xxlynne
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Dexter Staffie Nov 08 West Wickham KentDexter was found tied out outside a shop in North London..left there for at least 4.5 hours before people got suspicious. He is under-weight and food famished. Taken in by a lady with her 2 dogs who he played with, a couple came forwards for him and he was fine with their bitch, but come food time he had a go at their bitch. The original lady wasn't allowed to take back by her partner so the couple have taken it into the vets. The RSPCA had offered to euthanase. The vet will keep until 12 noon tomorrow. What can I say..but yes we will be there for him. Yes he is brindle. He comes in tomorrow, a lady has volunteered to transport.
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CloClo
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Bless him - sounds wonderful & can't wait for pictures!
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newie244
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WallacePoor little chap, I met Dexter for the first time today, he sat shaking at the back of the kennel refusing to come out, after 10 minutes he had managed a quick sniff of my hand and run back inside. He is very wary of strangers, with help from Rachel we managed to get him on the lead and out into the paddock, where he just laid down refusing to budge. After a bit of fussing him we managed to get him walking although he didn't seem keen, still very nervous.
Once outside he started to walk quite well until we reached the road, he didn't like the cars passing by quickly, I found if I jogged slowly he was happy to run alongside me, I jogged with him to the nearest quiet footpath where no traffic passes, he was still very unsure of his surroundings. After about 100m I sat down with him on a bank to make a fuss of him, he was all over me nuzzling under my arm just craving affection, we walked on for a further 300m or so but by this time he kept looking behind us and wanted to return. The route back was much quicker as he seemed to want to get back, once back he couldn't wait to get into his kennel.
He is a beautiful little chap, really wants affection, but is so nervous at the moment, hopefully he'll come out of his shell very soon, I intended to have as much contact with him as possible in the future to get him used to people.
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xxlynne
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I was ushered in to meet Dexter today.. talk of the town. Dexter has a slender frame but then seeing his teeth he must be just 6 months and growth is affecting his skeletal size currently and he will bulk out later. A young pup who obviously has been through an ordeal and still going through it. Yet he has a calmness in with his waryness. Beautiful boy..desperately trying for a foster home. He really doesn't deserve to be in kennels at such a young age.
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EmmaSemple
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Ah little Dexter is the reason that I love rescue work. This little boy is so sad and frightened and I really feel for him.
Today was the first time I met Dexter and the first thing that he did this morning when his kennel opened was to give me the biggest and soppiest smile ever! It was a submission smile, but a smile none the least. Head down ears back, grinning away and showing that he wanted to be friends but was just a little too shy to do so at the moment.
It doesn't take long to win round this boy though and after sitting on the floor he siddled up to me (no eye contact given at the time) and gently climbed up onto my lap for a cuddle.
Once he realised that this was allowed he settled quite happily with his head nuzzled into my neck and just the very tip of his tail waggling away.
I think that he should come round quite quickly. He needs some weight on his bones as he is far too scrawny for my liking, but his personality just shines through. He is an incredibly loving little soul, but unsure of new experiences and seems to be very scared of certain men.
This is not a bad trait as when he realises that the man is not going to hurt him then he quickly snuggles into cuddle mode and I can just imagine him lounging about on someones lap in the evening. If only I could be that person!!!  (Although I have that feeling about most of my Staffie friends to be honest!)
Emma
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xxlynne
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Sorry Emma, had to pull him away from your arms. He really didn't want to go..BUT see him now mixing with his great friend Bungo the 12 yr old Shepherd x Collie and his standard poodle friend...see him relating to his wee charges and see the smile on Sam's face as if he is her dream come true. Dexter is safe, in very very good hands and if he plays his cards right , which bearing in mind his sad past, he probably isn't wised up to..but play his hand right with lots of allowances.. this foster place is certainly perfect for his development.
Now to meet the cats (Passed his cat test this pm with flying colours..sorry no you pass a cat test without flying colours! )
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Sharonr - Admin
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| Quote: | | (Passed his cat test this pm with flying colours..sorry no you pass a cat test without flying colours! ) |
LOL!
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samhopwood
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Ernie settles inWell after a few first mad days Dexter has settled in really well. He is getting along nicely with Bungo now, although they do like a good argument every now and then.
