rescue center- adopted an old dog

[josaphine32]

Hi i am fostering a very old border collie dog from our local rescue center,he didn't like going into kennels he is 15yrs old Blind and un neutered. and he has this most terrible bold patch on his back due to a flea allergie from his last house, but he has a Wonderful nature and my other dogs love him, can anyone give me any advice on how to get him to stop cocking his leg up my kitchen cupboards? also i think he will be here to stay now how long do they live for?
how do we stop him mounting my daughter?

[divegirl]

Hi, awww...bless you for taking him on....you are an angel. It would seem that his main two problems are down to the fact that he isn't neutered and at his age it would be alittle unfair to put him through an op, as such both the scenting and mounting will proove a little hard to cure. I can only suggest constant cleaning with a product that does not contain amonia anywhere that he scents and a firm 'no' if you catch him. As for the mounting this is a dominance thing as well so again a firm no and remove him from the room...let him know who's boss! The age issue....15 is a good age, but as long as he is otherwise healthy he could live for another two years. And finally the bald patch.... as long as the allergy is under control [the fleas have gone] the fur will grow back, if the area is sore get the rescue center or vet to recommend a soothing cream, maybe aloe vera will help, do this over the phone so that it doesn't cost anything! Hope this helps and good luck

Lisa x

[doglady2]

Hi,good for you,i agree with what your last reply was,i am a big fan of aloe vera..................it does work!Also the other 2 things you mentioned are both because of him being entire.As he is 15 it IS too late to have him castrated unless he became very ill with related problems because he hadnt been castrated.Good luck!

[josaphine32]

I think this poor dog has had a rough time through out his life, He howled all night and i have discovered he does not like to be left, i had to go out for 1/2 an hour aparently he barked the whole of the time, the rescue center are getting some fussiden from the vets for me to put on his back, i have to collect it later Aloe vera sounds great as the sore is hot to touch, I will ask later if i can use them together. All i can do is see how we go with him he is very food protective as well i gave him his morning antiinflamitry and he dropped it and because he couldnt see it i bent down to pick it up for him and he growled at me, i think there will have to be alot of hand feeding to do, Do you think he is to old to get teach him gentle things? like how to be left for a couple of hours and not panic? how not to snap?

[divegirl]

Hi again.... Hopefully he will learn in time to be quiet at night....and depending on how much of a sucker you are....move his bed closer to your bedroom, could he sleep on the landing....must admit after two nights of that I would probably have him on the floor of my bedroom.....total sucker me!!!! The food issue is an easy, if time consuming problem to solve....hand feed him! [hope you're giving him dry food....lol... If not just wash your hands well afterwards]. Sit quietly with him, you on a chair, him sitting infront of you, give him a small amount of food each time with the command 'Gently'...and repeat, you can use this training [under supervision] with your daughter as well....lol....her feeding him....not you feeding her! This will help him to bond with her....might stop the humping as well. if he snaps, a very firm 'NO' and remove him from the room. I know he's old, but he should settle in time, especially when he realises you are not going to leave him. Try going outside for 5 mins, then returning and making a fuss of him...then 10 mins and so on. Do not make a fuss of him when you leave! Maybe settle him with a chew...then slip out.

Lisa x

[wolf63]

any improvement in his 'flaws' will only make you happier and this will make him more settled.

Don't expect him to be happy being left for long periods of time, but gradually extend the time he is left. Hand feeding is a great idea.

I adopted my last dog at 5 years old and even then the bad habits took ages to diminish, like biting strangers and postmen.

He is nearing the end of his life, you are giving him the chance to have some happy times. Remember we will all be old and grumpy one day - although I don't plan to **** my leg in the house.

Susan

[maggie01]

Can't answer your question but would just like to say, how nice to see someone take in a dog that maybe others would pass by. At 15yrs old, I doubt he has a lot of life in front of him and I just think it is lovely that you are giving him a home. Well done to you!