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Esylum
Top Dog!!!!
Joined: 13 Mar 2009
Posts: 2918
Location: New Brunswick, Canada
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 Posted: Sun Dec 20, 2009 11:53 pm Post subject: |
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AWww he really looks like he has some happiness now!
I love the sweater and and the name change is a good one too 
Im glad to hear he is settling in!!! |
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hlboyz
QueenLaQuintli
Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 11921
Location: Paradise
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| Posted: Mon Dec 21, 2009 8:51 am Post subject: |
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| Great update and pics! I love the close up face shot - he is so handsome! Ha, I recognize that green sweater, I have one too - it's beautiful and looks divine on the newly crowned Hank! |
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cadillackesha
Top Dog!!!!
Joined: 17 Mar 2008
Posts: 6327
Location: Sunny South
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| Posted: Mon Dec 21, 2009 9:04 am Post subject: |
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Was Tyler renamed? I must have missed that post.  I am glad you are making progress with him. That first couple of weeks can be very overwhelming. Having support from the foster Mom & others makes a big difference.  |
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modgirl
Joined: 03 Dec 2009
Posts: 23
Location: Oakland, California
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| Posted: Mon Dec 21, 2009 10:12 pm Post subject: |
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Ugh, today is stressful. Tyler (whose new name is Hank) seems to have reverted on some of his progress. Yesterday, I felt like we had gotten to a really great place - he even followed me a little bit through the house, and sat on the couch with me for a couple of hours without any shakes.
Today, we left him at home alone (crated) for a couple of hours, and it's like he doesn't know me anymore. He was SUPER shaky again (hasn't done that for awhile) so I took him on a nice long walk. He had his tail out and a tall walk for a lot of the journey, but had a couple of episodes where he totally freaked, like he hasn't done at all since the first or second day here.
He came back inside after the long walk and sulked in the corner, wouldn't eat from me. Over the past hr, I finally got him eating from me (I'm feeding by hand) but when I stretch toward him, he sulks again. He hasn't acted like this in days. I just spent some time bawling my eyes out because this revert in behavior just really bummed me out.
I am sure that this happens... I just wanted to vent because I know ya'll would understand.
Please send good vibes for Hank to feel calm. |
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Esylum
Top Dog!!!!
Joined: 13 Mar 2009
Posts: 2918
Location: New Brunswick, Canada
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| Posted: Mon Dec 21, 2009 10:46 pm Post subject: |
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aww It can be stressful!
Im sure others with a bit more rescue experience can share some tips! But I wouldnt worry too much! things are still new! Hank just needs to get used to your schedual and learn that just because you go away for a few hours doesnt mean he is abandoned forever! Think- you are all he knows now, and he might just be afraid of losing you! Sounds like you are doing great to me though! stick with your schedual and routine Im sure it wont take long!!! |
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puffornot
Top Dog!!!!
Joined: 25 Aug 2007
Posts: 3994
Location: oregon sweet oregon
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| Posted: Tue Dec 22, 2009 12:08 am Post subject: |
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Hank (thank you for clarifying, I thought I was losing it about a name change) has been through a lot in a short time. And, even with a dog without any history they have so much to take in in a new home. Just the intonation of your voices and body language is a huge amount of info to take in. An unusual noise might have occurred while you were gone and frightened him or something. Just keep doing what you are doing, consistent schedule and patient love and understanding. I have a little girl that my brother calls "corner dog" because that is where she still (after 4 years) goes if she is concerned (like anytime I have visitors). At the same time she has come so very far from where she was when I first got her. And everytime I see her take a baby step forward I am just thrilled. But I also can tell she is very happy and loves me, because there are times she let's her guard down or she does something that lets me know that. It sounds like Hank will come around much faster for you, but don't worry it just takes time. He'll show you in due course, and it will be even more special when he does.  |
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ColleenT
Fairy Dogmother
Joined: 21 Nov 2008
Posts: 5926
Location: Poconos USA
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| Posted: Tue Dec 22, 2009 7:13 am Post subject: |
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| i agree, it's not going to be easy the whole time. Polly has been with us for 8 months. She is finally getting more silly. She took so long to come out of her shell, but every baby step, was HUGE to us. And you'll see things happen, and he'll improve. Maybe he hurt himself somehow in the crate, and he panicked. Since you were not there, you'll probably never know. Keep up the good work, try not to stress out, b/c he'll feel it, and he'll react to it. |
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cesarmonkey
Guest
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| Posted: Tue Dec 22, 2009 8:09 am Post subject: |
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Awwww I send comforting thoughts your way -- the one step forward, three steps backward thing is difficult because you just want them to be emotionally whole again NOW. I do understand.
