Bonnie arrived about 9:30 pm on Tuesday. I would have liked to had a little more time with her before bedtime, but we worked with what we had. After introductions and time to go to bed, Miss Bonnie decided that she did NOT want to sleep in the big bed, but rather preferred the couch with HER quilt that came with her. She slept all night She has done great with the going in and out. We don't have a doggy door but I prop the back door into our little yard.
Maddie and she seem to get along in sort of getting to know you sort of way. Maddie seems very taken by her. Bonnie is a lot more reserved. I hope they become friends.
Today when I went to work, I felt bad about crating her. I've never crated, really, but wanted to make sure there were no misunderstandings while we were at work. I came home at lunch and both Maddie (who had the run of the house) and Bonnie seemed happy to see me, though Bonnie was, once again reserved. Well while I was eating, I went looking for her and where was she? IN HER CRATE. She LOVES it in there. I guess it is her comfort zone.
Tonight after our first walk (she walks beautifully-and seemed to have a good influence on the Roo, who usually isn't so perfect on her walks),
She pretty much retreated to her crate. After the last potty call, which she was pursuaded to crawl out of her cave for a cookie, she headed back in for the night.
The ONLY growls we've had is when Maddie tries to join her in the crate. She will have NONE of it and will show her displeasure. So.....I need your thoughts. Should I just allow her all the time she wants in the crate and keep Maddie away or do I try to force her to be with us? Should I admonish when she growls and snaps at Maddie when Maddie sticks her head into Bonnie's lair? Or should I consider that THIS is Bonnie's territory? Just a few thoughts on this, if I may ask.
So now Mark, Maddie and I are off to the big bed. Bonnie just made an appearance in the computer room, allowed some head rubs and then retreated to her crate for the night.
Thanks for reading my Bonnie Novel. I will try for pics tomorrow. Was way too busy tonight..
Sandi
Hi, Sandi!
I believe I would let Bonnie adjust in her own way - and her cave is definitely her retreat and safety zone. It sounds like she was well-trained and that must be a big help as she adjusts to your home. I think I would just let her adjust on her own terms for awhile, since this is such a big dramatic change for her - new house, new people (again?) and new Roo, so, I'd let her settle in. Maybe in a week or so, if she hasn't come out much, I'd shut her crate door and have her be out for 15 minutes or so an evening. She'll figure it out soon, that you, Mark, and Maddie are helping her get ready for her new "forever home".
yes give her time, when we brought Amy home, I was concerned as all she wanted to do was sit in the corner of the front garden and ignore everyone, I called Colleen who said ignore her she will come round in her own time it took about a day or two. She soon will be a Bonnie wee girlie.
Roo just be patient, she will play soon.
Roberta
Give her time! The 2 of them will be ok together,after a while.We have 4 at our house and after a while you'd think that they've been together all of their lives.
Cajsa has a crate and loves it. IT is one of the few places in the house that is specifically HERS. If Gretch or anyone walks by it like they are going to get in it, she will growl a little to tell them to leave it alone. It's not a mean growl, just enough to say "that's mine, walk away". We taught her that it was her safe place so we can't really get upset when she thinks of it that way. Elf isn't allowed to bother it or Cajsa if she's in it. It is just a personal space for her. With Bonnie, I would assume it's the same sort of thing. Gretchen has learned not to try to go in - all it took was a few little growls from Cajsa nothing more. Bonnie probably needs a secure place right now and Maddie will learn to not bother that one place pretty quickly. Does Maddie have a crate or special bed? If so, she probably will keep Bonnie away from it too. As long as it's not the entire house, I don't see that it would be a problem.
As far as her staying in her crate all the time. I'd give her a few days to adjust and see if she comes out more on her own. If she doesn't, then try closing the door to the crate for about an hour an evening but don't force yourselves on her. She'll come around once she knows she's in a good safe place and that people aren't bad or scary. Give her loves, treats and such (as I'm sure you already know) and she'll figure it all out soon enough.
I agree with the others, I think you just need to let Bonnie go at her own pace. I think that she needs to have her crate as HER crate...so she feels that something is truly hers. Maybe Maddie could have a crate next to or close and let her know that one was hers. In time, I would bet that they share.... but ya can't push it. Sounds like things are going very well !!!
Porky loves his crate. That is his safe zone. He likes to spend a lot of time in there and is perfectly content. His door is left open so he can come and go whenever he wants. I agree with Barb that the crate should be just for her. All three of the dogs here have their own crate and no other dog is allowed in it. Bandit uses his crate to hide his "treasures" from the other two chewers in the house. And, he also hides in there when he needs to get away from the wild ones. Porky uses his crate as a retreat, his "happy" zone. And Jade, uses hers when she needs to calm down. (which is often!!) :2funny:
It sounds like everything is going well between Roo and Bonnie. Bonnie will warm up and come out more when she's ready. Sounds like you, Mark, and Roo are doing a great ob to make her feel happy and welcome! :apls:
I'd be thrilled if my foster only growled around his crate. I call him Mister Grumpy Pants. He growls if any of my dogs bump him, if the cats meow too close to him, if he's got food and anyone is heading his way, if anyone jostles him when he's sleeping. He's a grouch. He's actually gotten worse, so I think all my animals are a little too much for him. He loves people, but not so much other animals, I'm thinking. I'm :xfinger: that he finds a home sooner, rather than later. I've already had him 2 1/2 months :rolleyes:
I say give her time. If she wants to be in her crate, let her. And the growling and snapping thing is just her and Maddie establishing ground rules and limits. As long as there isn't an all-out brawl, let them work it out. Bonnie's world has been turned upside down, and she needs time to get used to things. Don't push her, let her come to you. Be patient and kind.
Bonnie is finding her place in the pack. I find it usually takes about a week for them to gain their "balance", after that everything will be ok. But put the kabosh on any fighting, they'll quickly become fast friends.
Mr. Wilson and Ms. Lucy "talked trash" to each other for about 3 weeks before the nonsense stopped but I quickly put Lucy in her place when she got really ugly.
I wish just one of mine liked the crate! Sheesh...don't look a gift horse...er hound...in the mouth :wink:
I think Bonnie will do just fine. She needs time to adjust to the new routine and with patience, love and kindness all will go well.