Patricia McConnell: "Love Has No Age Limit"
http://thedianerehmshow.org/shows/2011-08-17/patricia-mcconnell-love-has-no-age-limit
For most of us, bringing home a new puppy is exciting. Everything’s new and yet to be learned. But adopting an older dog can be just as fulfilling. And there can be advantages to a more mature dog-- fewer accidents, less chewing, and probably a better night’s sleep. But that doesn’t mean older dogs are without their challenges. They bring a history with them and sometimes bad habits. Animal behaviorist Patricia McConnell says those things can be tamed. Her new guidebook, “Love Has No Age Limit” walks owners through the process of adopting, training and bonding with an older dog.
Guests
Patricia McConnell
adjunct associate professor of zoology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, certified Applied Animal Behaviorist and author.
Author Extra: Patricia McDonnell Answers Your Questions
Patricia McDonnell stayed after the show to answer a few more questions.
Q: We had a pet cocker spaniel named Sassy that lost her vision late in her life. OUr neighbors threatened to call animal control to take her away and "put her out of her misery" if we didn't put her down ourselves. After she accidentally walked off the porch, we started putting small stones around the border so that she could feel them with her feet and hear them fall off the edge which let her know she should back up and find the stairs which we used to spray with canned catnip for our cats but that probably also helped Sassy find where she could safely get down off of the porch. what are your tips for caring for a dog who has lost her vision? Is it ethical to consider euthanizing a pet simplly because of impaired vision?
- From Aubrey via Email
A: How tragic that someone would suggest putting down a dog just because she was blind! You are absolutely right that this disability does not
preclude her from having a wonderful life! (Just ask the American Foundation for the Blind). You’ve done exactly what you need to do…give her physical cues about her environment to help her manage. I would suggest being cautious about letting her outside without supervision though. Good luck, what a lucky girl!
Q: I have a 2 1/2 year-old mixed dog that I rescued after he was hit by a car. He seems to still lunge at cars driving by as well as chase anything that moves (bicycles, wagons, etc). What can I do about this? He seems to go into this place where he won't respond to me at all.
- From Melissa via Email
A: Dogs would profit by using what’s called a “Calming Cap” when they are in the car. It is sold through Premier now, but was developed by trainer Trish King for this very purpose. Dogs can see through them but it damps down the details and makes dogs less reactive.
Q: My husband and I have a 5 year-old black lab we adopted two years ago. He loves to play with other dogs and gets along with them well when off-leash, but does what we call the "lunge barking" towards other dogs when he is on leash. It sounds like he is going to tear them apart! He didn't do this when we first got them, but has been doing it for a little over a year. We have been working on diverting his attention and working on having him sit, but we have two questions: 1. Where does this behavior come from? and 2. Are there any other suggestions to help Brewster have better greattings with dogs on leash?
- Marci via Email
A: I had a dog who did exactly the same thing! It’s a common problem and has lots of good solutions. Most importantly, first teach Brewster to turn and look at you when you say "Watch." Do this when there are no other distractions so he can't lose. Gradually ask him to turn and look at you when he sees other dogs, only asking if the dog is far away, eventually asking when the dog is closer. I elaborate on this in The Feisty Fido...it has worked for thousands of dogs. Good luck!
Comments
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Love your show, Diane!
I now have 6 resuces and find they are the VERY BEST dogs. We adopt mature dogs and seniors and recently lost our little Sophie who we adopted when she was about 12. She was a 4 pound, white, long-haired Chihuahua with no teeth and her tongue hanging out, and we LOVED her. She had such attitude!!!! I said to my husband after we adopted her, "Ill be happy if we have her for 3 months" and she lived with us for almost 6 years!!! I feel her loss every day. I would adpot a senior over a puppy ANY DAY!
Patty, Salt Lake City
we found our fist dog on the side of the interstate in Western N.C. we did not take him to a local shelter because they are not no kill. He ended up having an Injury from being stray for several days, and heart worms. We nursed him back to health and ended up keeping him. He has turned in to the best dog I could have ever hoped for. I believe that he knows and appreciates that he has been rescued and is very grateful.
