New Coton de Tulear Rescue

by SHERRY
(FLORIDA)

We had been looking for an older dog as a playmate for Cotton for about a month.

Although I really wanted another Coton, we were unable to find an adult in any of the shelters or thru the breeders. I found thru petfinder a female coton in an animal rescue place in Ga. so we drove almost 9 hours up and 9 back to bring her home with us.

She is a real sweetheart but had never been in grass. No training of any kind, potty or anything else. The rescue lady was so kind and she said the dog's feet were sore from being kept in a wire cage. I can only imagine what this poor little girl has been thru. She has still got a lot of mistrust issues but will now follow me around the house, once in a while she comes to me for a head scratch but is still always on guard.

We are working thru some of this but it is so hard to try and correct the bad things as I am trying to build up her trust in me and do not like telling her no. It just sends her running. It is a real challenge as I have never dealt with this type situation before.

She is going to be a beauty when she gets cleaned up a little more. We are working on cleaning her but can only do a little at a time as she gets so stressed. What a terrible life she must have had.

We have named her Candie and I will post more pictures of her as we progress.

Is there a magic way to gain her trust or just be patient-gentle-quiet with her and hope it happens? She does not come when called but will take treats from my hand then run off. Cotton has been a terrific positive influence on her, of course she is terribly jealous but that is to be expected for now. They do get along really well and chase each other around at times.

These pictures were taken the day after we got her and she still has alot of the GA clay on her. She will be totally white and gorgeous I know. Her little disposition, although guarded yet is really mild. No growls or biting. I am grateful for that. Have any of you gone thru the same distrust issues and could you tell me what to expect?

I hope she is not to old to potty train.

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Dec 21, 2013
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My Hailey Looks Like Candie NEW
by: JudyPF

I rescued my little 4 year old Hailey who was a puppy mill breeder survivor about seven weeks ago. She and Candie could be twins. It sounds like you have already come a long way with Candie. Hailey spent most of the first month with us sleeping in her crate. Since then she still sleeps most of the day but now she prefers to sleep on the couch although not next to me but at the oppositemend (its a sectional). I also have an 11 month old Maltese/Yorke mix who we have had since he was eight weeks old. He gets along well with Hailey for the most part and they often nap side by side together on the couch. He doesn't understand why she won't play with him and that is really starting to frustrate him. I'll post all,of Hailey's story very soon along with pictures. Best of luck with Candie. It will be interesting to see if they continue to look so similar once they have a good growth of healthy hair.

Jul 30, 2013
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need home for a male that has been neutered NEW
by: Mary

My daughter has one of these babies. She thought she found a home for him but the lady had him for 3 months got another dog and asked her to watch the dog while the new dog was sick she did and now the lady will not take him back. He has been neutered and is in need of a new home. Do you know anyone interested in a new baby. call 478-972-5621 Mary

Jul 23, 2012
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Noise
by: Vicky & Jonah (Az)

U know that really is the key. To get them out & about. New places, neighborhood walks & around noise. They may shake @ first but really they all do weather u have them from pups or later. As long as u are comfortable w/ur surroundings they start to pick up their cue from u.

The more they get out & experience the world the more tolerate they become in home, yards & visitors. It took me a while to retrain myself to not go are u scared poor baby to a happy lets go & a happy good boy & just move along like no big deal.

Even in the house if they did not follow I did not coax next thing I knew they decided it was more interesting to come along. But I never used the word come unless I was prepared to follow thru w/come ie. a treat in my hand so I did not set them up to fail. Lets go is my word that means ok come or don't.

As my confidence thrived that I was making good training decisions so did my fosters. Plus alot of wonderful help & input from others. Now do not get me wrong I do understand it is not easy work watching two. So I commend u on the new challange. I always look at it like good exercise. Thank u for ur kind words.

Jul 23, 2012
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reply on crates and travelling
by: sherry-cotton-candie

Thank you Vicky, I will sure start this today. It is just so important that she learn this as we have always taken Cotton with us so much. there are so many pet friendly places in fl. and we try and go there and take advantage of dining and having our pet with us. -- We did not leave her or try and take her anywhere the first week but thought it should be ok by now.

Really treasure your input and knowledge, this is a first for me and I want Candie to feel loved and secure but also she needs to feel secure when we take her outside in the real world as well. Guess I will practice this and give her more time.

thank you again and will let you know as she progresses.

Jul 22, 2012
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Crates & Traveling
by: Vicky & Jonah (Az)

We too here in AZ are having our share. Last night the sky was full of dust then lightning, thunder with lots of rain without any kind of damage which are the best kind.

