Got our rescue 2 weeks ago. In short, she's a 10 yr old Brittany (spaniel) rescued from a puppy mill that has since been shut down. She spent all 10 yrs kenneled & either pregnant, or nursing puppies.
We've had her 2 weeks now, and she still seems very lost. She has spent the majority of her time sleeping on a small love seat in our living room. Has very little energy or ambition to move or go for walks. We have a pair of 4 yr old Brittanies (both neutered males), and they have seemed to accept her existence. But that's really all it is right now is just .... existence.
Any advice would be appreciated.
2017-09-14T18:18:50Z
We already sit on the loveseat with her, and pet her & talk to her. And sometimes she'll rest her chin on my lap, but always with her eyes closed. Between all of us (husband + 2 kids) she gets a good couple hours a day snuggling. But she doesn't really move off the love seat, unless urged to eat. And when she gets up to eat, she'll go outside & go potty briefly - then it's straight back to "her spot" on the loveseat. It almost feels as if she's treating the loveseat as a kennel.
CDog2017-09-14T21:05:26Z
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https://wisconsinpetcare.com/adopting-fostering-new-dog-cat-learn-3s/ Give her more time, like Lorraine said.
Patience/time, depending on the individual dog she may never come around completely you may see only gradual small improvements over the remainder of her life. Appreciate whatever you do see, do not force it because you're not seeing what you would like to see, as she could take two steps back for every step she moves forward.
This is not unusual at all and sounds very familiar. You are doing fine except expecting a bit much for two weeks. Come back when she's been there a couple of months and see how much she's come out of her shell.
Really just don't push anything, and let her take her own pace. The fact that she's happy to rest her chin on your lap is good and could be MUCH worse.
It's wonderful that you've taken her on and given her a life she should have had all the way through.
This sounds like my story! This March, I rescued a 13 year-old poodle with only two legs who underwent years of abuse and being a stray. He too seemed lost for about a week, then quickly grew EXTREMELY attached to me. The trick is to let her know that she is no longer in danger, and that you are her new friend for life. Do this by always using gentle, loving movements towards her. Never leave her alone or get stressed or angry around/with her, and always make sure you're in her sight. If she shows affection, give her lots of affection and praise in turn. If possible, always try to keep her with you and let her sleep in your bed to get used to your smell and demeanor (if she won't be able to sleep in your bed, give her a used article of your clothingً to sleep on). Stay attuned to her needs, and always act accordingly as soon as possible to show her that you care. If she acts up, NEVER scold her by swatting at her with your hand- I recommend a spray bottle. Good luck with your furbaby!
hmm... odd. I assume, as you have detailed knowledge of the background, that this dog was rescued by a registered animal charity? So I am struggling to accept that such a charity would place a very vulnerable, disturbed animal in a home where there are other dogs, and with an owner who seems to lack any level of understanding of the psychology of a dog, and without any after care.