Leo is a Mess.

Hiccups49 · 09-13-2011, 12:58 AM

So, as some of you have read I got Leo in NM a few days ago. A little about him to help you along.
He is 10 months old.
He has been eating a raw diet (only) for the past 8 months. For example, Raw meat and chicken. No veggies just meat.
He has never been to a veterinarian in his entire life.
He is not neutered.
He has never been around a male human.
He has never been around other people besides his previous family nor has he ever left the house since birth.
He is underweight.
He has never been to a groomer and had mats in his fur.

Now that you know the main things about him. I am now working with him on manners and eating furry friend food. He went to the vet today (had to be pushed and carried in) and he is being neutered tomorrow morning. Did I mention microchipped? He is getting up to date on vaccines tomorrow and will be visiting the veterinarian once a week for the next few months to help get over his fears. My husband is trust building and we are trying to be as patient as possible. My questions are this.. How do I get him to eat dog food? Should I take him to dog parks to get him used to other dogs and people? Or is it to soon? Any other suggestions on how to make him feel more welcome?

Hiccups49 · 09-13-2011, 01:00 AM

I almost forgot. Leo got groomed today and looks quite handsome. He did really well for a pup who has never been groomed before. Loved the bath but the brushing was a little hard on him. Poor big guy.

Ace's Place · 09-13-2011, 09:46 AM

I really just want to say how happy I am that you have Leo and he is in a home that will provide him with all the things he needs. I don't have specific information to help, but I know you will get some good input here. I guess I would just say that labradoodles are smart dogs so just give Leo time. One thing I learned from Cesar Milan is that yawning does not always mean tired - it can also mean a dog is thinking about something you are asking it to do - or thinking about a new situation. I saw a lot of that with Ace. Thinking you might too.....just something to know I guess as you try to socialize Leo. Also, I might hold off on the dog park or just bring Leo to the gate to watch what is going on. The dog park can be overwhelming even for highly socialized dogs. See if you can find dogs in the neighborhood he can just spend a few minutes with - you know some "meet and greets" if you will....

Ace's Place · 09-13-2011, 09:46 AM

Oh - and have fun and enjoy your new family member!!!

**lindamarie** · 09-13-2011, 10:42 AM

WT??

I first have to get over my shock!

What kind of people are they? Are they breeders or did they just buy a dog they ignored?

Like Ace, I am sooooo happy YOU have him now and that he will enjoy a normal life.....WHEW!!!

Ace left plenty of good comments and I agree with all of them. Let him get use to you and a normal life. Putting him in a dog park right now might frighten him and he may become squeamish or may even aggressive in defense of himself. Break him in easily with all things.

As far as eating dog food, what food are you feeding him? This might be a tough one for you since he's use to raw. Are you sure it was raw or did they just throw him scraps? (sarcasm couldn't be helped).
I hate to tell you to mix kibbles with other foods like raw or scraps, because then you'll wind up doing that all his life.

I would look for a food that's the closest to raw you can get. I did some research on this when I thought of going raw for Bogart. Orijen was the one I chose.

It's so good to hear that you and your husband are willing to work with him. That poor doodle lived in hell for 10 months!

jodysh · 09-13-2011, 11:29 AM

Awwww....also glad you found him and rescued him from that "life". Best of luck to you all!

I used to hand feed Malcolm his kibble. I guess it's a bonding exercise which I found posted on this website actually it was called Lucy Learns. I think there may be videos as well on youtube.

Anyway for that exercise I stood his food bowl in my hand (don't think you have to hold the bowl though you can just hold pieces of kibble) held up high to my chest. I'd have him sit and once seated feed him a piece of kibble and give praise. If he stays seated immediately give more kibble and praise and just continue until his meal is complete. You need to bend at the knees and not lean over and make sure the kibble is right in front of his mouth.

Hope this helps!

**lindamarie** · 09-13-2011, 11:30 AM

Good advice Jody!

Hiccups49 · 09-13-2011, 12:55 PM

Leo's Pre-op Blood Work came back okay. His HWT was neg. I know this because I called my work 4x this morning starting at 6:30 a.m . I haven't slept very well... He is all set for his neuter. I know he must be scared.

I work for vet's office and I get Science Diet @ a major discount so he will be eating that. I have tried hand feeding him but he doesn't respond just yet. He doesn't like treats (we even tried pill pockets). He has some very bad habits that we will need to break. His last owner encouraged jumping up on people (to give hugs). So, we're working on "off"..

He was bought from a "breeder" who ended up with to many dogs. She couldn't provide vaccine history so I am guessing he has NEVER had vaccines. She did tell me he has never left her house so he might be a little nervous. I didn't get the whole picture until I took him of what she meant. I sometimes find myself carrying around a huge Labradoodle.

