Post-Quarantine Issues...

S

Sir Bradley

Forums Regular
So Bradley is almost one year old, and has always been an energetic, playful pup! We recently moved to Hawaii, where we ended up having to quarantine Bradley for 60 days (it literally broke my heart to do this!). We visited as often as possible, played with him and spoiled him in the kennel and he seemed to be generally happy once he settled in.

We took him home two days ago- and actually the thing I was worried most about was needing to have a potty training intensive! ...But he has been an angel in that department. He's also very clingy (understandable)

My concerns are he is VERY nervous now... We tried to get him groomed at PetCo and the workers claimed he was too aggressive and Bradley wouldnt allow scissors near him. I haven't noticed him being aggressive but when I've tried to wash him or groom him he recoils back, snaps, and makes very sad whining noises. (we groomed him ourselves at the quarantine facility and he didn't do this) He's also acting like he really needs to learn when rough is too rough when playing (I guess he's forgotten). So I am afraid to take him to a vet worrying he may bite out of fear. :no:

Any suggestions? I think re-socialization will be key, but when is too soon to start? And what is the best way to do this?

I've been spoiling him on walks, taking him with me everywhere and he has even jumped in the ocean... but is also scared of it sometimes... He was a fearful puppy but had grown out of it COMPLETELY before we moved.

I want my puppy to feel secure again... He's definitely our little furbaby :o
 
It's too bad he ended up in quarantine. I just sold a puppy to a family moving there in a couple of years. It is written into the contract that under NO CIRCUMSTANCES is the puppy to go to quarantine. I will take the dog and do the prep work, then send her over. It's not hard, but it takes time.

You will basically have to start from scratch. Start slow, and introduce things just like you would a baby puppy. Forget whatever he knew, and go back to square one. Make no assumptions. And don't leave him anywhere. No wonder he objected to PetSmart grooming, last time he went to a place like that he ended up by himself for 6 months! You can't blame him.

Many, many a Hawaiian dog has been ruined by the quarantine system.
 
I'm sorry that Bradley had to go through this :(

ClantyreSheltie is right. You will have to take things really slowly. If he objects to being brushed, just get the brush out and give him a treat. Put it away. Do this until he is excited to see the brush. Then move the brush close to him, cookies! Repeat until the brush is touching him, then brushing him, etc...

If you know your vet, see if you can just stop by some time for him/her to give Bradley a treat.

Everything will have to be introduced very slowly.
 
First of all, it has only been two days. I definitely would not be taking him to be groomed, etc.

Take if very slow and give it time. The poor baby is just confused and scared.

I would go through and read posts on people who adopt a rescue, and how they have to be with the dog when they first adopt it. There are many threads in this forum giving suggestions on shy dogs, and how to get them out of it. You almost have to think of it as you are starting over with a new rescue dog.

Keep us posted on how it goes.
 
I am a firm believer in false alarms also. Bring him to the vet let everyone pet him (surely they can't resist petting a Sheltie) then leave with nothing else happening. That way car rides are not about getting left or poked and prodded. Same with the groomers, just go in then leave.
 
SheepOfBlue said:
I am a firm believer in false alarms also. Bring him to the vet let everyone pet him (surely they can't resist petting a Sheltie) then leave with nothing else happening. That way car rides are not about getting left or poked and prodded. Same with the groomers, just go in then leave.
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That's a great suggestion.
 
I agree with everyone here, but I would add one thing. Do have your vet see him. Something could be hurting him, and that could be why he's snapping when touched. Speak to your vet first and warn him about what's happened and Bradley's attitude. A good vet will understand and take it slow. But given what you're experiencing, he should be examined. Be sure that you stay in the room with him, so he knows you're there.

Once you know he's physically OK, lots of time, patience, love and treats. There's no quick fix for this. Hang in there, and you will eventually regain his confidence. Please let us know what happens.
 
Ann said:
I agree with everyone here, but I would add one thing. Do have your vet see him. Something could be hurting him, and that could be why he's snapping when touched. Speak to your vet first and warn him about what's happened and Bradley's attitude. A good vet will understand and take it slow. But given what you're experiencing, he should be examined. Be sure that you stay in the room with him, so he knows you're there.

Once you know he's physically OK, lots of time, patience, love and treats. There's no quick fix for this. Hang in there, and you will eventually regain his confidence. Please let us know what happens.
Click to expand...

Wow....did not think of that. Great point Ann!
 
Poor boy. Were you with him at Petco? He could have been really stressed at being seperated from you the aggression was just an outcome of that. he needs time again to make sure you wont leave him. Perhaps while he is still settling in rather than groom him properly give him relaxing brushes while you cuddle him so its more about being together.

Also try to get back into a regular routine asap. Dogs get a lot of certainty by having a routine in place. Remember its not just the quarantine but a new home, new environment, new smells so the sooner you can give him something firm around him, like a routine, he will feel more secure. Also it will help if he has his old bed and toys and a similar set up to before.
 
Thanks so much for the great responses! He is already starting to act calmer. But I definitely should have waited for the grooming, we weren't allowed in there with him. :-\ I was just eager to have him feel fresh after that place.

I haven't tried washing again, but he will allow me to brush him without any issues. I feel like I have a new puppy again, except this one has had some experiences that were unpleasant. :(

I have also been staying home with him and only leaving him for 2 hours tops once (just like a new pup).

I know quarantine is horrible, we tried everything to avoid it (and there are some options to make it better) but we are a military family and have to do what the army says. I will keep posted on how he is doing, and in the meantime am searching for a good vet to familiarize him with. I was also worried that he may not be feeling well. He was a little too bony for my taste when I picked him up. (Nervousness = not eating enough?) So definitely searching for a vet. But he has already gained some weight for sure. I've been hand feeding him to make sure, and giving lots of yummy steak/chicken treats. :razz:

Also, he interacts with other dogs and people VERY well on his walks so far (which I am hoping is a good sign). He jumps a little too much, but thats something that we can re-train pretty easily.

Thanks again! The Sheltieforums has been a great help raising our lil pup!
 
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