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Post by Romi on Feb 17, 2015 14:50:44 GMT
Great update.  Sounds like Toby is really settling down nicely now that he has plenty of canine guidance to let him know how to behave.  And with his humans setting some boundaries too he is turning into a well behaved hound. Well done.   |
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Post by Deleted on Feb 17, 2015 16:33:56 GMT
Great update Maxine. He is coming along in leaps and bounds - I never thought I would see such brilliant progress in such a short space of time. You, Andy and Dexter and Charley are just what he needed to learn how to behave, and I'm so pleased that Toby and Dexter love playing together.You really are doing a brilliant job and your updates are the BEST!
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Post by maxt on Feb 17, 2015 17:19:41 GMT
The advice from on high (... thank you Jenny) to leave it to the dogs was the best. We hardly needed to do a thing other than be normal with our own two and little Toby has slotted in and follows them. Not all perfect, but what is, and Charley and Dexter don't always set a brilliant example but they have been great with him (this has surprised us - Charley was positively evil with Dexter for months). I wonder though, if too many RULES are a bit much for him so soon? He arrived with a look which suggests he is always in trouble/uncertain and it hasn't gone away. He probably thinks his name is 'down' or 'sit' or 'wait' We are giving massive praise when he does the right thing (and it happens a lot - he is so quick to pick things up) but he just looks relieved rather than glad. Still very early days and he is very happy when playing with the others and smiles, bounces and wags for England when Andy gets home from work or when we are playing with the ball so we know there is a good stockpile of happyglad in there, just be lovely when he lets it escape a bit more. Blurry, sorry, but you get the idea. Toby playing bitey with Dexter  Toby having an intense nap  Toby having another snooze  |
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Post by planete on Feb 17, 2015 17:38:09 GMT
Lovely update and photos. They made me smile, where is the devil pup gone? I am sure he will forget his slightly rocky start soon and realise he can really enjoy the happy times without worrying. He is gorgeous and very lucky to be with you.
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Post by BW on Feb 18, 2015 18:23:53 GMT
The advice from on high (... thank you Jenny) to leave it to the dogs was the best. We hardly needed to do a thing other than be normal with our own two and little Toby has slotted in and follows them. Not all perfect, but what is. I wonder though, if too many RULES are a bit much for him so soon?
What's needed from the human side of his family is patience, patience, & yet more patience, (to my mind the minimum requirement from anyone who acquires a Lurcher  ). Believe me, this will be repaid over & over again.  |
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Post by daisydip on Feb 18, 2015 18:33:49 GMT
hugs for you.. it can be hard going (molly has stretched me to the limit) my dogs have also helped her settle down. It does get better, i promise. 
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Post by dearhound on Feb 18, 2015 20:18:35 GMT
He's just testing his boundaries but will surely pick up "house rules" quicker than you think, especially with the others to learn from. I bet if you look back in two weeks time you'll be amazed at his progress. Good luck! x
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Post by maxt on Feb 18, 2015 20:43:57 GMT
Thanks for supportive words, they really help.  Toby is an entirely different character to Dexter (1st lurcher) and has a different set of 'Toby-things' to address, so a new approach for us and we just want to be sure to get it right for the little scamp. I feel the first couple of weeks with definite but simple rules in a 'start as you mean to go on' mindset is the right thing to do, so great to have affirmation from here. Once we get beyond the basics he will probably relax and enjoy life, but we sure have to steel ourselves to be firm when he looks so bemused and unsure. But ... it isn't hard (apart from trying to be hard) because he is such a sweetheart and when he thinks he is in trouble he puts his head quite low, his normusly long tail hangs nearly to the floor and he walks to whichever person is closest and leans. If there is an elbow or knee gap to put his head into, he does, wearing the most mournful expression I think I have ever seen. Irresistible unless you practice being well-ard a lot. My well-ard needs work when he does the head stuffed in elbow thing. He has been clean for 2 days in a row. We are amazed and gobsmacked surprised! Probably a coincidence and am sure our smugness will be rewarded with a 'special present' soon. |
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Post by Mimsmum on Feb 24, 2015 10:38:30 GMT
Knock knock  |
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Post by rowlfsmum on Feb 24, 2015 10:55:11 GMT
Fantastic!!
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Post by Deleted on Feb 24, 2015 11:00:31 GMT
Have we got a well 'ard FAIL??? Love it! |
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Post by Romi on Feb 24, 2015 11:28:47 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Feb 24, 2015 11:51:17 GMT
I can't tell you how happy this news had made me. I spent days and sleepless nights worrying about this little man after I did the initial assessment. I really thought he had no future and that nobody would want to take him on. But you've both been brilliant and shown that there's a really lovely little boy deep inside him. I hope we can get to meet up again soon for a walk so that I can meet him again... it will be fun to see Dexter, Alice and Toby together ... the 3 tricolour saluki crosses! You've made my day... and my week... so happy!!! |
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Post by maxt on Feb 24, 2015 19:09:54 GMT
Well-ard is to us wot University Challenge or Mastermind would be to Rodders and Del. Fostering truly deserves bravery medals and is for peeps wot see the greater picture and have a vision to help all dog-kind. Not for them the narrower world view of 'jam today'. We might rename Toby raspberry seedless (joke-ish). No way, absolutely none, we could part with the adorable little munster. Should've seen it coming on day 1 really but we were being grown up and pretending we could be strong enough for this foster thing. We have learned: 1. We are not grown-ups despite the grey hair and wrinkles 2. Strong is for people wot can drink tea with the spoon standing up in it. This is not us gnats-spitz drinkers wot go all gooey when pups park their heads in armpits/knee gaps when they need comfort. 3. Lurchers love lurchers and life is easier if you can accommodate more than one at a time. 4. Terriers prefer it if the lurchers can amuse themselves and not bother them, other than to stand to attention when they have the occasional 'issue' to get on a soapbox about. 5. SLR move very quickly when Lassie/Skippy/whoever tells them there is a problem. Mega impressed and would nominate them for Super-cape of the year. Thanks to Jenny and Christine for lifting this young lad out of trouble and letting us have him to stay. |
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Post by antoniaalfie55 on Feb 24, 2015 19:13:59 GMT
Brilliant news, I so like a happy ending. Well done for joining the FF club |
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Post by Deleted on Feb 24, 2015 19:33:27 GMT
Bless you both |
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Post by Mimsmum on Feb 24, 2015 20:22:02 GMT
I'll cobble together some paperwork this week when my brain starts working again....
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Post by jasqueen on Feb 24, 2015 21:34:36 GMT
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Post by chris12 on Feb 24, 2015 21:46:13 GMT
What great news, bless you, he sounds very happy to be with you |
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Post by maxt on Feb 24, 2015 22:12:07 GMT
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). Believe me, this will be repaid over & over again. 
