ReillyTN12-06


	Age & Sex: 2 yr old Male


UTD: Yes


	Weight: 53.6 lbs.


Other Dogs: Yes


	Color: Fawn


Cats: NO


	Ears: Cropped


Children: Under 5: Yes Over 5: Yes


	Tail: Docked


Professional Training Required: Yes


	Neutered: Yes


Microchipped: No


	Shelter Surrender


Location: Monroe, NY

Adoption Donation $300

3/19/07 - Riley has been adopted.

3/14/07 - Riley is pending adoption.

2/21/07 - Riley is doing great. A friend of mine gave me a very simple suggestion to help with his behavior around the cat. Each time he even stares her down or certainly if he lunges, bang 2 pot lids together or drop pots on the floor - whatever makes a lot of noise. It has worked amazingly. This friend has a very strong-willed Chesapeake bay retriever and she uses it as a training tool with him. I put one or the other in a crate, leaving one loose and then watch Riley closely. I've only had to "bang" 3 times. Now, we've worked up to the cat in her crate beside me on the floor with Riley in the down position on the floor with us. Tonight, my husband had Riley on a leash and I held the cat and then let her loose. He even went into the down position easily. He watched her but he was definitely submissive. Not ready yet to let them loose together but each day seems a little better.
Riley will get his third dose of worming medicine this weekend so maybe I can get a little more weight on him - he's finally at 62# and not quite so bony. He loves to love and he really does want to please us - but, believe me, he still reminds us he's a boxer every once in awhile. He and Bailey do so love trash cans!!
Riley did go over our 4 ft fence - quite easily because of the snow built up but he came right back. He seemed to take quite an interest in the lady dog next door and though he pinned her, there was no fight and he immediately responded to me. He knew I wasn't a happy person - having to climb over the fence myself in the snow. So, for now, he is again on a run inside our fence and we're working on what come means without a leash (in the house). Anyone have any key words they use when their dog is outside and the dog is about to do something not allowed - like using "freeze" when toddlers are about to go somewhere they aren't supposed to?
We're happy we have Riley and he's definitely happier here than on the streets of Atlanta. Keep those words of encouragement coming and certainly those words of advice

1/23/07 - Riley has become a loving, happy dog as he learns his boundaries and his place in our pack. He is learning basic commands but it’s obvious that someone mistreated him after using the commands come and sit. However, he is learning to trust and that affection comes with that trust and when it’s earned. He walks well on a leash and is learning that he doesn’t have to chase every other dog away that’s within 50 yards. He now plays indoors and outdoors with our boxer and even shares toys. The two dogs eat in the same room at the same time, but they are not allowed near the other’s bowl. We had heard that he could jump or climb fences but he hasn’t even tried that – we keep a long rope on him at all times, even in our fenced-in yard, and he’s never alone outside. He loves kids of all ages and interacts well with our grandchildren (ages 10 months, 4 yrs, 6 yrs and 15 yrs). We never allowed any of the kids to take food, snacks or toys away from Riley. He is gaining weight and will soon take his 2^nd of three doses of worming medicine.

1/13/07 - First 5 days very tough. Had to keep Riley separate from my dog. 6^th day – loose in house with mine but under my constant watch. 7^th day – both dogs initiated play. Still fed separately but walked together once by me. Riley is quickly learning where he is in our pack. Has had no training or constructive discipline; almost certainly abused. Knows no commands. Very loving to people. Has not yet met our cat. Would definitely chase squirrels. Today, had both dogs playing in fenced in yard. Some squabbles, but able to stop them immediately and easily.

1/3/07 - Well Riley went to his FTA home this afternoon. Laura has been coming over and walking him daily while her resident dog got over the kennel cough that he caught from Riley on the day she picked him up for me. Riley (note the spelling change) is due for his physical and neutering on Tuesday.

12/30/06 - Reilly continues to improve. He is currently on two feedings a day. He is still skinny but he is putting on weight. He is a very friendly and outgoing dog. He is definitely a people pleaser. Due to his illness, he has not had much contact with other dogs or cats. He is capable of getting over a 4 foot fence and if left unattended he will climb if he sees something he wants to go after. He will need work on basic commands and walking. Using the collar high up on his neck works best and after a few minutes, he walks nicely with periodic corrections. He is definitely a tissue/paper eater. Garbage cans need to be under the sink or secured.

12/26/06 - Reilly is the perfect southern gentleman. He was all wiggles from the moment that we met. He was all skin and bones when he arrived. He has been eating 3-4 times a day and his ribs and hips are fading away. When he went to the vet today, I could not believe that he weighed 52 pounds. Unfortunately, he currently has a case of Kennel Cough and needs to be isolated from other dogs. His initial contacts with other dogs has been mixed, but I suspect that he has not been feeling well in quite awhile, so I want to wait until he is feeling better to get a more accurate idea as to whether or not he likes other dogs or cats. He is great with strangers and children over 5. I have not had an opportunity for him to meet younger children, but I suspect that he will be fine. He has not had an accident in the house. He is not destructive. At this point, he has not shown any interest in toys. He is learning his new name and will work on basic commands once he is feeling better. He needs rest and a chance to get over the stress of his move from Atlanta to New York . He can climb. He easily got over my 4 foot fence, so he would need a higher fence or for someone to be out there with him. This may be part of the reason why he was found as a stray. His full physical and neutering were postponed until he is feeling better.

12/23/06 - Reilly arrived last evening. He is very malnourished. My guess is that
he weighs about 50 pounds. I will be feeding him several small meals throughout the day. He came with a bag of Solid Gold Hund-n-Flocken. He seems to be a little under the weather with kennel cough. Will update soon.