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The doghouse

Need to decide if this dog is for us

40 replies

TeddyTeddington · 12/11/2016 10:45

We've been keeping our eyes peeled at the rescue shelters and the dog sanctuary near us for a couple of months as we would like another dog. The only requirements we have is must be ok with another dog, smallish breed and a dog that doesn't require too much walking as our current boy is 10 and has issues with his back legs. He enjoys his walks but he can't go very far anymore.

My husband got talking to a guy from work who said him and his wife will be looking to rehome there beloved 18 month pooch as he is retiring and they have bought a property abroad.

He told my husband all bout the dog and he did fit what we were looking for although he is younger than what we were thinking.

The dog has been living with his mum, she had 3 dogs in the litter and he was kept. The mum unfortunately died 6 months ago in a horrific attack at the park and the dog has been struggling ever since as they have said he isn't very outgoing and he needs another dog to lead him.

We have met the dog on a few occasions now and we need to decide if we are going to have him or not.

The few concerns I have are, he has been completely mollycoddled and almost treated like a baby and seems to want constant human companionship.
He has food issues and eats too quickly and choaks himself so feeding will need to be at set times feeding him bit by bit not leaving the bowl down like I would normally.

After the attack on the owners other dog the dog hasn't been out for walks or been to the vets for his boosters. Nor has he been to the groomers.

She clearly loves him so much she doesn't want any harm coming to him but she's not meeting his needs, he seems to be quite matted also.

He's a sweetheart, so gentle and loving and is so beautiful he looks like a teddy bear (shauzer/ poodle) from what I've seen He isn't that active and does lots of sleeping on laps.

I've always said next time we got a dog I didn't care what breed as long as he was right for us, and this little boy is so lovely but do you think with a bit of work we can over come these little issues?

Also would it be best to introduce our dog to him in advanced? Due to him not having the vaccines we won't be able to do it on neutral ground.

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Thewolfsjustapuppy · 12/11/2016 11:02

Has he had no vaccines ever or just not the banal booster? If he had them as a puppy I wouldn't be too worried about him being six months late.
I'm not a behaviourist so I can't really answer your specific questions re food etc but he sounds like a dote and you at least have a lot of history that will help you understand him. You will probably have to spend a lot of time on socialisation.

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TeddyTeddington · 12/11/2016 11:13

He's had the initial boosters as a pup but the owner said he needs them restarting again.

Yes to socialisation, that's something he needs to work on.

Also toilet training, he was apparently trained quite early on but in bad weather he doesn't like getting his feet wet so he has accidents in the house.

I'm hoping that won't be too much of a issue as we do have stone floors, our boy was stubborn and it took him a year to get it but the treat reward worked for him.

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Thewolfsjustapuppy · 12/11/2016 11:25

The way I see it is you will have some issues with any rescue dog. With this dog you know what the issues are.

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Floralnomad · 12/11/2016 11:34

Well a few things don't add up ,if they bred him why do you not know what breed he is , if he's so beloved why is he matted , unvaccinated and not walked and this dog is not house trained , although that should be easily sorted . Personally unless you really know this man well as a friend I would imagine that what you are being told could be a crock of shit and will be no more reliable than the info you would get from a proper rescue and at least with a rescue you would have some back up if issues arise .

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Haffdonga · 12/11/2016 11:43

Floral she said he's a poodle/schnauzer cross.

I'd say first thing is if they really love him and want him to have a decent home they would pay for the vaccinations and trimming immediately, before passing him on. Once he's vaccinated perhaps you could introduce him to your dog and have him to stay on a trial basis for a couple of weekends to see how he gets on.

Do not take him as a pity case. But if they care enough to treat him properly then he could end up being a lovely dog.

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Kidnapped · 12/11/2016 11:57

I'm also on the loads of things don't add up team.

If this man is retiring abroad, why did he get this puppy in the first place? Presumably he knew that he was going to retire. And you know, you can take dogs out of the country with you, you know. Particularly if they are much loved.

Why is the "much beloved pooch" not actually living with him, but living at his mothers? Who by the sounds of it isn't coping?

And, as Floral said, how come a much beloved pooch ends up matted, unwalked, unvaccinated? And that seems to be okay with this man.

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TeddyTeddington · 12/11/2016 12:29

I haven't explained this at all well have I.

Right, I shal try again. The dog is living with his owners (wife and husband) the husband is a friend at work of my husband.
The mother I was referring to is the dogs mother. She had 3 puppies and this one they kept back living with the dogs mum. She sadly died in a dog attack, well PTS due to her injuries. The dogs mum was only 3 years old.

He does have matts in his fur and he isn't walked, I get the impression that the wife just doesn't want any harm coming to the dog that's she's just created a bubble for him so doesn't tie him out IYSWIM. She isn't acting in his best interests and she did say how she is acting it isn't healthy for either of them.

He is a shauzer poddle cross.

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Kidnapped · 12/11/2016 12:38

So this man and his wife had two dogs living with him. A mother and her pup. Clearly they are back yard breeders.

