Closing in on the First Week

I’ve learned a lot about Dan this week.

I’ve learned that no one has ever spent time to train him.
That he isn’t potty trained.
Doesn’t have any manners.
That, despite the shelter telling us his name was “Duke”, he does not answer to it.
He doesn’t know what food is outside of dog kibble.

It seems like he has lead such a sheltered life. No one has really given him the proper care any dog deserves in his entire 4 year old life.

Tears me up inside.

Luckily, he is a quick learner. I taught him how to sit for a treat in two days.
Potty training will take a little more time. I’ve set out dog food kibble in a jar next to the back yard as a reminder to treat him for his potty breaks outside.
He is slowly learning what is edible. He was frightened to death of peanut butter! I think I chased him around the house for ten minutes before I got him to taste it with his tongue.
It took him three days of sniffing the dog biscuits I bought for him to finally determine their delicious flavor. Now he readily sits for them and drools when he sees them.

I guess it makes me feel better knowing that I can already see a little bit of rehabilitation in him. I knew there would be a learning curve to our lifestyle… I guess I had just hoped people wouldn’t treat him so… indifferently.

But I think the best part is seeing him begin to finally bond with the other dogs. I wasn’t too worried, but my male, Mika, is fairly dominant. But I think they have sorted out the pecking order. Of course, Mika is lead… but now that they have established the hierarchy- they’re beginning to play.

It makes my heart grow!

Tory