Without intentions, I went with a friend to get her dog from the pound, and came home with a City Lab.
This poor thing is in worst shape than I imagined.
I could see it had been ill kept. All bones, dandruff, just a terrible sight.
But that's not the worste of it. Most of the problems I'm experienced with and can take in stride.
But, there is one that's got me scratching my head. Paperwork from previous owner mentioned "crated 70% of time". I took that to mean something like 70% at night, or when someone was working, or something to that effect. I am now convinced it meant 70% of the dog's entire 2 years of life was in a crate!!!!!
Been raining and storming since I got it home until this afternoon. Whenever I let it out it cried, barked, and scratched at the door. However, it kept indicating it wanted to go out. Found this puzzling until I put some things together. I firmly believe this dog has never been outside alone! Found it would only "party" if it was on the leash!
Essentially, I have a 8 wk. old way oversized pup with a multitude of bad habits and experiences.
I expected a bit of a challenge, but this maybe a bit much.
Fortunately this dog is trying very hard to be co-operative ( a very big help, and says much for the animal). Several "issues" have almost been resolved already (very smart and eager to please).
But about this lack of outdoor experience makes me wonder. I work "off-leash" most often and a "bootlicker is against my grain & experience.
Controling range, recall, and all I'm used to, this is the direct oposite and trying to think of a "method".
If anyone has any ideas, I'm all ears.
This poor thing is in worst shape than I imagined.
I could see it had been ill kept. All bones, dandruff, just a terrible sight.
But that's not the worste of it. Most of the problems I'm experienced with and can take in stride.
But, there is one that's got me scratching my head. Paperwork from previous owner mentioned "crated 70% of time". I took that to mean something like 70% at night, or when someone was working, or something to that effect. I am now convinced it meant 70% of the dog's entire 2 years of life was in a crate!!!!!
Been raining and storming since I got it home until this afternoon. Whenever I let it out it cried, barked, and scratched at the door. However, it kept indicating it wanted to go out. Found this puzzling until I put some things together. I firmly believe this dog has never been outside alone! Found it would only "party" if it was on the leash!
Essentially, I have a 8 wk. old way oversized pup with a multitude of bad habits and experiences.
I expected a bit of a challenge, but this maybe a bit much.
Fortunately this dog is trying very hard to be co-operative ( a very big help, and says much for the animal). Several "issues" have almost been resolved already (very smart and eager to please).
But about this lack of outdoor experience makes me wonder. I work "off-leash" most often and a "bootlicker is against my grain & experience.
Controling range, recall, and all I'm used to, this is the direct oposite and trying to think of a "method".
If anyone has any ideas, I'm all ears.