I'm 56 years old and have been a cat person pretty much all of my life. But 5 years ago I started dating a woman who had two adult Shar Pei she had adopted from a rescue group. I bonded with Liz's Peibies so well that now Liz accuses me of being a dirty, rotten dog thief -- her dogs spend more time around me than they do her! :-)
Anyway, I became such a dog person that about a year and a half ago I adopted my first dog from our local city shelter. Billy Bob was about 4 years old, a Lab/Shar Pei mix who had been surrendered by his owner. Billy Bob has been such a joy! He's housebroken, well-behaved and so incredibly loving, he follows me everywhere. Last December I added Chloe Curlytail, another adoptee from the same shelter where I got Billy Bob. Chloe was about two years when I adopted her. She and Billy Bob get along great, and both of them get along very well with Lizzie and Gatsby, Liz's two peibies.
My adult dogs (well, Chloe is more a young adult...) have been such an incredible joy in my life!
Some shelter dogs do come with issues; we adopted an adult dog and eventually we figured out that she had been abused by a male in her earlier home. Foxie would be incredibly submissive - to the point of peeing whenever my husband approached her, no matter how gentle he tried to be. She never expressed anything like it with women. It took a lot of patience and time for her to get over her fears.
Most dogs who come to a shelter have experienced some form of trauma. Either they belonged to a great family that they've now lost, or they were in a bad situation before coming to the shelter.
Hi Diane,
my husband and I adopted our teenage dog, Levi, at a rescue shelter almost three years ago.
This is only my second dog. He's a Bordernease. Think Border Collie the size a small St. Bernard.
We had our ups and downs but he has really warmed out hearts.
He REALLY loves to stick his head out of the sunroom window in the car. People see this dog head driving down the road.
Good show.
I tried to live dogless after losing my Golden Retriever. I couldn't do it, but didn't have time to deal with a puppy. I saw this ad, "Free two year old Chocolate Lab. Must go to a GOOD home. I almost didn't call, because it had been a few days since the paper came out, and everytime I had inquired about a dog on the shelter web site, they had been adopted.
I called, and the dog was still there. He was scruffy and scarred. He had not been brushed and a llama had worked him over. He spent most of his time being chained up. The guy who had him said "I'll even throw in his chain, he is hyper." I asked the dog if he wanted to go with me and he walked with me to my pickup and hopped in.
It was not all happiness. The first thing he did in the house was to pee on my rubber (thank goodness) boots. He jumped up on furniture, but quickly learned that both were not things to do. The longest problem lasted almost a year. I would take him with me to town, and leave him in the pickup cab when the weather was cool. He would panic and howl. I had to assume the "that must be somebody else's dog" and leave him. I started buying him toys--he loves toys, and I think that taught him that being left in the pickup means good things will arrive.
I also had him neutered, which probably helped. He's a wonderful dog, packs gear on hikes and is bombproof around babies and kids.
Like you said, I almost took him back, but decided to try to work with him. A friend dubbed him "The Used Dog."
We brought home a beautiful, sweet-natured 4-year old spitz/pom mix (neutered male) two months ago. It has been a transformational experience. However, we've tried training him ourselves, but have had limited success. What types of training would be most suitable for him? Also, any thoughts on the average intelligence of this mixed breed?
Many thanks!
I adopted a dog from our local animal shelter 5 years ago. She was the “worst” dog ever! She had separation anxiety; she would tear up couches, tear down window blinds, break out of her kennel, jump out windows including my daughters 2nd story bedroom window. She would eat every shoe she could find, tear up feather pillows and dash out the door any time it opened. Now 5 years later she is perfect in every sense. She knows many commands and is the smartest and sweetest dog I have ever owned BUT she will still run away if given the opportunity and I do not know how to stop this? We have taught her to go to her bed when the door opens, which she does but we still have to watch her closely. Once she is out the door we can NOT catch her and have to wait until she decides to come home which is not acceptable in a city with leash laws.
