tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33549841.post7435206077252432934..comments2023-03-31T05:46:40.000-04:00Comments on Jennwith2ns: Under-DogJennwith2nshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07798541847458334716noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33549841.post-34918882737434880492009-06-10T09:19:55.363-04:002009-06-10T09:19:55.363-04:00Jenn, Thought I'd leave this info here instea...Jenn, Thought I'd leave this info here instead of on Facebook. Free advice, so take it how you will. It sounds to me like Oscar has either been neglected or mistreated at some point. He should be more trusting if he has been treated well in the past. Anyway, I found this info on Best Friends web site (they are a pretty famous rescue organization in Utah - They have a program on National Geographic channel called DogTown).<br /><br />He may have missed out on being socialized, so our world is a pretty scary place for him. To build trust, here are some things you can try: Hand-feeding him can help build a closer relationship. Spend as much time as you can sharing a room with him. Even if he hides from you, he will become accustomed to your presence and movements. Offer a place for him to hide - a crate with the door held open, or a desk or table to go under. Try to give him a quiet life with a regular routine. In time, he may become more relaxed and comfortable with you.<br />As far as reading his body language, here are some signs of a fearful dog. <br />His ears will be flat if they normally stand up or will lay back against his head if they are normally floppy. <br />•His tail will be down low or tucked under his body, between his legs. <br />•He will hold his head down; he may try to avoid eye contact. <br />•His body will be tense and will sometimes tremble. <br />•He may urinate or defecate as you approach. <br />•He may try to hide or run away. <br />•He may exhibit excessive drooling, panting or yawning.<br /><br />Lots of patience will be required with this guy.<br />Good Luck and bless you for adopting him.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17272366197406843124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33549841.post-12811687047441950742009-06-09T10:27:54.218-04:002009-06-09T10:27:54.218-04:00Thanks, Nicole--that's a good heads-up. And ye...Thanks, Nicole--that's a good heads-up. And yes, we DEFINITELY need a doggy-date soon.Jennwith2nshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07798541847458334716noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33549841.post-47834951995869303202009-06-08T21:35:21.284-04:002009-06-08T21:35:21.284-04:00Yay for the stairs accomplishment! I had the same...Yay for the stairs accomplishment! I had the same issue -- my new pup Meike wouldn't go near stairs at all. But, it turns out, her love of chicken was greater than her fear of stairs. Now she's jumping down the stairs four at a time -- and giving me a heart attack in the process. <br /><br />Also, I wanted to send along some advice that a professional trainer told me. She said adopted dogs go through three behavioral stages. The first (which you're experiencing now), is the "following" stage. This is when the dog will follow you around the house -- starting to bond with you, but moreso trying to be a new member of the pack. Your pup will be on his best behavior during this time. After a few months, you'll start reaching the rebel phase. Testing your boundaries, trying to gain leader of the pack status. And, after that, you're home free. In about six months, you'll really see the real personality of your pup come through. So far, it seems to be true for me :).<br /><br />Well, good luck with Oscar! We should have a puppy date soon!Nicole Popehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18072793589103857956noreply@blogger.com