For now, that's fine.. I get it.. It's a work in progress and I won't give up on him.
I am VERY, VERY glad to have Leo as part of our family. I missed him last night and can't wait to get to work to see him. I hope he is doing well. Poor big guy. I can only guess how he must feel. The last few days he has been groomed, neutered, taken from his family, switched families, went on a 8 hour car ride, met a new family with another dog, gotten blood taken, gotten vaccines and of course switched from actual RAW chicken and beef to hard doggy food.

Thanks everyone for your post. I am glad for your comments. I think btw we will start with walks around the neighborhood.

Daisy'sMom · 09-14-2011, 08:54 AM

Leo sounds soooo sweet. Bless his little heart. He is so very lucky to have you

Brenna's Mom · 09-14-2011, 04:37 PM

What about moistening his kibble with some chicken or beef broth, get low salt.
I'm sure the poor thing is overwhelmed with all the shots, neutering, etc.
Maybe keeping him him in quiet surroundings with lots of love and petting will help a lot.
I agree about the dog park. Will your vet let him socialize with dogs at your office now and then.
My vet told me to keep Brenna home until she had all her shots and then about a month after that. I have another dog and I am not fond of dog parks, afraid of some nasty dog being there and my dogs are nothing but love.

Hiccups49 · 09-14-2011, 07:52 PM

Leo is NOW eating his doggy food.

I hand fed him for few hours last night. He seems okay with his food now

Thanks all for the advice.

My doctor is going to let me bring him a few x a week if I need/want to.

I work for the best people.

jodysh · 09-15-2011, 09:13 AM

Yay Leo! I'm glad he's progressing

**lindamarie** · 09-15-2011, 01:31 PM

WOOHOOOO!!!

Hiccups49 · 09-17-2011, 12:42 AM

Jodysh- Thanks for your support.

I appreciate it.

Riverkatie · 09-18-2011, 05:59 PM

I am so glad Leo is doing better. I do feed raw, as many people do, but kibble is OK too if that is what works for you. Raw is quite hard work to do properly.

I second the hand feeding. get hubby to hand feed as often as possible to help bonding. If he has not been around males or children then try and borrow some. get the chaps to wear hats or scarves, try and find ones with beards or mustaches! Bribe them with beer and sky sports if necessary! Bribe the kids with a party!

Let Leo ignore them until he is happy to approach. Then have the man (child) quietly hand feed kibble at leos own pace. Soon he will think all men are wonderful!

Kikopup has some great clicker training for not jumping up.

How to stop Jumping up!- clicker dog training - YouTube

09-13-2011, 12:58 AM	#1 (permalink)
Hiccups49 Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Colorado Posts: 22	Leo is a Mess. So, as some of you have read I got Leo in NM a few days ago. A little about him to help you along. He is 10 months old. He has been eating a raw diet (only) for the past 8 months. For example, Raw meat and chicken. No veggies just meat. He has never been to a veterinarian in his entire life. He is not neutered. He has never been around a male human. He has never been around other people besides his previous family nor has he ever left the house since birth. He is underweight. He has never been to a groomer and had mats in his fur. Now that you know the main things about him. I am now working with him on manners and eating furry friend food. He went to the vet today (had to be pushed and carried in) and he is being neutered tomorrow morning. Did I mention microchipped? He is getting up to date on vaccines tomorrow and will be visiting the veterinarian once a week for the next few months to help get over his fears. My husband is trust building and we are trying to be as patient as possible. My questions are this.. How do I get him to eat dog food? Should I take him to dog parks to get him used to other dogs and people? Or is it to soon? Any other suggestions on how to make him feel more welcome?

09-13-2011, 10:42 AM	#5 (permalink)
lindamarie Super Moderator Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Birmingham, Michigan Posts: 6,171	WT?? I first have to get over my shock! What kind of people are they? Are they breeders or did they just buy a dog they ignored? Like Ace, I am sooooo happy YOU have him now and that he will enjoy a normal life.....WHEW!!! Ace left plenty of good comments and I agree with all of them. Let him get use to you and a normal life. Putting him in a dog park right now might frighten him and he may become squeamish or may even aggressive in defense of himself. Break him in easily with all things. As far as eating dog food, what food are you feeding him? This might be a tough one for you since he's use to raw. Are you sure it was raw or did they just throw him scraps? (sarcasm couldn't be helped). I hate to tell you to mix kibbles with other foods like raw or scraps, because then you'll wind up doing that all his life. I would look for a food that's the closest to raw you can get. I did some research on this when I thought of going raw for Bogart. Orijen was the one I chose. It's so good to hear that you and your husband are willing to work with him. That poor doodle lived in hell for 10 months! __________________ Linda & Bogart Dogs=Unconditional love "We have it all! Just like Bogie & Bacall!"

09-13-2011, 11:30 AM	#7 (permalink)
lindamarie Super Moderator Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Birmingham, Michigan Posts: 6,171	Good advice Jody! __________________ Linda & Bogart Dogs=Unconditional love "We have it all! Just like Bogie & Bacall!"