Thanks,
CD in Wichita
I am always amazed when I meet people that pay for purebred puppies when you can pretty much find any breed dog through a rescue. I had the most wonderful German Shorthaired Pointer for 10 years (she died when she was 13) and she came from the a local shelter. People would stop me on the street to comment on her breeding, beauty, and behavior. My husband and I used the recommended method of training a rescue dog we found in a book--connect their leash to you as you make your way through your day for the first three days. This method worked well for us. We now have a beautiful English Setter also from a rescue. She is a great dog. The rescue was wonderful in recommending a dog that met our requirements and the money I paid the rescue goes to helping more dogs. It is a win win!
I am a veterinarian here in NH and have seen many folks adopt older dogs. A couple of points I would like to make that are CRUCIAl to success... One is training... all dogs need a leader or they will take over that role themselves. I don't mean being an obedience star but just learning basic rules and courtesy. Also people needto understand what the breed they adopt needs, especially EXERCISE. Lack of adequate exercise leads not only to obesity,but built up stress and behavior problems.. We currently have and English Setter, German shepherd, Bullmastiff and a border collie ... all wonderful companions. I truly
believe they are grateful for having been adopted!
Maria Clark, DVM
@Connemara321: I really can't speak with authority about intelligence, but my Billy Bob is a mix and he seems to be at least as intelligent as any other dog I've met. Intelligence aside, a mix breed may have fewer health problems than a pure-bred. Liz's two peibies are believed to be pure-bred Shar Pei (since they're rescues we really don't know), but both Lizzie and Gatsby have had chronic health problems most of the time we've had them. My Chloe, who might also be a pure Shar Pei, has also had some skin/allergy problems. Billy Bob, on the hand, is definitely a mixed breed and he's been disgustingly healthy -- the healthiest of our four children! (He does have storm anxiety, though.)
Hi Diane,
My girlfriend'd golden doodle has territorial and food resourcing issues and he is only 11 months. The aggression started at 4 months. She always could wash the dog, but as of late when she tries to put him into the bath tub, he now growls at her. It seems his aggression has moved beyond food and territory to outright defiance. Why is it getting to this point?
Thanks,
Barry
We live on a farm near a highway where animals are often dumped. My husband says there is an animal underground because the poor critters end up at our house regularly. We give a home to as many of these wonderful animals as possible and have found that these strays make great pets and exhibit gratitude. We have a huge dog, Maggie Mae, (we think she is part black Lab and part Rotweiller) that is a perfect watch dog and loves to play in the yard with our kids (her favorites are football and soccer). She was clearly abused and is afraid of garden hoses. Our latest cat rescue, Otis, is still mad at the world and has a bad attitude, but we love him anyway. He has taken to our teenage son, but is convinced he should be an only pet. He attacks his food and shakes it into submission at every meal. Older pets come with huge personalities!
I've been a big fan of Patricia McConnell for years and just bought
ten copies of her new book, "Love Has No Age Limits".
I rehome Bernese Mountain Dogs and plan to give them to each new
owner.
Patricia, one of the things that people don't realize is that a rehomed dog is a flight risk as so many go out the door thinking they need to go home,
not realizing they are home. I stress this constantly and tell people to
have everyone in the house aware of having to be careful with open doors.
Are there any positive teaching tricks to keep the dog away from the door initially?
Sharon
Silver Spring, Maryland
We just adopted a 2 year old dog from a shelter. She is great, but I've noticed she likes to chase shadows, and light spots (like from flashlights, etc.)similar to how a cat will chase, paw at a string. She will claw at the floor, lick and sometimes try to bite the floor, driveway, etc. She sometimes has a distant stare, as if she's fixated on a shadow, etc. This seems odd, and more than just separation anxiety and getting used to a new home - any thoughts? Thank you.
Good Morning,
Our 10 year old dog who joined our family 7 years ago has developed a habit during the day of leaving the room when we enter. She sits alone in one of three favorite spots. She lives in the house, gets two walks a day, plays games with us, but has this strange habit. Otherwise she is loving and social with us and guests. Thanks for your input on this behavior.
I love how you interweave scientific research with practical, applicable information! Great show! Very fun!
Thank you so much for the topic!
