Where to start...???
 Mo is not my first OES rescue and I try to remind myself how crazy my Gracie was when I first got her, but somehow over our 12 years together one forgets... So I guess I'm looking for ideas on how to tackle house and general obedience training of a three-year-old with seemingly little of either in the past. I think I'll pose my request for ideas regarding the seizure disorder on the health board. I do have to mention that Mo is so sweet and slow that he does not get into trouble outside of the accidents in the house (no awareness of letting anyone know that he needs to use it, looks like the urge just hits him out of the blue and he does it --  ) or when he is counter surfing or trying to climb on your lap to get what ever it is you might be eating and even that happens very slowly. He sure is one of a kind.  Thanks for all the wisdom in advance! Salla |
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| Good luck with your adventure! My only advice would be to actually write down on a list what YOUR priorities are and address them in that order - emphasizing one at a time. I know first on MY list would be addressing the potty training issue - teaching him to let you know of his need to go outside. Some people have had great luck with hanging a bell on a ribbon near the door and having the dog "ring the bell" to announce their need to go outside. Potty training an adult is the same as potty training a puppy. Prevention is key. Potty immediately when Mo wakes up, after meals and naps and every four hours or so at first if necessary gradually stretching the time between trips as Mo catches on to the process. And of course go with Mo and praise, praise, praise as success is achieved. Put whatever word you wish to use into practice by using it "as" Mo is actually going. Then if you see subtle signs between excursions that Mo might need to go outside to potty you can ask "Do you need to go potty?" and gradually you should begin to see recognition of the word and usually they get excited and do a little dance as them seem happy YOU are finally learning their signals that they are asking. Then I'd move next to walking on a lead around the neighborhood next as a bonding experience. Then whatever you think should come next as you get issue #1 under control. With the meds involved, you may have to resort to prevention as far as counter surfing goes, i.e. just making sure any food is put away or put behind a cupboard door, so that it isn't an issue as Mo simply can't get to it. Let us know how things progress! Cheers, Linda Zimmerman |
| thank you for taking Mo. I well remember Jack when he first came here, big clumsy dog who promptly tried to remove my hand. We got past that........he's still very resource protective. It was pretty much a lot of time together, walking together, petting, talking, outside trips to pee and poop. The seizure issue is one I have not had to deal with. I know of one case where the sheepdog was put on a totally raw diet (BARF) and the seizures went down 90%. Just something to store in the back of your mind. I too was wondering what in the world it would take to get Jack into the swing of things, but it came, gradually as he "unpacked his bag of old issues" and became comfortable. |
SheepieBoss wrote: thank you for taking Mo. I too was wondering what in the world it would take to get Jack into the swing of things, but it came, gradually as he "unpacked his bag of old issues" and became comfortable. Chloe was our first sheepdog, a three year old rescue. She lived with her sister (litter mate) but when the owner passed away, the girls were separated. She grieved for several weeks and we gave her all the comfort and space she deserved. Chloe eventually warmed to her new home and became our dearest joy. I believe a routine was the greatest key to her adjustment. Of course, loving and doting on her probably helped too  |
| I can give some advice with the seizure disorder. My hound has epilepsy. The vet is right about the hunger thing and if you see it already, he will gain weight and much faster than you realize. Get ahold of that immediately as it is a side effect that does not go away and you will soon have a grossly overweight dog. If he seems drowsy or clumbsy after 2 weeks of being on pheno, its the meds and the dosage needs to be ajusted. It should level out after 2 weeks. Seizures are scary and sometimes can happen even on the meds. Keep a log of them. Grand or petite mal. If a seizure does happen do not touch the dog!!! Move everthing around the dog so she wont hurt herself. Dont put anything in her mouth, your dog will choke and you will get your fingers bit. When the dog comes out of it, she will be scared, nervous and confused. Most often wont reconize their owners. Sit close but not near their face, even the most trustworthy dog will bite in this situation. For hours maybe even days the dog may seem realy tired. Seizures take it out of you, give them their space unless they want attention. |
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