Reptile & Amphibian Forums

We are picking up two small pups from the SPCA tomorrow. They were among 13 seized last week from a farm (there were 21 in total - all but these two have been euthanized). They have socialization issues and the SPCA doesn't have the volunteers or time to really spend with these two girls. If any of you remember me - I have 5 dogs (rescues) of my own - we live on an acreage so we have the room and the time.

I was wondering if anyone has suggestions on how to socialize neglected dogs. Any things to try or toys to play with - I will be slowly introducting them to my dogs. They also need to be potty trained and I am wondering if puppy pads are good for training (it is winter where I am and they could be discouraged because of the cold) so I was wondering about puppy pads or paper training by the door. My girl was outside right away - my two boys were potty trained and my little ones were paper trained first. Any suggestions would be helpful as well as what to feed them - they are under a year old and are just eating dry food right now. My dogs' shots are all complete and up to date (they just went in July) are there any other health issues I should worry about or watch out for?

Thank you.

I would really try not to do paper training. It's not a matter of using the bathroom on the paper, it's about using the bathroom in the house. Unless their bathroom area is completely separate, like we used our garage which has cement floors and a door to separate it, they may be harder to train to use the bathroom outside when the time comes. Just my opinion.

As for feeding, a raw diet can help with behavior problems. They'll do just fine with bones. We had a puppy who was weaned onto raw meat and bones along with the rest of the litter and had no problems. Also be careful with vaccines, if these puppies have already had a parvo shot they don't need any other shots except rabies at one year, unless you choose to follow the laws about those things and get the rabies shot every 1 or 3 years.

Give them treats from your hand, talk softly to them, and I bet they'll come around soon.
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Kadee Sedtal
home of old lady Lucy (boxer/lab/garbage disposal), pretty girl Fancy (beagle), the rats- Chopin, Tchaikovsky, Pachebel, Fillmore, Norbert, and baby Franz, the mice- Vivaldi, Brahms, Schubert, Bartok, Rasputin, Johann, Chaminade, Dorothy, Glenda, and Em, and the *adorable* winter white dwarf hamster- Feather
"I wish I had a dollar for every time I spent a dollar, because then, yahoo! I'd have all my money back." -Jack Handey

Thank you for your advice! We are picking them up this afternoon. The weather here is really warm (consider it should be minus 30 celsius outside!) and it is actually plus 1 celsius so I think I will try to train them to potty outside instead of paper. The one little one is fiesty - not violent - just got alot of spunk - the other one is quite submissive - I think she will need the most work. I do have some plain roasted chicken (i cooked last night) for them and some natural treats. The shelter is going to look after getting them their shots as I will only have them for awhile until they are adoptable. If I have them for a length of time I will get them their shots. Thanks for your advice - I will let you know how it is going!

Congrats on the new additions!

We've poty trained majority of our dogs in the winter. It makes them not waste time and makes it a faster process, in my experience anyways!

I'm happy you are paying attention to proper socialization, so many people don't!! Let the dogs settle into their surroundings (ie the kennel/house), then pick the gentlest of your own herd and let introduce them on EVEN TERRITORY! Ie not in your house. We generally introduce down by the barn so that that you don't have the old "Its MY terrority" stand offs

Good luck

Thanks. I am amazed how well they are doing already coming from the situation they did. They are extremely affectionate and the potty training is actually coming along - it would definitely be easier training one but they compliment each other. I introduced 2 of my dogs to them today outside in the heated shop - it went better than yesterday. I think my dog Molly (my biggest baby) is a little out of sorts so I am trying to make her think she is, at the end of the day, still boss of this household. Will try some more time again tomorrow. Will keep you posted.

First I applaud you and thanking your very much for taking them in. We need more people like you. You are the voice for those who cannot speak for themselves.

Feeding I think a good quality dry dog food is good.

It sounds like they need a lot of TLC and brought along slowing in readjustment period. Keep them as close to you and the other dogs as much as possible. Lead training and some simple obedience training is probably a very good idea. Socializing them are extremely important.

When you play or give hugs, be sure to make it equal between your new pups and you own dogs. Watch them a lot when they do get together because there might by a Alpha issue. You must be Alpha Dog. Be kind and gentle, but firm with all.

Good Luck and please give us update. What breed or mix? If you have picture please post them.

Cheryl/PHKeeper
Site Coordinator, Rescue & Adoption
Site Coordinator, Dogs, Pethobbyist.com
phkeeper@pethobbyist.com

Thank you. They are eating a high quality dry food but I will be roasting a small chicken for my fat girl (my dog) and will give them a little too.

The coordinator of the SPCA thinks that Emma is a Jack Russell cross and Mojo is a Pappillon cross. Mojo is around 4 and appears to have had a litter or two over the years. Emma is 1 or 2 (we think!). I will attach a picture this weekend. They had warm baths today (Emma has white hair but with alot of staining (from blood) as they were only feed deer carcass' in a shed). I will keep you up to date on progress. I just wish I could take in more at a time but with my 5 and these two I have my hands full! All my dogs have met Emma and Mojo and as I am off work all weekend I hope to have them together in the house to see how it goes. They are good so far. These dogs are quite affectionate for what they have gone through. Emma is still terrified to go outside so we are taking that slowly but with enthusiasm!