The Adjustment Begins

How hard can if be to bring a rescue dog home anyway?

Well, it can be as hard as you make it.  We did lots of reading and watched lots of youtube videos on various subjects before we got Rogue.  We learned that the best way to introduce dogs is NOT to shove their faces together (we pretty much did this at the shelter the first time we meet Rogue). Instead, walk the dogs together (one person with each) and give them time to adjust.  Let them sniff while you hold the other dog to prevent them from turning around and snapping.  Allow each dog to sniff and be sniffed....then watch.  We did this the second time Rogue and Ike met at the shelter.

Ike and Rogue did good.

When we brought Rogue home, we knew not to just bring her in the house to meet Ike.  We kept her outside and brought Ike out and did the same thing we had done when we introduced them at the shelter the second time.  Then we let them "just hang out" around each other and us.

After about 30 minutes, we took Rogue to the potty area of the back yard and she went.  At the time I felt this was a huge victory that housebreaking her would be simple...I was wrong, but more on that later...

We then went inside, reasonably sure we would not have an accident right away.  We let Rogue explore, following closely in case there were any issues with Ike or got into other things we had neglected to  put away before bringing her in.

There were a few growls and snaps between the dogs that we quickly thwarted.  We continued to watch them closely throughout the night.  Overall, they did good.  Rogue was even allowed to sleep in our room that night.  We will be crate training her, but unfortunately she made it home before the crate.  So for Wednesday and Thursday nights, we need to improvise.

We had also stocked up on supplies before bringing Rogue home.  Collars, leashes, food, treats...and carpet Shampoo.

Actually, I made my own and if works great!  If you want the recipe, it is right here:

1 Tablespoon Dish Soap (I used Dawn)
4 Tablespoons White Vinegar
4 Tablespoons Hydrogen Peroxide (3% strength).

Mix together and add 1.5 Quarts of warm water.

You can add some essential oils to the mix as well.  I added about 8 drops of "Hawaiian Beach" to mine.  It doesn't necessarily smell like that when you shampoo; but it doesn't smell like vinegar either, and that's all I cared about.

I store mine in a Tupperware container that is easy to pour from.  I use about 2 oz to each tank of water and it has done a remarkable job.

Over the next several weeks, I will make several batches of this shampoo, as you will see as I continue to post updates.

We will be house broken.  It will happen.  It's going to take time and patience, but we will get there.