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Tuesday 9 April 2013

Monkey day 2

Another quiet night and out in the garden first thing for toilet. Monkey seems to like going out of a side door rather the patio doors. He had a slip in the dining room on his first night so maybe that has coloured his perception. He does want his lead on when he goes out and comes in. With the lead he will trot straight in but without he will stand his ground and no amount of cajoling will change his mind.

He also turns his nose up at treats at the moment so they are no use in reinforcing positive behaviour.


Breakfast today was also a no-go area although he has had some water – again, as his first drink last night, it had to be brought into the front room. It’s almost as if the front room is his run at the kennel and while he seems quite happy in here, he doesn’t like to leave it.

But, having said that, he goes off to bed in the kitchen at night without a fuss.

The news on the cat front appears promising as Monkey passed within two metres of a neighbour’s animal on our morning walk and never turned a hair.

We ventured down to the clay pits, on Bitham Lane, which can be a hit and miss affair as we have encountered loose dogs on there with Winnie but Monkey needs to nose out his surroundings and today there were no other dogs about.

He seems to be on alert all the time when out as traffic noise makes him turn his head all the time to watch. He can be skittish when other dogs are sighted but with the muzzle others are giving us a wide berth.

We are of course awaiting the revealing of Monkey’s true personality once the ‘honeymoon’ period is over and he begins to find his place in the ‘Pritchard pack’.

He is sticking to his ‘spot’ on the carpet rather than in front of the fireplace so we have put his daybed there and hopefully he will get used to the daybed and we can gradually move it.

Fruitless attempt at dinner time to convince him he must be hungry.

However, a bowl of pasta, cheese and chicken at 7pm finally broke his fast abd this was rapidly followed a couple of handfuls of dog biscuits and cheese. Hopefully, tomorrow will bring a proper breakfast meal – if not we’re gonna get through a lot of pasta.

18 comments:

Anonymous said...

I really understand Monkey, I was the same way. He will come around once he has in his brain that it is all his, and no worries,. I been here over four years and I still have my same eating and napping spots, they tried to move them and told them NOPE, put them back.

The Mad Scots

Sue said...

Elaine, Sounds like he is coming round. Must be a real shock to him to suddenly be in a home.

I used DAP (Dog Appeasing Pheramones) for Song. You can get a collar, spray and plug-ins. It's not cheap, but definitely made a difference to Song.

For breakfast Polly has two Weetabix (shops own brand)with a little milk/water mix, which I warm slightly on these cold mornings.

Frankie Furter and Ernie said...

It sometimes takes a while to get used to things.. Slow and Steady Wins the Race... RIGHT???

Eileen H said...

Monkey will have had his routine and your home is a big change for him. He must be a bit bewildered.
Give him time. He'll soon realise he's landed on his paws!

Ziggy Stardust said...

Monkey, I am a rescue and I understand that it takes time to get used to new surroundings and peoples. I know you will be fine in no time at all. I am so happy to meet you and can't wait to be friends!

Loveys Sasha

Bella Roxy & Macdui said...

How in the world did we miss the post about Monkey joining your family. We're so glad he's come to a loving home. We're sure he'll just improve out of sight.

XXXOOO Daisy, Bella & Roxy

In Oz Greyhounds must be walked with a muzzle...so unfair.

houndstooth said...

Ha ha ha! Be careful if you don't want to end up with a picky eater. We used to beg ours to eat at first, but then learned that if they're hungry enough, they'll finally eat, and sometimes there's a little tummy upset that comes with the stress of being in a wonderful new place. Sometimes they know eating isn't a good idea. Since he's an only dog, maybe just leave the food available to him for a while and see if he's more motivated to eat when nobody's watching. Anyway, I'm glad he's being such a good boy in the house!

rottrover said...

Hi Monkey! I ate grass for two days when I came here, but finally I realized that this is my forever home. I just celebrated my third gotcha day. We're so lucky!

Ruby

Angels Amber and Max DaWeenie and Mom said...

Pasta! Hmmmm....maybe he's an Italian Greyhound!

What Remains Now said...

I'm laughing over Amber's comment! It feels so good to be coming to Winnie's (now Monkey's) blog. Keep the updates coming. Love to see how this boy is progressing.

Unknown said...

We hope Monkey will settle in and as you say reveal his true personality. Have a wonderful Wednesday.
Best wishes Molly

Sketching with Dogs said...

Oh how wonderful, I am so glad you found Monkey - love his name. He looks like he is settling in very well.
Lynne

genji said...

Bet it's a bit overwhelming trying to figure out the new routine/schedule.

tubby3pug said...

Monkey will fit in soon I am sure, it must be very overwhelming at first I love his ears

urban hounds

jet said...

Mouse deliberately tears around on the tiles and sometimes slides and falls but it doesnt bother her because she is such a small hound... Monkey has a lot to take in and I bet he appreciates how patient you are with him.

Two French Bulldogs said...

We would stop fasting too if we were given all that good stuff
Benny & Lily

Homer said...

Monkey, welcome to the blog world. :)

Love,
Homer

Agnes B. Bullock said...

Welcome to Blogville Monkey!