Dog-Sitting...

My neighbour is in the hospital and I'm looking after her two and a half year old dog. Its been many, many years since I have had a dog and am finding this frustrating. Now, I am aware that:

The dog spent a year and a half in a filthy crate without half enough to eat and no socialisation.

She is missing her rescuer and owner terribly.

She is used to having someone with her at all times.

I can't bring her home because my cats will eat her...or me. I am able to get out with her a lot and I am able to bring her to work. She is extremely co-dependant. She doesn't listen well. Her idea of walking is dragging me down the sidewalk (a little better with the Halti on). She has learned that whining gets her whatever she wants and so whines constantly, though I have not given in. I'm not sure what to do with someone incapable of occupying themselves. Its like having a two year old who doesn't speak English.

Any suggestions? I don't know how long I'll be in charge of her. She is a very nice dog, but I am definitely a cat person!

Very kind of you to help your neighbor while she is sick by caring for her dog. So, she rescued this poor door? your neighbor? How wonderful of her. It sounds to me that you are doing a SUPER job caring for this dog while her owner is unwell. Lots of love and it sounds like lots of patience is needed. "Training" the dog may only cause her more stress since she is already missing her rescuer and is unsocialized in the first place. Again, just keep up with what you are doing... the walks, the care and the love. for your neighbor to come home soon.

Thanks, I really needed some moral support. Its going better to-day. I guess I just forgot how co-dependant dogs are and its exhausting!

Hey! I don't have to much advice for you because I´m a cat person too and I have never have a dog in my entire life.

But I came to give you support! what you're doing is very kind! I hope your neighbor gets better soon

Try and do SOME obedience with her. Nothing crazy just simple things like sit, lay down, and come. Even if she already knows and obeys these commands, practice always helps. Remember food is a great reward learning tool (hot dogs work the best I find). Show her the piece of hot dog, tell her to sit, make her sit, "good girl" + hot dog. She will figure out listening to commands gets her awesome snacks. She will get more used to you, and you being the "master" per-say. If you do this a few times a day, even if just for 5-10 minutes, you should start to notice a difference.

Dog's owner is home and dog is no longer my responsibility, and if I could do cartwheels I would! She's a nice dog, but...wow...I forgot how much work they are. I managed to get across to her that whining got her nowhere with me. Yesterday was blissfully quiet, and when she wanted something, she would just come over and lean on me. I know her owner lets her get away with murder!

Thanks for all the moral support. I think what I got out of this was a deeper appreciation for my cats.

lol...

All animals behaviors eventually reflect what they've learned from their humans.