Post by hwyaden on May 1, 2012 7:32:10 GMT
awww poor boy - it makes you wonder what they've been through in their previous lives
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Post by Kara Collie-Cross on May 1, 2012 13:50:16 GMT
Well.... I came home during my lunch break to find cat and dog on bed... (nothing unusual about this)... Cat looking pleased with herself, dog looking guilty about something... (nothing unusual about this either...) and then I noticed that the mansize box of tissues had been shredded and evenly distributed across my bedroom, turning it into a lovely 'winter' scene.... *mutters*
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