Becoming comfortable

Marmaduke becomes more comfortable by the day. We've established a good potty routine and created some positive associations with the yard so that he now can go potty within a few minutes of going outside on the first go around. This is a huge accomplishment for one who was so tentative about even being outside until now.

He responds extremely well to gentle leadership. Boundaries help him feel safe about exploring. And he is really curious and persistent at times. But he is responsive and intuitive and he floods with too many demands at once, or expectations that are too high (don't we all!). Old standby rule of thumb works for him: 3:1 (positive to negative). So, three genuine expressions of praise or reward at least, for every sharp "No!" If more is needed, I just reduce his freedom a little so he can be successful. He accepts rules and boundaries very well if delivered calmly. He aims to please and he needs to know he is.

He slept in our room on a bed once and slept through the night. Until now, his potty schedule was irregular so he had to be crated at night. Now, we can permit choice about bedtime.

He is VERY funny with stuffies. Loves them all. Takes them all and keeps them all. He never steals one from the other hounds, he just waits his turn. He very much wishes he could go outside unleashed like the other dogs do. He gently resists putting on the martingale for potty walks. He must be leashed walked for potty breaks for about 2 more months at least, until his leg heals more thoroughly.

He's excellent with the cat. I remain vigilant but he has proven to be curious but not assertive with her. He has moved toward her once to sniff but he was easily redirected verbally. The cat gets the next opportunity to tell him to back away and I expect that to be the end of his curiosity.

Marmaduke likes to explore the counters a little but no real counter surfing. He is not allowed in the kitchen anyway so he seldom gets this chance. He actually loves getting into bed but he's learning the house rules for off the furniture.

Last observation: this guy has the most pitiful, loud whine when he wants something. It's hysterical. Not only that, he also does a part roo, part bark sound when he's excited--too short for roo but just that pitch.

Funny, funny pup

This boy is beyond cute! Marmaduke is a young boy, playful but always gentle. He's considerate of the hounds and people around him, which is super nice in such a big boy.

He spent much of his first three days with us in his crate where he feels safe, but he loves people so much he couldn't stay there forever. Treats when he ventured out and an open crate door allowing him to freely move in and out have encouraged him to spend more time outside the crate than in. He now spends most of his day beside me in his bed. He's interested in being a part of the pack so where we go, he follows. Last night, I thought he might sleep in the bedroom with us on his bed. He had a terrible time deciding whether to stay in the crate or stay with me. I am pretty sure that he'll be in his bed with us tonight.

He's a curious boy: So far he's sampled my coffee from the table (hated it), and, before I had time to sit on the bed, he joined me there to try it out. His leg needs more time to heal, so Ethan and I had to assist him down.

His leash manners are improving daily. He's pulling less and easier to direct, and he's gaining confidence outside. He understands to remain outside the kitchen and joins the other dogs just where the carpet meets the kitchen floor. When he needs to potty, he whines to let you know and he's found some good potty spots so he doesn't take as long to go as he did early on.

Marmaduke loves to eat and he takes treats carefully. He loves hugs and kisses more than any hound I've ever met. He nestles against me, and lavishes in the affection, gentle talk, and massages.

I posted before that I was not sure if Marmaduke was apprehensive about new situations or if the great number of changes he'd experienced were just quite challenging for him. His very quick acclimation to our home and his interest in bonding while also spending time alone in his bed convince me that he does not lack confidence. He will benefit from a longer period of stability for a while, but he warms up really well.

More next week!

Everything is new

Marmaduke arrived from Memphis on Saturday after fostering for a month with Nina to recover from surgery. He will need special care for at least 2 months to allow his leg more time to heal. 

Marmaduke is a sweet, gentle boy who comes over often for hugs and kisses. He loves his stuffies and he is a bit of a hoarder. Yesterday, as the other boys looked on longingly, I had to retrieve some from his crate for general use. He is a bit apprehensive of new situations right now. I do not know if this is temperamental or if it is a product of all the changes he's experienced over the past few months. We'll be gently working to encourage his time out of the crate. Right now, he is happy to be there just about all of the time, although his door is always open. Tonight, we are going to venture outside the yard and take a walk around the neighborhood. 

He slept through the night last night in his crate in the family room (it's too large to fit into our bedroom). He did not cry in the night. If he decides he would rather sleep near the humans, we have a place ready for him in the bedroom with the pack, although our beds will not accommodate this big boy so we will have to double them up. 

We are very much enjoying this sweetie and so happy to help him adjust to retirement and fully recuperate. I'll blog regularly so watch for updates and photos here. 

A Marmaduke Update From 6/14/2012

Just wanted to let you know that I picked up Marmaduke at MSGAO this afternoon and brought him to our house for another month of rehab. After a month, he'll be checked by Dr. Pearce and, if all looks good, he'll be on his way to Nashville to start meeting and greeting and looking for his forever home. He must be leashed walked when out of the crate. He is walking on the broken leg and it seems to be healing nicely. Dr. Pearce saw him Monday.

He was very happy to meet me this afternoon and made the ride to our house with no problem. We introduced him to our doggies in the back yard and after a whole lot of butt sniffing everyone was content. We found out pretty quick that he does not like to be without a two-legged buddy. I put him in our guest crate which is next to Debutante's in our bedroom. He whines a lot when the humans walk out of the room. Right now, Bob is in the bedroom watching the golf tournament and Marmaduke is just as quiet as he can be. Too funny.

The photos attached are:
1. Marmaduke saying good-bye and thank you to Mrs. Vicki at MSGAO.
2. and 3. Playing with stuffies in the office area at MSGAO. He LOVES stuffies!!!!
4. Settled in my van and asking, "Where are we going, Mrs. Nina?

I'll keep everyone updated as he settles into the Clark household.