He is delightful with the children and they love curling up with him for a bedtime story. He then likes to stay there as long as possible, then comes down and snuggles up on the sofa!
He was very, very 'foody' initially and guarded everything that could be food including toys, however this is really settling down now and he even waits for a few seconds before tucking into his dinner now! That's real progress!!
He is a very clever boy and we've mastered sit and we're now working on down with the help of tasty treats. Dexter is very eager to please generally and is a smashing little dog. Keep up the good work Dexter!! 
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karen
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I had the pleasure of meeting Dexter this morning whilst out walking my dog. He really is a very handsome chap. He said hello to my dog nicely.
Sam is doing a fantastic job with him, getting him ready for his 'forever' home 
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samhopwood
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Dexter is getting more confident by the day (read naughty!!). He is very chewy and wants to be into everything. The only problem is that he has to guard all food items and it's proving difficult to give him chewies with Bungo around. He found chewing the remote control more interesting however!!
Tomorrow is de-nutting day and I hope that he doesn't find it too traumatic! 
I will let you know how he gets on.
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samhopwood
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Poor Dexter had a little trip to the vets today for his castration. He was absolutely fine and came out smiling!! He flirted with all the nurses at the vets and even seduced a few ladies waiting with their cats such is his appeal.
He isn't sleepy at all and it's been difficult to keep him 'calm' and four paws on the floor!
Will keep you updated with his progress.
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samhopwood
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Dexter has shown no effects of castration at all, in fact it was hard to believe that he's even had an op!!
He is so lovely with the children and had his first major encounter with one of the cats yesterday. Although not a complete disaster he was very excitable and promptly got put into place by the cat! Think he'll be fine with cats with a little work.
Have also been leaving him for short periods in a cage and he's done very well. He just settles down and seems really relaxed when I come back.
He really is going to make a family very happy. Terrific boy! 
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samhopwood
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Dexter is settling in nicely now. Although I have to say it's a little hard work with the cats, they have now left home for a while until it calms down! I think with some training he will be ok with cats once he realises they have sharp claws - my cats are just too nice!
He settles really well in his cage when I have to pop out now which is really good. He happily goes in, with lots of treats, and simply lies down. So far I haven't heard a peep when he's in there. This is very useful as he's quite destructive when left to his own devices, typical puppy behaviour of course.
Dexter met a lovely spaniel girl whilst out over the weekend and they got on famously. In fact there was much flirting on both sides. It was really lovely to see him playing so nicely with another dog. I think female is the way to go with him as Bungo just seems to rub him up the wrong way at the moment!
He really is a quick learner and I think he will bond very quickly to his 'forever family' when they come along. He's a terrific little dog and extremely responsive, he may even be good for agility with the right person - does a great leap over the children's goal and likes to play hide and seek in the duvet!!
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samhopwood
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Have some lovely photos of Dexter but cannot get them to load for some reason! Probably my ancient laptop. Will try from hubby's later today.
Dexter had a swim yesterday. It was very funny and not a planned thing! Just walking along minding his own business and being nosey as to what Bungo was doing...when...plop...straight into the water!!  OH NO DID NOT MEAN TO DO THAT!! He managed to swim back to shore, rather rapidly I hasten to add and came out wet from head to toe! I found it hilarious although I don't think Dexter was so keen!!
He's been lovely off lead and has met a couple of dogs. Seems a little wary of strangers out and about but will come and say hello then seems to realise that it's all ok. Recall is good and we play hide and seek which he absolutely loves. Ahh he's such a sweetie.
Will try and post pics soon.  [/img]
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xxlynne
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New pictures of Dexter Hasn't he lost the puppy look...into his adolescence and I believe his voice has just broken.
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samhopwood
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Dexter has had a very busy few days. I'm getting him out and about as much as possible without overdoing things as he still has stitches from his op. They come out tomorrow so hopefully he'll be a very good boy. I'm also keen to see how much weight he's put on as he seems to have a nice cover on his ribs now and his coat is so lovely and soft too.
House training is coming along well and he goes through most of the night without having any 'accidents', although we're getting up at 5am to let him out..just like having a baby all over again!! However I'm sure this won't last too long. He's such a quick learner.
