What are they thinking?

[Kris V]

Some people! They think the woods are a perfect dumping ground for unwanted animals.


Here are 2 dogs that recently got dumped in our neighbourhood. (I live on a dirt road in a heavily wooded area - we don't even have mail delivery!)
These pictures are not exactly great, but I had to take the shots while I had a chance.


I found this one a few months ago - taking a snooze on a pic-nic table. He decided this was a good place to stay, and it's still his favourite nap-time place.






When we found him, he was riddled with fleas.
SPCA could not accomodate new animals, they are overcrowded as it is. My husband decided he wanted to keep him. And promptly named him Fleabag! In the meantime, he got his shots and flea treatment, and is now considered part of the family. According to the vet, he's about 2 years old.
He is extremely people friendly, and very playful. He seems to be an outside dog, he does not like to be inside the house for a long time - and he was NOT house broken! Now, if only I can teach him to stop the playful biting.....


This one showed up last week.



He still looks like a puppy. He attached himself to Fleabag, but neither me or my husband can get anywhere near him. Looks like he's scared of people. Once we make a move towards him, he takes of in a hurry - but he already knows his feeding place. However, he won't come near it until we are out of his sight. And SPCA still has a waiting list a mile long.
Besides feeding him, I have no idea what to do about him.

[Shadowman]

Interesting dilemma, if you are only keeping the small temporarily then not much you can do, if you plan to keep the pup then perhaps some professional training is in order.

[Tom Barry]

Bless you for caring so much.

[NorthernFocus]

Hey, Kris. To those with big hearts stray dogs truly pose a dilemma. You may soon find yourself with a large pack of your own. If SPCA is overflowing you might try contacting local rescue organizations. Sounds like you've already taken on the role of foster home. If you affiliate yourself with a rescue group you may find homes for the pups that show up.

Regarding the shy dog, a little patience may overcome the shyness. Since he's already learned there's food to be had and companionship with the other dog, you're well on your way. If you don't give the new one any choice but to eat in your presence he'll gradually come around. If you sit on the ground it lowers your profile and appears less intimidating. Sit as nearby as possible with the other dog with you. Each time get a little closer. As you said the new dog looks like it's just a pup and should be easy enough to train.

[Kris V]

Interesting dilemma, if you are only keeping the small temporarily then not much you can do, if you plan to keep the pup then perhaps some professional training is in order.

I would rather not keep him, but for the time being, it looks like we're stuck with him.

[rpcrowe]

I often sit on the floor or ground and toss high-value treats to lure a skittish dog. If you had Fleabag by you and occasionally gave him treats, then the pup might feel more confident in approaching you...

BTW: I suggest that you get a trainer for Fleabag to advise you regarding the playful biting. It is often a dog's way to establish dominance. You certainly do not want Fleabag to think he is the dominant dog in your house. When working with a puppy who bites playfully, a gentle tap on the nose with a stern "NO BITE!" command usually works. I would not, however, try this with a larger dog whose history I did not know.

There is a training tool Pet Corrector, available online or in stores like Petco. It is simply some canned air which emits a sound that dogs dislike. It can stop most unwanted behavior but, is not confrontational. You don't spray this "at" the dog, simply near him...

http://www.amazon.com/digPets-COA-AP...=pet+corrector

If you need some tips about luring a frightened dog, visit Eldad Hagar's YouTube videos. He and his partner Lisa who are two rescue angels are experts in luring dogs who are frightened...

https://www.youtube.com/results?sear...ue+videos+2014

We are fostering two dogs whom Eldad and Lisa rescued: Elmer and Elsie. Their video on these two dogs is expected soon...

This is Elmer. He was the least frightened of the two siblings...



Here is where they were living. Elmer is in front and Elsie is hiding in the rear in the shadows...



By the way, the two dogs have been totally rehabilitated in our home.



Elmer has decided that my wife is his special human and Elsie has claimed me. They jump into our laps during TV time in the evening. A painter left our gate open and Elmer and Elsie took off, my wife called them and they turned around and came to her. That is quite a "turn around" from their previous behavior. Pun intended!

However, they are still a bit skittish around strangers. We will wait for a special home in which both these sweet dogs can live as brother and sister.

[Kris V]

Thanks for the information, Richard. I'll check out the provided links, and see what PetSmart has to offer. (There's no PetCo close to where I live).
Thanks about the tip about the playful biting being a sign of establishing dominance. I never thought that far, but it makes sense. Now I'll try to establish myself as the Alpha Dog.....

[RogerCook]

Animal rescuers are special people and are tops in my book! And as for what I would do to those who hurt or abandon animals I won't say as it's stupid to incriminate ones self.

[chauncey]

I live on a dirt road in a heavily wooded area - we don't even have mail delivery!

You are indeed my kind of person.

[IzzieK]

What a wonderful person you are...I hate to say sucker, because I am one when it comes to dogs. We have three at the moment teaching each other bad habit. One is the monster I have created, Tucker. Your fleabag is a beautiful dog...so relaxed...

[deetheturk]

Hi Kris, I know exactly where your coming from, we moved to Turkey nearly five years ago and after having pets all our life's decided no more, we lasted nine months and now have six dogs all from the street except one, two parrots, two budgies and we just lost our hamster a few moths ago No such thing as SPCA here this is probably the only thing I dislike about the country, far to many dogs dumped on the street it breaks your heart

David

[IzzieK]

Hi Kris, I know exactly where your coming from, we moved to Turkey nearly five years ago and after having pets all our life's decided no more, we lasted nine months and now have six dogs all from the street except one, two parrots, two budgies and we just lost our hamster a few moths ago No such thing as SPCA here this is probably the only thing I dislike about the country, far to many dogs dumped on the street it breaks your heart

David

Now you and your family just added another notch to your character -- softie!

[deetheturk]

Tell me about it Izzie, they just have to look at me lol

David

[Kris V]

Well, it's a good thing there are still suckers like us .....