We're hopefully getting a 3yo rescue. Any tips, resources?

[BertieBotts]

So exciting :) We've met the dog twice now and been on a walk with her for about an hour today. We'll probably do another walk, they need to do a home check and then she'll come to us for a trial visit. If that goes well we can sign the contract!

She is very lovely. We live in Germany on the French border, she originally came from a French rescue, the German rescue has an agreement with them where they take on dogs who would otherwise be euthanised due to not finding a home :( we think she has been at the shelter for a while.

She's definitely going to need some training because she didn't understand anything we said in any language but she seems to be generally well behaved, walks okay on the lead, knows where to wee, responds to being called enthusiastically (on the lead of course) and she waited calmly when we brought her to the side of the road etc. A little excitable around other dogs but we were warned about this. I really like everything I've read about positive dog training so hopefully we can go towards that approach. I've watched all the videos - even getting DS into them now, and joined the facebook group often mentioned on here (I've been lurking ).

It seems a lot of the things I'm finding do seem more geared towards puppies than older rescue dogs. If anyone has anything to suggest that would be great or general information about how to read a dog etc. It's my first dog, DH has always grown up with them and got his own puppy in his early 20s although she now lives with his parents.

I think that's all but yes, delurking I suppose.

[Wolfiefan]

If you are on FB then join dog training advice and support. I found their files really useful when we got our pup.

[debbs77]

No advice but we'll done on getting a rescue. Very rewarding and worthwhile xx

[BertieBotts]

Yep, that's the one I'm on, thanks Wolfie :)

Honestly the reason we decided to look at rescues was because we felt that an adult dog might be a better bet than a puppy for our first family dog. But I definitely agree it's good to rescue if you can. There was a lovely labrador pup at the shelter but far too big for us, much to DH's disappointment!

[BertieBotts]

Oh, I just remembered a question we had today. When we walked the dog she was wearing a harness rather than a collar and we thought that was probably good, but DH was concerned that it seemed to move and slip around a lot. Would you recommend a harness over a collar and could you recommend any brands? She's a medium sized dog.

[furlinedsheepskinjacket]

no advice really but can we see a picture please :)

[BertieBotts]

Haha, yes, but they are all rather blurry. Hang on...

[BertieBotts]

Freshly bathed today. She was really stinky last week but we all fell in love with her anyway. For some reason her fur comes up lighter in photos but these show it the best. The guy at the rescue commented that she has funny ears and she does, they flap up and down when she runs like she's trying to take off!

[debbs77]

I agree about an older dog for a first dog. My gorgeous boy is almost 7 and had him a year xx

[furlinedsheepskinjacket]

oh just gorgeous :) lucky you

[BertieBotts]

We still have to pass the home check so fingers crossed. There was a question about the stairs as we're in a flat on the second floor (it's very common to live in flats in Germany and lots of people have dogs, we'll take her out 3x a day) but the guy we spoke to today seemed quite keen to get things moving if we were sure, and he didn't seem to think that they would be a problem, so here's hoping!

[BestIsWest]

She's gorgeous. We've applied for a rescue today. This will be the fourth we've applied for. Fingers crossed.

[BertieBotts]

Good luck Best - what happens, is it that multiple people are interested and you weren't the first? Or some small issue which gets thrown up each time? If I understood correctly they don't let multiple families apply for one dog here. Because originally we asked about another and they said that another family was already interested in her, that's when they showed us this one.

[piginboots]

Omg she is gorgeous! 3 is the perfect age imo, they have calmed down a bit but still plenty of energy. No specific tips but good luck and enjoy!

[BestIsWest]

Yes, we've bean beaten each time.

[Phoebefromfriends]

My friend is a dog trainer in London and she recommends a harness over a collar, because it puts less pressure on their neck. I would do some research to check if it's been properly fitted. Good luck OP.

[BertieBotts]

We're looking at this one, but we might go to a pet shop and ask their advice.

www.amazon.de/dp/B01783Z7CC/

[BertieBotts]

Oh, but in medium obviously. DH bookmarked the wrong size.

[Imissmyboy]

Good Luck with the home visit.
Our rescue dog arrives tomorrow! Much younger than I wanted at only 8 months, but seems 'sensible' for a puppy.
Rescue dogs are the best, this will be out fourth.

[debbs77]

I can highly recommend SPDC rescue xx

[dudsville]

Gorgeous dog OP! And I'm another one that came on to say well done for adopting a rescue and older dog. The youngest we've adopted was 5 years old and the oldest so far was 8 years old. I have to say the 5 year old was still really energetic but we purposely choose older dogs as we feel a dog really makes a house a home but don't like the puppy and adolescent phase. I know there are people who worry about getting a dog that is damaged or has learned too many bad habits but you can teach an old dog new tricks and in the begining they can be more receptive as they are watching every move you make and trying to learn the rules! Both of ours were horribly neglected and abused and tic infested but were such sweet natures.

[LilCamper]

I can't recommend the Perfect Fit harness by Dog Games enough. They are fantastic!

[Oxfordblue]

Good on you for taking in a rescue. We have the cav in this photo. She was 18mths when we took her in. We've now had her for 5 years & I wouldn't be without her.
She also wears a harness, as you can see.
Fingers crossed for your home check etc.

[knittingwithnettles]

My sister took in a 3 year old rescue (lab mix). Looking back the most obvious difference between dogs that had been brought up from the start, was that she couldn't leave the dog for long, it had separation anxiety, as you might expect from a dog that had been through difficult times.

Another friend with rescue collie didn't have this, but it did have the "honeymoon period" where dog was incredibly well behaved for about 2 months, did everything she asked (dog was well trained when she got him) very anxious to please her, came when she called, and suddenly started being very wilful and doing his own thing, eating rubbish he found in the park, disappearing into crazy golf courses, that sort of thing.

The point is that when they arrive they are on their best behaviour, but very very anxious, because they really are not sure what is going to happen next, or whether you are going to suddenly disappear from the scene.

My sister's dog also had toileting issues, we now think due to stress. Every morning she would find an accident however early she woke up to let the dog out. With a puppy you expect this, but not with an older dog, it was quite a trial for her.

Dog now settled and lovely, three years on.

[knittingwithnettles]

My sister's dog and friend's dog have such incredibly sweet natures. My sister's dog lays her head on the laps of anyone she trusts and likes, luckily now including me, but has the occasional fear of men with loud voices, we think because women were nice to her, but some man must have shouted at her a lot

[knittingwithnettles]

to start with the rescue was so obsessed with my sister that she really was only interested in keeping her close when they went on a walk, and quite antagonistic to other dogs (the idea of playing with them was of less interest than playing with humans). Now she plays very enthusiastically with other dogs, just occasionally has a bit of a tiff with small terrier types, she seems jealous of them for some reason. Lots of youthful exuberance coming out now that she is relaxed and secure. When she meets a dog she likes, her tail is wagging, whereas her tail is stiff when she is nervous or tense. Lots of jumping around and playfighting all in great spirits when she is happy to meet a new friend. With humans she is very respectful and calm.