The mother of the pup died 6 months ago. And this man has entirely neglected the pup by not socialising him, not grooming him, not vaccinating him, and not walking him? And this pooch is 'much beloved'.

I'd be very worried that when they get rid of this dog, that they'll buy another dog to breed from. And make a bloody awful mess of that as well.

How much are they charging for this dog?

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TeddyTeddington · 12/11/2016 12:58

No charge for the dog.

I'm not sure I know what a back yard breeder is, but I know one of the litter is living with her sons MIL.

It was the dogs only litter.

I do see what you mean yes, the dog is very well loved but that love and not wanting anything bad to happen to the pooch is now almost turning to neglect.

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TrionicLettuce · 12/11/2016 13:17

I'm also suspicious of the excuses for the state he's in. Not taking him to the groomers is no excuse for him being matted, it just means they've not bothered brushing him. If it's a case of wanting to protect him by keeping him at home then the logical thing for a loving (if misguided) owner to do would be to increase the care he's getting; lavishing attention on him and meeting all his needs as much as possible within the confines of home, not leaving him languishing without taking care of his most basic needs.

The main issue with rehoming privately rather than through a decent rescue is that you have no back up if things go wrong.

You mention not requiring too much exercise as a requirement for prospective dogs but both breeds in this cross can be very active little things. How you're seeing the dog now (in what amounts to a pretty neglected state) won't necessarily be an accurate picture of how he is when he's fit, healthy and well cared for.

Have you seen how he behaves when out and about, particularly in the presence of other dogs? My concern would be that there's some kind of issue which resulted in them no longer taking him out and they're not telling you about it.

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Kidnapped · 12/11/2016 13:52

Well, the bitch was only 3 when she died so it makes sense that it was her first litter.

Presumably they intended to breed more from her? All the while planning a move abroad?

What would they have done with the bitch if she hadn't died? Presumably they would be rehoming her as well?

You seem to be swallowing the "We don't take the dog out because he is so precious to us" line. I suspect the truth is that they can't be arsed to take the dog out and can't be arsed to brush him.

And of course if the dog is so precious to them, then why aren't they taking him with them abroad?

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Empress13 · 12/11/2016 14:11

I'm afraid I'd walk away if you want an easy life. Puppies are hard at the best of times but especially one with socialisation issues. If you do decide to have him then first priority is puppy classes first and foremost. Socialisation is crucial to a puppy's development. Also I would expect owner to pay for vaccinations if as you say he worships the dog so much. Do NOT introduce him to your dog without these vaccinations you only have his word that puppy hasn't been out. Worming and flea treatment also a priority. What has he been fed? Me thinks given state of him it's some cheap tinned stuff so get him on good nutritious feed asap.

Good luck let us know how you get on.

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TeddyTeddington · 12/11/2016 14:34

I've just spoken to husband about the responses on this thread and he has said he will speak to his friend and ask that the vaccines get done before we even consider introducing him to our boy, we also want to walk him / accompany him on a walk to see how he behaves after reading this thread.

He wasn't concerned but after reading some of your posts to him he has said we do not want the same issues we had with our boy when we got him. He was quite sick and his leg went after 4 months so we had some massive vets bills.
So a vet check before we introduce him is priority.

I saw him eating and being fed and he has a mix or wet food and dry food pre soaked and it was smart price.

Our dog has a bowl of bakers biscuits down constantly and eats pedigree in jelly.

We will have a very good think about this but if necessary we will walk away as we need a perfect fit for our family.

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Thattimeofyearagain · 13/11/2016 12:50

I know its difficult to let your head rule your heart but your doing the right thing. Good luck and I hope you find the right doggie companion for your boy Flowers

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dotdotdotmustdash · 13/11/2016 13:00

Please have a rethink on the food you're feeding your current dog, and any future dog. Both Bakers and Pedigree are two of the crappiest dog foods on the market, and while dogs don't starve to death on them, they don't keep them in good condition. Bakers is truly awful - junk food for dogs with very little (as in miniscule) amounts of poor quality meat and lots of cereal fillers which have no nutritional value. Pedigree tins are mainly full of water with some shaped meaty scrapings. Essentially, if the first ingredient listed on your dry food isn't meat or fish, it's likely to be rubbish. Good quality dog food looks more expensive but you don't need to feed as much as the food is richer and will nourish your dog better. Have a look at this website and see if you can come up with something better.
www.allaboutdogfood.co.uk/

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Leopard12 · 13/11/2016 13:30

I think your plan sounds good, once he's vaccinated and vet checked perhaps take your dog on a short walk with him to see how they respond to each other in neutral ground then maybe a visit to your house with current owners before you decide to keep him

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oldandcrabby · 13/11/2016 16:14

