Ex BBC man reveals traumatised Romanian rescue dog has finally settled (2024)

FAQs

Ex BBC man reveals traumatised Romanian rescue dog has finally settled? ›

An ex-BBC journalist who rescued a 'terrified' dog named Sophie from Romania only to discover she was so traumatised she daren't move from behind his sofa has revealed that she's finally begun to settle in his home.

It can take about 6 months for a rescue dog to fully settle into a new home, sometimes longer, so you need to prepare yourself for a long haul of exciting, rewarding and sometimes frustrating experiences during that period.

Adopting a dog from our Shelter in Romania – £525

For our dogs coming from Romania these costs are quite extensive and are necessary in order that we fulfil our responsibilities as a responsible rescue. In addition we can offer a blood chemistry screen and a full blood count at £43 if an adopter wishes.

The Romanian dog problem

In the 1980s, Communist dictator Ceausescu forced thousands into crowded city tenements in an effort to industrialise Romania. As people were forced out of the countryside and their traditional cottages in the city were demolished, they had to leave their pets behind.

Though there is an element of truth in this it is a key understanding that Romanian puppies come with their own quirks, such as hyperactivity, lack of focus, high sensitivity to change and a potential for reactivity which must be curbed with positive training and consistency in routine, and will need the same patient, ...

After 3 months,

your dog is now completely comfortable in his home. You have built trust and a true bond with your dog, which gives him a complete sense of security with you. He is set in his routine and will come to expect his dinner at his usual time.

You can tell from body language that your dog is adjusting to a new home. They seem more relaxed. Looking happy, resting comfortably, and loosening of the body are all signs your dog is adjusting well. Also, your dog will wag its tail faster when they see you because they feel comfortable and at ease.

TOILET TRAINING:

Following on from this take them out to go to the toilet as soon as they wake up, after each meal and every couple of hours for the first week (every hour if a puppy) this will lessen the risk of accidents in the house and give you the opportunity to praise and reinforce all toileting outside.

"Approximately 5 million puppies are born in Romania in rural areas every year, some of them being killed by their owners and the others being abandoned in the streets and the woods, and as long as the dogs with owners will not be sterilized, through coherent programs, Romania's streets will never be free of dogs."

Shelters and rescue groups typically cover initial veterinary costs, which may be high for an animal in poor health. They also pay for the animals' food, transportation and other expenses.

What diseases do Romanian dogs carry? ›

This infectious disease is caused by a bacteria, Brucella canis, which cannot be cured. It affects a dog's ability to breed and can also affect other organs. Found commonly in animals from Eastern Europe and in particular Romania as well as other EU countries, and elsewhere in the world.

Dogs are seen very differently in Romania to how they are seen in the UK. Dog catchers are paid to find dogs and catch them in any way they can... usually this involves the use of catch-poles, beatings, abuse and manhandling. Understandibly, the dogs are terrified and most have never encountered a loving human touch.

In addition to rabies, there are other diseases of concern in animals from these countries, including Echinococcus multilocularis, a tapeworm that poses a serious disease risk to humans following contact with infected dog faeces.

Ignore any reactions, do not tell the dog off or shout, say 'let's go' and lead them in the opposite direction, taking some steps away and start again.

There are estimated to be over 600,000 stray dogs living on the streets of Romania, more than in any other European country. Stray dogs are routinely abused and viewed as vermin in this country which lacks impactful animal welfare regulations.

Romania's stray dog problem is highly complex and became much worse in the 1970s, when the country-wide move towards urbanisation resulted in many people moving into small apartments and no longer being able to keep their pet dogs.

For fearful dogs or those stressed in the shelter environment, it could take a few weeks or months for them to start feeling comfortable. Robust puppies who are appropriately socialized with a reputable breeder might only take a few days.

After three months, your dog definitely knows he's yours! He is comfortable with his home and has started to build true trust in you. He is likely set in his routine and is probably enjoying his new life with you. Your dog is probably falling in love with your family members as well.