His tricks are coming on nicely too. We've mastered sit and he responds pretty much everytime. He also waits for up to a minute for his dinner, which is a really fantastic achievement for him. Down is hilarious as it's a complete flop to the side then straight up for a treat!
Hope you all like the pics which I couldn't manage to load! Hopefully get some more done soon. This lovely boy so deserves to find his 'forever' family soon.
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Sharonr - Admin
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Gorgeous pics and so glad to hear how well he is coming on. Just drop us a line if you experience any difficulties loading photos
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samhopwood
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Dexter loves being in the sunshine...just as well really! He's getting more and more settled here but him and Bungo are finding it increasingly difficult to see eye to eye on anything!
Had his stitches out on Saturday and was extremely well behaved at the vets. They commented on how much better he's looking with a bit more weight on him. The thing is he runs about so much I don't know how he's ever going to keep much weight on!!
We just wish Bungo loved him as much as wel do! 
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samhopwood
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Dexter's been great and has had lots of fun in the sunshine. He's been paddling in the kids paddling pool much to their delight and loves being splashed!
Dexter went up to the kennels this week to meet Mindy and they got on famously. He would really love to be with a companion who wants to play with him. Bungo is just getting to old and grumpy to put up with this 'teenager'!!
He's also put on 2kgs which is fantastic and the vet commented on how beautiful he looks now and how well trained he is (had lots and lots and lots of treats in my pocket!!) This lovely boy just wants to please so much.
Will take some more pics this weekend so you can see how lovely he is!
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samhopwood
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Bees are bad! Dexter typical SBT that he is hates flying things!! Bees sting as he found out this weekend - the hard way!
Paddling pool good! Muddy feet throughout the house.
Dexter is now fully housetrained and even goes till 6/7am now which is fab progress.
Commands now include sit, down, wait and paw. He waits for his dinner and is becoming less fixated on food which is great. He's still very interested in food though, especially when the children have interesting things! Good job he's only small or think the kitchen worktops would be invaded by now! 
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xxlynne
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EmmaSemple
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Young Dexter came back into kennels today.
He is still a little shy about being in the kennel, but nothing that won't right itself.
Dexter had already met Mindy the Boxer cross but she is so rough when she plays that she worried him a bit, so we decided to exercise him with Bobby instead.
Apart from Bobby trying to mount him a couple of times which resulted in Dexter telling him off, the time out for them was lovely.
These dogs are equally matched in size and weight and they had a good tumble about. Both dogs retired into their own seperate kennels, ate their dinners straight up and had a well earned sleep!
I am hoping that these boys will be able to pair. They both attempted to go into Bobby's kennel together, but it will be strict playtime only rules for now!
Emma
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ali12345
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Met this little boy properly today. At first he was nervous in the kennel when I went in but I crouched down and laid the lead on the floor and he couldn't resist having a look before nipping through the hatch. then he came back and I was able to put his lead on and then harness. Once out though he settled quickly and walked nicely. I have a feeling that he is a brighter than average boy - I thought he was having fun at first with my water bottle on my belt but on repetition I got it off and he took the water. He was telling me. Also after walking a fair distance he started to be a bit bouncy and making a grab for the lead. I stopped and he stopped. Turned back home and all was well. He was telling me he wanted to go back.
He was walking with Bobby, his new friend and they walked together nicely except when Bobby decided to jump on top of him. He is slighter than Bobby but apart from that they make a lovely pair.
Once he approached the kennels he was very keen to get back and once inside his safe haven he was again a little nervous but I waited until he came back through the hatch and said goodbye.
A bright cheeky lad with bundles of character. His foster home has brought him along nicely - now all he needs is his forever home.
Alison
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EmmaSemple
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Let me show you why these boys were so happy to see each other...
Dexter has the red collar, Bobby is dressed in blue.
He is a bit nervy in the kennel, but this is changing rapidly because he now has his new brother to play with and he is starting to look forward to this.
I know that there was some concerns about him coming back into kennels as he was very scared when he originally arrived (before his foster home), but there is normally a way to cheer these dogs up and we have found a way to do just that for Dexter.
