Meeting rescue dog question

[AwsomeMrsFox]

If you have rehomed a rescue dog can you tell me how your dog was when you met him? Did he/she turn out to be 'as described' when you got to know them?

We met a dog we are hoping to rehome but were a bit disappointed how little he seemed to engage in what was going on. He just sniffed us and then wandered around the office for 30 mins, not bothered by the people or toys. We took him for a walk and all he wanted to do was eat grass. Does this sound normal? he is a youngster (less than a year old).

He seems very placid, but I'm not sure he would actually engage in anything (actually I'm not sure he is 'all there'!). Now I'm wondering if it was just the environment and what some dogs do in this strange situation?

Rescue dogs can sometimes be very stressed, especially if they are in a kennel environment instead of a foster home, and if they come from a background of neglect (or worse). You don't necessarily see their true personality until they have settled in. The staff/volunteers who have been working with him should be able to give you a good picture of his personality.

When we got our first rescue dog, he didn't seem terribly interested in us. We took him for a walk in a park, and he wandered round smelling things,eating grass, and wanted to meet other dogs that were there, but his behaviour was very subdued. It took a long time for him to settle in, but it been wonderful to see the change as he got more confident and happy. He turned out to be the perfect dog for us.

Not all dogs are this way. I've seen other rescue dogs be bouncy and bonkers from the get-go. In some ways placid is probably a good thing?! It sounds like he was well-behaved.

With ex racing greyhounds it is very common for them to be quiet and withdrawn to start with. They are not used to being a "pet" - they have been working animals so it is a huge adjustment. I can say though that it is the most fantastically rewarding experience to see them gradually unfurl their personalities, and to learn to play, relax and enjoy giving and receiving affection. When I look at the first one we adopted, he was very much as you describe - and for the first couple of weeks I was quite worried and wondered what we had let ourselves in for. Then he relaxed, got to know us and now he is the goofiest, silliest, most affectionate, wonderful dog you could imagine.

Also, as Redwing says, the majority of dogs find kennels a hugely stressful experience (many studies have confirmed this). Dogs vary in their coping strategies but many of them simply "shut down" in the face of overwhelming stress. Once they are in a quieter, more peaceful home environment, you will see them relaxing and getting to know you.

Bear in mind too that you will have a great deal invested in the meeting with this dog - but from the dog's point of view he doesn't know you from Adam, and as far as he is concerned it is just another day at the office, so to speak. It's a bit like you expecting someone you met in Tesco to fall in love with you!
I'd say this is very normal and absolutely not anything to worry about.

Agree with the others. The biggest reward in taking a rescue dog is to 'bring it to life' IMO.

Depending on his past experience he may come round quickly, or ot might be a real journey - but building that relationship is wonderful. and it won't take him long to build an attachment (it might take him longer to show it than to build it) in a loving and stable home.

I really wouldn't let it put you off.

Ours seemed unsure about being on a lead - he had been handed in to rescue without a collar, so it is possible he had never been for walkies. When we brought him home he was mostly fine, but had a couple of amazing tantrums every day when he ran around the house, like a dog possessed. I agree with the others, the early days are for learning what you all expect of each other. Most dogs we know have a bit of a back story, and they are all wonderful. Good luck!

My older dog is rescue 6 nearly now he is. He isn't really like what he was at the RSPCA he just laid there in his bed not engaging at all.

It was only when we got him home that he came out of his shell and he was really lively (and would dive for the escape hatch if it was just ajar).

But getting him made me decide that I do love yorkshire terriers and they're just funny little dogs, I now have 2 and am on a waiting list for a 3rd (little girl).

My 2nd isn't really like my older one. the younger loves to be fussed, can have small dog syndrome and is ball crazy. the older one only like the odd mummy cuddle every now and again, can't be assed chasing a ball (would much rather chase next doors cat) and does not have small dog syndrome at all. I can't wait to see what my 3rd will be like.

We got our rescue dog a week ago yesterday. He came with kennel cough, was covered in flea dirt and also had some live fleas on him. He wandered round when we got him home, but not at all lively. This, I feel, was a combination of not being well, and a little shell shocked at another place to stay.

We have taken it very gently through advice given by the rescue home and the local dog warden. They basically said let him potter in just one room for a few days with very little interaction, don't get in his face. We took him to the vet for a check up, got antibiotics and anti inflammatory for the cough. We thought he was about 10 months according to rescue centre, vet said more like 4 or 5 years old. He is underweight and has very little muscle in his back legs. I Was going to take him to the groomers top get rid of flea dirt etc, but obviously didn't because of cough. We didn't know how he would react to any situation, but I decided to give him a warm gentle shower with a puppy shampoo, using a very soft sponge to get through his fur. While washing him, we saw that he was bleeding, but couldn't find any cut while washing him. Once we have taken him out and gently towel dried him, we discovered he had little cuts under his chest, maybe caused by itching because of fleas. He lay down to be groomed, and we removed as much as we thought he was able for. I then did the same the next evening. He has become much happier in himself, as he was quite distracted itching.

We are going easy with the walking, and he is eating 100% new complete food. We have no idea how he will react in any situation, from grooming, to 'no' being said to him, travelling in the car, meeting other dogs etc. He has no interest in toys, but when he is completely better I will work on this. I guess if he has not been played with, how will he know what to do. He loves a tickle and a snuggle, and now has a lovely home life. I feel so good that we found him. I would just say go very slowly.

Thank you all for your encouraging stories. The dog has come from quite a good background, owner became ill, but dog still being cared for by family, so not really at the rescue centre much. I have managed to do some more digging and I think as you say he will be fine when we get him settled.