As everyone has said - it is going to take time, and little progress is going to continue to be marked by seemingly insane backward progress, but in time, the little progress markers will rise above and take over. Trust me - it will happen. Hank may always be a more reserved boy, but I have personally seen him strut his stuff....so it will happen. Have faith in the future and hold on to that during the low times. |
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cadillackesha
Top Dog!!!!
Joined: 17 Mar 2008
Posts: 6327
Location: Sunny South
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| Posted: Tue Dec 22, 2009 2:36 pm Post subject: |
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In my experience, what he is doing is a part of his process. When I've had very shy fosters, they seem to make a little progress for a few days then regress. They do come out of it, but it seems they go thru cycles like that. It usually takes 4-6 weeks before they start to relax. I've had a couple of fosters that took longer, but they all eventually respond to consistency, love & patience. Good luck!  |
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modgirl
Joined: 03 Dec 2009
Posts: 23
Location: Oakland, California
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| Posted: Sat Dec 26, 2009 11:22 am Post subject: |
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Hi all, thanks for the help!
I wanted to post an update with some HUGE PROGRESS! Yesterday for Christmas, Hank and I went to a friend's house. She has a 1.5 year old baby and two mini schnauzers. I was a little worried about how scared he'd be, but I knew that he could sit with me if he needed to all day, and I brought his kennel as well in case it got bad.
Well, upon arrival, we had one issue (one schnauzer is very scared as well, but he gets aggressive - so he had to be separated for the day.) Aside from that, Hank did amazing! He sat on my lap on the couch for about an hr when we got there, but was incredibly interested on what was going on around. Watching the baby, watching the other people who were preparing food, etc. Eventually, I set him down on the couch and walked away. He slowly started jumping off the couch and then back up. Finally, he jumped down and followed me in to the kitchen! After that, he was greeting the other schnauzer (they didn't do much together, but allowed each other to exist and sniffed) and following me around. He took treats from the people at the party. He let his tail out of his bum! He EVEN put his mouth around a chew toy!
Then, I was afraid that he would revert when we got home, since there's no dogs here. But, he has now just begun following me wherever I go. If I sit in the office, he sits next to me. I love it! He's letting his tail out quite a bit more, and, he slept with us in the bed last night. My husband was against it, but after seeing him jump up there on his own, it was over.
I had spoken with some people at work who said that doggie daycare had worked wonders for anxiety in their cases. I had been thinking about doing that, but then, seeing how much people and dogs were helping him, I realized I need to let him out of the shell of this house more often and experience new things. He's somewhat bonded to me, so he knows that I'm keeping him safe.
It was amazing to see him bound around...even beg for turkey! Now I know that we just need to do some of those same things and utilize that energy to help him move along further.
More pictures here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/nissanicole/sets/72157622889979777/ |
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Laura
Dog is my co-pilot
Joined: 27 Dec 2006
Posts: 6047
Location: California
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| Posted: Sat Dec 26, 2009 11:40 am Post subject: |
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| Great update! I am so glad that Hank is doing well and that he has you do bond with and observe and help him. He's a beautiful boy. |
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ColleenT
Fairy Dogmother
Joined: 21 Nov 2008
Posts: 5926
Location: Poconos USA
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| Posted: Sat Dec 26, 2009 12:30 pm Post subject: |
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| Yay Hank! i think Doggy day care is wonderful, and my girls need their weekly fix. Good Luck, i think Day care could help him a lot. |
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bindies mum
Show dog
Joined: 05 Sep 2008
Posts: 620
Location: wigan, england
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| Posted: Sun Dec 27, 2009 7:35 am Post subject: |
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oh hes beautiful, he will make slow progress and he will regress but you'll get there in the end my lulu is still a work in progress...everyday is different, even though hes frightened its important to take him new places and let him experience new people,dogs etc
good luck with him xxxxxxxxx |
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cesarmonkey
Guest
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| Posted: Mon Dec 28, 2009 6:41 am Post subject: |
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| Wonderful update, just wonderful!!!! I'm so pleased!!!! |
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sherri
Best in Show
Joined: 01 Dec 2007
Posts: 1948
Location: Ontario Canada
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| Posted: Mon Dec 28, 2009 7:22 am Post subject: |
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| So glad he is making progress. Keep up with the updates. |
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ResQ Qt
Best in Show
Joined: 20 Sep 2008
Posts: 1409
Location: The Heart of it All
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| Posted: Mon Dec 28, 2009 11:44 pm Post subject: |
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| Aww, what a wonderful update!! It sounds like he had a great holiday. Tyler didn't go to daycare while he was here, but my other fosters have and it really helped. But like you said just getting out with him will make a big difference and be a good adventure for both of you. I have to laugh about him jumping up on the bed-not only do they find a way in our heart, they usually seem to find a way in the bed too. |
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modgirl
Joined: 03 Dec 2009
Posts: 23
Location: Oakland, California
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| Posted: Fri Feb 05, 2010 12:17 am Post subject: Hank's Progress - lots of good with one big bad. |
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Hi all.
