Dog Rescue Stories: Tell Me the Good, the Bad and the Ugly

[Anonymous]

I have a pit bull we rescued 6 years ago and she is wonderful! That being said there is an adjustment period with any dog. We had some chewing and leash issues as well, but they were all resolved within that first year. Training classes worked wonders for us as we started to build that trust relationship. If your dog is food motivated, high value treats can be a big help (for us, hot dogs and string cheese). It takes time so be patient. Your dog doesn't know you yet and you don't know your dog. As far as digging outdoors, supervise your dog outside and redirect to a different activity.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I understand that. Read the research. Bottom line is on aggression and somehow genetic issues have become not politically correct to discuss. There are reasons the rescue/shelter misled you on potential breeds. Just like my herding breed ...Google Eugene Smith from Frederick MD.

I hadn't heard that story. So sad.

I agree with you too about the rescue and being honest about mixes.

+100 EVERY rescue dog is really a "Lab" -- they lie all the time. and genetic traits in dogs are real.

[Anonymous]

I rescued a 3 year old lab/shepherd mix 8 years ago. It became apparent after I adopted him that, while he was house trained and knew basic commands, he was terrified of men (and had actually been returned once for snapping at a male in his new family). He was a great dog from the start, but a few months in I was worried I was going to have to rehome him due to his anxiety/aggression. With time, support, and a lot of cut up hot dogs supplied by good natured male friends and my very-good-sport of a boyfriend (now DH) he's turned into just about the best dog ever. Friends are shocked he ever had issues since he now flops on the floor in front of just about anyone, begging belly rubs. He's been a great big brother to my sons and a wonderful companion. I'm so glad I invested the time in him when he was a new troubled rescue.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here again. Does anyone have any advice for this specific problem? My dog very much likes to chew, but everything I buy her to chew on (kong rawhides, rope toy, antler, etc) she desperately wants to bury in the backyard. She whines at the backdoor begging to be let out to bury whatever it is I give her. The first few days l let her bc I wanted her to feel comfortable which was probably a mistake. Honestly the first time it happened it never occurred to me that she would actually bury the toy. I thought that was a dog cliche. . Anyway, I want her to chew on this stuff, instead of my socks. Any thoughts? As I type this she has given up trying to bury her antler in the backyard and is digginng into my sofa to bury under the cushions. Luckily she hasn't torn anything yet. Help?

Maybe things were always taken away from her in her previous life, so she just wants them to be safe? Poor thing - hope she relaxes soon!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here again. Does anyone have any advice for this specific problem? My dog very much likes to chew, but everything I buy her to chew on (kong rawhides, rope toy, antler, etc) she desperately wants to bury in the backyard. She whines at the backdoor begging to be let out to bury whatever it is I give her. The first few days l let her bc I wanted her to feel comfortable which was probably a mistake. Honestly the first time it happened it never occurred to me that she would actually bury the toy. I thought that was a dog cliche. . Anyway, I want her to chew on this stuff, instead of my socks. Any thoughts? As I type this she has given up trying to bury her antler in the backyard and is digginng into my sofa to bury under the cushions. Luckily she hasn't torn anything yet. Help?

Your first problem is that you're on the computer while she's doing what you consider to be unwanted behavior and you're just sitting idly by, letting it happen. If you see the dog doing unwanted behavior, you need to immediately correct it. Every time it happens.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I rescued a cockapoo from my mother. I was there for a visit and just ... could not leave the dog that way. So I took her. Called live in boyfriend from the road and said I'm bringing home a dog. He loved me a lot bc he promptly ran out for dog food and a leash and other supplies, then worked from home for two weeks so he could train her.

She used to be terribly behaved but was smart and eager to please us. She clearly knows she was rescued and even now eight years later gazes at my husband adoringly. It took her a month to stop chewing shoes snd learn which were her toys.

When my mom has visited she has been fearful of her. I'd never stolen a dog before, but it is the most rewarding thing I've ever done.

