Welcome Yogi to RAGOM!!!
This handsome, svelte golden retriever like boy is loving his new Ragom life. He was surrendered in South Dakota with a buddy by a family that was moving. His buddy was adopted out immediately and Yogi was left behind at the shelter for almost 2 weeks before they called Ragom. He was 41# at the time.
A week later his Foster Dad met his temp foster in Delano where we had to lift him into his truck, and tie him in. Yogi was not comfortable being in the car. He had a bloody eye and was basically skin and bones. At the vet the next day, he passed with flying colors, his eye was looking better and he was up to 45#.
He and his Foster Brother (Duke 12-257) went to his first Meet and Greet where he did good. He found a friendly female Foster Mom that gave him lots of love. He greeted other dogs well, including Copper, and even got along with his Foster Step Sister (Daisy 15-123) who stopped by to see her Foster Dad. Daisy is a bundle of joyful energy who just loves her FD!
He was however terrified when 3 younger children came up to pet him. His FD saw his lips curl, but he put up with it. FD assumes he's not comfortable with kids. He was also being cuddled by another Ragom FM at the time so did do ok.
The following weekend we had a less successful Meet and Greet in White Bear Lake. He doesn't like it when someone touches his back end and he's not expecting it. I see it when I tap his butt when he's laying on the floor and I want him to move (He leaps to his feet and jumps away). He and Duke are vocal, and Yogi lunged at someone, when I pulled both dogs back, Duke stepped on him and Yogi bit his foot. These types of events are very stressful to a dog, and he isn't confident enough at this time. Tundra was also there, and we never did introduce the two of them. There was another female golden he had no interest in.
He has had a few troubling behaviors we're working on. With patience and love he'll get over these.
- He has snarl and growl off's with Duke. Usually when Food or Attention is not on him. But they both often lay on both sides of Dad's lazy boy and growl softly back and forth at each other.
- He needs slow introductions, especially with Men. We're working on proper introductions at the door. Note that Duke also is assertive in greeting people as the only reason anyone comes to the house is to give Duke love... ;)
- He doesn't like leaving his house or back yard. We can walk about 1/4 block before he really wants to go home. FD also has to drag him out to the car, but he jumps right up into the back now.
- He's not totally house trained, often is doing #2 in the house, every 2-3 days. He's only done #1 on FD's pillow and bed which is probably his insecurity. This hasn't happened in the last couple of weeks. He also does #2 on cement or hard wood which is much better than Daisy 15-123 who was trained to go on carpet.
- He's vocal. He'll sing along to the ambulance's when they go by. When excited (like FD comes home) he has a high pitched shrill bark that lets the neighborhood know his Dad is home. He'll do the same high pitched yelp when his best friends come to visit.
- He helps himself to food. He gained 6# in 2 weeks mostly by helping himself to food left laying on the counter (The fridge is safe).
- Including:
- 3 jars of peanut butter.
- 1 can of baked beans.
- 1 can of chili.
- 4 Chicken Breasts (fried).
- 1 PB&J sandwich.
He tried an SOS pad from under the sink and found that really wasn't very good.
FD had a dozen men over for a game party, and Yogi was very good when everyone is sitting. Standing up does make him nervous.
He is extremely sweet and cuddly. He really wants to please. He looks directly into your eye and wants to feel safe. I'm pretty sure he had a rough life before Ragom. He loves to retrieve, but sometimes doesn't want to release the ball. He allows other dogs to retrieve without issue.
He needs a physical fence, not so much to keep him at home as to make him feel safe.
Older kids would be ok, if they know dogs.
Another confident dog, preferably female (avoid male dominance).
He's been cat tested and ignored it.
He loves to carry something to greet you. Game controllers and TV remotes (1-2) are acceptable substitutes for balls.
In honor of our boy Tonka (#15-209 TD) and his first Christmas with us. We are so grateful to RAGOM!
"Best wishes." -Anonymous friend