Dog Community

This could be my first time adopting a shelter dog!!!

Posted : 3/25/2007 7:33:27 PM

Hi everyone,

This may well be the first time I have ever adopt a shelter dog. My other dogs were from pet stores (bad I know but, I was a kid and didn't know about pet store horrors.) So, I am wondering if there is anything important I should look for or ask about at the shelter. So far, all I know about the dog is that he is a male, he is between 3-4 years of age, he is neutered. Also, he was picked up as a stray but, the shelter has only had him for a few days and they say he will sit for treats so, maybe he did have a family before. I intend to ask them how well he gets along with other dogs but, pet finder gives no indication that he needs to be an only pet. I know that the place has a holding time so that if the dog has a family they have time to call about him (The dog I am interested in will be up for adoption on this Wed as far as I know.)

If everything works out and I can adopt him I am wondering if anyone has any tips on introducing him to Bailey. They are very close to the same size (as far as I can tell from the other dog's picture - and of course his breed.) The one coming would be slightly older than Bailey. Bailey is almost two and this other dog is around three or four. I have never had a male and a female dog at the same time before. I have always had two females and yes, both times the girls did get along. I believe I heard it is generally easier to have a male and a female rather than two females. Is this true? Both have been fixed, so unwanted puppies or things like that would not be an issue. Bailey seems like she would get along with another dog well. On walks when we meet other dogs (or other animals.) Bailey really has an issue. They tend to bark like crazy at her. Bailey barks like crazy at every little noise and almost any human but, when she meets another dog, she does not bark. She tends to watch the other dog wagging her stumpy little tail and not freak out.

Every time he have brought another dog home, we tend to bring the new dog into the kitchen and let the new dog meet the existing dog there. I have read that it is better for the two to meet outside, what do you think would be best? Could potental meeting problems be the difference in age and the fact that the two dogs are different sexes? Bailey's reaction to dogs we meet on the street seems promising right?

Aimee

Posted : 3/25/2007 7:37:05 PM

Lol if I do adopt the other dog I will have to change my name on this site! [&:] Bailey and Franklyn (nn Frankie) will both be my stars lol!

Trooper

Posted : 3/25/2007 7:39:42 PM

I'd suggest introducing them outdoors, and off your property, so Bailey won't feel like there is an intrusion. I like to let them meet on a leash, walk around a bit, then let them off the leash (in an enclosed area) to play, if everything goes well.

Good luck, and keep us updated!

Aimee

Posted : 3/25/2007 7:41:42 PM

* Oh! I just want to say I made a typo! I meant to say, when we go on walks Bailey NEVER really has an issue! Sorry, okay I feel stupid now lol!

D C

Posted : 3/25/2007 7:42:54 PM

Hey there!

Territory could be an issue, although not as much an issue as id you were introducing 2 males. In the past we would introduce the dogs in neutral territory, like a park, and then bring the new dog home. I've heard others have done this as well. Lets see what someone else has to offer on the topic. I'm curious to hear others thoughts.

Aimee

Posted : 3/25/2007 7:46:26 PM

Having them meet outside leashed does seem like a good idea. I do not have a fence outside, so letting them running around out there would not be a good option off of their leashes. I suppose I can have them meet outside and then let them run around a bit off of their leashes in the house.

gradyupmybutt

Posted : 3/25/2007 8:05:10 PM

Congrats! I hope you get Franklin. I agree with the meeting on neutral territory.

Aimee

Posted : 3/25/2007 8:10:59 PM

Aww thanks Grady! I hope I get him too if I do I will post pictures of them here for everyone to see.

Emily Walker

Posted : 3/25/2007 8:55:58 PM

I hope you are able to get Franklin. Thanks for saying you will post some pics for us to see! I absolutly LOVE shelter dogs! I have two dogs now and one is from the shelter and it's former owner could not take care of him.

pofi_pasquale

Posted : 3/25/2007 9:40:24 PM

Good luck with Franklyn! If you adopt him, he will be a lucky dog coming to a great home.

Neutral territory is best for the intros. Plan on feeding separately - resources could be an issue even if you never thought they would be. Separate rooms or in their crates. Watch out with chews, bones or other high value treats, too. Pofi and Mia won't fight about toys, but when one finishes a bone before the other, there is guardiness, to be sure!

The first few nights with Mia, even though Pofi loved playing with her, he was very nervous she might encroach on something during the night and he would not settle down unless she was crated. I think we did that for about a week. We also initially crated her during the day while at work till we were sure they weren't going to hurt each other.

DE Lee

Posted : 3/26/2007 8:10:59 AM

Good Luck! you asked what you should ask the shelter...

I would ask if you could introduce your dog there...
ask if he has been temperment tested...
I would ask what their behavioral testing entails...

Sign up for obedience classes. Obedience classes...even for the best behaved shelter dog...is a great social experience that help the dog learn about you and you about him. Learning to sit and stay is always a plus but even if he never learns that, at least give him the opportunity to experience the trust and confidence building environment obedience class provides.

Aimee

Posted : 3/27/2007 9:26:20 AM

This is starting to feel like one of the longest weeks of my life! I called the shelter yesterday. So far, no one has claimed the dog. They still have today and tomorrow to claim him though. I just hope no one snatches him up between Thursday and Saterday afternoon. I am hoping to be at the shelter by 11 on Saterday and trying not to get my heart too set on him in case anything happens (but I am finding it hard!) Wish me luck everyone- I am collecting good wishes!

anne

Posted : 3/27/2007 10:26:10 AM

Fingers & paws crossed for you!! Keep us posted!

Michelle

Posted : 3/27/2007 10:33:31 AM

My shelter dog and stray and our Rainbow rescue dog in the rose garden are all sending positive puppy vibes that this baby is yours by 11:01 Saturday!!!![sm=wink2.gif]