What most successful adoptions have in common is that help is asked for when and if needed, so any initial settling-in issues can be dealt with before they become problems. Our own HKDR trainer, Cactus Mok, has been with us for a few years now and has dealt with all sorts of behaviour and training questions that come with any dog or puppy, regardless of age,size or breed. Most of the initial hurdles are so common that we made a standard "What to Expect" information sheet which is given to all adopters, but this often requires follow-up reassurance from Cactus that the behaviour is quite normal, especially in adult dogs. As I've written many times before, dogs feel secure and happy with a routine so when they go to a new home and environment, no matter how lovely it is, there is an adjustment period. Giving the dog space and time to check the home and the surroundings without any pressure is so important, but it's natural human instinct to want to smother new dogs with love and cuddles and that can be incredibly overwhelming.
It's frustrating when dogs or puppies are returned when no help from Cactus has been sought and instead we hear "my friends told me" or another trainer has been used. There are of course a few good trainers in Hong Kong who use the same positive methods we recommend, but too many are the old-fashioned type who think dogs need to be dominated and punished to achieve good behaviour. Fear can be a motivator and the initial results of such training may appear to be successful, but in the end a dog that fears humans is a dog that will one day bite back. We've seen too many of these cases and it's really heartbreaking. Rafi is a perfect example of exactly this as he was sent away for harsh training by his adopters when he was still a puppy, and subsequently returned when he developed fear-based problems. Luckily he found a wonderful foster home where he is happy and feels safe, but he is urgently in need of a forever home where he can continue to be loved in the same way. Rafi is an incredibly affectionate boy, now a year old and good with cats and other dogs too, but he's afraid of strangers and what they might do to him. If you can offer Rafi a home for life, please complete the adoption questionnaire on our website www.hongkongdogresce.com (under Adopt).
 |
| Rafi was sent away for harsh training as a puppy and now he's afraid of strangers |
 |
| Ethan and Ernie leaving Tai Po a month ago |
The reason I'm writing this now is because two dogs were taken from Tai Po for a trial adoption a month ago, and we knew that one of them in particular was going to need training help from Cactus, particularly as there are cats already in the home. It wasn't easy but the family persevered, following the advice they had been given as well as a home visit by Cactus. This morning, on their one month anniversary, Ethan and Ernie had their adoption confirmed and we are all so happy. I would like to thank their adopters for not giving up and working hard every day to help both dogs with their individual issues, and for listening and hearing what they were being told. It makes all the difference, and while there's still work to do the positive changes are taking place slowly but surely.
 |
| Noddy's family were first-timers |
The adopters of tiny Yorkie Noddy also needed advice from Cactus initially as there were first time dog owners, but Noddy has fitted in beautifully and they are all very happy with him.
 |
| Franny was already playing on the first night in her new home |
Franny too had her adoption confirmed after an overnight trial period, which was probably the quickest test run ever. In fact it wasn't Franny (now Tilly) herself who needed the trial, rather her new dog family, several ex-HKDR brothers and sisters who had to accept her as one of them and happily all went well.
No comments:
Post a Comment