Since coming out of the crate after traveling may have bad memories for her such as ex. vet trips or mateing I would try back to basics. Sit w/her in the driveway in the car wherever u place the crate when u travel & let her go in & out @ her own pace. Sit w/a squeaky toy & hotdog pieces which have a high dollar value to a dog as far as treats go.

Do not move the car but after she has gone in out out a couple of times just go back into the house. Just practice this when u can. Keep training times short 5-10 mins. tops. I know their will be times u need to travel & she still may hesitate to come out but trust me w/practice she will gradually connect that u are a sure safe place.

The hesitation to come out also can be in part to unfamiliar smells & she is still ajusting to her world being turned up side down. Soon she will learn that she has a real home now to come home to & her own stuff.

When traveling try cheerios or when teaching simple tricks since they are not a heavy treat or high in calories & for some reason most dogs seem to luv them.

When u get out of the car if u use a leash to get back into the house remember she gets a treat once u have entered the house w/good girl. If Cotton is @ the door waiting she gets a treat 1st. After all her trick was to be their waiting for u.

Once ur confidence & trust is built up that she knows to enter the house once exiting the car then start taking off the leash & running immediatly into the house so it becomes 2nd nature for her to always do this no matter what quickly.

We do not live on a busy street but I still always look up & down before I let Jonah run in by himself since their can always be that bike or neighbors car that today he made decide to chase.

Good luck. It really does sound thou that u are moving right along excellant training choices.

Jul 22, 2012
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scared candie rescue dog
by: sherry-cotton-candie

THANKS VICKI FOR THE ADVICE, I NEVER THOUGHT TO DO THAT AND I WAS PETTING HER AND TELLING HER "ITS OK" IT JUST DID NOT OCCUR TO ME I WAS ENCOURAGING THAT BEHAVIOR.

I WILL TRY THE DRYER SHEETS AS WE HAVE BEEN HAVING ALOT OF STORMS THIS TIME OF YEAR. ---- DO YOU HAVE A MAGIC WAY TO GET HER TO COME OUT OF HER CAGE WHILE IN THE CAR? WE HAVE TRIED TREATS AND KIND WORDS, SHE ONLY GETS TO THE FAR END AND WE END UP EITHER LEAVING HER IN THERE AND CARRYING THE WHOLE CAGE HER WITH IT, OR HAVING TO DRAG HER OUT WHICH I HATE DOING. EVEN BRINGING COTTON AROUND FOR HER TO SEE DOES NOT HELP. ONCE IN THE HOUSE SHE WILL COME OUT JUST FINE. IT SEEMS STRANGE PLACES SCARE HER AND WE ARE TAKING SHORT TRIPS TRYING TO GET HER USED TO NORMAL THINGS. AT POTTY STOPS SHE JUST DOES NOT WANT TO LEAVE HER CAGE. GUESS THAT IS HER SECURITY BLANKET FOR NOW. THANKS,

Jul 21, 2012
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Coton rescue
by: Vicky & Jonah (Az)

This is so wonderful it sounds like she is moving along very well. A couple things u may try is when a storm is coming take & rub a fabric sheet all over her fur to conteract the static electribity that builds up from the air. Try to make sure u don"t say its ok while she shakes or hold her alot as this tends to say that it is ok to be scared.

A long time ago Cotons were shown in the gun group so they usually tend not to let noises bother them so much. When there is a storm try giving them a milkbone or their favorite toy as they probably will not eat the treat they may chg. there mind set to carry it around or try to hide & forget about the storm.

Just another trick that sometimes works if they are fearful when attempting to scratch their head because you are reaching above the head. When you reach over to say hello try giving them a scratch under their chin instead.

When Jonah was a puppy he too would jump from the lawn chairs onto the table to get something he wanted up there. I would walk outside & he would turn & stare at me as if to say WHAT...

Congrats on all the milestones you have already been able to accomplish.

Jul 20, 2012
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UPDATE on rescue Candie
by: sherry-cotton-candie

We would like to thank all of you for your help and ideas on little Candie. Today is our two week anniversary with her and she is making progress. -- She does recognize her name, looks up when we talk to her, and gave me my first kiss last week. I was holding her as she is terrified of thunder and any noise, including whistles, camera clicking, plastic bags rattling, coughs, scooting of chairs, etc. When she hears these sounds if our bedroom door is open she gets under the bed. She sleeps under our bed at night now, we put her in her crate the first few nights but she got to where she really did not want to go in so we left her run loose in the bedroom/bath area. We only had one accident in there which makes us so proud of her. Sometimes she comes out and will get in Cottons bed. Cotton of course has acted up a little bit, peeing in the living room. We figure she is trying to get attention and ignored it. she only did this for two days and now is back to being her perfect little self.

