Rescue - Settling In

by Lucile
(Texas)

We have been fostering a middle-aged female for about a month. She had a bad case of hookworms, a broken tooth with significant infection, had been trapped just after having a litter, and appeared neglected. She has not felt well since being here. Spaying indicated she had another infection. The dog we see now, after much medication, is improving, but not yet well. She has tried to dig out, and seems to have a sense of unfinished business, trying to travel northeast on walks. Will she be able to leave her last life behind and settle with us? We have a large yard with a low fence she could easily clear, and a highway in view. We need to be able to trust her on the property. There are not animals there to protect, and previously she seems to have guarded goats.

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Apr 09, 2020
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by: Great Pyrenees Club

Every dog is different. You've only had her for a month which is nothing in the scheme of things. She sounds like she has had a horrible previous life. She obviously misses her pups terribly. This is understandable. That is what she probably wants back. It will take time. It normally takes between 9 months and a year for a dog to really settle in. It may take her longer because she yearns for those puppies.

You'll need to increase the height of your fencing by adding something on. We always recommend secure fencing of at least 6 feet. Put some rocks or something along the bottom so she can't dig out. She really wants to find her pups. In the meantime, you'll need to only have her in the yard when you are there to keep her safe.

Pyrs were bred to wander with their livestock so it is instinctive for them to wander. Until she feels safe and happy at your place, she will want to find her pups. That should go away after awhile but give her time.

As for having guarded goats, she will learn to watch over you as her new charges in time. But, it will take time. Understand where she is coming from. It's is really hard for her right now.

Again, get some height on your fence. The homes to whom we adopt must have at least 6 foot secure fencing. Once she does settle in, she won't want to wander as much. She'll want to hang out with you. Perhaps get her a cat or another male dog as a friend.

Again, give this sweet girl some time. Here is a free two month on-line training course you can do with her. It's geared towards rescues. Susan Garrett is phenomenal. Copy and paste the URL into your browser.

https://dogsthat.com/home-school/


Enjoy her and give it time.
Oct 20, 2020
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starstarstarstarstar 		Females living harmoniously
by: Sarah

Looking for advise how to help 3 female dogs live in harmony. Neighbor said she had to surrender 1 year old female Great Pyrenees. She sees me walking my 4 year old female Irish Jack Russell and 2 year old female Berner and asked me to help. Pyr is a sweetheart but challenges are that she was with a non English speaking fam so language is new and both my girls are super territorial of home and our fam. I took her to vet and she has several infections and worms so I have her separated am want advise how to make this work. I agreed to foster but am considering adopting if I can get them to get along. Is it possible for 3 females to live harmoniously? We have her in separate room and dog run and my girls snoop on her through other side of our fenced in yard.
Oct 22, 2020
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starstarstarstarstar 		Females living harmoniously
by: Donna

It just depends on the females. All you can do is try it out. Females can get along. It just depends on personalities and level of ranking. If one is low ranked and the other high ranked, it can work. Do keep her separate anyways so they all get used to each other from a distance.

Here is how ranking works:

Ranking

You know your dogs best. Once everyone appears to be used to each other from a distance start to increase closeness on a walk, keeping dogs on opposite sides of each other at a distance. Just watch body language. Gradually, decrease distance between as the dogs look comfortable with each other. Take only one dog at a time out with her so she doesn't feel intimidated.

When they finally get to be in the house together, one dog at a time with her at first, train her to a muzzle so if a fight happens to break out, although you'll be there watching them, no one gets hurt. Try to avoid fights. Keep dogs on leash.

It will take some time.

Train to a muzzle using treats. Hold muzzle in your hand. When her nose comes close to it, treat her. Each time her nose gets closer into the muzzle and she takes her nose out, treat. Work like that. Slow and make sure she is confident. Don't force it on her.

I hope this helps.

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