Settling a New Dog

***Rivsky*** · 01-11-2007, 03:41 AM

My sister has today got a 3 year old border collie (ex show dog) (Zeta) as a companion for Brandi.

It seems though that Zeta just wants to leave - we all went to the park for introduction time and she was fine running around and playing (there was a bit of a tiff but play continued after this) but now she is "sulking" by the front door waiting to get out.

Does anyone have any suggestions to help make her transition a bit smoother? Is it best to just leave her to it and come around in her own time? My sister understandably is a little upset by all this and is looking for some suggestions. Any help greatly appreciated.

***Carrie*** · 01-11-2007, 07:26 AM

She's probably a little confused as to where she belongs. She just left her family and it is natural that she is feeling out of place and like she needs to get back to her family. Give her a little time to bond with your sister. Let her do most of the instigating of attention for a while. In other words, tell your sister not to push the issue. As a little time goes by and your sister is doing things with her, obedience practice (it's a good bonding thing) using positive methods with some treats, play when the dog is interested etc...she'll come around and bond with your sister. Dogs adapt pretty easily as long as they know who is taking care of them, who is controling and supplying their resources. Tell your sister to have the Zeta do some little skills for her in order to get her food, treats or whatever Zeta is wanting. That helps make this relationship get under way as far as Zetas knowing how much she needs your sister. Your sister need not react to everything Zeta does and instead be confident and "cool." For instance, if Zeta is acting some way that your sister wished she weren't, like being distant, wanting to go away, do not react and follow her, talking to her etc. Just let her be and ignore her. If she's moping around or whatever, don't reinforce that with attenion. When Zeta is becoming more responsive and intested in connecting, that's when to share the attention/affection/treats without over whelming her, just soft and easy. It will come together, don't worry.

***Rivsky*** · 01-11-2007, 01:04 PM

Thanks Carrie - I thought just giving her her own space and time would be the best thing to do but I've never had to settle a mature dog before.

Will pass all your advice on and thanks very much for the info!

Estie · 01-11-2007, 01:40 PM

Time will take care of it!! It's a little upsetting at first because you think the dog hates you and her new home!!, but Cassy was the same way. She was adopted by a couple, and always went to work with the husband early in the morning (he was a psychiatrist and took her to the office with him), so when she came to live with us (because the dr's wife was allergic to her), she would cry in the morning and look out the window, wanting to go with my hubby to school (he's a teacher). In time, she got over it, and it didn't take very long.

***Carrie*** · 01-11-2007, 02:17 PM

You're welcome Rivsky. I think you had it pegged all along. Let us know how things go, will you? I wish your sis the best.

Glad it all came togther for you Estie.

***Rivsky*** · 01-11-2007, 07:02 PM

Apparently she ate dinner ok last night (so can't have been that upset!!).

Wandered around the house most of the night.

My sister got up and took both dogs for a walk this morning and this seems to have done the trick - both are playing/sleeping and everything today - which is a big turn from last night - apparently Zeta wouldn't look at Brandi and Brandi was trying so hard to be her friend!

Will put some pics up tonight for everyone.

Once again thanks!

sammy · 01-11-2007, 07:35 PM

I agree with Carrie. Give her lots of playtime/ frisbee time- border collies really need it to help burn stress. Lots of training with food and leave her be when she's having some sulky time. She might just need to feel a bit sad sometimes. I'm glad to hear she's eating- that's a very good sign. Most of the rescues we've brought home or fostered don't eat for a day or two and bc's can often be dogs who go off their food easily.

misdemeanorsmom · 01-13-2007, 04:20 PM

Does she have a crate? Or is there a spot you could make up for her that's just hers? It'd be nice if she came with a favorite toy or a blanket that had familiar smells. But anyway, sometimes it helps during this transition to have a little "comfort zone." And I agree, if she seems distant, give her a little space. Especially with herding dogs, I've noticed. It's not that they're not friendly, they just take a little time to decide they like you.

I bet within a week, though, she'll be acting like she never lived anywhere else.

01-11-2007, 03:41 AM	#1 (permalink)
*Rivsky* Super Moderator Super Moderator Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: South Australia Posts: 3,869 Blog Entries: 6 Rep Power: 145	Settling a New Dog My sister has today got a 3 year old border collie (ex show dog) (Zeta) as a companion for Brandi. It seems though that Zeta just wants to leave - we all went to the park for introduction time and she was fine running around and playing (there was a bit of a tiff but play continued after this) but now she is "sulking" by the front door waiting to get out. Does anyone have any suggestions to help make her transition a bit smoother? Is it best to just leave her to it and come around in her own time? My sister understandably is a little upset by all this and is looking for some suggestions. Any help greatly appreciated.