We had always had puppies...last summer we adopted our first adult dog, an 8 year old boxer (unfortunately she didn't work out for us, but is amazing for my sister and her kids).
We just recently adopted a year and a half old chi/pom mix from an animal shelter. We knew nothing about him, but he is adjusting very well to the house, the kids, the cats...we also have another dog. A 2 year old pit bull/boxer/lab mix. The problem that I have (it does seem to be my problem, not the dogs') is that I am afraid to introduce them. I am NOT worried about the 2 year old dog hurting the new one on purpose...however, I am afraid of an accident.
They get along well with one on the inside and one on the outside of the fence...their kennels are next to each other...but I am nervous about taking the next step.
Both dogs are spayed/neutered, UTD on shots and socialized...any suggestions???
Thank you
Karen, Bella (pit) and Titan (chi/pom)
Hi Diane --
I'm so glad you are focusing on adopting older dogs!
I adopted my Westie, Puppet, from the Humane Society in July 2007 when he was 13. He was given up because he had cancer and the Shelter thought he may live 6 months or so, but he had such a great personality, so I adopted him, thinking I would just give him a good life for as long as he had left.
Well, 4 years later, Puppet is 17 and active and happy and LOVES his buddies at the Doggy Park.
Please tell people that older dogs are terrific... they are usually housebroken and their personality is already set, so you really know what you're getting.... Usually a terrific, loving companion.
@Bernerbatty: I had that experience with Billy Bob. The first week after I brought him home, he "shot the gap" as I was going out to the garage. He raced down the block and around the corner faster that I could run. I drove around the neighborhood looking for him, but got more and more heartbroken when I couldn't spot him. I'd had him microchipped by that time, but he had no collar or tags. I thought I'd never see him again. I finally gave up and drove by my house and there he was, across the street in a neighbor's driveway. When he saw my truck he ran towards me and jumped in the car when I opened the door. I just had to hug him and tell him what a good, smart boy he was!
It's been a year and a half now. In your experience, given enough time will a dog like Billy Bob come to feel at home enough that he's less likely to run away if given the chance?
We rescued a Cocker who was a breeding female in a puppy mill.
She was a pleasant dog, but not active or interested in much. She did like the couch.
About two years after the rescue we got a lab puppy. The Cocker did a 180 regarding her personality.
Can you comment regarding the personality change?
Good show. One thing I would note pertaining to dogs suddenly not wanting to go up stairs is that it could be a physical problem.
My Newfoundland stopped going up the stairs after about age 6. He would put his paws a step or 2 up and then stop. I originally thought he was afraid of something - but then determined it was Hip dysplasia.
My dog's name is Samantha. She came home with me when she was 10 weeks old. By that time I was her 3rd owner. She would bite any and everything. She is a full bread chocolate lab. She is a wonderful dog and exactly the dog I dreamed of having as a companion. I am so blessed to have found her.
Firstly, I love your show. I feel like I am having a discussion with an old friend each day!
Five years ago we took our beautiful male German Shepherd Dog, Gibby to the pet store for grooming. The local shelter was having an event that day and from across the store I saw the most beautiful and pitiful site; A female German Shepherd was shaking terribly, was rail thin and her eyes looked as though she was in mourning. I spoke to the representatives from the shelter who told me that Heidi had been given up by her owners of eight years and had been adopted out twice unsuccessfully because she would not eat. We introduced Gibby to Heidi and they seemed to get along fine. We brought her home, she began eating immediately and put on twenty pounds.
She is now thirteen years old and is the source of so much pleasure! We say that she owns the house and lets us live there. I would adopt a senior dog again because Heidi is such a wonderful addition to our lives!
Love your show Diane.
July 24, Sunday morning at 8AM, I rescued a dog from a man who was walking him behind his smart cart! Ecko is six yrs old , a soft haired wheaton terrior. He is so smart, and calm. He is so grateful to be in my family of two Shih-Tzus Annie & Bo and he is teaching them...it is so amazing! Love him... he is beautiful!
