Jon
Age: About 4-1/2 years old.
Weight: 22 kgSex: Male
He has been with us since November 2008. We met under coincidental circumstances. Back then, I have been feeding stray dogs leftover food and bones at a vacant land near my house. One night, a dog came up from under a van. But as soon as I went near it, it went back under it. I had not seen it before. I promised myself to bring food for him the next night as I had already left the night's food for other dogs. The next night when he appeared again, I realised it is a friendly dog, and very eager to consume the food - even as I was still standing around. I also realised it was a male, after he lifted his leg to pee.
Many nights later I have noticed some people feeding him. Security guards and children from a tuition centre are some of the good souls. That was the reason why he was unafraid of humans. Whenever I drive to go home from the place, Jon will follow me for some distance. A month of feeding routine passed, and one night Jon decided to follow me all the way home. I thought "My gosh, I am not ready to take you in yet". But I can't turn him away, so my reluctance quickly turned to acceptance. The first thing Jon did when he arrived at my house was to enter the house. No human visitor has ever entered my house without my warm welcome and permission. This dog did just that without looking back and checked out every part of the house - downstairs and upstairs. He wanted to make sure this house is safe and unoccupied - by another dog. Even after this, he was still cautious. He slept outside of the house compound (by the road), and at 4am will disappear. I suspect he went back to his old place. He did this for 4 nights before settling down and treat my house as his new home.
Jon can be described as a timid dog. I don't know his history, but I know he has been sleeping under cars during the day time. The area I live in are comprised of mostly Malays, who are by nature unfriendly to dogs. I can imagine that he only comes out during the night. The people who feed and care for him are just not enough to change his perception of human beings.
He still displays some dominant behaviour over toys, treats and food - many of which I have successfully tried to control. He cannot tolerate other dogs to look at him in the eye. He takes this as a challenge and will be hostile. He has bitten Max many times, and growled at other dogs because of this "look at me in the eye" issue.
From the time Jon came till now, I have not seen him sit down more than 5 times. He just doesn't like, or know, how to sit. I guess this is due to his history of exposure to the environment. Experiences with unfriendly humans; and canine competitors could be some factors that make him to be always alert and anxious.
Disturbing his napping time
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| Balancing his sunbathing exposure |
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| August 2010 - 4th day at training centre. Just to learn to accept wearing the leash. |
Age: 16 months old
Weight: 22 kg
Sex: Male
Max is a very active and sociable dog who lives for the day. He never stops wagging his tail and is always smiling. He is inquisitive of anything outside of his home, be it humans or objects. He likes to sniff around. When sniffing me, he will put his wet nose in contact with my skin or clothing. Max also likes to nibble on small branches and pebbles. He constantly pulls out the plants from the garden. Initially I muzzled him, but have since stopped doing so as the frequency of this habit has reduced.
During walks, when someone walks pass, he will stop and look back at the person. With other dogs in the neighbourhood, no matter if the dog is a Rottweiler or a Poodle, he will approach the gate of the dog's house with his tail wagging. Their fierce bark or growl just doesn't scare him. Having Jon around as an alpha was a good lesson for him in terms of socialising; and to learn dog language. Max's first important lesson is that dogs bite. And that the bite hurts. He got his first bite from Jon on the ear when he wanted to join in on Jon's meal. That was the beginning of his lesson on social hierarchy. Luckily for him, Jon is not a big bully who inflicts bloody wounds. Apart from that, Max don't feel pain easily. Smacking him on the rump is futile. Sometimes I wish I had dog teeth and discipline him with it. He is still inquisitive, and learning new things in the environment. He loves to play, to the extent of mouthing my hands. He is mischievous, and his favourite mischief is to run into the house, and refuse to go back out. He is also non-aggressive and holds no grudges (which dog holds grudges?); and an omnivore (but sadly allergic to beef).
During walks, when someone walks pass, he will stop and look back at the person. With other dogs in the neighbourhood, no matter if the dog is a Rottweiler or a Poodle, he will approach the gate of the dog's house with his tail wagging. Their fierce bark or growl just doesn't scare him. Having Jon around as an alpha was a good lesson for him in terms of socialising; and to learn dog language. Max's first important lesson is that dogs bite. And that the bite hurts. He got his first bite from Jon on the ear when he wanted to join in on Jon's meal. That was the beginning of his lesson on social hierarchy. Luckily for him, Jon is not a big bully who inflicts bloody wounds. Apart from that, Max don't feel pain easily. Smacking him on the rump is futile. Sometimes I wish I had dog teeth and discipline him with it. He is still inquisitive, and learning new things in the environment. He loves to play, to the extent of mouthing my hands. He is mischievous, and his favourite mischief is to run into the house, and refuse to go back out. He is also non-aggressive and holds no grudges (which dog holds grudges?); and an omnivore (but sadly allergic to beef).
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| 2 months old. At the vet on the day after rescuing him |
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| 6 months old. |
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| Till now, he never ceases to bite small objects. Especially small pebbles. |
Muzzled when he was in biting and chewing mood.
He sometimes does this when I arrive or leave home.
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