Going to look at a dog with view to rehoming...

[moomoose]

I'm going to look at a dog tonight with a view to rehoming it (it's current owner is struggling apparently with their ill health and an 8 month old pup). I grew up with dogs so know what I'm letting myself in for, but I don't want to be irresponsible and get a dog that hasn't been well cared for/isn't legit in some other way.

I was going to check the following

Vaccination certs
Ok with strangers (doesn't cower away/growl etc)
Ok with other dogs (will take it for a walk and look for other dogs!)
Ok being handled (it's a small breed and will need to be picked up to get onto public transport sometimes)
Ok with sudden(ish) noises
Speak to neighbours if poss to check the background story checks out

Anything I haven't thought of?

Thanks!

Housetrained? should be at 8 months but you never know. Any health issues & is dog currently insured - assume you will wait to insure if you take him and as a rule current medical conditions are excluded. Have a look at his teeth - should be nice and clean too.

The breeder's details would be useful. If they're reputable they'd probably be very happy if you were to make contact. With a bit of digging you could potentially also get some kind of idea of the start in life the dog had and the health status of their parents.

Either evidence of a recent vet check or willingness to take you along to the vets to actually witness a check up being done. Getting the microchip details verified at this point would be wise as well.

Check how the dog is being left alone, ideally nipping out with the owner during your visit. Obviously that won't tell you how long the dog is comfortable being left but it's better than nothing.

Eight months is a very common age for dogs to be given up as it's right when the adolescent stage of development hits so that's something worth bearing in mind.

How did you find out about them?

Check:
worming/deflea timing
Where did they get them from?
Take pup out somewhere busy for a walk - do they cower from certain people or at certain noises
Does pup look like they belong in the house? They are walking round happily, toys are really randomly strewn (currently in my sitting room there are 4 hooves on the dog bed, various soft toys stuffed under the edge of the sofa and various ones in the garden), do they settle in the bed there ?

Thanks everyone. Those were really helpful, and the dog was lovely. I kind of knew as soon as I arrived that the dog was a goodun, but still checked everything diligently.

They have been flead and wormed on the 13th every month, they're insured, the teeth were good and he didn't flinch at noises/being touched when he wasn't expecting it. I didn't take him out to meet other dogs because of the rain, but will do so before 100% committing. He definitely belonged in the house, he seemed very at home, his toys were around and he seemed comfortable and confident.

So, assuming he's fine socially with other dogs, there's only one question left. Name. Any suggestions? He's small - a terrier mix from what the owners can work out, but no specific breed of terrier showing through...

What's wrong with his current name ?

I'm not a huge fan of his current name - it's an ex DPs name (probably why I'm not keen!).

Do you think it's ok to change the name? I thought dogs weren't particularly attached to their names and it was the intonation that mattered, not the actual word, but am happy to be corrected

Names - Percy, Bran, Scout, Norman, Bertie

Do you have a pic he sounds lovely!

We changed our rescue dogs name. She was eleven months when we got her and she took to it easily. I think we could should 'fish finger' or hedge' in the same way and she would come.

Ooh love Scout! Here he is...

Oops, I mean here he is...

Nice looking chap.

Oh op, he's beautiful and looks like a Percy

He's adorable!!! I want him!!!
Haha don't worry I won't dognap him! He does look like a Scout. Hope you get him home for cuddles soon!

He is so handsome!

Oh he's a beauty. Look at that smiley little face 😍

He looks like he has yorkie in him to me.

Aww he is lovely.

Looks like a Roland to me.

Frank, Freddie, Alfie, Ralph, Sam
HE IS CUTE!!!!

Oh he is beautiful! I think maybe a Percy but he would suit Scout as well. What an absolute stunner

Gorgeous boy!