Furry couch tumor
I say "tumor" because it's not that he's a potato... he won't leave the couch!
I'll update a proper blog later, but to fill you in enough: I officially own Waffle as of 12 hours ago, but he's visited my house for the past 3 days. In those 3 days, he's been freaked the F out by my two cats, ran around the house crazily, ran around the backyard crazily, panted so much I was afraid he was going to die, ate one meal but didn't finish it (!!!), slept in my bed, told me where he wanted his crate put.... ANYWAYS.
The first day I brought him home, he followed me upstairs and went in my room and then didn't come out. This makes sense to me because I was visiting him a lot over at Terri's house so me and my scent are the most familiar things to him right now. I couldn't get him to leave, though. Like, he would come out of the room, but as soon as I started walking into another room (or godforbid, down the stairs) he would rush back into a corner in my bedroom and peek out from around the bed. He does something similar with the couches. My cats don't sit on the couch seats, only on the backs of the couches. So, I guess he feels like he's safe to sit on the couches, which is great! I love him sitting next to me. But, he won't get down. I've been needing to get his leash and lead him off the couch. So that's what's going on. You can see how that gets annoying fast, too. If I want to take him outside, I have to leash him before we even get to the door. If I want to bring him downstairs (so he can pee, I have no problems with him staying holed up in my room otherwise), I have to forcibly remove him from my room and carry him downstairs. I don't want this to become more of a habit than it is.
I'm kind of worried. Like, I know he's glued to my room/the couches because he feels safer, but at the same time I can't help but think something may be wrong! Do I just attempt to correct this with treats and training and stuff? Or do you think it may go away on its own... he used to not want to come inside without me leashing him, but this morning he walked right in. Ack! I'm just worried. It's funny how I went straight into Mom mode as soon as I brought him home.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Jane Christensen on
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How old is he? If he hasn't had much socialization this may interfere too Think of it this way...pretend you were an extreme introvert! All of a sudden someone plucks you out of your comfort zone and it's gone but you know one person who you can depend on but don't know well either.. Give him time....no matter what dog someones gets it does take an adjustment period with lots of TLC and sometimes coaxing! Once he is feeling a little more brave and he will start venturing out but for now you will be his world and it isn't good to "push" him! Treats are good but give him time! He will get better but has to learn his new environment and learn that he is safe! Think of him as a shy 2-3 year old when exploring and let him lead you as to his comfort! This will pass but it certainly can take some time!
Congratulations....I know you've been waiting a long time!!!!!
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Permalink Reply by Rachael & Waffle on
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He's 11 months. Of course, after I post this big long discussion and take him for a walk, he follows me off the couch. You're right, I guess he just needs to get more comfortable. Slowly... it's happening. :3
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Permalink Reply by Sky and Lyla on
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I'm so glad Waffle is home with you. I know you've waited for this for a very long time. What you are doing is right. Just be patient and let him adjust, and when he does do something you like make a really bug deal out of it. Good luck! You are going to be such a good Corgi Mom!!!
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Permalink Reply by Beth on
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How exciting, you finally got your Waffle! He's just a little overwhelmed by the situation. He'll come around. Here's how I would handle it: for the most part, if he's hiding out somewhere, try ignoring him. If you focus on him you'll seem worried, and you'll assure him that his being worried is the correct response. "Uh-oh, I was a bit nervous, but now my new mom is hovering and she seems worried, so I guess I was right to be scared if she's scared too. Maybe UNDER the bed is even better than behind the bed, because something bad must be coming up soon."
He's young and his curiosity should overcome his hesitation if you give it a chance. So what you want to do is engage yourself in interesting things. Sit on the floor and fiddle with his toys. Walk around the room. Pick stuff up. And chatter away to him in an upbeat, sing-song voice. It doesn't matter what you say, really. Just give a running commentary on what you're doing, make up a silly song about him. Except for potty breaks, if you want him to go outside, pick up his leash and announce very clearly that you are going for a walk. Ask "Waffle, do you want a walk?" and if he does not respond, try going outside for a couple minutes without him. Come back, give him a commentary about how much fun you had. Do some more things around the house. Offer him a treat, sure, but have him come get it and if he doesn't, he's out of luck.
In other words, don't focus on how worried he seems to be. Just show him how much fun you are. If you are relaxed and happy, he'll pick up on your mood and want to join you.
Good luck!
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Permalink Reply by Chris West on
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I recommend ignoring as well. This tactic works on everyone in my house... the dog and the cats and the child and sometimes my husband too lol. If you just ignore them and go about your business, they will eventually come around like "hey, pay attention to me!!!". Make sure to give him lots of love when he does come to find you and congratulations on bringing him home!!
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Permalink Reply by Kathryn Graham on
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You've gotten so much good advice that I won't add to it. Just wanted to say how happy I am that you have your Waffle!! And I hope he'll be on campus with you in the fall, and he and Madoc can get together!! They are so close to the same age, and I'd love to see them frolic.
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Thanks for the good advice everyone. I tried ignoring him and pretending like I was having such a great time in the other room. He eventually came to me. :] Now we're trying to get him to come downstairs again. Baby steps at a time! <3
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