My new fur buddy is finally here and I can't believe how sweet she is! I know she is a little confused and sad after being moved to a 4th home (two were foster homes). Is there any way I can make her feel at home and help her bond with me?
You need to give her time to settle in. As you said, she has been to 4 different homes. She'll need to trust you. Sometimes it takes awhile for rescues to settle, and feel comfortble with their new surroundings, new house rules..etc. She may even have a few potty accidents in the mean time. Just give her time. In a month of so, check for OB classes in your area, that is a great way to bond with your girl. Spend as much time as you can with her. She needs to know that she don't going anyway else. Lots of love, attention & time.
A firm, loving hand is the best way to help settle in a new addition. YOur new girl needs to learn the rules of your household, so you need to be firm and consistent, without being harsh. She needs to learn that she is in her forever home, but that she has boundaries and limitations there. It is far easier to keep a bad habit from beginning, than trying to break that habit later on. Lots of hands on time, with training that automatically sets her up to win goes a long way toward building her self esteem and teaching her she can trust you. Go over the basics, sit, down, etc. and reward with lots of praise, etc. She will learn quickly that even simple things she already knows please you and that she can trust you. Expect some accidents, and some unwanted behavior but try to never be harsh with her... a firm "no" (only if caught in the act) and a quick redirect to a proper behavior is all you need. Also, be patient, you are both in the "honeymoon" stage right now... in a week or two, as she settles in you will begin to see more of the real girl who has become part of your family. Enjoy, have patience, be firm, and beyond all lover her to pieces!!
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Susan
**Boxers... not just dogs, they're an adventure!
Congratulations on the arrival of your new Girl. Hoping all goes well..................give her lots of consistency and love.. What will her name be?
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Beverly Red Rocks Zam I Am (Zammi) CD, RE, CGC Dusty Road's Walk'in on Air (Pilot) RN, CGC U-CH/CH Naughty DeNevi at Red Rocks RN, CGC (Denee) Forever in my heart" Red Rocks RIMPAC Warrior (Tanner) CD, RE, CGC Tanner, Zammi, Pilot & Denee Red Rocks Boxers
Her name is Gwen and today seems to be a new day. IF you didn't know better you would think she had been here longer than 3 days. Shes opening up, playing more, snuggling more, and wiggles her "nub" more. She has started to test boundries ALREADY!! Shes trying to be a bossy girl. Now if I can remember all that I have read and can keep her from "playing with" the cat we will get through this tough part.
Of course I couldn't do it without your help! Thanx so much for helping with my many questions!!