This is super sweet. Hope the boyfriend in your story is the same guy who is now your husband?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here again. Does anyone have any advice for this specific problem? My dog very much likes to chew, but everything I buy her to chew on (kong rawhides, rope toy, antler, etc) she desperately wants to bury in the backyard. She whines at the backdoor begging to be let out to bury whatever it is I give her. The first few days l let her bc I wanted her to feel comfortable which was probably a mistake. Honestly the first time it happened it never occurred to me that she would actually bury the toy. I thought that was a dog cliche. . Anyway, I want her to chew on this stuff, instead of my socks. Any thoughts? As I type this she has given up trying to bury her antler in the backyard and is digginng into my sofa to bury under the cushions. Luckily she hasn't torn anything yet. Help?

Maybe things were always taken away from her in her previous life, so she just wants them to be safe? Poor thing - hope she relaxes soon!

Just takes time. My dog does the same thing, and it is common for well-fed dogs to want to bury and hoard food items. If they are Not hungry, it gets hidden! As for toys, mine is a hoarder. He likes them all in one spot, the sunroom. Maybe find a good place for your dog to hide his toys.

Finally, find items to chew that's mimic

[Anonymous]

Sorry! Hit submit by accident. Find things that mimic the things he likes to chew. Our dog loves our shoes so we gave him an older pair. If he tried to go for our good sHoes, we redirected him To HIS shoes. We did find out , however, that our scent was part of the enticement, so we occasionally wore the old shoes.

Eventually, he just learned and all is well now. He chews his own stuff and Stopped burying every bone.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Agree - Rotties do think they are lap dogs. I would be happier to find out that I had a Rottie mix than a lab mix. Labs can be crazy as a young dogs.

All rescue dogs (I have two currently) need time to adjust and learn the rules. What you have to remember is that you are the rule giver. Bones do not get buried in the yard, so that it a NO. There are plenty of YES times to go around. Just be consistent and keep your voice low.

+1 my best friend's parents had a full blood rottie in high school but sadly she passed away recently. But she was raised from a puppy along with two poodles and I'll be damned if that dog didn't think she was also a lap dog! Loved her.

[Anonymous]

OP, don't let anxious, alarmist, cat people tell you that you have a dangerous breed. There are some people who are not accustomed to large breeds, and they have missed out.

Our dog is absolutely a lab mix (like it or not), and he is awesome! Lucky Dog here, also.

If you go to a trainer, whether it be group or individual, you will see a big difference in your dog's (and your) behaviors.

[Anonymous]

When I adopted my dog she was three and had never been on a leash. She was such a nightmare, I would cry on our walks because I was so frustrated by how poorly she behaved. But! We took an obedience class and soon she was a dream on the leash, and in the house. Hang in there!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:When I adopted my dog she was three and had never been on a leash. She was such a nightmare, I would cry on our walks because I was so frustrated by how poorly she behaved. But! We took an obedience class and soon she was a dream on the leash, and in the house. Hang in there!

OP here, thank you! This is the kind of story I was looking for! I just need some examples of situations like this where it all worked out well, to give me a light at the end of the tunnel. Thank you!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:When I adopted my dog she was three and had never been on a leash. She was such a nightmare, I would cry on our walks because I was so frustrated by how poorly she behaved. But! We took an obedience class and soon she was a dream on the leash, and in the house. Hang in there!

OP here, thank you! This is the kind of story I was looking for! I just need some examples of situations like this where it all worked out well, to give me a light at the end of the tunnel. Thank you!

You're welcome! I also had another dog that was feral and had been abused. She was extremely skittish and afraid of everything. It took her a lot longer to settle in (years, not weeks or months) but she did get better, too!

[Anonymous]

It's completely normal for them to have issues at first. They don't know you're their person yet, they don't know you are their permanent person, and often will have survival habits/bad habits. They often will be nervous and scared at first.

I adopted my rescue dog 4.5 months ago. She's 2 years old. She's come a long ways - the first 2-3 weeks was tough.

Her destructive chewing behavior has gone down, she listens a lot better, walks on a leash better, and its noticeable that we've developed a bond and that she trusts me now. Took her to the vet today and the difference was HUGE, especially considering she was getting shots.

I really have no regrets. I'm actually considering a second dog sometime in the near future.

[Anonymous]

Most of the dogs in my neighborhood that I see at our many parks, including my own dog, came from Washington Animal Rescue League. Breeds of all kinds.