Intro for Newbie

[SamsonsMom]

Hi - I just brought home Samson, a 7 month old black labradoodle, yesterday. I am so excited. I did some research and thought I would find a labradoodle that needed a new home. And that's what I did - Samson needed a new home.

Samson is such a sweetheart. Scared right now. So I haven't taken pictures yet. I'm just letting him get a feel of his new home. Any tips on helping Samson come out of his shell? Or making him feel more comfortable?

Thanks

[Jac]

Hi! Welcome to you and to Samson! We are so glad you joined us...and congratulaions on rescuing sweet Samson.

There are many things you can do to ease Samson into his new home...the first is to let him explore on his own and don't invite people to meet him until he is comfortable there...that is a fine line because you do want to socialize Samson, but I believe that he needs to adjust and feel secure with you before he meets other people.

He may mark...or have potty accidents, if so, just try to distract him without punishment or harsh language...sometimes that backfires and the dog learns only to hide from you when he potties, not to go outside.

If you use a crate for him, be sure that no one is allowed to climb inside with him...I don't know if you have children or not, but the crate should be Samson's safe place and he needs to know that he can go there when he needs to be left alone. You might want to cover the crate with a sheet or blanket, to make it more secure for him.

Then, just be very patient and let him offer the things he wants to offer...when he comes to you for love, that is a very good thing...but be careful about reaching above his head...sometimes dogs have a fear of this...best to scratch his chest until you know him better...and don't hug him until you know he will allow it...sometimes dogs hate to be hugged.

As you feel comfortable, introduce him (gradually) to other dogs and other people, but always in a controlled environment so that you can intervene if you need to.

Most importantly, let Samson know that you will protect him...that way he won't need to protect himself...

Again, congratulations and best wishes to you and Samson!

[Jac]

One more thing...if you have children, this might be a good article: http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Conten ... C=0&A=2229
In fact, check out that site, it is loaded with great information. I don't agree with everything they say, of course, (they are sometimes "down" on mixed breed dogs...shame on them!) but for the most part the info is solid and good.

[SamsonsMom]

Thanks for the great advice!! I do have a 6 year old boy. He is very well behaved around doggies. He has 2 large dogs at his Dad's house and has learned how to respect and treat them. I'll be sure to read the article though.

And that's what I thought I'd do, let Samson scope out the place, go through our routine normally and let him come to us. I was going to take him to the vet to get him introduced to the vet, but I think I'm going to wait until he's comfortable with us first. Unless that's just a HUGE No-No. LOL. Samson appears healthy, and is UTD on shots.

Thanks for the advice and the welcome!!

[Raleighsmom]

Welcome Samson's mom!!! Nice to meet you....you are to be commended for giving this sweet dog a second chance...and I know you'll enjoy every momet with him...he'll bring you much love and comfort and a lot of laughs, (and even the naughty things he might dream up) which I hope you'll share with us...and when you get a chance, we'd love to see him! Sounds like you and your son will make a wonderful home for him!

[Teena]

Hi there and welcome!
I am also new, but have managed to get hooked on this forum in a few short weeks! haha
I also have adopted a 7 month old mini Labradoodle, Bailey.
We have had her for about 5 weeks now, and we are already soooo attached to her!
When she first arrived, she was very scared, hiding under our armpits and jumping at everything!
She was scared of cars, people and other dogs.
Since we have had her, she has come out of her shell a lot!!
She was comfortable with us straight away, but it took sitting with her out on the nature strip for 10 mins every morning and night to get her used to the cars.
We slowly introduced her to a variety of people, she is still wary, but doing very well!
We have managed to get her into puppy class, and that is helping her a lot with her doggy socialisation, and start her in Obedience class in 2 weeks.
Sometimes Bailey is still scared of things, but it really doesnt take her long to come out of her shell!

I have started to notice her showing off in front of company now, and sprinting all over the house!!
She is the cutest little thing, and i am so happy to see her get more confident!!

I just know your little one will be the same, as everyone has said, its just love and patience.

(We would love to see pictures)!! xo

Teena, Kane & Bailey

[SamsonsMom]

Thanks everyone for the Welcome! I tried taking pictures last night but the flash seemed to bother him, so I got one picture that's not that good - and decided to wait. Samson looks just like Raliegh though.

I was ABSOLUTELY surprised last night. It took about 10 minutes of him running in circles around me while I sat on the porch in the backyard, but he finally came and gave me a kiss. My son was amazed by how he "trots". Samson doesn't walk, he prances. LOL. And Samson did GREAT indoors - he watched from a distance as I cooked dinner and every now and then he would pop his head into the kitchen. I had made Samson up a "safe, Samson only" area in a quiet room of the house, but Samson decided the bathroom was better. LOL. He is just so different from any other dog I've seen. His attitude is so different. But different in a good way.

[tuffystar]

Originally Posted by SamsonsMom

Thanks everyone for the Welcome! I tried taking pictures last night but the flash seemed to bother him, so I got one picture that's not that good - and decided to wait. Samson looks just like Raliegh though.

Hi and welcome! I just wanted to add a tip for photos. I get my best pictures of Tia and Buddy when I turn off the flash and turn on a lot of lights behind me and facing the dogs. I use treats to keep them where I want and use tons of patience. Oh yes I turn the camera on to the setting that takes pictures very quickly and I just have to hold the button down. I know how hard it is to get good pictures of a black dog but that is what works for me. I can't wait to see pictures but take your time. And again welcome!!

[Jac]

Originally Posted by SamsonsMom

Thanks everyone for the Welcome! I tried taking pictures last night but the flash seemed to bother him, so I got one picture that's not that good - and decided to wait. Samson looks just like Raliegh though.

I was ABSOLUTELY surprised last night. It took about 10 minutes of him running in circles around me while I sat on the porch in the backyard, but he finally came and gave me a kiss. My son was amazed by how he "trots". Samson doesn't walk, he prances. LOL. And Samson did GREAT indoors - he watched from a distance as I cooked dinner and every now and then he would pop his head into the kitchen. I had made Samson up a "safe, Samson only" area in a quiet room of the house, but Samson decided the bathroom was better. LOL. He is just so different from any other dog I've seen. His attitude is so different. But different in a good way.

Awww, it sounds like you are doing a great job! And you have already noticed the Doodle 500 and the Poodle prance...you are going to be super at this! Samson is in good hands...loving hands.

[SamsonsMom]

Well just set up Samson's appointment to get neutered. Vets office that I was referred to has a waiting list for the procedure. October 9th is the big day - but hey at least gives Samson some time to adjust more before taking him in for surgery. He goes in this Saturday to just get established with the vet. A doggie well visit.

[Jac]

Awww, no one likes to have their dogs go through surgery but it is good for him...he will do great and you will be happy that you had it done before he matures!

[SamsonsMom]

Forgot I had this pic on my computer. It's the pic from Samson's ad when he was up for adoption.

[lindamarie]

WELCOME!!
OH!! HE IS ADORABLE!!!

[Jac]

What a sweet doodle! And I am soooooooo glad that you rescued him! He is a doll baby!

[SamsonsMom]

Thanks guys!! I think he's gorgeous, but all the doodles on this forum are so pretty! I just love the diverse looks in the doodle breed. No two seem to look exactly alike!