Help with Adopted Male Cocker Spaniel

[Karen]

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.

[MRichardson50]

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.

[Karen]

Awww, give him a kiss from me.

[Freedom]

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.

[Cataholic]

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.

[lizbud]

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.