Help with Adopted Male Cocker Spaniel

Hello everyone,

I recently adopted a 2-year-old male Cocker Spaniel from our local Adopt-A-Pet rescue organization. He came from a hoarder in Ohio who had approximately 100 dogs. He is very sweet, but not house trained and doesn't seem to know what to do when we take him outdoors. He doesn't explore or go "potty" on a consistent basis. We have two female Cockers; one is 6 and the other is 2. I was hoping that my 2 year old would interact more with the male as she is quit playful, but this hasn't happened yet.

Does anyone have any ideas on how to get my new cocker to become more interested in the outdoors. I have taken him on walks, but he does not seem to know what to do. We have only had him for five days. Maybe I am expecting too much. I am a patient person and will do whatever is required.

Currently, my main focus is to house train him, which is not going well at the time. I take him out frequently, but he doesn't seem to know what to do.

Michelle
Michigan

Patience, patience and more patience. The poor thing is likely still wrapping his head around the whole new situation. It will take some time, meanwhile, does he respond to treats at all? Praise? What peaks his interest, if anything?

He WILL get it eventually, I promise!

I agree, he is likely still bewildered and adjusting. Thank you for adopting this pup!

His body needs to adjust to whatever food you are feeding; likely not what he had at the rescue or in the shelter (which ever), and certainly not what he ate at the hoarder's. Once that happens, and with a consistent routine of walks and feeding times, you can figure out his schedule. I have 2 dogs who pee immediately after eating, and 3 who pee an hour after. (I need a revolving door!) Anyway, that will help. Then you adjust his walks to that time frame. Same for BMs.

Does he sniff around at all when outdoors? I have one girl who will sniff and when she finds the "right spot," she spins in a circle before pooping. THAT helps alot, but only one of mine seems to have such an obvious clue.

Having other trained dogs around will help him plenty. For now, patience and routine and patience.

Does your 2 year old try to engage him in play? She must, if she is quite playful. Can you describe his response?

Karen,
Unfortunately not too much peaks his interest. I'm trying to find treats that he can't resist.

Freedom,
My 2 year old who is quit playful just ignores my adopted male. I'm quit surprised because I thought she wouldl like a playmate. Although, there seems to be alot of jealously amongst the dogs at the moment. I'm trying to make sure they all have equal parts of one-on-one and playtime with me.

What's his name, by the way? And does he know his name? Think of him like a shell-shocked soldier home from the war, I would say it'll take a couple weeks before he truly begins to come out of his shell, so to speak. You can still work on housebreaking, but I'd just concentrate on that, and getting him to trust you right now. Poor thing has had his whole world turned upside down - he's probably still a bit dizzy, and doesn't know it is gonna last this time for sure.

Karen,

I want to say thank you for your post. Very well said. His name is Ozzie. No, I don't believe he knows his name, but certainly knows my voice. I'm from Michigan and we are having 65 degree weather. I can't wait to get him outside today. You are absolutely right, he has been through a lot during his first 2 years and I am sure he is very confused.

Awww, give him a kiss from me.

He sounds a little like a puppy mill rescue to me. I have one, my Tasha was born and raised in a cage in Missouri, and just used for breeding. She was 4 years old when she was rescued. She had no positive human interactions at all prior to her rescue, so she had to build trust. Many mill rescues don't know to chase squirrels, and basically have shut down. It takes time to rehabilitate them, and having other socialized dogs present helps a great deal, as they see behavior to emulate.

Just keep working with him, and give him some time. You say you have had Ozzie 5 days or so; for a dog who never was potty trained, that is no time at all.

Most likely, the issue is that he has NOT been through a lot in his first two years, and every single thing is a new experience for him. Hoarders and puppy miller dogs are in such a fragile state. While I think doing some potty training is ok, that should not be your focus right now. Ozzie needs to see you as 'safe', his environment as 'safe', and these other dogs as 'safe'. Too much, too soon, will only overwhelm this poor overwhelmed pup.

Quietness, lots of walks, and let him get to experience you.

One thing I have heard is when he does piddle inside, take that outside, in the spot you want him to potty, and praise, praise, praise...though this might have to be soft whispers with this puppy.

Does he have a secure 'den' in your home? Away from others? I would think that would be a big deal for him right now.

It sometimes helps to put a word (potty, or outside) to what you are asking him to do.
Once he connects the word to going "outside", you are 1/2 way there. Good luck.:)