It has been awhile since I posted here, and I hope that ya'll will see it. Update on Hank (Tyler).
When it's me and Hank, alone, out at a friend's, at the pet store I work at, or on a walk, this dog is amazing. He's the most cuddly, sweet and humanistic dog I have ever seen. He's even learning commands, greeting new people and dogs, and letting his naughty behavior shine through.
All the good aside, Hank's fear of men has gone from one of many issues to the issue. His fear of my husband, his papa, is paralyzing. When he's near, the Hank who has come so far is gone. He cowers, growls, hides and shakes - things that are not anymore usual to his demeanor. While he shows occasional fear of men in general, it's a very curious fear - once he's allowed to meet the man, sniff him up a little, he's generally fine sharing his space (though he doesn't allow pets often). When my husband is near, he completely shuts down and acts as though he is going to be beaten. My husband hasn't even raised his voice since Hank came home. Under the direction of our private trainer, my husband sits with the dog on the couch, gives him all treats, feeds him, and walks him - consistently. His effort is amazing. However, nothing has helped - only worsened the situation.
I feel like something I'm doing must be causing his fear. I see so, so much improvement in him, so much affection, so DIFFERENT of a dog when were' at the store, or away from home. He's constantly afraid at home that David will be there. It's like Dr Jeckyl/Mr. Hyde. |
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Laura
Dog is my co-pilot
Joined: 27 Dec 2006
Posts: 6047
Location: California
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| Posted: Fri Feb 05, 2010 12:26 am Post subject: |
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I guess wherever he was before, he was mistreated by The Man of the House and now associates this household role with the mistreatment he suffered  Poor baby.
I have not had to work with a dog like this, so will leave it to the more experienced to advise, but my guess is that it will just take time for him to relax. It sounds to me like your husband is doing all the right things. Glad to hear Hank is doing so well, otherwise! |
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ColleenT
Fairy Dogmother
Joined: 21 Nov 2008
Posts: 5926
Location: Poconos USA
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| Posted: Fri Feb 05, 2010 9:48 am Post subject: |
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| I'm glad to hear the progress, but not sure what i would do in that situation. probably have hubby do the feeding, and spend more time with him. it's sad to think what might have happened in the past. it really takes time. Just don't give up, keep trying. |
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Shell
Top Dog!!!!
Joined: 18 Nov 2006
Posts: 4876
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| Posted: Fri Feb 05, 2010 10:54 am Post subject: |
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You are living the same life I hade with my first boy, and now a few years later with his brother. Now Dargo would freeze up whenever he was put in the boyfriend's arms. He'd run into walls if the boyfriend walked past him. He'd shut down completely if the boyfriend had him on his lap and he'd growl everytime the boyfriend came near him. Regan couldn't touch him for 8 months. Then we'd boil liver and cut it up and only Regan would feed him. After 8 months, Helo warmed up to Regan, but still, Regan could never just go and pick him up. He passed away (Dargo, my crested) two years later, but I can honestly say he was turning into a real dog and I do believe he would have gotten much better through out the years.
Now I've got his brother and we're starting from scratch all over again. Helo will actually jump across a room to take a nip out of Regan.He's got him pretty good on the hands before. He barks hysterically if Regan comes near me. He's fine with women, but men, forget it. We know he'll come around with time, but it can be fustrating. The best thing to do is to let your boyfriend do all the feeding for awhile. Wehn you're watching tv, sit on the couch with him on your lap as close to the boyfriend. We even had Dargo sleep between us which helped alot, but not everyone will agree with that idea. Please be patient. He sounds like a wonderful boy and just needs alot of time. You're doing everything right. xoxo |
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