Update on 'Adopting an OES and would welcome advice'
Adopted the OES (named "Shaggy" by the gals at the Animal Control Facility) on Friday and he is doing just fine. Dog owners dream...thus far: House trained, polite, enjoyed his bath, doesn't have attachement issues when I have been away. He likes the new halter (for exercise..I hated seeing the collar choking him when he tried to take or or bolt in a new direction.) and is settling in just fine. He is still a bit underweight (60 lbs or so....and he should be at least 80) Still, he is eating like a horse (science diet, what he ate since he was found wandering) and loves exercise....like really loves it. Apparently, he is also very young (a year or little more from what I can gather) and still has some puppy like behavior from time to time...or is that just an OES' nature to be very playful? Today is a real treat day for Shaggy! We are going to the beach and doing some running. It is a deserted beach in the winter and will be a good place to let off a lot of energy! I won't take him too far (yeah he will probably take me for a spin or two). Yesterday was kind of sad for a few moments. My sister, her kids (whom he loves)and I took him to PETSMART and it had to be dog adoption day, of course. I was planning on a grooming session however, all of the dogs and commotion caused him to have a few scared moments (we ended up outside and he was still shaking...and let out a few of those unique barks that kind of cause all fellow canines to stop barking and just look). Still, we got to introduce him to her Bichon and found that he wanted hasn't figured out just how big or intimidating he can be. In the end though, he played well....some work will be done here in the next few weeks. I can only imagine what the past few weeks of wandering near the Okefenokee Swamp Park and living in a pound have been like however, those days are over. It seems though, that apart from a minor issue or two that Shaggy was on the right road training wise at one point and then may have been lost. I cannot see someone abandoning a dog like him for any reason....well life is strange also. One thing is sure...wherever he goes he draws a lot of attention and people want to talk with and about him. OES seem to be rare in this part of FL. OK, enough of this mindless tapping at my keyboard. The dog is looking at me like "can't you do this later?" Off we go to the BEACH!   
Pics to follow tonight. Thanks for the advice guys (and gals) I am new to this and it really is helpful! |
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Congrats!! 
Sounds like it's going very well and you found just the right dog
Yes it is in their nature to be puppy like often throughout their whole lives. They do settle over time, but very slowly compared to many other breeds. |
| Congratulations on your new buddy!!
I can now tell all of the officers here at work to stop harping on my dogs because a fellow cop has one too!! They said no self respecting officer would have one, they all have labs and German Shepherds. It must be something with OES and Bichons. My youngest dog loves to play with my mom's Bichon like it's a toy. He really just doesn't know his own size and that the little dog can't take the roughness. Supervised play with timeouts for roughness should help. Also limit tug-of-war and similar games if he seems to be aggressive or dominant with the little guy. If he's grabbing and doing any prey shaking then you'll need some different techniques to correct that. Good luck and don't forget to keep us up to date! |
| Congratulations!
Sounds like Shaggy is a great addition to your life! I'm sure he'll love the beach outing today! My two really like it -especially if they get to chase the gulls.
Looking forward to the pics! ~and WELCOME! |
| My what athletes OES appear to be. This one did 3 miles (in 16-20 knot gusts over two long bridges) and almost literally dragged me all the way. No 9-10 minute miles here try 6 or 8....(6 would be a good pace for him).
We chased birds, tried to investigate a few brave fishermen on the bridge (it was rather brutal out there today) and then tried to jump in a police truck that came by to say that no "pets" were allowed on the bridges or beach. Of course, when Shaggy was ignored during the 20 minute "COP" conversation he barked and tried to get everyone's attention several times then proceeded to make mincemeat of the leash (almost chewed through it! Unbeknownst to me) guess he won't be ignored again. But hey, I promised a run not a frat meeting....Each day offers many lessons I guess, as this is a new breed to me which seems to have a good hearted mind of its own. Sadly, I see some (just two or three) outward fears which would point towards abuse at some time. My best guess is: that he broke free from his family (probably at a spectator cycling event.....these occur a lot this time of year in my really rural area....lots of free paved roads...or got away at the Okefenokee Swamp or some other tourist destination) and was found by someone who did not realize what they had and that is where some "bad stuff" could have occurred. This could explain the cheap gnawed off rope found around a rather expensive collar (interestingly, the same type I purchased yesteday...when I took his old one off I noticed that..... ) when he was first picked up. And subsequent cowering when a hand is raised over or near him ( I suspected this and tested it). Just gut instinct I guess.
