Balto's first day at his new home was the day after Christmas, 2011. He came home happy, and social. Or so we thought. He checked out his new environment, and the 4 of us (5 with kitty Salem) that were going to make up his new home. Pictures were taken, posts were made. All seemed incredibly wonderful. Then, the honeymoon ended. I don't remember exactly when, if it was after his first night here, or maybe a day later, but he then started being spooked in his environment. His breeder has a huge yard, fantastically large areas for the dogs, but they are surrounded by 8 foot wooden fences. This world he was in now had a LOT of new things, even something as simple as a car...was new to him.
He slowly got worse. To the point of only me being able to pet him, and that was as he scooted past me on his way to his safe place by my office chair. The kids and Rhonda would beg... plead...and nothing. He trusted no one but me, and even that was stretching it. Outside terrified him, unless it was dark. He'd wait 24 hours for darkness to come to go outside and potty. No kidding... he could hold it that long, for a dog who'd only had a day of formal house breaking. He'd pace, in circles around our small house. Drooling as he went. Tail tucked..tongue hanging. And he'd sleep. He at least seemed to do that peacefully. If he was home alone with Rhonda, he'd be in what ever room she wasn't. If he did want out, she'd have to open the slider, leave the room..and wait for him to go outside. He was terrified, most all the time. Unless he was being loved on by me.
This all caused us great worry. Yes, it was ME who chose him, ME who wanted him...but I was heart broken fearing he was going to be a ME only dog. Our last fellow had become that way...and I let it happen. I didn't want to be the only one here enjoying this new pupster.
We were at a complete loss. Nothing seemed to make Balto comfortable. He got better...and his recovery times from scarey things got shorter...but he just wasn't a happy dog. We were besides ourselves. We contacted the breeder wondering if perhaps a 2nd pup from his litter would ease his worries. She recommended against it. That was probably a good call.
During all this time, we'd just started in to the facebook world of malamute people. It was then we started seeing other pups, 'meeting' other northern breed lovers, and getting advice. All of it good.
It seemed perhaps another dog would be best, an alpha perhaps.
I was good with the idea of dog 2. Only rules I had were... 1. No females. 2.No huskies and 3. Bi-eyed dogs weirded me out...so they were out.
Now.. to find that perfect match...
