Waiting for my foster to arrive

[sheamusmom]

I've been waiting for a female doodle to arrive from a shelter in WV. Transportation issues then snowstorms have prevented her from arriving earlier. Unfortunately she's been in the shelter for 2 months, and apparently has developed some dog aggression issues. She was a sweet happy pooch picked up as a stray. I'm hoping some time in a loving home will turn her around. I'm a bit worried about the logistics of keeping her separated from my 3 pooches until she feels safer.

[anny51]

Hope she arrives safely Liz, and settles down quickly when she realises she's in a caring home. Don't know what to say about the separation issue, that sounds a bit tricky, but lots of luck and I hope it turns out not to be a problem.

[Raleighsmom]

Good luck with her Liz....I'm sure with your great care as a foster mom that she'll revert to her sweet Doodle ways, after she settles down...she's under a lot of stress, and the transport will only add to it...time is a healer of all wounds!

[gene]

Liz,
I may be able to help. My first foster came to me with male dog aggression issues. What i did was crated her for the first few days in a place where she could see and smell all so that she got more comfortable and learned the run of the rest of the pack. I had a gate around the crate so no one could get too near. There was some noise for the first day and a half, but if got better. I would take her out separate from the rest for exercise and potty breaks. Then I had her gated for another day. On the 4th day, I couldn't get my Rumor to come into the house, so I decided to try to introduce the 2 of them first. It worked out fine. I really believe that sometimes the dog aggression is caused mostly by fear.
If I can help at all....feel free to contact me. Good luck with the foster and thanks for saving a doodle! Bless you!

[gracielou]

I think what Gene suggest is a good idea, I've done this in the past when bringing an older dog in with the rest of my pack. Good Luck!

[kirama]

What has worked for me in the past is to separate the dogs to a distance where neither one aggresses, have them both on lead. Throw treats a few feet in front of each dog and they will move closer to each other, unless one of the dogs is really neurotic, the exercise usually results in 2 dogs stuffed with treats sniffing each others butts

[sarahann]

Also don't ever punish her for her aggression. As Gene said it is probably fear based and punishment will make it worse. At the same time don't coddle her either because it will just tell her the aggressive behavior is ok. I think Gene's method sounds great. You can also teach her to 'leave it' when she over-reacts and get her to focus on you. It's tough because you need her to trust you before this method works. I think having her in a house with a loving balanced pack will help her greatly!

Good luck!

[sarahann]

ps. can't wait to see pics!

[sheamusmom]

I'm meeting the truck tonight at 8pm.... I'm excited. Tomorrow I'll be outside taking some pictures... I have a nice crate, new fleece blanket for crate, and new collar and toys for April.

[gene]

Will be keeping you in my thoughts. It's so exciting to get a new foster. I've got another one on tuesday...talk about a house full!

[Raleighsmom]

It's Saturday Liz....where's the pics???????????

[sheamusmom]

Well, April is here. She's a sweet, gentle blonde girl, with a tail that wags a mile a minute. We've had some minor growly episodes between dogs, so I'm keeping my three and April separated. I feel like all day I've been running a giant shell game. She's a bit skittish which is so understandable. I haven't gotten any good pictures, hopefully tomorrow I'll have success.
She's very thin, only 43 lb, her hip bones and ribs have no padding. She's got a raw abrasion over one of her elbows, I assume from lying on the cement floor at the shelter for 2 months. I took her next door to the park for a walk alone, and as soon as she saw another dog she slipped out of her new collar and ran to the dog, wagging her tail like mad. Luckily, she was easy to grab. From now on the walks will have a choke collar.
She's peacefully lying on the floor as I type... life is good.

[gene]

Congrats! So much for the dog aggression theory. I've been watching this tread waiting to hear how it was going. There will be some growling, just keep and eye on it, and don't them them sense that it over concerns you. Sometimes that just fuels it. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions. Now, about that picture.......

[sarahann]

I'm so glad that she got there safely and is doing well!

I'm with Gene... lets see some pics!!

[Raleighsmom]

Aww Liz....glad to hear she's finally with you...April is a great name!! It sounds like she is going to get wonderful care from you, and Sheamus will be her best Buddy! Life may be good for you, but it's a wonderful blessing for April!!! Can't wait to see her! If you feel she can handle it in a few weeks after she settles in, come on over, and she can meet Raleigh, and we'll take them to the dog park for a good romp!