Candie continues not liking the grass but we take her out in it several times a day. We had to buy more fencing for their play area as she kept trying to get thru the rails, also had to put it around the screen pool area as she would rub and scratch at it. She continues to think of things Cotton never did. Yesterday I had left my chair out at the dining room table and she was on top of the table chewing the cloth. Full of mischief! Always in the trash so that has to be kept out of site. It is comical as we never no what to expect out of her. She is feeling more at home and will lay on the sofa beside us now, although she still has a little trust issue. Whenever we go to touch her she will still give a slight duck of her head. She is just so pitiful it breaks your heart but she is doing well in letting me hold her and I know it will not take much longer for her complete trust.

They are both very special, just so totally different. Candie has not yet rolled over on her back to sleep or have tummy rub. I feel she still is not that comfortable yet.

We are really happy with Candie and continue being proud of her progress. I am hopeful Cottons good behavior will rub off on her but like kids they can be very different. She is adapting to our routine and I love seeing the girls play together. Cotton has been very giving in sharing her toys and bed -- (she sleeps with us).

Each day is exciting and sometimes she has slip-ups but we can tell by the way she prances and jumps around she is starting to become a happy little girl. She jumps and rears up like a horse whenever we give her anything. I am so anxious for her hair to grow out, she stays really still when I do brush her, and tolerates ear cleaning like its nothing. I think for the most part she just craves the attention, even though she still is a little scared.

We love her and will post more pics in a couple months. Thanks again for all the ideas. Love this Coton Website.

Jul 15, 2012
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Whistle Training Helps Trust & Come Issues
by: Vicky & Jonah (Az)

"Whistle Training" & "Clicker Training" are 2 different tools. Yet as Susan says w/any new pet in ur house u are back to square #1 as to what their habits may be & it is basic 101 training.

"Whistle Training" can be made into a game. They hear the toot they "COME"(always treat). By sliding in the word "COME" u are going "in the back door" to reinforce the action to come in 2 basic ways. This helps when a dog is skittish by not putting on a leash & only using the leash for walks.

(EX.) Who knows if 1 day they go chasing after a bike or car down the road & u "TOOT" the whistle & they come back to ur side. It may save their life.

The game "TOUCH" also works 2 ways (trust & come). U teach them to touch the inside palm of ur hand (always treat). On their own terms they can come close & can move away.

(EX. of Use) A big dog is running toward them & u need to scoop them up fast. They are used to coming close to ur hands & will tend not to bolt from ur sudden movement.

Dogs luv games. The most important commands to practice continuously are "COME,STAY & NO" & their are a variety of games that teach these that can be practiced.

Repetition of "any word for these actions" will work. These basic words may have to be chg'd because whoever had her before may have used these words to discipline. I have found it is easier to start w/fresh words then to chg. the negative effect of old ones.

As always what worked for one dog may have to be tweeked for the other. U already have the most important tool of all "LOVE & KINDNESS". Every thing from here is up hill. Have faith u will do a wonderful job.

Jul 15, 2012
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Klicker
by: Anonymous

Another tip: instead of using a whistle, you could try with clicker. If you are not familiar with the clicker training, there are great resources on YouTube that show you the basics.

First of all, you have to condition your dog that click means something good coming (treat), which is a direct result of her action. Conditioning is very easy, you just click - give treat, click - give treat. She has to make connection first that click means reward.

Once you have conditioned your dog, it will be easy then to show her what she is doing right and this way you will encourage her to make more progress. You click then every time she does something right. Do not rush things. If she is afraid to come to you, click every time she is closer and closer (small steps). The timing is crucial and you have to reward your dog for making the smallest progress. You can practice different behavior in sessions. Stop exercising, when your dog is showing you that it might be enough. However, always finish on a high note.

Karen Pryor has written some good books on clicker training, which give you more info about the method.

Good luck!
Magda

Jul 15, 2012
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Coton de Tulear Rescue
by: Suzan Mesquite NV

I rescued a sweet 3yr old coton de tulear named Roxy from a breeder in Missouri. The breeder wanted her to have a litter of pups but she had a hard time carrying the litter & she lost her pups. The breeder had her spayed & put her up for adoption.
When I picked her up at the airport terminal she was so scared & didn't want to come out of her crate.
I thought having an adult dog would be easier then a puppy but I was wrong. I had to train her to walk on a leash she resisted at first but I was patient & didn't introduce her to too many things I wanted her to be comfortable with her new home I let her do things in her own time it took awhile but eventually she did adjust & she learned to trust me and we formed a bond.

The first week she arrived I spent 24/7 with her & once she adjusted to the leash I took her outside to do her business. I live in an apartment building so when my neighbors saw me walking Roxy they came over to meet her. This is when I found out she wasn't socialized she growled and barked at everyone. This was our next challenge to conquer we are still working on it, she is getting better with people they just need to slowly approach her. When I walk her around the apartment complex she's a little Diva she walks like she owns the place & all the neighbors know Roxy.

