Sarah meets the family - January 14, 2008

Sarah's housebreaking has hit a standstill. After hours and hours of walking outside on the leash Sarah still will not potty outside. I believe this is due to the fact that she was forced to go in her crate and not allowed out. Sarah does not have an understanding yet of the fact that she is to go outside. After our long walks Sarah comes inside and goes to the bathroom on the floor. Thankfully my kitchen and family room is tiled and so there is no problem with cleanup. I am at a loss for getting her to go outside. I know that she will just have to make that first time outside and then things will progress. Perhaps if she goes out with the other dogs. I do not know how she will react to them though, so I am leary of letting her interact yet. Oh well, we have to do this sometime so why not now. A big part of rescue is evaluating the dog with people, and other animals so that you know where they can be placed.

So..........Today Sarah got a chance to meet some of the members of the household. Not knowing much about her temperament yet, it was decided that she should first meet them behind a ex-pen kennel. This would give them a chance to sniff each other and get to know each other in safety just in case. Sarah seemed thrilled to meet the new dogs. She met both Bama, my Bichon mix and Penny, my Rat Terrier rescue. After a while of greeting each other behind the kennel barrier it was decided to let them have a face to face meeting. Sarah was a perfect lady and was very gentle with the smaller dogs. Tonight Sarah will go outside with the other dogs in the hope of her following their lead and using the "bathroom" outside.

HOOOORAAAAAY Sara pottied outside tonight. Good Girl Sarah!!!!!!!