Ally ([info]ally_h) wrote,
@ 2008-09-28 21:50:00
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Introducing Dexter!

Introducing Dexter!
Originally uploaded by ♥ Allison ♥
This is our new puppy. When we picked him up, he looked like a muppet due to severe neglect (there's some nasty mats underneath all those cute curls). His first haircut revealed that he is actually a poodle.

Right now we are working on (a) fattening him up (he weighs 9.6 lbs and should be at least 13), (b) teaching him to kennel on command, and (c) assuring him that the world is not all dangerous and scary and what-not. Progress is as follows:

(a) He is a finicky eater so fattening him up has been difficult. We made some fancy concoction out of raw hamburger, oats, pumpkin, gelatin, and molasses...he likes that a lot, but it causes some nasty dog farts. The vet gave him some paste that is designed to stimulate the appetite of anorexic cats. Gross. He also likes cheese and hot dogs, but I question the nutritional value of both.

(b) He remains wary of the kennel, but does not whine excessively.

(c) His tail used to be tucked in between his legs constantly, and now it is out around 80% of the time...not bad progress for one week.

We are also working on peeing outside the house, but that has made a recent regression...thank god we don't have carpet.

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[info]untitlednothree
2008-09-29 03:31 pm UTC (link)
he's cut as a button.

i have one word of advice re: getting him to do, well, anything. patience! (i'm sure you already know this) but it takes so much work with a rescue dog, but the love you'll receive will pay off in bountiful amounts!

something we did for ruby in terms of not wanting to eat- we took some of her dog food (yeah, i'm lazy and use science diet) and heated it up for 5seconds in the microwave, with a little water. she really liked the smell *shrug* (must make sure it isn't too hot!)

btw, how old is he? that might have something to do with his urinary issues. anyhow, he's adorable, and he's lucky to have to great mommies!

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[info]untitlednothree
2008-09-29 03:32 pm UTC (link)
erm, cute as a button... LOL

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[info]ally_h
2008-10-04 07:09 am UTC (link)
It's funny because I didn't even notice your typo until you pointed it out...I love that about the human brain.

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[info]ally_h
2008-10-04 07:09 am UTC (link)
The microwave trick seems to work well for his food. As he's grown more confident, we don't have to do as many things to his food to encourage him to eat.

He's probably around 2 years old (we were told he was between 6-8 months old by the rescue folks, the vet estimated 1 year 8 months based on his teeth). I think the potty training is him just not understanding yet. It's difficult because he doesn't have accidents that often, and when I've caught him in the act it takes a long time to get outside (putting on the leash, getting to grass, etc) so it's hard to show him what he's supposed to do instead. He also has problems if he gets too excited or scared, but I hope that will improve as he becomes accustomed to living here.

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[info]green_eyed_view
2008-09-29 05:20 pm UTC (link)
The cuteness!
Aaaah dog farts!

80% is amazing in one week!

My hubby and I want get a dog from a rescue as soon as we move, I can't wait!
What a sweetie, I'm so jealous :)

Have you tried peanut butter? I've never found a dog yet that didn't like peanut butter. Though probably not very nutritious, it is quite fattening! You can just rub it on a toy or bone and let'em carry it around and lick it between meals :P I'm finding very useful with my 15 year old pup. When she needs a pill or two I just coat them in PB and she doesn't even know ;) It also might create a positive association with the cage if you only give it when he's in the cage.

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[info]ally_h
2008-10-04 07:15 am UTC (link)
He hasn't shown much interest in peanut butter. I put some in a kong toy thinking it would provide fun mental stimulation. He licked it a few times, and then it just ended up getting peanut butter all over the floor. Gross. He has been eating more in general though (probably because he's feeling more comfortable/less anxiety) so maybe he'll respond better to peanut butter at some point. We're planning to get a bone from the butcher to give him in his kennel in hopes it will build the positive association; right now he gets baked cheese every time he goes in his kennel but he still hates it (the kennel, not the cheese...he LOVES cheese).

Good luck in finding the perfect dog! :) Isn't your move just around the corner?

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