Congratulations on being a third-time doggy daddy
- where're the cigars????

Actually the timeing is probably pretty good, if you're going to be home and off work a day or so his first days in the house - it'll make things easier for everyone to 'settle' into the new dynamics.

We recently adopted a stray Cat - Teal'c - and noticed the same "dart for the door' behavior at first. (he has also learned to use the doggy door on his own!) I think when an animal has to fend for itself outside, they almost have to be in a permanment state of 'flight or fight' mode to survive. it's not so much a trust issue, as it's become a survival instinct.

As they learn that nothing is going to 'attack' or chase them, they learn to 'relax' more.

We have learned with Teal'c that if we talk (to him or ourselves)as we move around the house from room to room, he bolts and hides less and tends to 'wait and see' more before running to hide. he has learned to identify our voices, and while he will still hide when my son's friends are visiting - Jon can come walking down the hall, and as long as Teal'c hears Jon's VOICE, the noise he makes no longer makes him dash for cover. ( why is it that teenagers have to stomp thru the house like they have 200lb feet?)

so it might help Docker relax, if you keep talking to him as you move around the house - in a soft voice, so he knows it's you around the corner, and not something new and scary that might 'pounce' on him.

good luck with Docker looks like a great family you have there!

Laura