[Irisheyes]

Hi, everyone:

. . . should we expect the adjustment period to last?

We adopted two collie mixes (littermates "brothers") from the Humane Society and brought them home yesterday. They seem to have very good temperaments overall, but seem very skittish and somewhat fearful at times. Also, they have not touched their food, although it is the same (Science Diet) they were eating at the Society. We have given them nothing else, however. My gut tells me that they'll eat when they're hungry (hope that's true). We do not want to feed them people food.

I keep telling the boys (our three teenagers) that they will probably transition in time, but I don't really know what I'm talking about - LOL!

They do like to go for walks, but not too interested in exploring the backyard. They mostly just sit right outside the door when sent out to "do their business". Also, there have been two accidents, despite frequent outings, although I don't which is the culprit.

Any thoughts or advice is VERY welcome.

[wishbone]

Hi, you got to learn more and research about your buddies, is it the first time you have dogs, having two will be harder for beginners. Things will never be done instantly so you need time, patience and enough attention for them. Don't forget to give them treats whenever they did god job. They will surely touch their food as soon as they get hungry, don't worry everything will be fine and they will be out of their shells.

[Irisheyes]

Thanks for your response. To answer your question, it is not the first time I have owned dogs, but it has been many years. As far as having two, it was not our original intention, but the Humane Society would not let them be adopted separately. It is easy to see why, as they are very close. In some ways, I think it may make the whole thing a little easier, as they do play and entertain each other. At any rate, it's a done deal, and I just want to figure out how to make it work. Both are very sweet and we already love both of them.

I thought that by posting on this forum, as well as reading and talking to other dog owners, that I was seeking information (researching) on being a new dog owner. I never said that I expected anything to be "instant"; I just was looking for some general opinions/advice on how long an adjustment period, which I surely expected, to last and just generally what to expect.

We do give them treats, although I am mindful that I don't want to give them too many, as they are not eating their food, and I don't want to fill them up with treats. Although I have not raised dogs in many years, I have raised children, and it seems to make sense that many of the same principles would apply: if you fill a toddler up with a bunch of crackers or cheese or something, you can hardly expect him to eat his dinner.

They are getting plenty of attention. There are five of us home now, and they are walked and taken outside plenty. They are always with people, except at night when we crate them. Plenty of love, petting, and attention. We're not supposed to throw the ball or allow them to get too wild, as they were just neutered a couple of days ago.

[LadyA]

Adjustment periods vary with every dog, just like humans. It could take a week, and then, it could take a month, though you are right, they will adjust. Since they have such a bond with each other, you may want to make sure that you develop a bond with each one separately as well. As for too many treats, they make treats in small doses...like the size of a pencil eraser, or a little bigger. Less chance of "filling them up with treats" with the small size. They will eat when they are ready, it is a big adjustment to go from a shelter where they were spending a lot of time alone, to a house with so many people with plenty of time to spend with them. It will take a lot of patience and love, but they will be fine, I am sure. You may want to consider finding an obedience training class to take them to, (one at a time) to help with the bond between human and dog, but for now, just let them know that you are there for them and that your house is their new "forever home", so they can feel secure. Good luck, as you will definitely have your hands full with two, but sounds like you are ready for the challenge. Keep us informed as to how things turn out!

[Irisheyes]

Thanks, LadyA. They are doing pretty super now. They have been eating their dog food now for a few days and getting settled in. We've discovered Piper is a little bit of a trash picker and is not completely housebroken. He's had three accidents in the week we've had him. Peyton does seem to be housebroken and has had no accidents.

I bought Cesar Millan's book as I have been watching the Dog Whisperer on the NatGeo channel for awhile. A lot of his tips seem to really be working well for these dogs. I think we have established their position "in the pack" very well and they seem very content with it. Just a word and a certain posture seems to correct them pretty well. They even seem to understand that they are notch below Charlotte, our kitty. They are very respectful, although curious, of her and she seems to feel safe around them.

I think we just need to keep working with them, walking them and working with them several times a day, and just showing them love and affection. I think Piper will come around on the housebreaking pretty soon, as he is crated all night long and never has had an accident in the crate.

If anyone has any further advice for me, especially on the housebreaking, please post. . . thanks!

[RL4422]

Housebreaking older dogs can be really tricky, so don't feel bad if you are having trouble. The previous owners didn't exactly set you up for success, but the dogs are still VERY happy to be rescued Just be sure to take them out a lot. Unfortunately, until the dogs learn to love and repect you... punishing them for going in the house will have a backwards effect. So just take them out as much as possible for now.

As far as helping them adjust, I completely agree with the treats aspect. However I'd recommend trying to get them to eat one kernel of dog food, then rewarding them with something like an unsalted cracker or small piece of bread. Otherwise, they will assume that if they wait long enough you will replace their usual food with human food. Then it becomes a dominance issue which can get out of control fast Just keep taking them for walks and spending quiet time with them. They will adjust. It takes anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 months on average.

[Sky_Rider]

Well the advice I can offer on house breaking them is what I did with my dog. I went to Walmart and got a pack of bells, kinda christmasy normal bells that'll ring when touched. I tied them to the door that I ALWAYS take my dog out to potty. And every time that I would take her out I would ring the bells right in her face and say 'go out' or 'go potty' and take her straight out. And when we would come back in I would ring them in her face again telling her good girl, good potty. And I'd make it a habit of taking her out randomly and ringing it at her all the time we went out. Even if she didn't need to go and I thought it was time we'd stand out there and wait til she went then it was straight back in and more ringing. Since they are border collie mixes they should pick it up fairly quickly. If either one of them even taps it ever so lightly take them both out immediatly and offer lots and lots of praise. They will learn hey this bell making that noise means I can go out!

[lil mutt]

they still are in their adjustment period. Im sure after some time they will adjust to their new home. just dont forget to be patient and show them how much you love them.

[SiRalex16v]

I think the most important thing is to give them lots of love. Not to smother them too much. I know people food is the enemy. I grew up in Europe where in my town most people fed their dogs beef stew and vedg. The dogs were always healthy and lasted FOREVER! LOL .. i occasionally give my dogs some. for example if i bbq i will buy each dog a steak and cut it up for them and feed them individual pieces. They sit there quietly. The meat isn't salted at all with no seasoning. Just meat. I notice by doing this that their coats look shinier and the dogs are more active. Not to judge anyone's diet for their dogs but its like a human. If you feed it nothing but perfect expensive dog food, that is all they will ever be able to ingest. I'm not saying i feed my dogs cheap food either. Royal Canine is what they eat. Its great for the boxer since he has tendency to be lean all the time. This helps him keep up his weight much better then when he was on Eukanuba. I just hope he doesn't have a hyperthyroid problem.