[kmichaluk]

Hi There,

My name is Kelly I have just joined, I live in Mission, B.C., Canada. I have recently adopted and rescued a 4 year old chocolate lab. His name is Gunner and he is a sweet boy, however the info that was given to me about him I do not believe was truthful, as in his history. Due to the circumstances in which he was living I did not give a second thought to giving him a new safe home.

I was told he was well adjusted, but due to life of his owner his care had taken a back seat and was either in his crate or pen all day with no room to run. I live on ten acres and also have two shepard lab crosses Herbie and Mary who are ten months old, and very well behaved. The past few days I have been noticing things in Gunner that have put my alerts up and believe he has been abused not just neglected. He also appears to not know how to behave and the only command he knows is sit. My heart is so sad for what he must have been going through.

Gunner flinches when you clap your hands or there is a loud noise, he flinches and cowers if you move to fast towards you face. He makes very little eye contact and if let of leash will run his little heart out and when you call him in if he does not come right away, he appears terrified to come back at all. He has some food aggression with my other dogs but has been fine with me . I feed them spread apart from one another and am comforting him well he eats to try and ease his anxiety. Because he just runs and takes off when off lead I am now putting on his lead and found that he loves to play. So I let him off to play and back on lead to the house and this has cut down the anxiety for him and frustration for me. I am being very consistant with his behaviors that I do not allow( ex- feet on counter looking for food, furniture jumping, those not so great behaviors). Gunner came to me with a very heavy prong collar and to be honest it has been misused on him you can tell, and I hate it and am wondering if at this point it would be better to keep it on or remove it and put a nice soft collar on. Dont get me wrong I know they can be of use but I do not believe in them if you misuse them to threaten your dog or take out anger.

I am just looking for some stratagies I can use to let my new fella adjust better. Also some support from anyone who might have found themselves in the same situation.

When Gunner was dropped off his previous owner had spewed how she wanted to keep in touch and was so worried he would be going to a bad home and wouldnt you know I have not heard from her. She pulled up in a 100,000 dollar car, and Gunner was living in a broken crate that was filthy and smelled like he had never had a bath. Bless these dogs hearts that go to homes where they do not recieve basic care and love, and yet they still have it in there hearts to want to trust and love us.

Thanks for reading,
Kelly

[CorkyMax]

Yes, it is very sad what some (many) poor dogs have to endure by stupid/greedy people! So glad you rescued Gunner! It also sounds like you are working with him to try and get him over his problems. Love patience, and time (and training) will hopefully help.

QUOTE: Gunner came to me with a very heavy prong collar and to be honest it has been misused on him you can tell, and I hate it and am wondering if at this point it would be better to keep it on or remove it and put a nice soft collar on. (END OF QUOTE)
The main reason I posted you is to ask why you wouldn't take off that awful collar and give him a softer one anyhow? Of what use is the darn thing anyhow?!!

Please keep us posted as to how he is doing. Hoping to hear some good things over time.

[kmichaluk]

I am heading out today to pick him out a new fancy one. I do not have a extra collar that fits him so I have left it on for now as I have been afraid he will take off in other peoples yards. I can not keep up with him for the life of me. I found his nitch last night, he likes to fetch but his manors are rough. So I worked with him this morning on sitting and not jumping to grab out of my hand.

Gunner will have his new collar today, and also have a new crate on the way. So he has a whole new start on life with his new family.

Thanks so much,

[CorkyMax]

Originally Posted by kmichaluk

I am heading out today to pick him out a new fancy one. I do not have a extra collar that fits him so I have left it on for now as I have been afraid he will take off in other peoples yards. I can not keep up with him for the life of me. I found his nitch last night, he likes to fetch but his manors are rough. So I worked with him this morning on sitting and not jumping to grab out of my hand.

Gunner will have his new collar today, and also have a new crate on the way. So he has a whole new start on life with his new family.

Thanks so much,

You are welcome! Glad to hear that 'crappy' collar is going quick.I have the feeling in time--You've only had him for a little while---with you as his parent, things will improve. He is a lucky dog!