We’ve been busy the last couple weeks helping Baxter adjust to his new home. He wasn’t socialized at all as a puppy, so lots of things are new and “scary.” Outside the house, and especially outside the yard, his tail’s always between his legs. There are just so many unknown sights, sounds, and people. He’s always looking to run and hide someplace safe.
He’s very wary of strangers (a common trait in Canaans), and completely terrified of those loud, unpredictable beasts we call children (we live by an elementary school, so… fun!). But he’s warmed up to me and Patrick a ton, and he loves playing with other dogs, especially little ones.
At least he exhibits his fear and shyness by hiding behind our legs, and not through any sort of aggression.
At home, he’s perfect: no barking, growling, chewing, digging, or climbing on the furniture. When he’s awake, he sits quietly and watches us, occasionally popping up for a quick head scratch. We go on walks twice a day, and in the evening he plays outside in the yard; other than that, he sleeps in the office while we work, next to the couch while we watch TV, or at the foot of the bed at night.
But he kinda makes up for all that good behavior with the shedding.
Oh my god, the shedding.
Some of it is still stress hair loss from the transition, but even without that, I know he’ll always be a moderate shedder.
And I’m dealing with that fact. I’m a clean-freak, but I’m adjusting. Slowly. I have to - he’s too sweet a boy to not.
That pesky problem with the rest of the world is a challenge, too, but we’re really working on it. We take him out in public regularly, gently getting him used to more and more people, ignoring his fear behaviors and praising any curiousity. He has good days and not-so-good days, but after a few months and some more confidence in us as pack leaders, I’m sure he’ll start making even more progress. After just three visits, he’s already a little more comfortable wandering Petsmart with us.
His foster mom warned me that he wasn’t food motivated, which I thought was a little strange, but it’s true. Sometimes he’ll take a treat, but other times he has no interest (and we’re talking GOOD treats here, like human-grade meats). Sometimes it’s because he’s too distracted by fear, but other times we’re at home and he’s calm and he still isn’t interested. So formal training might be a challenge, but we’re starting adult obedience classes in a couple weeks, which should be a big help.
Any canine behavior experts wanna weigh in on what else we can do to further this process along?
March 3, 2006 at 7:41 am
Congrats on naming Baxter, that’s a good one! I have started TiVo-ing “The Dog Whisperer” on the Nat’l Geographic channel. Don’t worry, it’s not any of that psychic “read the pet’s mind” crap. I saw they had an upcoming segment on a stubborn basset hound (have one of those!), so didn’t want to miss it. But it is really an interesting show, watching how this guy “rehabilitates” dogs… aggressive ones, fearful ones, ones that run off, etc. Basically it is just about being consistent, being a “leader,” and not babying the dog — which are lessons I definitely need to learn even after having Toby for nearly 4 years - but it is worth a watch for any dog owner (even just a couple of episodes)!
March 3, 2006 at 10:08 am
This reminds me of my family’s first dog. I think it’s sweet that Baxter is already so comfortable around you guys that he sees you as his protectors. Awwww….
March 3, 2006 at 11:20 am
Guys
Congrats on the dog! I am a dog person, and happen to prefer them to most people. I also own two heavy shedders: consider putting yours on a BARF diet–this will help a whole bunch in reducing after-brushing shedding, and dandruff. Two must-have books on dogs: The Art of Raising a Puppy, and How To Be Your Dog’s Best Friend, both by the Monks of New Skete (in upstate New York). The monks will talk to you about the diet.
Enjoy your pooch!
Peter
March 4, 2006 at 9:39 pm
Here is a sweet, heartbreaking tribute to dogs. It was given to me long time ago, when my family lost our third (and last) dog. While all my siblings have dogs now, this tribute is always used and passed when it comes time to part ways with our beloved animals.
David
TREAT ME KINDLY
Treat me kindly, my beloved friend,
For no heart in all the world is more
grateful for kindness than the loving
heart of me.
Do not break my spirit with a stick,
For though I should lick your hand
between blows, your patience and
understanding will more quickly
teach me the things you would
have me learn.
Speak to me often, For your voice is
the world’s sweetest music, as you must
know by the fierce wagging of my tail
when your footsteps fall upon my ears.
Please take me inside when it is cold
and wet, For I am a domesticated
animal, no longer accustomed to the
bitter elements. I ask no greater glory
than the privilege of sitting at your
feet beside the hearth.
Keep my pan filled with water, for I
cannot tell you when I suffer thirst.
Feed me clean food that I may stay well,
to romp and play and do your bidding,
to walk by your side, and stand ready,
willing and able to protect you with
my life, should your life be in danger.
And, my friend, when I am very old, and
I no longer enjoy good health, hearing
and good sight, do not make heroic
efforts to keep me going.
I am not having fun. Please see that my
trusting life is taken gently. I shall
leave this earth knowing with the last
breath I drew, that my fate was always
safest in your hand.
By Beth Norman Harris 1968
March 5, 2006 at 3:10 pm
I’ve heard of a grooming tool called the “Furminator.” Do a google search. It looks like it really works. I saw one at PetSmart recently. They are usually locked up. I need to get one because I have to rake my carpet before I can vaccum…there’s that much dog hair.
And I like the name!
March 9, 2006 at 8:20 am
Hi, guys! I stumbled upon your site while doing a Nate Berkus search. I LOVE your site! As a recovering gay Mormon and an intense dog lover, your site has made for some interesting reading! I lived in SLC (downtown) for three years, when I got my first dog. He is still with me, along with an evil Malamute female. I visit SLC monthly, as I still have some family there and I visit for work. I would be interested in meeting you and Patrick sometime while I am there. Please feel free to email me! P.S.- I think that good, solid dog training has no substitute for making a dog and its humans happy! Your other comments posted here are all very good advice.
-KIP
March 10, 2006 at 2:07 pm
I don’t relate to him on the food issue, but Baxter and I are definitely on the same page when it comes to children.
Good luck with your sweet boy!
March 24, 2006 at 10:27 am
I like cats. With barbecue.
March 29, 2006 at 6:41 pm
Nick: Have you used the Furminator yet? I’m a little concerned about the blade…like I may slice off one layer of derma.
PS: Going for a record? You’re almost close to not posting for one whole month! Hope all is well…
April 18, 2006 at 5:38 am
I loved your pictures. Half the missionaries I once knew were gay or bi or just horny and desperate. My mormon life is now so far away from my reality that I can hardly remember half of it. In a way it looks like it never happened. Unfortunately, I was then too silly to size the many opportunities I had in those missionary apartments of theirs. All that sperma and youth gone to waste…
Anyway, I just wanted to tell you you both look great. Too bad you did not serve in my area.