Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

Adjustment advice

Collapse
X
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

  • Adjustment advice

    My husband and I just adopted/rescued (not sure which) Dane (we renamed him), a male black Great Dane. He's 7 months and his previous owner could not keep him because his HOA said he was only permitted one dog so he had to give up the Great Dane since he had his other dog longer. He contacted the breeder and the breeder contacted us. We brought him home today after a sad good bye from his other owner. Dane is such a good dog; mellow, house trained, and over all well mannered. He was whining a bit when he heard other neighborhood dogs and I thought maybe it was because he missed his dog buddy. I feel bad for Dane. Any advice on the adjustment period for him? He came from a loving home, and I feel bad but we are so happy to have him. He's already done "zummies" throughout our living room and he seems happy. It's just every once and a while he sits there and whines. Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
    Attached Files

  • #2
    I have found that GDs are very vocal dogs. Hamish will whine if he feels he isn't getting enough attention (basically if he isn't the centre of attention at the time ), he will whine at the door if he needs to potty, if I'm late with dinner, if he wants to play with Sophie but she isn't in the mood etc. How long has he been with you? Make sure you keep up his training because there is usually a "honeymoon period" when adopting a dog and especially as he is nearing his "teenage years" you want to keep on top of his training.
    sigpic
    Hamish: Great Dane born July 25 2011
    Sophie: English Mastiff born May 30 2009
    Visit my blog at http://gonetothebigdogs.wordpress.com/

    Comment


    • #3
      Ignore the whining (if there's no GOOD reason for it). I know it's hard but the last thing you want to do is reinforce wimpy, non-confident behavior. Especially in a great dane--they can be major drama queens

      So ignore whining and sad appeals for attention. Praise and pet for happy, confident behavior. Whatever you want to see more of: praise and attention. Whatever you want to see less of: ignore the dog completely while they are exhibiting the unwanted behavior. If it doesn't "work" they will stop doing it.

      Thanks for rescuing/adopting!
      Tracy
      sigpic
      Mouse April 2010
      Echo -- run free, Sweetie! Jan 9, 2007 - April 24, 2014 Lost to osteosarcoma at 7 years, 3 months. RIP.

      Comment


      • #4
        All of my rescues had anxiety when we got them, even though we provided them with a much better situation. Their whole world changed, so of course they were stressed. That's OK!

        It's a huge change for them, we just support them through it. I give quiet pets and lovies when they are calm, and ignore nervousness (unless something is actually wrong). A daily routine helps them feel secure.

        He was lucky to have had an owner who loved him and luckier still that you were able to add him to your family. He will settle down with time, I promise!
        sigpic
        Second hand dogs = first class love!

        Comment


        • #5
          Thank you for the tips. Today is our second day of having him. I will definitely keep up his training. I'm a firm believer in rules, boundaries, and limitations. I made sure to not provide affection when he was whining but when he was quiet, I praised him. How active are they btw? I woke up at 8am today, took him out of his crate and we went on a short 15 minute walk. Then I fed him. After he ate, I made sure to sit around so he could relax as I know they shouldn't run around after they eat. He's been laying around sleeping for the past hour. I just want to make sure he's not depressed from leaving his owner or if its normal Great Dane behavior? I plan on taking him to the dog park later so he can play and run around.

          Comment


          • #6
            Each dog is different regarding activity. Changing homes is VERY stressful for a dog and it can cause them to sleep a lot more than normal.

            It's recommended that you don't really go anywhere or have too many people over for at least two weeks after adopting, so they can get used to their new routine.
            Tracy
            sigpic
            Mouse April 2010
            Echo -- run free, Sweetie! Jan 9, 2007 - April 24, 2014 Lost to osteosarcoma at 7 years, 3 months. RIP.

            Comment


            • #7
              Originally posted by mnmouse View Post
              Each dog is different regarding activity. Changing homes is VERY stressful for a dog and it can cause them to sleep a lot more than normal.

              It's recommended that you don't really go anywhere or have too many people over for at least two weeks after adopting, so they can get used to their new routine.

              Ok thank you for the advice. Maybe the dog park is too soon then. I'll wait to take him.

              Comment


              • #8
                I haven't taken my foster anywhere yet and she's been with me since January 26th--but she is REALLY emotionally fragile. I'm looking forward to warmer weather so we can at least try to get in my car without a meltdown
                Tracy
                sigpic
                Mouse April 2010
                Echo -- run free, Sweetie! Jan 9, 2007 - April 24, 2014 Lost to osteosarcoma at 7 years, 3 months. RIP.

                Comment


                • #9
                  For the first couple of weeks, we just go for on-leash walks in the neighborhood, hang out around the house, maybe trips to the store. I try not to introduce them to other people/dogs until I am sure that they are secure and know that they are permanently attached to us.

                  After we have them a month or so, I usually take them to the vet for a check-up. I feel better getting a baseline assessment, but I don't want to stress them anymore than I have to at first.

                  As far as the energy level - our Danes are usually active and playful when we are, and just napping and hanging out when we are not. Perfect breed for our family!
                  sigpic
                  Second hand dogs = first class love!

                  Comment

                  Working...
                  X