Certainly get vaccinations, including kennel cough, worming and flea treatment and a vet check which you see, perhaps ask for your vet to do it with the owner paying? Ask for advice on feeding.
I think you need more than a short walk with your dog, although you can observe how the dog interacts with other dogs, people etc. and his reactions. If that goes well, and you are still interested offer to foster the dog for a set period so you can see how it works? I would consider your dog's happiness the top priority. Are you prepared to put a lot of work in and perhaps employ a behaviourist? The dog sounds undersocialised and in need of work.
Did the dog see the attack on the mother? On of my dogs was attacked, not too severely justs minor cuts, but it took me two years patience to get her confidence back.
Sorry but I would advise going through a reputable rehoming charity, Dog Trust, Greyhound Rescue or breed rescues.
I once took on a Shepherd at short notice, the owner had an overseas posting and his father had a stroke and could not look after the dog. There was a clear understanding that dog could be rehomed if it did not work. Sadly we could not keep her, she was lovely but she and my Jack Russell were too enthusiastic herders of my 3 year old and licking my 1 year old. I managed to rehome her with someone about to start dog training classes who wanted his own dog: perfect.
Why can't the dog owner take the dog with him?

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TeddyTeddington · 13/11/2016 17:02

I'm mortified over the dog food I'm feeding. Bloody hell I didn't know that. What with pedigree being quite expensive I assumed it was a good brand. What would be the best quality food available in the supermarket?
I feel very foolish but will definitely look into rectifying that ASAP.

Husband is going to speak to his friend at work tomorrow about vaccine.

Dog won't be going with them as it isn't a permanent move I gather they are splitting there time between uk and abroad. I will check my facts on that.

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Floralnomad · 13/11/2016 18:24

Even if they are splitting their time there is no reason why they can't take the dog ,you just need to keep its passport / vaccines up to date and it can come back with you - face it these people ,for whatever reason , want to offload this dog . Supermarket and quality dog food is a bit of a difficult one , but Tesco ( and I would imagine other shops) sell Lily's kitchen tins and Barking heads dry food which is ok and def better than your dogs current diet .

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dotdotdotmustdash · 13/11/2016 23:11

I've tried several brands, but my dogs seem to prefer a variety called 'Vet's Kitchen, salmon and potato', which is available in Tesco. I have a Border Collie and a small collie cross so a 7.5kg bag last a month and costs about £26 (I buy it from Amazon). My dogs don't like dry food on it's own so I top it with a tin of Butcher's Superior tinned food (about £3.50 for 6 tins) to make it more interesting. Once you switch to a better quality food you should find that poops become smaller and firmer as they can absorb more of the goodness and less of the cereal fillers gets passed out.

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arbrighton · 14/11/2016 21:16

Mine's on Barking heads dry (grain free) plus a bit of wainwright's wet grain free in the evening. Wainwrights is Pets at Home own brand. Haven't seen either in our supermarket but it's working for her at the moment so I'm loathe to change. She is a slim miniature poodle but has been fussy in the past.

Oh, we gave her bakers for a bit- she loved it but it sent her loopy!

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Empress13 · 14/11/2016 22:40

My puppy is on a grain free diet - Orijen but at £63 per bag it's expensive (now he's getting bigger a bag lasts 2.5 weeks) but he's thriving on it and his coat is fantastic. I know that wouldn't suit most but I would rather feed him good quality than crap. I too have heard Pedigree is rubbish with no nutritional value so yes would definitely rethink what you are feeling.

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Empress13 · 14/11/2016 22:42

ETA - £63 for large 13kg bag - large puppy breed.

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Teddyteddington · 30/11/2016 07:59

Just wanted to update.

I accompanied the dog to the vet 2 weeks ago for his jabs and a health check and it went well. Vet said he is in good health although a bit underweight and skinny on the back end. She said she's not concerned as a good diet should solve that. Once he starts new diet we / she would like to monitor his weight. I have digital scales so this is no problem.

He's had to start his vaccines again and due to get his 2nd shot next week. We are going to have him on trial for 3-4 weeks any issues and he can go back.

The vet said he's all poodle in his body and coat with a shnauzer head so he will be a lean boy.

I've looked in pets at home at food and like the look of the Lilly's kitchen I am shocked at the price of between £2.20-£2.50.

We have 2 alternative pet superstores nearby that sell just food and animal stuff rather than pets so will check out what they have.

Would 1 can of Lilly's kitchen per dog be suffice a day and bulk out with a cheaper dry food brand? Both dogs are under 5kg. My current boy is just under by a smidge of 5kg?

I've got some recommendations for groomers and I am going to get him booked in for as soon as I can, what do you think a couple of days for him to settle? We have been unable to do anything as his vaccinations are not upto date but he is in need of a well overdue hair cut.

I have a long haired shedder currently so I do him myself weekly and clipper his backside. I use a wire brush and a comb can anyone tell me the best brush for poodle coat?

He's such a sweetheart and he knows us now everytime we have been round he's been very happy to see us all and waits for us to sit down so he can lie of one of our laps.

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Thewolfsjustapuppy · 30/11/2016 08:34

Thanks for the update, it's good to know things are going well so far. Have you spoken to your Vet re feeding? Mine is very anti raw feeding but happy to advise on other food stuff.
I buy a brand called More online as it is cheaper that way (free delivery if I spend over £50 which is easily done!) it seems to be a good quality Kibble and wolfpup love it.

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