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Zebedee · Moderator

You will succeed Tricia. Very Happy

They are very intelligent and biddable dogs once they are aware of what you want from them.

Best of luck - to both of you! Very Happy

And Misty, if she boots you out come and live with us. Our Gracie would love you, and so would we!! Very Happy

moblee

Hello Tricia,Best of luck for both of you.
We are new to this dog lark with chester and occasionally we have had times when I have thought what have we done Exclamation

I think it's a big adjustment for both sides & hard work at times Exclamation

Anyway Good luck hope it works out.

Zebedee · Moderator

Hi Phil

Saw your post about the baby teeth the other day. Chester will be far less concerned than you I bet! Very Happy

They take it in their stride as a rule, though he will probably start chewing, if he hasn't already.

I'd suggest you get a copy of "The Doglopaedia." by Evans and White. ISBN 0-9510620 8 5

It's a slightly unusual layout, but is an excellent guide to looking after your dog's health and well being.

Both Mrs Zeb and I have had dogs all our lives so we know a bit about them, but we still turn to this book whenever the current mutt shows any unusual symptoms and we want reassurance.

Hope this is useful.

tokkalosh

I'm new to it as well, I have never been in total control of dog ownership, usually just 'dog-sat' for friends ... so keen to get it right, for both our sakes.

We'll get there, I do love her to bits Wink

patp

Hi Trisha

Separation distress is very common in rescue dogs. They just get to feel safe and we go out and leave them.

Dave's advice on crate training is excellent and I would agree with it all. the way I describe it is that you have just bought her the most amazing new toy and wouldn't she like to play in it??!! Keep it up and eventually she will love to go in it. Feed her in it chuch her ball in it etc.

When you go out you have to let her down gently.
withdraw all attention about 15 minutes before you go. this means you have to think ahead and make sure everything she needs is done early. Do not go anywhere near her lead. If it is near the coats then move it to somewhere special. she should not expect to come with you. Similarly if you are taking her out get the lead out early so that she knows she is coming this time.

Do some training where you start to get ready to leave but don't really go. Pop in and out with your coat on. You are "acting" the leaving but not really going. This stops them starting to worry about being left because you might be back in minute. Very Happy

There is a wonderful technique using a signal that the dog is taught to understand that it is going to be ignored. The dog is then not upset at being left. It is too involved for here but if you need a behavioural consultation then they will go through it with you. (COAPE.org)

There is an aromatherapy called DAP (Dog Appeasing Pheromone) that helps if the dog can lie near it in her crate - it plugs in)

Try to be very cool with her if you are going out. She will miss you more if you are all lovey dovey before you go. Wink

Sometimes I think it is best not to tinker around and go straight for the behavioural help. Remember though that this is not a training problem it is an emotional problem and needs a qualified behaviourist.

Good Luck

Pat