Nightmare nights - long, sorry - Page 2

Caney Creek · #11 08-04-2009, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oscarsmuumy

I know from my last boxer that they love company, thrive on it, but Oscar has gotten to the stage he doesn't happily stay alone, even for 5 minutes while I do something elsewhere in the house. This isn't really the problem though, its all natural boxer behaviour. But for the last week he won't stay in his crate overnight. He was sleeping all night in his crate, and housetrained too, but now, after sleeping in the crate for no more than an hour, he starts barking like mad (and being deaf, its a really loud bark).

I believe that is the reason he is having problems -- not because he's a boxer, not because he is simply more needy for no reason -- it's because he is DEAF. That explains so much. I was pet-sitting a deaf english bulldog puppy for about 6 months, and it got to the point during those last few months I was with him that every time I had to leave him, even after spending an extra hour with him each day trying to "condition" him to me leaving, he would still wail in his crate the very second I disappeared behind the wall.

I have also seen a post by another BW member owning a deaf boxer puppy, saying that the pup would wake up crying in the middle of the night. All they had to do was to turn on the light for a moment to show the pup that they were still right there in the room with her, and then she'd settle down and go back to sleep.

I agree that having a doggy companion would be a good idea for Oscar. Someone he can always be with to rely on as his "ears"

Usually it isn't recommended to take on a second puppy until the first is into adulthood, but I think that a case like this would be an exception. As long as you have the time to keep up with training two puppies, it would probably be OK. Or, you could rescue an older boxer. Just be sure that it's a good match for Oscar AND for you before bringing any new dog (young or old) into your home.

oscarsmuumy · #12 08-05-2009, 07:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by x19er

Awwwwww wee soul.

There are lots of rescue boxers needing homes in Scotland too, so it's doesn't have to be a puppy you get when the time is right.

Very true, but before we got Oscar we looked into taking a boxer from welfare scotland. I thought that we could offer a home to a boxer who really needed one, like Buster. We got as far as the home visit from the volunteer, which went ok. It was a bit strange, she came with her 2 dogs, and 2 men as well. And she said some strange things too, like that all boxer puppies are born white, then change to brindle. Now I'm no expert as I've never raised pups, but as far as I know, they're born the colour that they will be. She reported back that we wouldn't be suitable, because my partner had never owned a boxer, and my youngest son was a baby when we had Buster, and wouldn't be able to remember having Buster. The lady from the welfare service was really nice when she contacted me, and said that we could maybe still get a boxer if we were willing to take an old dog. But fate took the decision out of our hands, as I fell pregnant (complete surprise, my family is complete) and the rules of the rescue service are no children under 5 years old. So we started to look for a puppy, and we found Oscar, who is just as in need as a rescue dog anyway. Unfortunately I had a miscarriage (not my first, another reason that my family is complete, its too hard, miscarrying all the time), so maybe the rescue service would consider me again, and as we have Oscar now, all the "problems" the volunteer had are no longer an issue. I do think that Oscar would benefit from a doggy companion, he was so happy at my parents house when both he, and Ollie, my sisters spaniel, stayed for the weekend. When he came home I thought he was in a mood because we had left him, but it was probably because we took him away from his playmate lol.

x19er · #13 08-05-2009, 08:08 AM

You may want to edit your post to remove the name of the rescue group - on this forum the rescue has to be approved before they can be discussed

oscarsmuumy · #14 08-05-2009, 08:22 AM

oops I can't seem to edit, I take it there's a time limit? I didn't knowingly break the rules, I wasn't advertising, or slating the rescue service, will it be ok?

x19er · #15 08-05-2009, 09:54 AM

Probably - don't panic - moderators usually just delete the name of the rescue!

I volunteer for this rescue and have been in touch with them today. I can't give you their details directly but they would be interested to know more about your original homecheck as it does sound very strange, how long ago was it? If you now have children over 5 and will not be leaving the dog for long periods then you would be suitable for a rescue boxer. Please find the website and contact them directly for a chat if you are interested.

I'll probably get a row for doing this on here but if it helps to get a dog a home and there are lots at the moment well I'm risking it.

EAO76 · #16 08-05-2009, 11:31 AM

I just wanted to add that many deaf dogs like having a hearing dog to be their “ears”. It’s nice for them to have someone to follow & rely on. They can read the other dog’s body language & it helps them understand what’s going on at all times. However I do agree that its best to get Oscar trained & settled before starting on another “project”.

I agree that adding a rescue dog could be a great option (when you are ready). Also in case you don’t already have it here is a good deaf dogs website / resource

Deaf Dog Education Action Fund

oscarsmuumy · #17 08-06-2009, 03:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by x19er

Probably - don't panic - moderators usually just delete the name of the rescue!

I volunteer for this rescue and have been in touch with them today. I can't give you their details directly but they would be interested to know more about your original homecheck as it does sound very strange, how long ago was it? If you now have children over 5 and will not be leaving the dog for long periods then you would be suitable for a rescue boxer. Please find the website and contact them directly for a chat if you are interested.

I'll probably get a row for doing this on here but if it helps to get a dog a home and there are lots at the moment well I'm risking it.

It was January this year. As I said when I started this thread, I now work nightshift so Oscar is never left alone at all now, but if I have to go back to dayshift, I'm only out for 4 hours maximum. To be honest, the only thing putting me off is the homecheck, it will probably be the same person as she must be the volunteer for my area.

x19er · #18 08-06-2009, 03:46 AM

Ok I see what your saying - if it was January this year they may be able to pinpoint who it was. Give Karen a call they are interested in feedback from the homechecks, they could probably get somebody else to do your homecheck if your still keen. I'll pass on your concerns too.

oscarsmuumy · #19 08-09-2009, 04:53 AM

I just wanted to update, Oscar has really settled into sleeping upstairs, he's happy sleeping on the sofa next to our bed or on the floor. I think he just needs to feel close to someone who will watch over him as he sleeps, so to speak. We have been in contact with the rescue service with a view to taking an older dog, and they have advised us on neutering Oscar, as this is their policy on their rescued dogs. Its not a pre-requisite but it is advised. So we are going to get neutering Oscar out of the way then get him a doggy companion. I think he will love it, but more than that, I would love to help a boxer who needs a loving home.

x19er · #20 08-09-2009, 05:48 AM

That's great news about Oscar settling at night and on getting a pal for him - well done