I need help everyone... (long post)

[ChipsDad]

Hi everyone, I am a new and very proud owner of a 3-4 month old male mixed breed puppy - called CHIP - I picked him up a couple of days ago.

Chip has a couple of problems.

I rescued the cute little guy from LA Pound. I was visiting the pound to see if anything caught my eye, and a man arrived with a littler of 4 male pups and the mother in the back of his truck.

He told me that he had to get rid of ALL of the dogs because his 'neighbours complain'. One was seperated for 'biting' the gentlemans son (I think in the process of unloading the little guys from the truck).

Chip was sitting silently in the corner of his cage with 2 of his brothers and silently watching his mother in a cage close by.

At some point, each puppy was taken out of the cage, and in turn his mother was placed on a lead and taken away.

I think this may have been the last time he saw his mom, being led off into the shelter housing. I am sure he had zero training by the family that I rescued him from...

The next morning (after probably being locked up in a cage for the night by himself), he was nuetered!

((this does not represent a very pleasent couple of days))

... so I have taken him for Parvo test, and had vaccines given. Today, the Vet found some worms (not sure which sort) in his stool. She gave me 'ALBON' and 'Sulfamethoxazole' to be applied in 3cc doses twice daily.

Q1:
He doesnt like food? I have not fed him for a day in the interests of getting him to respond to food stimuli (I need to get some training work started ASAP). He just doesnt care about foods. I have purchased sooo many different things. He likes his pigs ear and raw hide - but doesnt LOVE it.

Does anyone know anything that DOGS LOVE EATING? as a treat??

Q2:
When I put a lead on him, his entire body locks up and I end up either needing to carry him, or drag him along (until he shakes his collar off entirely).

Because he doesnt like food or treats, there is no motivation for him to move.

Is this behvaviour a result of being ill? or is he suffering emotional problems as a result of abuse?

Q3:
The Vet commented that she couldnt 'read' him, in any way? She said he was completely emotionless with her. He was not 'scared' in the corner, but not 'growling' when she came near. He is such a mellow dog that I know he is very unsure of himself, but has anyone got experience in bringing dogs out of 'depression' and building some self confidence?

Q4:
When he is put in any situation other than sleeping in his bed, he shakes (almost like he is very cold). I live in CA and it is certainly not enough to warrant a dog from being overly cold? Again, this may be related to the worms?

If anyone has any commments, I would be so greatfull!

i love my little guy, and just want to know how I should get him over these problems.

Here is a pic as well :)

Sorry for the long post... its good to be a member!

Trav (ChipsDad)

Pic attached (you can see how scared he is of himself :)

[PrincessPenelope]

Oh my gosh he is adorable! Congratulations!!!! I'm not a dog expert by any means, i've posted more questions on this board about raising my pup then some i'm sure, but I wonder...if the family he came from was abusive, would he not have trust issues to the state where he growls? Are you sure the family was abusive? The illness may have a lot to do with his emotions i'm sure, puppies are so tiny. Like babies an illness can knock them for a loop. On the food thing, my pup eats what the breeder gave me, and Caninie Treats, but she doesn't seem very picky yet. I wish I could be of more help, but this sounds like something you'll have to speak with an expert about. Good luck, and I hope he comes around, he's a beautiful pup!

[pomwithhairloss]

ok...as far as the food issue.. try some soft food that you cook, he probably was fed scraps...there are people food that is healthy for dogs...like baked or boiled chicken dogs love it...try that...and try some scrambled eggs or whatever is healthy for a human/baby is normally healthy for a pup. no sweets..no junk..try as far as treats try bacon strips. i have four very healthy dogs and they eat purina puppy chow, and a lil boiled chicken. now the leash..if its possible try a training leash sold almost everywhere. they have two hooks, one to hook on pup and the other on your belt loop. that way when you go he goes...like his mom. as far as the sleeping, let him snuggle with you until he gets adjusted. he has been through a traumatic experience and dogs do feel..they have emotions. they sense things. hes lonely and he misses his family. i would just let him get a feel for evreything. don't yell or hit. if he makes a mistake, ignore it right now...praise him for the good. when he gets adjusted then you can start the training. i wouldn't do anything until he was comfortable and through grieving. dogs grieve to. i would ask the vet about some other things to do to relieve stress. he sounds stressed out. i wish you all the luck in the world. just let him be him right now. hand feed him, take him everywhere you go, and treat him like your baby. you will see a difference.:)the shaking is fear..he is unsure of everything. just keep reassuring him. if you have any ?'s hit me up and i will help as much as i can.

[zoe08]

With the food, maybe try putting some milk on top of the dog food or water....he may not have been eating dry food. about how old is the pup, and the pic is very small can you say what breed he might be? Is he fully teethed? have you tried canned food? Also for treats try things like wiennies and cheese. try feeding him out of your hand right now to get him interested in the food also...

If he has lived with other puppies, it might would have been better for him to have been adopted out with at least one of his brothers...some dogs who have spent much of their lives together get very depressed and stressed when they are separated.

[ChipsDad]

HUGGEEEE HELLLP GUYS!!! Thanks very much

I am going to get some broiled chicken and some eggs. Bacon strips is also on this weekends 'treat trial menu', as well as the purina puppy chow as well. I am so glad that you responded.

Today... he was much happier little guy. He was wagging his tail, and exploring my place without being nearly so scared as before.

You know what is making the real difference? cuddling with him and letting him sleep with me... poor little guy is missing his family. I feel much more confident now that some 'experts' are on my side

I am going to get a training lead....

Thanks again, stay in touch!

