What to expect - rescue dog

[OrchidFlakes]

We’ve found a rescue pup and the rescue centre have so far approved us pending home check.

He’ll be 16 weeks when he comes to us, neutered and vaccinated (so far). He’s currently in foster care.

What should I be asking about him and what about we expect when/if he comes to live with us? He’s a Shih Tzu cross —and gorgeous—

[Wolfiefan]

What do you know about his time before the rescue centre? That’s very early to neuter.

[OrchidFlakes]

He was found as an abandoned pup with his 3 siblings at approx 6 weeks old

[OrchidFlakes]

Ooop just re-read the info pack - he won’t be neutered but have a voucher to have him neutered

[CMOTDibbler]

Will you get to meet his fosterers? When my current foster pup goes home tomorrow I'll tell her family about what she eats and when, what commands she knows and the signs used, what she does when she wants to toilet, how she sleeps, what treats work for her, her little quirks, her fave toys, things to watch for, and what to do if there are any problems.

[OrchidFlakes]

We won’t get to meet the fosterers unfortunately as they are to far away. The rescue people will have a hand over though.

[Honeyroar]

I think with a dog that young it shouldn't be much different to any other puppy.

[Wolfiefan]

Too far? I would expect to meet the dog in its own environment before being able to take it. How far is too far?

[OrchidFlakes]

He’s been rescued abroad so is in foster there before traveling after his 16 week jabs

[Wolfiefan]

I would be very wary. Adopting a dog you haven’t met? You know nothing about the background and I doubt there will be support if you encounter issues. At that age you’re very late to socialise the pup too. And travelling. Must be hugely stressful.

[OrchidFlakes]

Thank you wolfie that’s actually something I hadn’t realised. It’s so hard to find a rescue dog. I’m a SAHM and more than happy to train, walk etc but dogs trust, rspca won’t let us rescue as we have children (3.5 and 6.5) I really don’t want to buy a pup as their are plenty looking for homes and thought I might have found a solution...

[Wolfiefan]

How about a rescue that puts the dogs/pups in fosters? ELGR and Black Retriever x are just two.

[Honeyroar]

Do you know much about the rescue? We've adopted a Romanian dog in a similar way. The rescue had a lot of back up and was much more involved and interested than the uk rescues I've used. I stayed involved with the Romanian rescue for a few years. 99% of the dogs adapted v well. Obviously they are going to need time and patience, but I wouldn't be remotely worried about a pup this age, it can easily catch up (mine was a year old and had obviously missed out on more than yours will have, yet she's turned into a great little dog. Don't write it off just yet.

[LonnyVonnyWilsonFrickett]

Almost all of the rescues I know that take dogs from abroad foster them in the uk first, so they can assess the dog. That said, if the fosterer abroad is properly affiliated and working with the charity and can give you and them a proper assessment, I guess it makes no difference where they are.

I'd expect health checks and vaccinations to be done here, before the dog gets to you though.

In terms of what to expect - a long haul, unfortunately. Our rescue came straight from uk owners and was fully trained but still had a lot of issues. Get advice from a behaviourist early on, make sure the dog has a safe space (ie not dc accessible) so you don't have to be supervising everyone all the time, for your own sanity!

[Honeyroar]

The rescue I was involved with has their own kennels in Romania where the dogs are assessed and built up health wise before they come over. They come in an air conditioned van and by ferry, with a vet nurse with them, it takes 48 hours. The dogs then go to kennels in the uk for 48 hours where they rest and where Defra can go and check them if they like (they are already checked before leaving and have to have certain injections and flea/worm treatments according to regulations).