Well, lots of love, time and concomittant training will make those memories sink into oblivion. Tommorrow, it is of to his new Vet. (I'll bring up the aformentioned stuff with her....and we will figure out how to deal with those issues ) BTW Guess who just walked into my room and gave me a big kiss while I was typing? And is now near lying near me... You all are right: OES stick to your heart like velcro 
Will send some pics tonight (when my digital camera batteries recharge) 
Regards, Shaggy and his new people pet |
| Chris, Congratulations on adopting Shaggy. It certainly sounds like he is fortunate to have found you and vice versa. There is something about rescue dogs or pound dogs........they seem to know that they have been given a second chance and will reward you tenfold with their love and affection. Enjoy your new buddy. |
| Chris,
Congratulations on adopting Shaggy!  It sounds like he's really fitting in nicely, all things considered. Can't wait to see the pictures (they haven't been approved yet)! Give it a little time and you will wonder how you ever lived until now without this wonderful breed!
Chris |
| What a handsome boy! Just take it slow since he's a rescue and you know nothing about his history. Let him tell you what he's comfortable with and don't force him.
If he's fearful of groups, you might try hanging out away from the fringe for a while. Over time go closer to the group until he learns groups are not something harmful to him. Reward him with treats for calm behavior and just don't push him too far. If he's really afraid, you can park the car in a busy area and sit inside with him as people go by... again, rewarding him for calm behavior. If he's real fearful, start with the car parked farther away. Another thing is that dogs can pick up on our fears so act like it's no big deal that he's afraid... don't coddle him if he's showing signs of fear or you can inadvertently be rewarding him for this behavior. Try to distract with a command like sit, then reward him and tell him he's a good boy. You may be able to desensitize him over time with kind handling. Good luck and congrats! |
| Pics are up! He's very cute... |
| Hi,
It just warmed my heart reading your post as the affection you have for Shaggy is apparent. Ha , yes I was the one that said they are like Velcro dogs in the other post - although many of us have said that time and time again. I think Velcro on the heart is the best description of these wonderful dogs! My previous Shaggy girl lived to 15 and like your boy she too was a rescue, sprung from the pound. What you are going through may be the "honeymoon" period as many rescues and foster children go through this stage. Possibly having changed hands numerous times they are unsure of how to behave and the true personality emerges over weeks and months. I currently have 3 dogs , the most recent Panda, whom I now had close to 2 years had emerging behaviors the first year but I was patient with his progress. Sometimes for every 2 steps forward it's one step back. I do believe in my heart that these guys "know" they were helped and you'll have the most loyal and trusted friend anyone can ever have. As your weather warms up and his coat grows longer once again - you might think of keeping him in what's called a "puppy clip". They look super cute in this coat as well if the longer coat gets too hot or too unmanageable. Others may shave their dog right down but like people ,these guys can get sunburns especially in the areas where they may have a lot of pink skin. (some have pink around the eyes others have a "black eyeliner'). I saw his pics and I agree with everyone else - He's adorable! I'm thinking he's going to be a "chick magnet" for you. Ha ha! Who can resist such a sweet looking dog! They definately are show stoppers and this great disposition makes them a pure joy to be around. It was great to hear back from you and this forum is such a great place. Friendly people, great conversation and helpful advice. Welcome to you and Shaggy! Marianne and the boys |
| Shaggy has a debonair look to him...lol...congrats and again welcome to the forum!! |
Shaggy has a loving home! Your story is so touching. He is a cutie pie! |
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