how much problem is "couldn't be housebroke"? - adopted, now pics!

[MomtoSyd&Emma]

We just last month took in a nearly 7 month old miniature Australian Shepherd, his name was Bear, and we from day one started calling him Sparky (we got him on July 4th) he comes EVERY time he hears his name.

We cant wait to see pix of the new boy!!!!!!!!!!

 

[WoodlandWoman]

I used to think that keeping an animal's old name was a good thing, on the rare occasions when I knew it, as it was the one thing that was familiar in a totally new environment. They kind of light up when they hear it. For dogs that have had any kind of negative experience in the past with people, now I think changing their name can be a good thing. For some dogs, their name has been used while they've been yelled at and sometimes hit. What can I say? Some people are idiots.

One of my dogs, when new here, had a stressed reaction to his original name, when used in a firm tone. I wasn't yelling at him, just using it in a firm tone, while training. He never acted like that after I changed his name. He also had a very bad fear reaction to Christmas trees our first Christmas together. He had been severely punished and dumped at the shelter the previous year, after getting into some Christmas presents. Sometimes in the first year, they can show fear or stress reactions to normal things, because of something that happened. Just acting calm and normal helps a lot. I often talk in an upbeat manner and go get treats, to change the mood at times like that.

This particular dog wasn't housebroken at 6 months old, either, but straightened out in a day and never had an accident after that. I guess leaving him loose in the house as a young puppy for 13 HOURS a day and then yelling and hitting him when they came home wasn't working for him as a training method. It is amazing some of the stories I have had people tell me, when they say they're having trouble with their dog.

I'm sure your dog will turn out great, because you are an intelligent and kind person. What a lucky dog. Congratulations on the new addition!

 

[synoviaus]

I think it's good especially with shelter dogs to go ahead and break from the old name. By giving the puppy a completely new name and new environment, you reinforce that this is a new beginning. He can leave all the bad stuff in the past. There will be nothing left to remind him of his past. A good thing especially with dogs who didn't have the best of beginnings. I'm just proud that these guys have him now. Sounds like its going to be a good match for them both. Amy

 

[patandchickens]

Thanks, all!

Here finally are pics:

Still not decided for sure on a name but I told DH that I need something REAL SOON NOW because, with all due respect to tortoise's methods, I just have to have something to call the dog to get its attention, and "hey!" doesn't work b/c it is usually addressed towards kids or cats around here

He went to the vet today for rabies shot and general checkup. Vet pronounced him a very good puppy and seems quite healthy.

Pat

 

[ScaredOfShadows]

OMG Pat - he is so cute and sweet and just OMG. He looks like such a sweetheart!!!! Look at that face!!! How can you not melt?

 

[ducks4you]

DAAAWWWWWW!!!!!!!

"This is the beginning of a beautiful friendship."
Richard Blane, final scene from "Casablanca"
**ducks4you quotes from TOTALLY FAVORITEST MOVIE OF ALL TIME!!!!!!!**

 

[Redyre Rotties]

Oh those pix are GREAT, esp the one with the kids, but that last one is special.

Save that one, it will be reallllly precious one of these days.

He is so cute!

 

[savingdogs]

I have not read this whole thread but your pup looks very smart and I'm sure the first family just didn't try hard enough or have the dedication to him that you will have. Lucky dog got to switch families just in time!

I rescue dogs and often change their name, for the same reasons already mentioned. You might try ending his name with something with the EEEEE sound, like Buddy, but there are zillions of names that end in a y or ie.

It sounds like your pup has a little submissive urination going on. Try not to get him too excited when you know he has a full bladder and give him a little time, they often outgrow this especially when they are feeling confident about being a good dog.

Your pup looks very intelligent in the pictures and possibly nicely bred, too. One man's trash is another man's treasure.

 

[MomtoSyd&Emma]

I always said that if we were to get another Labrador its name WILL be Decoy!!!

 

[bock]

Awwwww!

I am sure he is VERY glad you had the heart to rescue him from that horrible place!