This last weekend was a doozy for the Oregon Coast. We had extremely cold weather and rain so we didn’t get out for adventures. I’m hoping that this coming weekend will just be the usual wet and tolerable temperatures. Plus we had some family stuff and general sickness going on as well.
I’m dealing with the rescue honeymoon being over. Dudley is still amazing and such a joy but he’s started really showing his stubborn side. If he doesn’t want to get up and go out, he is cemented to his bed. I worry about it affecting his muscles in his remaining leg. I know that as it stays light longer and the weather warms up, he will want to get out more. I don’t push him to go out if he doesn’t want to right now and he tends to go a bit longer without peeing or pooing than I feel comfortable with. He isn’t a big water drinker unless he has fresh cold rain water, but I give him a good amount of water with his 2 daily meals. We have a vet appointment in a few weeks to just do the regular things and I will bring the water/bathroom issues up.
I have found that if he doesn’t want to do something, he will go straight into the fear fight or flight mode. He will bolt if his back end gets lifted or growl and give warning snaps. I don’t let him off leash if he isn’t in a familiar area where I can body block him. He gets excited and wants to run after a good poo, etc. He is amazing around other dogs who are well trained, however! As a rescue dog, I know that there are a lot of “quirks” that will present around this time…he’s feeling comfortable and is able to let his personality present. He is still the most social and loving boy. He hasn’t met a stranger, human or dog. It’s a bit awkward when I have to tell him that not everyone is ready to have the full on “Dude” experience. Fortunately most of our experiences are with him crashing my neighbors breakfast etc. Both sets of neighbors love him so much and are always happy to see him. I got to have french toast and coffee last weekend because of Dudley sitting on the steps wagging his tail. He could hear our neighbors in their kitchen. He quickly finished the dogs breakfast and settled in the malinois’ crate. Such a freeloader but he is really cute <3
Hey Dudley, I’m ready for the full on Dude Experience lol! 😉
“just be the usual wet and tolerable temperatures.” … spoken like a true PNWer!
So, maybe Dudley is in that 3/3/3 rescue dog rule of getting to know you and his new life and revealing his temperament? He’s around 3 months on with you, no? Maybe a bit longer? He’s testing his boundaries and limits with you now, and seeing how much of a pack leader he’s dealing with. I have a sneaky suspicion this won’t last long, he’s a smart guy and you are a smart parent.
Still it’s good to mention his behaviors to the vet just in case anything medically is affecting his energy and enthusiasm. I’m like Dudley personally, the PNW winter weather isn’t my thing either ;0
Keep us posted.
We are coming up on our 5 month anniversary!!! He is definitely testing his boundaries with me… and has massive pouting sessions when we can’t get together with our regular dogs for walks. He’s like a moody pre-teen 😉 which I can relate to with my oldest nephew getting ready to turn 11 in June. We have stopped trying to force him to do things and with that, he’s becoming more receptive to going out in the morning before I go to work. He’s always ready for a mid day walk with my mom if the weather isn’t horrible. And he loves going out when it is cold and dry. He’s getting acupuncture once a month with my little old lady cat. I think I will get him on some joint supplements as well. This spring and summer, we will be a lot more active. My neighbor has plans for lots of logging road walks and finally has the VW rabbit road worthy so there will be pictures soon!
I’ve also bought a couple of snuffle mats and snuffle balls for Dudley and my parent’s dog. I keep them separated since Snowy tends to pace and whine but they both love the evening hour of treats and puzzles.
That’s awesome. I have a feeling this spring is going to be a very big deal for Dudley, you, and the pack!
We would love to see the brain games you have for Dudley and Snowy!