[JadeD]

Time and Patience. Switching homes is hard on a dog. They get used to their people, their rules, the way they live.

I took in a 9 year old Yorkie in January. He was not too afraid. It helps that I am a huge dog person. All my friend's dogs love me. He did not know how I talked or how my house was run.

Every thing I said to him earned a tilted head look from him until he finally learned my way of saying things.

It took him weeks to play with me.

He ate like a bird when I got him but now he loves to eat.

He came with some bad habits. I have tried to work with them. Some I don't think I will ever break him of. He will steal food when your back is turned. He will knock over the trash can if you put something tasty in it. He will chew up the bathroom trash and any underwear he can get a hold of. I love him for the spunky and fun and loving little old man that he is though and I do my best to remember not to leave anything out for him to get into. When he does get into stuff I know that I failed by not putting up the food, or forgetting to take out the trash when I dumped food in it.

A younger dog you can work with more about breaking bad habits. I happen to have a dog that gives me a run for my money on who is more stubborn. I adore him though even with his bad habits. His love he gives me. His pawing at the air when I come in the room (even all I did was go start a load of laundry and was downstairs 2 mins), his playing with me and his snuggling with me is more than worth it!

Love the dog. Be patient and let them learn how your house is run and it will be worth it!