So I own a cocker spaniel now - dog search over. . . *update with pic now*

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episodic

episodic

Lifer
Feb 7, 2004
11,088
2
81
Got a rescue dog. Supposedly 1.5 years old - no way to be certain though.
Still somewhat emaciated. Have had to shave the hair due to 'mats'.

It is full blooded and has papers for what that is worth.

Was left in a house and abandoned when the owner moved.

It is a boy.

We took it to the vet, and it unfortuantly tested positive for heartworms (sigh).

The vet agreed the case must be very light due to the test and the dog's lack of symptoms and we agreed upon the 'slow kill' method and started monthly heartguard. He should be heartworm free in 2 years he said - got all of his shots and loaded up on his favorite food.

'seems' to be housebroken. Right now he is passed out on the kitchen floor. Today is supposed to be dangerous for him due to the heartguard and the baby worms all dieing suddenly.

We have got to work with him on separation anxiety. We have a fenced in back yard and he barks when we leave him. We need to be able to leave him during the day when we work, after that he can come in with us.

Also, for some reason the dog will only eat canned 'chunk' food. I've tried a few different brands of dry and the starved little thing turns his nose up at it. . . "suggestion?" - I tried melting some bacon fat and pouring over it - still a no go.

By the way, the dog's name is T'ilk. . .. my son named him.

Update:

http://imgur.com/XRHLt.jpg
 
episodic

episodic

Lifer
Feb 7, 2004
11,088
2
81
I need an opinion on his crate for the night (when we are sleeping).

I see two schools of thought.
1. Crate should be just big enough for the dog to turn around.
2. Get a nice spacious crate.

The purpose would be a secure place for him to sleep that he would not want to go to the bathroom in.

 
So

So

Lifer
Jul 2, 2001
25,923
17
81
Good to hear you rescued a dog.

I've always disliked cocker spaniels....I find them really ugly, but to each his own.
 
Barfo

Barfo

Lifer
Jan 4, 2005
27,539
212
106
Originally posted by: So
Good to hear you rescued a dog.

I've always disliked cocker spaniels....I find them really ugly, but to each his own.
Click to expand...

You're weird, cocker spaniels are teh cute.
 
C

cheesehead

Lifer
Aug 11, 2000
10,079
0
0
Worms = suck.

I would recommend trying a dog food based around different protein. My shetland sheepdog is not very keen on beef or poultry, but loves the stuff that smells like week-old fish.
 
Capt Caveman

Capt Caveman

Lifer
Jan 30, 2005
34,543
651
126
Originally posted by: episodic
I need an opinion on his crate for the night (when we are sleeping).

I see two schools of thought.
1. Crate should be just big enough for the dog to turn around.
2. Get a nice spacious crate.

The purpose would be a secure place for him to sleep that he would not want to go to the bathroom in.
Click to expand...

If he's housebroken then I would get something in between 1 and 2.

Food wise. I would try mixing a small amount of kibble with the canned food and if he's eating it, slowly increase the amount of dry and decrease the canned.

Separation Anxiety can be cured but takes a while. Good Luck!

I'm rescuing a dog in a couple of weeks that also had separation anxiety. I'm planning on taking the week off for training and working on his separation anxiety. First getting him to like the crate and then slowly getting him used to longer periods of time in it.

 
SunnyD

SunnyD

Belgian Waffler
Jan 2, 2001
32,674
146
106
www.neftastic.com
Gratz and good deal.

#1 - Do NOT leave the dog outside unattended. Especially for a rescue with abandonment issues. Do yourself a favor, and get the dog a crate if you haven't already. Put some of your less desirable bath towels or a blanket in there, along with a few toys/bones (particularly whatever the dog appears fond of). Place dog in crate WHILE you are home for 5-10 minutes at a time. Let the dog acclimate to the crate over the next few days, but be sure to give lots of attention.

Reason is: You don't ever want to leave your pet unattended outside for a multitude of reasons, starting with the sun. Second, environment. Third, all sorts of trouble to get into - EVEN if the yard is fenced. Fourth, you really do want to acclimate your pet to living inside the house comfortably!

#2 - Don't go nuts testing out foods. Pets eat when they're hungry. Stress reduces hunger. Reduce the stress, then work of picking the right food for the dog. A new home, expect about 2 days of hunger strike. To transition to dry, mix some kibble in with the canned food. A little at a time. Eventually you'll wean towards dry kibble.

#3 - Spend LOTS and LOTS of time with the dog. It needs to trust you and feel that it is comfortable and safe in its new home before relieving stress.
 
Linflas

Linflas

Lifer
Jan 30, 2001
15,395
78
91
We had a cocker named Katie, it broke my heart when she passed. Kudos to you for giving T'ilk the chance for a happy life.

Katie
 
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