My Mom and Dad about to board the Edmonton Queen
This is the story of the day we got Dogma and his particular problems and background. We picked him up from the SPCA (Humane Society) @ a year old and quickly discovered that he came from an abused home.
Contents
We had already discussed getting a dog - something we had wanted for years but most rental properties do not allow pets so we had to settle for fish. I was the good researcher and had a list of 10 breeds that I felt fit our lifestyle and requirements.
Suddenly driving away from our past and into our future in our new home my husband Reg turned the car about and pulled in front of the SPCA. I began to protest that I was sick, and not ready to look at dogs, and it was too soon, and I needed to clean up the house more and . . . there we were wandering up and down the kennels.
Picking the dog . . . Reg walked past each kennel calling, "Dogma." "Dogma" -- yes it appeared the name had been selected -- now the dog to go with it. I trailed behind reading the information sheets. We chose two possible pets and asked the attendant if there was somewhere we could spend some time meeting our potential family member.
It wasn't really necessary because it was love at first sight and the decision was made, I didn't have a choice. Reg had decided. So we filled in the forms and while they processed the paperwork we ran to buy the basics - leash, collar, food, and shampoo. We then ran to clear out the back seat and spread newspapers and prepare for an unpredictable ride home.
The Papers
The sheet had very little information: Name - none; Birthdate - December 28, 1994; Reason for return to SPCA - too expensive to keep; knows how to sit, dance, ??. while we waited we heard two other people ask if they could adopt him. It was fate
The evidence became clear very quickly and not just because he was extremely thin. Shall I quote the vet on examining Dogma a week after we got him (it was Christmas and we could not get him examined until after the holidays.), "He's awfully skinny, don't you think?" delivered with a somewhat accusative look. My reply of course was that we had just got him.
Other evidence included the cowering and rolling over and urinating. If a male voice even was raised within earshot he would urinate on the carpet. If he was called or asked to follow the simplest command he would crouch and crawl and urinate all the way.
While on vacation in the USA we were walking through the lobby and a preteen boy carrying a baseball bat over his shoulder began to approach us and ask if he could pet the dog. We said sure, just then Dogma caught sight of the boy and began growling and acting very unusual. I asked the boy to put the bat on the floor and Dogma became his happy friendly self.
Dogma had little or no confidence when we first adopted him. He would cower and urinate mostly. Everything was new and strange and he acted that way. I don't think he actually slept for 6 months. Always watchful, always one eye open, would jump up and watch our movements at the slightest provocation.
Dogma took a long time to settle down and at the slightest thing was up and pacing and sniffing and making a fuss. Our solution for coping with this situation was to make as little commotion when leaving as possible. It's hard not to say good-bye but ... and that's a big but ... we don't fuss and muss and make a big deal. It's get ready quickly, say good-bye, and "Stay... home and bite the burglars." And out the door we go.
When we return we tell him what a good dog he has been and pet him for a bit then go on about our next plan of action. I usually take him for a walk when I get home from work so it goes from being home alone to getting to go for a walk. I walk him before I go out too, but he still enjoys his walks! So associating with a positive activity may or may not be working. I haven't given it a lot of thought. The key thing to me is not finding any damage or surprises when we arrive home.
He would nip or bite. We spent a few days with him playing on the bed and he would bite one of us and we used various methods at this point. All contained the words, "No bite." We would give him a gentle slap aside the muzzle. We would grab and apply pressure to the lower jaw (they will grab your hand but if that hand in their mouth grabs back they don't like it a bit). We would also place our other hand over the nose and muzzle and open the mouth. After about a week of this he did not bite - anyone - the all-breed judge from pet therapy commented, "my what a gentle mouth!"
This is always difficult with a new pet. After a couple of days Dogma started to get a little bit picky about what he would eat. He would also NOT take treats of any kind from anyone. If they were insistent he may take it tentatively between his front teeth and place it on the floor in front of him. With me he would occasionally take the "treat" from me then spit it out firing it several feet. I didn't know dogs could do that!
Personality and Growth through the years
There were some good times... there were some bad times.... Some info on dealing with the terrible two's (yes dogs have them too).
It took 6 months to train him not to cross the street without permission but it has been the best time invested. A lot of different methods were used to achieve this but he's pretty reliable. It's amazing the number of smiles I get from vehicles driving by that see this dog walk up to the curb, then sit and wait. One child remarked to his mother, "Did you see that? That dog looked both ways before crossing!" Many people remark what a good dog he is based on this simple "trick."
When you see a dog catch a treat or other object thrown to him you don't really think of it as a trick. You think that a dog should automatically be able to catch something that is thrown to them like the ball and so on. But no, catching a little treat is not only very entertaining but also taught.
Never mind the old wives tale - "Can't teach an old dog new tricks." Start training your dog and don't stop. The rewards and entertainment are endless! Dogma's interest in learning new things and entertaining with the old has not wained. He is just as keen today, if not more so. I recently purchased Gary Wilkes training video which covers clicker training and Dogma got very excited and couldn't wait to begin "working."
Squirt guns & shake cans teach the wrong lessons: While many dog behaviorists recommend correcting a dog with these devices, others argue they damage the trust between dog and owner.
Through the years
Last Revised: April 2000
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