01-11-2007, 07:26 AM	#2 (permalink)
*Carrie* Super Moderator Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: north panhandle of Idaho Posts: 7,551 Rep Power: 292	She's probably a little confused as to where she belongs. She just left her family and it is natural that she is feeling out of place and like she needs to get back to her family. Give her a little time to bond with your sister. Let her do most of the instigating of attention for a while. In other words, tell your sister not to push the issue. As a little time goes by and your sister is doing things with her, obedience practice (it's a good bonding thing) using positive methods with some treats, play when the dog is interested etc...she'll come around and bond with your sister. Dogs adapt pretty easily as long as they know who is taking care of them, who is controling and supplying their resources. Tell your sister to have the Zeta do some little skills for her in order to get her food, treats or whatever Zeta is wanting. That helps make this relationship get under way as far as Zetas knowing how much she needs your sister. Your sister need not react to everything Zeta does and instead be confident and "cool." For instance, if Zeta is acting some way that your sister wished she weren't, like being distant, wanting to go away, do not react and follow her, talking to her etc. Just let her be and ignore her. If she's moping around or whatever, don't reinforce that with attenion. When Zeta is becoming more responsive and intested in connecting, that's when to share the attention/affection/treats without over whelming her, just soft and easy. It will come together, don't worry.
	__________________ Get more out of Global Paw. Check out these great features. Global Paw Book Club -- Art Classes -- Woof Review As a member of Global paw staff my opinions are not necessarily those of the website or the owner. Last edited by Carrie : 01-11-2007 at 07:34 AM.

01-11-2007, 02:17 PM	#5 (permalink)
*Carrie* Super Moderator Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: north panhandle of Idaho Posts: 7,551 Rep Power: 292	You're welcome Rivsky. I think you had it pegged all along. Let us know how things go, will you? I wish your sis the best. Glad it all came togther for you Estie.
	__________________ Get more out of Global Paw. Check out these great features. Global Paw Book Club -- Art Classes -- Woof Review As a member of Global paw staff my opinions are not necessarily those of the website or the owner.

01-11-2007, 01:04 PM	#3 (permalink)
*Rivsky* Super Moderator Super Moderator Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: South Australia Posts: 3,869 Blog Entries: 6 Rep Power: 145	Thanks Carrie - I thought just giving her her own space and time would be the best thing to do but I've never had to settle a mature dog before. Will pass all your advice on and thanks very much for the info!

01-11-2007, 01:40 PM	#4 (permalink)
Estie estie Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Colorado Posts: 223 Rep Power: 67	Time will take care of it!! It's a little upsetting at first because you think the dog hates you and her new home!!, but Cassy was the same way. She was adopted by a couple, and always went to work with the husband early in the morning (he was a psychiatrist and took her to the office with him), so when she came to live with us (because the dr's wife was allergic to her), she would cry in the morning and look out the window, wanting to go with my hubby to school (he's a teacher). In time, she got over it, and it didn't take very long.

01-11-2007, 07:02 PM	#6 (permalink)
*Rivsky* Super Moderator Super Moderator Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: South Australia Posts: 3,869 Blog Entries: 6 Rep Power: 145	Apparently she ate dinner ok last night (so can't have been that upset!!). Wandered around the house most of the night. My sister got up and took both dogs for a walk this morning and this seems to have done the trick - both are playing/sleeping and everything today - which is a big turn from last night - apparently Zeta wouldn't look at Brandi and Brandi was trying so hard to be her friend! Will put some pics up tonight for everyone. Once again thanks!

01-11-2007, 07:35 PM	#7 (permalink)
sammy herding dog lover Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: western canada Posts: 1,089 Rep Power: 115	I agree with Carrie. Give her lots of playtime/ frisbee time- border collies really need it to help burn stress. Lots of training with food and leave her be when she's having some sulky time. She might just need to feel a bit sad sometimes. I'm glad to hear she's eating- that's a very good sign. Most of the rescues we've brought home or fostered don't eat for a day or two and bc's can often be dogs who go off their food easily.

01-13-2007, 04:20 PM	#8 (permalink)
misdemeanorsmom Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Pewaukee, Wisconsin Posts: 124 Rep Power: 41	Does she have a crate? Or is there a spot you could make up for her that's just hers? It'd be nice if she came with a favorite toy or a blanket that had familiar smells. But anyway, sometimes it helps during this transition to have a little "comfort zone." And I agree, if she seems distant, give her a little space. Especially with herding dogs, I've noticed. It's not that they're not friendly, they just take a little time to decide they like you. I bet within a week, though, she'll be acting like she never lived anywhere else.

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