MaryPat
My partner and I volunteered to be foster parents for a large terrier mix who we thought to be 3-4 years old. Our Pierre, no longer a foster, but a wonderful member of our family, is in fact 9-10. We are treating him for heartworms and that is a challenge, but what a LOVER! Pierre gets along famously with our other three dogs, but is aggressive with other dogs at our home. We decided to send him to doggie daycare for socialization. He does great there. In fact, one of the dogs he goes to daycare with, Weber Callins, is his pal. But when Weber comes to our home, Pierre goes crazy. He wants to fight. Any suggestions to correct this behavior? Other than this he is a near perfect dog.
Good morning!
What a fabulous subject you covered this morning: adopting older dogs! Although we adopted a puppy, we did indeed adopt her from an animal shelter. A beagle/terrier mix, Sophie has helped my husband and I fill the void created by our "empty nest". Even as I write, Sophie sleeps nearby right here in my office...she accompanies me to work everyday and each afternoon we take our daily walk. Sophie and I just returned from an 800+ mile trip to Vermont...what a wonderful travel companion she is! And here is a plug: Motel 6 makes it very clear in their mission statement that they are a "pet-friendly" motel!
Thank you, Diane, for the many great topics you discuss on your show and blessings to you as you continue your battle/treaments for your throat/voice condition. Christine Kohn
Thanks, Diane, for hosting this program (and ALL your programs, actually). It's always a pleasure to hear and read the words of wisdom of Patricia McConnell.
I know several people who happily adopted older dogs. One was my neighbor who adopted a 7-year-old mixed breed, her first dog. Chance led a happy, healthy life for 11 more years! Another adopted two Swedish Valhunds at 9 years of age. The two walk miles each day and still compete in agility trials.
My guys are 11 and 7, and I'm finding I can still teach them new tricks!
I had a friend whose father was adopted by a dog. He wandered into their life and lived with my buddy’s father until his father died.
My friend could not keep the dog but his son said he would get the dog next time he was in town. I said I would take him till then. “Jake”, the dog was about 10 at the time and was used to hanging with pops on the couch but I had to keep him outside most of the day and could only let him in when I was home. Though Jake was just a love he really acted out and was quite destructive when I was not around.
The son never picked up the dog and I could not afford to keep repairing the damages he caused but I was not about to put him in a shelter.
I found a family who had two other dogs and chickens and lots of room to play. Jake promptly picked a couch in the house and claimed it as his own. The family loved the dog but Jake killed their chickens. I was under the mistaken assumption that they took Jake to the pound, but I took comfort in the fact that Jake had a chance.
Years later I found out that contrary to what I thought, Jake did not go to the pound, but the family found an old man who needed a companion and Jake got what he wanted, another old guy to hang out on the couch with.
If only all dogs could get the chances and love that Jake got this world would be a better place.
Thank you so much for bringing Ms McConnell to the show. There is nothing so precious as the moment you see your newly adopted older or "problem" dog settle in to the household with love and trust.
Seven years ago I adopted a two-year-old Belgian Malinois from the Army. When her handler was killed in action she developed separation anxiety so severe she was no longer useful as a working dog. Any family who tried to adopt her gave up when her anxiety symptoms began to seem unmanageable. She was abused, ran away twice, was abandoned twice, returned to the base each time thanks to her microchip.
I saw her picture in a pet-finder ad, called the base to arrange her adoption. They told me she was to be euthanized the next day as "incorrigible" I yelled "Do not euthanize that dog, I'll be there first thing in the morning!" (The base is a 2-hour drive from my house) After a protracted, heated exchange the base vet agreed to hold off until I at least met the dog. I knew the minute I did that she was a great dog who wanted nothing more than to love, and be loved by, her humans.
After about three years of mutually exchanged patience, love, and understanding she began to trust her place in my home and heart. She's especially in tune with humans in need of TLC -- if you are the slightest bit "down" physically or emotionally, she will come lean against you with her head in your lap to comfort you. You might be able to fool me, but never Tabitha!
When people hear her story they say "That's one lucky dog" or "She's lucky to have you." It's quite the other way round -- she's amazing. I'm so glad I won that fight with the Army -- living with her has been an incredible blessing!
Ruth Putney