[genux]

Hi, all

I recently adopted an 18-month old female. She‘s lived most her life in Toronto, ON but recently moved to California. She’s the gentlest soul I’ve ever met — eager to please and give lots of kisses to strangers.

She’s new to me and my area, so I’m keeping the 3-days, 3-weeks, 3-month adage to mind. But I’m also trying to get her into a routine and schedule so there’s something consistent she can count on.

I did my research the past several years before adopting V, but one area I feel like I don’t have a great grasp on is how to mentally stimulate them. I don’t foresee hunting in the near future, but would like to start with something doable at home (small area) before graduating to something more complicated. I’m trying to set both of us for success.

I’ve got plenty of opportunity for physical exertion — running, hiking, fetch. I’m assuming all the new sights, sounds, and smells might be enough stimulation for the short term. She hasn’t had much training from her previous family, so I’m starting with basic training for the next several weeks.

This forum helped with a lot of tips before to get me started. Here’s hoping she’ll flourish even more.

 

[genux]

Thank you. I have been considering and looking into those collars.

We have a few off-leash areas nearby that I plan on taking her to. She did well at the fenced dog park running around and chasing me, burning off stress. She comes to me when called, though not perfectly yet. But I’ll take it. Once we both trust each other enough to have reliable recall, I’ll go into the trails where she can really let loose and do her thing. That place I was researching the Garmin collars because we get very poor cell reception there.

As you said, assume nothing and start from scratch. We started with a 1+ hour walk + jog + run/chase in the dog park then some “find the treat” game with my hands.

She’s knocked out for the night. Phew!

now I know what people mean by a tired V is a good V. I know she’s still growing, and I’m excited we can grow together.

 

[genux]

Thanks. I’ll try the check cord and longer leash next week after getting in a solid, 1-week routine as we work on her loose-leash skills.

I know she desperately wants to run, but between the distractions and new environment, I’m at the bottom of her interest when trying to get her to me. She does seem to return when she’s scared or tired. I’ll be working with whistles as my lips don’t do a good job in the rain.

I’d like to ask for tips on getting her used to being alone even for just short bits of time. I believe this falls under the separation anxiety umbrella of stuff, and I don’t know if it’s harder for an 18-month old whose training is non-existent.

Looking at her notes:

• She slept with previous owner (so I’m assuming no crate training)
• In the 5 days before transitioning to me, she was boarded in a facility with her own room, with “play time” — maybe every few hours or so

At home, I have her travel kennel with her crate pad; I found a blanket she’s very comfortable with and I’m training it to be her calming area / “place”.

I will try and train her to get used to sleeping in her crate even if only just for naps; unlocked crate for now.

In the few days she’s been with me, she loves being by my side (Velcro?)

When I go to the bathroom, she goes to her place and is calm

However, when I have to leave her alone in my living room to go empty the trash, pick up mail, etc — she starts whining. I’m doing this in short increments first, 1-5 minutes but I don’t know the line between my returning being a “reward” to her whining or “tough love” to let her chill on her own.

thoughts / advise?

I know this isn’t uncommon since there are many adult-rescues, but I’m wondering if there’s a difference between puppy tactics vs some dog that’s had “history”.

 

[genux]

Thank you very much for your insight and suggestions. She is a giant puppy goofball that I see is very willing to please.

She does so much better with a long leash (30’) than short; often looking back, coming back, and staying within 30’. We’ll continue to build this.

She’s starting to stare and be still with birds, eyes forward, sometimes body trembling, deaf to everything else. Unsure what to do this right now — mark, praise? She even foregoes her liver treats.

Squirrels she goes bananas and lunges. This is going to be a challenge for me while in the suburbs with moderate vehicle traffic.

Fun and new things ahead of us.