Emma
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xxlynne
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Encore Encore
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ali12345
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A wonderful bit of footage there Emma. Fun all the way. The other dogs in the background were jealous for sure. They play so well - so balanced.
Alison
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Sharonr - Admin
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Don't know how you and the camera kept up with them - lovely to watch.
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xxlynne
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Met Dexter in the fur yesterday coming back from his walk with Winnie and Bobby. Oh my has Dexter grown up..no longer the puppydog He has learnt manners and was a delight to encounter.
 
 
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samhopwood
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I'm so glad to see Dexter so happy and having fun with Bobby. What a cute couple they make. He's left a BIG hole in our household that's for sure but Bungo is much happier. Let's hope he finds a loving family soon.
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AmyC
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Ernie seemed to enjoy his walk with Winnie and Bobby last week. The intention was for him and Bobby to hit it off but Ernie seemed much more interested in Winnie, who was having none of it!!! He is really lively though and enjoyed being out
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xxlynne
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Took this photo last night and put it on the diary. The street lamp seemed to me to be a candle of HOPE...leading to his home.
Ernie met Duke and family today. The family was everything we were looking for for Ernie..Ernie was everything the family was looking for for Duke...Ernie jump into the car with Duke as though long lost brothers. Bye everyone THANK YOU
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EmmaSemple
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Bobby my boy...your turn next!
Emma
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kathyharrington
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ErnieJust to let everyone know Ernie(Dexter) has settled in really well. Duke has only told him off once. He has been down at the Rugby club today and had a long walk. Everyone could not believe we had only had him for a day. Still needs to learn that the sofa's are not his and the cats are friendly. We are all amazed how well he has settled in.
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Sharonr - Admin
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Welcome to the forum Kathy and thank you so much for the update. Would be delighted if you kept us posted. Hoping all continues to go well - seems like you are all off to a good start
Best wishes
Sharon
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karen
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So lovely to hear news of Dexter (Ernie). He is such a lovely character. Look forward to seeing photos
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kathyharrington
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DexterNow had Dexter for nearly 2 weeks. Is lovely with humans but has not learned manners where other Dogs are concerned.
Duke our 11 year old staffie was very polite to the new comer but has now lost patience. Dexter seems to be getting the message (finally). He is fine with the cats if they are in the house but not so good in the garden. Walking is no problem and does not pull at all.
Any ideas to introduce him to other dogs while on the lead will be appreciated.
Training classes are booked and i know he is very bright as he obeys all commands if there are no distractions!
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EmmaSemple
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My Spaniel used to have this problem.
I made him sit and watch every dog we came across and after many months of painstaking sitting and waiting he did get there in the end.
Everytime he was a good boy and didn't react he got a nice smelly treat and in the end he was more interested in watching me than watching the other dog. When that happened then I started to wean him off the treats and finally he was a good boy!
Emma
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samhopwood
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So glad to hear that Dexter has settled with you. He's such a lovely boy.
Training classes are the way forward and he really is a bright boy. He needs lots and lots of contact with other dogs so it just becomes a bit boring really! 
I would try and keep him focused on you when another dog is about and agree with the smelly treat idea although think he would pretty much eat anything!! Then give him permission to sniff and say hello to the other dog and if he's too much use the treats to get him back to you (and nice strong lead). I had started working on this when he was with us so he might remember what to do (he might not of course). He had improved a lot so I'm sure time and patience will win through and with a face like that I'm sure you love him to bits. Good luck and let us know how he goes.
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kathyharrington
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Calm has now settled in our house it just takes time and patience. Dexter is improving every day and now we can have all dogs and cat in the same room. Dexter is scared of the cat now so will no longer chase him, .He still wants to play all day but will take no for an answer from Duke.
Will walk to heel and stay for 5 minutes. The only area he still needs work on is socialising with other dogs as he has had 1 fight. . We start classes next week and if he continues to learn as quickly as he has so far i am confident that he will be one of the best behaved dogs in the park.
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karen
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So pleased to hear how well he is doing. Good luck with the trainning classes, hope you both have fun as well as learning
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xxlynne
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Dexter -thanks to your owners who have shown nerves of steel and rugged determination to create a new foundation for you to discard your past fears. Thanks so much this is much the right home for you Lovely boy
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