Hell hath frozen over! Few ?'s too

mrs.dovey

Two years ago we rescued a stray dog. We were out to eat and SS said look a dog! I looked out the window and about that time she laid her head on our table. Our local HS is bad about euthanizing quickly so we took her home. She is a purebred Irish Setter and about 6-7 when we got her. No one ever claimed her even though we put her in the paper and put up flyers. Well for the last two years DH made her stay outside.

today I talked him to bringing her in the house. She is an absolute sweet heart and great with the boys. Our back yard is a mud whole and I feel horrible. We brought her in and gave her a bath. I have always had a gut feeling she is house broke. I mean who spends that kind of money on a dog without caring for her (setters are very expensive around here). Hopefully she adjust soon and my gut feeling about her is right. Still can't believe I talked him into it!

my question is how to teach an older dog to stay off the couch, how long do you think it will take her to settle in and not be so nervous, any recs on how to make this as easy for her as possible?

laurenpaula

You kept her outside for the past 2 years??

mrs.dovey

Clearly. She does have an insulated house. It's not like she was neglected.

Kristine Schilling

Shes a setter, she will catch on fast if you are firm and consistant. maybe a couple days? If she doesnt already understand indoor rules that is....

Her nerves will settle fast too, setters are not high strung dogs. Most of her nervousness is likely excitment about being inside, with "the pack" and getting to play with the kids.

callitcompulsive

I'm happy you finally convinced your DH to let the dog inside! And contrary to the old wives' tale, you can teach old dogs new tricks! LOL!. as PP said, consistency is key. If you want the dog off the couch all the time, perhaps get a nice comfy dog bed for her to lay on instead of the comfy couch. When she jumps up on the couch redirect her to the bed, and reward her for laying on her bed. (Treats, or other positive reinforcement.) 

And as far as being nervous goes, she will be nervous for a while until she gets acclimated to her new surroundings. If you haven't already (You didn't say, and I'm sorry if I'm overstepping here) it would be wise to take her to a vet to make sure she's healthy and parasite-free (I know we had feral cats in our yard in the city, and our dog would always bring a couple fleas in from them. I can't help but equate yards with fleas due to that. -_-) and also eliminate underlying health issues as the cause of potential behavioral issues. 

Best of luck with your new (indoor!) addition!  

mrs.dovey

Thanks ladies! She is up to date on all of her shots/ parasite prevention. She seems to be settling down a little.

copzgirl

We had an Irish Setter growing up.  He was the most loyal and gentle dog.  We would ride our bikes to the store, a friend where ever and he would be laying by our bikes when we left.  He was our constant companion.  RIP Diablo.