Settle in period

[Susie B]

I was just wondering how long it usually takes for a rescue to settle in to the new environment. I've had Missy, my 1 1/2 yr old rescue for about 5 months and she and my 7 yr old, Dooley, seem very content with each other. Missy has started advanced obedience and is settling down quite a bit from when I first got her. She and Dooley also go to Doggie DayCare 1 day per week which they both just love. Just recently, Dooley sustained a leg strain and she has been very good with him, only playing when he wants to and being more gentle with him. She is only a few pounds heavier than Dooley but 8" taller, very tall and lean. She is polite when it comes to food, only finishing up Dooley's crumbs when he moves and licks his bowl after he is finished. There has been no food aggression issues. There has only been some redirected aggression when seeing another dog outside. I fixed this with a response from this forum by closing the blinds. It's amazing how simple some solutions are.

Thanks,
Susie

[Amber]

I'll tell you what, Susie. I've had Sally since she was 1 1/2 years old also. She is now 2. I've had her for 7 months. She had some MAJOR socialization issues, along with issues with walking on a leash. As with your rescue, if she sees another dog (or person, in Sally's case) outside the house, she will give a low warning growl, but she stops if I tell her to "Hush". When I first got her, if anyone walked in my house she would not only growl, but also bark. She also had a problem with urinating and defecating when nervous (not any more luckily!). Precious and Sally get along perfectly, with Precious picking on her a couple times throughout the day, but she takes it well.

I read in Help For Your Shy Dog by Deborah Wood, that it can take up to 3 years for a rescue to settle in. It depends on their issues and how you work with them. Before I adopted Sally, I knew what all her issues were so I was able to do research. That may be why she has adjusted so quickly with all her problems. Just the other day, she let my boyfriend (she HATES men) come in the house and she sat right next to him. She also let my two aunts come in the house without barking or growling. She also didn't run out of the room and hide in her crate like she used to do.

Another thing that helped is this forum. All in all, it sounds like your rescue has settled in nicely. What makes you think she hasn't settled in?

[Susie B]

I think I'm just anxious. Missy is settling in quite a bit. She finally got the doggie door down and loves to go in and out. She's maturing also. I took her with me to visit my brother and he has 2 Jack Russell males. She got along with them but then my other brother came and brought his female Jack who already has a reputation for getting into fights. Missy and the female Jack did not get along and I had to keep them separated for most of the visit. I had never seen that side of her and it made me a little nervous.

[Sheryl]

I'm not an expert, but it sounds to me like your dog is very settled. I also don't think that her behaviour around a dog known for picking fights is unexpected at all.
Oh, if all rescues could be as easy going as yours!

[Amber]

I agree with Sheryl! Maybe you can give ME some pointers! lol

[Susie B]

Today was a very good test for both dogs. I had my first summer cookout with the family and was a little anxious since there would be food all around. Both dogs were as polite as can be expected. I still have a jumping problem with Missy, but I think that's a combination of age and the attention she gets from these people.