Day 6: morning

Einstein has had a history of keeping his distance from the people in the house, which is understandable given the chaos in his original home. But even in K's home (for 10 months) he would not come when called. So I'm working to interrupt that pattern. This morning, I put him on leash and brought him into the bed/bath area and closed the door so he had to hang out nearby while I showered and dressed. He was very polite, and it's just a habit, a routine, a pattern that has to be developed with him consistently over time. We had a 10-min. snuggle session on the sofa. He loves to be held, he looked truly blissful.

When he has the ability to keep his distance, he hangs out at the back of the group but won't come near, and if you try to approach him he'll run the other way. This is not a game. However if I grab a treat and say "kennel" he'll trot right into his crate. Then I can just clip a leash on him. It's important to break this long-held pattern he's had of being chased. I can call him to me with a treat, but he will not always stay near long enough for me to touch him and leash him. I hope to teach him a "sit on command" soon which ought to help.

His comfort level with the environment and with us is increasing rapidly. He's also barking enthusiastically when we come home. My neighbor (who's home during the day) has assured me that he is not a constant barker, the dogs have been snoozing each day unless someone comes up to the gate (and we do have a few dogs in the neighborhood who like to escape their yards and come visit my dogs through the gate).

If we could find an adoptive home that is really willing to be coached on how to integrate him, he would be adoptable right now in my opinion. We need someone who is willing to learn about dog training, and who is willing to work with him slowly.