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.

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