Dutch Shepherd Forum

Hello,

I have not been on the forum much in the last several months (busy with work and life) and we are now up to three DS! Back in September I saw a post on the NADSR Facebook page about a DS at a shelter in Kansas City who was about to be euthanized. He had been labeled for rescue only but there was no one to pull or foster him. Through a lucky (and odd) series of events we were able to go out and pick him up, initially with the intention of fostering him. But we fell in love with him and he seemed like a good fit for our house so we decided to adopt him.

His background is somewhat of a mystery. He was a cruelty case as he was seized from a house where he had no food or water and was extremely emaciated. He failed the shelter's temperament tests which is why he was labled for rescue only. He was very fearful and shy when we first got him but he is slowly coming out of his shell and gaining confidence. And after much patience and careful introductions ("50 first dates") he is now best buddies with our other 3 dogs (2 DS and our old guy, Alex).

I'll post some more photos and such but here is a video I put together after we decided to adopt him. Enjoy!

https://vimeo.com/51067285

Wow, congratulations. Very lucky guy. He looks amazing!

Great video too. How did you get him to swim??

awesome video and Thank You for going to Kansas City to get him. Looks like a great dog!!

How did you get him to swim??

We have been taking it slow and the few times he has been swimming we have basically just walked him on leash with us into the water. He doesn't like to get buoyant but he just needs time to learn that it's fun and that he won't die.

He didn't seem to know toys when we got him but we have tapped into some very good drive and now when he goes to the pool he barks in frustration when we throw his toy in. I am guessing it will be just a matter of time before his drive overtakes his fear and he goes in.

I work a lot in introducing new dogs to dock jumping and many people think that a dog must "love" water. My experience is that it has to do more with toy drive and confidence than loving water. We taught both Ku and Kane to swim and now they both love to retrieve at the lake and of course love dock jumping.

Once spring comes and it warms up, we will get Lo back outside where it's easier to get in with him and where it is not so weird as a pool situation. It might take some time, but I bet he figures it out soon!

What an awesome video! It reminds me so much of Odin's first introduction to a dock in a pool. He loves lakes and diving on the outdoor docks, but the pools are a very scary thing still.
Best of luck with your additional member!

Great job on the video and a beautiful DS!

Flying Dutchman wrote:

How did you get him to swim??

We have been taking it slow and the few times he has been swimming we have basically just walked him on leash with us into the water. He doesn't like to get buoyant but he just needs time to learn that it's fun and that he won't die.

LOL, good description! Sugar is the same way...doesn't like to get buoyant...and I'm pretty sure she thinks she will die...judging from her reaction!

Awesome story! It brings tears to my eyes. Thanks for rescuing.

Can't wait to see those pictures! Ku is a celebrity and all

What a wonderful video and even better story. The music was so fitting...you guys just rock. He's one lucky boy, and I look forward to hearing all about his dock diving success!

Fantastic video! I´m literally crying because it reminded me of when adopted Olaf. He was also very skinny and frightened of everything, including water. He also didn´t know how to play,
He now LOVES any kind of water and enjoys playing with me/toys/sticks/balls.

Good luck with him and congrats on adoption!
He is beautiful boy! :love