Patience is key and don't try teaching the dog too many things at once since they are adjusting to a new family & new location. I had Roxy leash trained & walking around the complex within the week I spent 24/7 with her & then slowly left my apartment. I started slowly like going to the mailbox each morning then I'd leave alittle longer each day after many months she doesn't bark anymore when I leave. She never had toys I taught her how to squeak her stuffed toy & it took her awhile to get the hang of it she didn't stop squeaking it drove me nuts but I was happy she was getting comfortable & secure. I've had Roxy for 10months & she's come a long way.
It gets better & once it does you'll have so much happiness & joy that these little dogs bring to us. They just want to be loved and treated good.
My little Roxy keeps me going it gives me a reason to get out of bed each.
Good Luck with Caroline

Jul 14, 2012
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Congrats on ur new Coton
by: Vicky & Jonah (Az)

Here are some tricks I use w/Fosters. Use the words Woops or Ah! Ah! instead of No. No may have a memory to her. Use the tone of ur voice to match the correction when saying these words. Imagine the way u would say it for a child & use the tone of the words accordingly. Find a diff. word for the word No. No(or new word) should only be used ex. U drop a chicken bone & do not want them to pick up. Ur dog gets out the front door & runs across the street & a car starts to come & u yell NO STAY. No (or the new word) means No & nothing else not maybe thats what Woops or Ah,Ah are for.

Go to a place like Party City & buy a bag of whisles to put all over the house. Sit down & Blow & treat 10 to 20 times. Then carry treats w/u & play the game u blow they come u treat all around the house. When u treat throw in the word good come. U so not have to blow loud either.

Sit down & eat some popcorn w/ur dogs. I bite the kernal parts off for me & then share the rest of the piece w/them. Bonding time.

The Poop.com has instructions for making freeze dried liver. U can get frozen liver at Walmart for $3. Great treat for iron to help the hormones get back in line thou never over use any one thing to much. Cheerios etc also make good healthy snacks.

U can retrain any age dog to pee outside thou mistakes will happen. If a mistake happens take the blame since we probably missed the cue clean it up & move on without a delayed word. When the even tinkle ouside (where u want them to pee) make a big deal over it with a treat & good girl etc. so they know they did REALLY good.

Last but very important. Ur 1st dog always gets their food put down 1st, the treat 1st, the 1st hello, the 1st kiss or pet. It is the natural way of the flow of the house. It is not favoritism it is how a pack works. U will also find by following the order of the house they will get along fine because it is the routine. Dogs do best with a routine.

I hope some of this helps if I can help any more let me know the specific problem. U will do fine luv is a powerful healer. Sorry this is so long.

Jul 14, 2012
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Cotton & Candie
by: Anonymous

Sherry, congratulations on the new addition to your family. I'm sure with time and training Candie will be just fine. Some times we feel so bad for what these rescues have gone through that we delay or avoid training thinking it will be too hard on the dog. From my experience with rescues I've had or worked with, just the opposite is true. Gentle consistent training is important to let her know what is expected and that she is safe and that you've got everything under control. Fortunately, Cotons are very smart and she's got you and Cotton to show her what love and kindness is all about.

Keep us posted on her progress!!!

Gale

Jul 13, 2012
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patience
by: Anonymous

Patience, patience and patience is the key here. You need to give her time and do not try to speed things up. It is great that she has a company of your other Coton, she will gain a lot of confidence. If she runs off with a treat that she takes from your hand, try doing it like this: take a very tasteful treat and throw it gently closer to her, so she does not have to come to your hand. Once she gets more comfortable with that, decrease the distance between the treat and you until eventually she is fully ok with taking it from your hand.

It is wonderful that you are taking care of this dog! I am so angry that there are people like her former owner, who just mistreat animals and are not made responsible for that!

Good luck with your girl and looking forward to you announcing some progress :).
Magda

Jul 13, 2012
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Timid Coton
by: Cynthia

Sounds like you found a sweet girl. Give her some time. Ours was with a breeder who did not socialize their pups with other people. We got ours a little older and he was so afraid and sat in the same place in our house for a month and rarely made a sound. Not at all the sweet little dog we saw in the kennel. He slot came around. I gave him a "stern" look while gently telling him no. He eventually learned the look and I never had to raise my voice. He rings a bell to go outside to do his business but will go to the bedroom if I dont watch carefully. Older Cotons take some work and patience. Spend as much floor or lap time as you can spend with her and she will soon trust your family but maybe not outsiders. Good luck.

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