Jake 08-243 [1]

Meet Big Jake. So named for a couple reasons; one we have a resident Jake (former RAGOM boy 07-349), BJ is tall, his head hovers over the kitchen table and when he plants his front paws on the counter, he is tall :) He has been with the same family since a puppy, but has mostly been an outdoor kenneled dog.

Jake came to visit me last week to see how he would do. He has never been separated from his family, never in another truck, car etc with anyone else etc etc. Upon getting home I made the mistake of taking his Gentle Leader and leash off and telling him to get out of the doggie mobile. Aah let's just say he wasn't interested in doing so. After no success I returned him home. Gave it a couple days, got him again and left the leash on, out he popped when we arrived. So yesterday I made the decision to have him over again and keep him. His family had to move out of their house and so Jake would have had to stay out in his kennel and they would have to come and feed him and check on him. So it was an easy choice last night to decide to officially bring him in. After making that decision I decided it was bath time, nail trimming and brushing time. Since it was all new and I had discovered when frightened he will lay down, raise a leg to be submissive, but can get growly. So I put on the infamous Italian basket weave muzzle and proceeded with the spa treatment. All went fine. He does NOT like the hose, but did well.

Big Jake is in love with little Sam 07-690 and wants to be by him. When Sam is in his crate he doesn't want company especially if he has an old bone in there with him. I have been amazed at how well Sam has done putting BJ in his place. He is feeling secure enough with himself to tell the other dogs to back off :) BJ is finding his place in the 'pack' here, and it will take a couple days.

We had marrow bones last night and everyone was fine. When I went to get BJ's he was growly, but I waited him out and he gave it up. My Jake was that way when we got him, but he ended up realizing he would always get another. For now BJ will have his bone and learn that it's ok to give it up as he will always get more. So many things to learn.

First night here I tried to crate him in the big mastiff crate in the family room...... that didn't work, he cried and carried on. So up to the bedroom we went, and once he settled in he slept all night, never touched a thing. Second night here BJ jumped on the bed and wouldn't get off. Again faced with the growly act I waited him out, once off the bed I crated him. Once he settled in he cried, so I let him out and he slept free just fine. Again, when we got our Jake he would get up on the bed and when you told him to move or get down he got this whole 'tude going and was growly/snappy. He learned that when told to get off he should, and when invited up it was ok. I look for the same results with BJ once he feels safe, loved and secure. We must remember he has been with the same family since being a puppy and he will be 8 years old in August.

We have had no accidents and if there was going to be one, it would have been in the family room where a number have happened and still leave a lingering fragrance :( But he just sniffed and went about his business. Jake has seen the cats, but I don't think he is sure what they are. Coulter the cat finally decided to brave Bruno (visiting German Sheppard cousin) and BJ. Big Jake was interested, sniffed, licked, followed him around, but never tried to hurt him.

Jake has had some training, knows sit and down. Stay is not in the program yet :) He needs a Gentle Leader to be walked and even with that he is a strong boy and can pull. Perhaps a halter would work better for him. Not really sure. Obedience to freshen his memory would be good and a great time to bond with his new family.

As for his new family it will be best for him to have a fenced yard or underground fencing as he has been kenneled or tethered and we found out today he loves to run. I opened the door to get something in the garage and at the same time BJ whizzed past me and hubby came home and opened up the garage door. Yikes, he was gone in nothing flat. I finally got in the doggie mobile and opened the door when I saw him and asked him if he wanted to go for a ride. That would be a YEP...jumped right in. He will do best with older kids who understand while he is learning that he is safe, secure, loved and wanted, he can become growly when scared. Patience and talking to him help to alleviate those fears most of the time. I would not allow him on furniture until he knows his place and is willing to respect his human pack.

Big Jake is a beautiful dog who with time, love, patience, obedience school and the right family will be a great family member. We will be going to the vet after the long week end to be microchipped and have the usual check up. Will let you know the results then.

Meanwhile, feel free to contact placementragom [dot] org if you would like to meet Big Jake.

Foster mom and the crew