[ChipsDad]

With the food, maybe try putting some milk on top of the dog food or water....he may not have been eating dry food. about how old is the pup, and the pic is very small can you say what breed he might be? Is he fully teethed? have you tried canned food? Also for treats try things like wiennies and cheese. try feeding him out of your hand right now to get him interested in the food also...

If he has lived with other puppies, it might would have been better for him to have been adopted out with at least one of his brothers...some dogs who have spent much of their lives together get very depressed and stressed when they are separated.

Unfortunately, I only got him (but now I wish I got his mom and all his brothers as well).

Do you think this 'depression' is something he can bounce back? I think he is around 3-4 months. The communication of myself and the previos owner was broken down because I only speak English.

I asked how old, and I think he said 'Quattro', but the Vet said that his teeth were still very small and that he is probably younger than that...

I think he may be part beagle... He also has bright blue eyes (see pic attached)

I have attached a pic of his mom and brothers (sorry for the poor pics it was in the pound).

Please let me know what your thoughts are.

[zoe08]

Does he have his molars in? If not he should eat wet food.

At least you saved one of them from the pound.

I think that he will get used to you and get out of the depression. Although if you do have the room, ability, and finances for another dog, it wouldnt be a bad idea. most dogs, especially when they are young, like having companions. It helps them socialize better, and gives them someone to play with when you are busy so they do not become destructive or anything.

Do you know that the mother and other pups were already adopted out?

He is a very cute puppy, he has very pretty eyes. Could you post any bigger pictures?

[pomwithhairloss]

i sent a reply earlier today i hope it helped. i looked at the pics. he is a beautiful pup. i am not sure about the beagle in him, but i am pretty sure he has some husky. look at his face, his eyes. he looks like he has some husky. his mom looks like maybe a golden retriever mix...either way you go he is and will be a beautiful dog. if he is a husky/retriever/terrier mix, he will be very smart and very instictive. he will be able to read you quicker than you realize. i hope he enjoys the boiled/baked chicken and bacon strips, mine do. if you ever need help or advice please feel free to ask me. i will help as much as i can. i love animals. especially rescues. all mine were rescues. they are so sweet. if i knew how to send pics i would. i have a three legged beagle(deago), cat(smokey), terrier mix(asia), bassett hound(shotgun annie), and my new baby; homer(pomeranian, with no hair) he had an allergic reaction to fleas and soy, so his previous owners just threw him outside like trash, because they were to sorry to take him to the vet to see why he was losing his hair. so they just gave him to me. i would of payed them to let me take him from that torture. he is so sweet. they told me he didn't liked to be messed with, but since i have had him, which is only three days, if i stop brushing him, he will paw at me, like hes trying to get me to keep going....so it goes to show what a lil love will do.

[jem]

Peanut butter.

Never met a dog that didn't get excited for peanut butter.

*JEM*

[nancy]

Hi Chipsdad , Try tinned tripe mixed with puppy meal and a little water . Also when you take him out on the lead try taking him with a friend who has a dog and hopefully you will find he is so interested in the other dog he will forget about his lead . Try giving him a big cuddly toy to cuddle up with he wont be so lonely . Use your hands aswell as your voice untill he gets used to your voice commands . He is lovely and with lots of TLC he will soon settle in . Good luck and let us know how you get on .

[ChipsDad]

Hi everyone, I just thought I should get back and report that Chip is doing really well now.

It turned out that he had a little case of worms and was also suffering some anxiety like normal.

His personality is now out in full force. I am fortunate enough to live right on the beach and he loves running up and down the sand. He doesnt really even need a lead because he listens to instructions, however I am trying to train him with a lead just to make sure it drills home to stay close.

I cannot believe how lucky I was to get this little guy.

Thanks again to everyone for the help.

i am going to keep posting here more regularly as well.

[wlkwithwolf]

I am def. not no expert. I have grown up with alot of dogs though.
Its good you did get this one pup.
Most dogs love eggs, it also helps their coats. Just not an everyday thing.
Also what else may help is go sit out side the door at first with the lead. Take some water, a treat and the leash. and every day go farther out until some day you find yourself at a park. Than just sit with the pup. i never had a problem like that though so it may not work.
Slowly work him out, earn his trust but dont let him dominate you.
good luck

[MrsRottie]

Firstly, well done you for getting a dog out of the pound - sooooo many people don't even think about it.

My girl Maggie was also rescue - she was taken there at 4 weeks - we had her at about 14. She came with a whole load of issues that really a pup just shouldn't have. The car was really traumatic, she's been seperated from her siblings etc etc. I've had her for a year and she is so much improved you would not know it was the same dog. I haven't done anything specific to deal with it, but as she grew and got to know us she calmed down and is now fairly well balanced, although still a bit skittish with strangers.

What I'm trying to say is give the little man a chance. So much has changed for him and it will take him a while to adjust. Re the food - I don't think I would have a healthy appetite after all that upheaval. He's gradually learning to trust you and that is the important bit.

Lead - I like the sound of the connecting lead, haven't heard of that before....I would have suggested a cat/kitten lead that you can connect to his collar and leave it trail (tie it up so he can't trip on it) just to get used to it. And as you connect it give lots of praise and 'high value' treats (cheese is great).

If he gets really stressed I would try some Bach Rescue Remedy, it's herbal, drug free and best of all it really works!

Most of all, kick back and enjoy your new addition. He's beautiful.

Best Of Luck,
Jane x

[ChipsDad]

If he gets really stressed I would try some Bach Rescue Remedy, it's herbal, drug free and best of all it really works!

Great advice!! He is just doing so well these days...

I am working on a larger (new) thread started in the next week or so. Please keep you eye on the General Discussions list for it :)

Thanks all!!

ChipsDad