09-13-2011, 12:55 PM	#8 (permalink)
Hiccups49 Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Colorado Posts: 22	Update** Leo's Pre-op Blood Work came back okay. His HWT was neg. I know this because I called my work 4x this morning starting at 6:30 a.m . I haven't slept very well... He is all set for his neuter. I know he must be scared. I work for vet's office and I get Science Diet @ a major discount so he will be eating that. I have tried hand feeding him but he doesn't respond just yet. He doesn't like treats (we even tried pill pockets). He has some very bad habits that we will need to break. His last owner encouraged jumping up on people (to give hugs). So, we're working on "off".. He was bought from a "breeder" who ended up with to many dogs. She couldn't provide vaccine history so I am guessing he has NEVER had vaccines. She did tell me he has never left her house so he might be a little nervous. I didn't get the whole picture until I took him of what she meant. I sometimes find myself carrying around a huge Labradoodle. For now, that's fine.. I get it.. It's a work in progress and I won't give up on him. I am VERY, VERY glad to have Leo as part of our family. I missed him last night and can't wait to get to work to see him. I hope he is doing well. Poor big guy. I can only guess how he must feel. The last few days he has been groomed, neutered, taken from his family, switched families, went on a 8 hour car ride, met a new family with another dog, gotten blood taken, gotten vaccines and of course switched from actual RAW chicken and beef to hard doggy food. Thanks everyone for your post. I am glad for your comments. I think btw we will start with walks around the neighborhood.

09-15-2011, 01:31 PM	#13 (permalink)
lindamarie Super Moderator Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Birmingham, Michigan Posts: 6,171	WOOHOOOO!!! __________________ Linda & Bogart Dogs=Unconditional love "We have it all! Just like Bogie & Bacall!"

09-13-2011, 01:00 AM	#2 (permalink)
Hiccups49 Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Colorado Posts: 22	I almost forgot. Leo got groomed today and looks quite handsome. He did really well for a pup who has never been groomed before. Loved the bath but the brushing was a little hard on him. Poor big guy.

09-13-2011, 09:46 AM	#3 (permalink)
Ace's Place Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Connecticut Posts: 124	I really just want to say how happy I am that you have Leo and he is in a home that will provide him with all the things he needs. I don't have specific information to help, but I know you will get some good input here. I guess I would just say that labradoodles are smart dogs so just give Leo time. One thing I learned from Cesar Milan is that yawning does not always mean tired - it can also mean a dog is thinking about something you are asking it to do - or thinking about a new situation. I saw a lot of that with Ace. Thinking you might too.....just something to know I guess as you try to socialize Leo. Also, I might hold off on the dog park or just bring Leo to the gate to watch what is going on. The dog park can be overwhelming even for highly socialized dogs. See if you can find dogs in the neighborhood he can just spend a few minutes with - you know some "meet and greets" if you will....

09-13-2011, 09:46 AM	#4 (permalink)
Ace's Place Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Connecticut Posts: 124	Oh - and have fun and enjoy your new family member!!!

09-13-2011, 11:29 AM	#6 (permalink)
jodysh Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Ohio Posts: 222	Awwww....also glad you found him and rescued him from that "life". Best of luck to you all! I used to hand feed Malcolm his kibble. I guess it's a bonding exercise which I found posted on this website actually it was called Lucy Learns. I think there may be videos as well on youtube. Anyway for that exercise I stood his food bowl in my hand (don't think you have to hold the bowl though you can just hold pieces of kibble) held up high to my chest. I'd have him sit and once seated feed him a piece of kibble and give praise. If he stays seated immediately give more kibble and praise and just continue until his meal is complete. You need to bend at the knees and not lean over and make sure the kibble is right in front of his mouth. Hope this helps!

09-14-2011, 08:54 AM	#9 (permalink)
Daisy'sMom Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 202	Leo sounds soooo sweet. Bless his little heart. He is so very lucky to have you

09-14-2011, 04:37 PM	#10 (permalink)
Brenna's Mom Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 34	What about moistening his kibble with some chicken or beef broth, get low salt. I'm sure the poor thing is overwhelmed with all the shots, neutering, etc. Maybe keeping him him in quiet surroundings with lots of love and petting will help a lot. I agree about the dog park. Will your vet let him socialize with dogs at your office now and then. My vet told me to keep Brenna home until she had all her shots and then about a month after that. I have another dog and I am not fond of dog parks, afraid of some nasty dog being there and my dogs are nothing but love.

09-14-2011, 07:52 PM	#11 (permalink)
Hiccups49 Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Colorado Posts: 22	Leo is NOW eating his doggy food. I hand fed him for few hours last night. He seems okay with his food now Thanks all for the advice. My doctor is going to let me bring him a few x a week if I need/want to. I work for the best people.

09-15-2011, 09:13 AM	#12 (permalink)
jodysh Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Ohio Posts: 222	Yay Leo! I'm glad he's progressing

09-17-2011, 12:42 AM	#14 (permalink)
Hiccups49 Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Colorado Posts: 22	Jodysh- Thanks for your support. I appreciate it.

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