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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Original poster

Inheriting a dog

153 replies

Mol1628 · 13/09/2017 07:21

I'm taking on my nanas dog. Have had cats,rabbits,various reptiles and rodents, never a dog!
I'm not completely clueless but it's new to me. I'm just wondering what I've forgotten and what else I need to consider

She's a middle aged small dog, not sure on breed. She was kept as a breeders dog for 5 years and though not mistreated she didn't experience much life when young so consequently she's timid. Well behaved but timid.
I have two small children but room for her to be able to be away from them when she wants.
She's used to sleeping and going into her cage when my nana went out of the house or went to bed so I assume I should keep up with this and keep it her safe space where the children aren't allowed to approach her.
I'll be bringing her cage, bed, toys, food, bowls etc everything with me.

All medical stuff is up to date she's been well cared for so after a couple of weeks I'll take her to register with my local vet. Assume I shouldn't do this straight away till she's come to trust me a bit more!

We have a secure garden with grass so she can toilet and exercise out there and she's scared of traffic noise so I think early morning and late evening walks.

What am I forgetting?! I'm actually quite nervous despite having taken on lots of animals in the past.

Thanks in advance.

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Ladycremer · 13/09/2017 07:24

Do you have a picture. I can tell you the breed then help on temperament etc

dudsville · 13/09/2017 07:26

Aw, it'll be a big shift for her. Was it just her and your nan at home? How old are your kids. How lively is your home compared to nan's? I presume she knows you well? Dogs are fabulous wonderful creatures. Expect transition time. 6 to 12 months for older dogs. Do you know what brand food she ate?

picklemepopcorn · 13/09/2017 07:36

The mistake I made with taking on an older dog was expecting to be the boss straight away. I discovered that I had to earn the right to be in charge, when my old man was ready to grant it. It took a while...

Original poster
Mol1628 · 13/09/2017 07:37

Don't have a photo I will get one this evening. It's happened a bit suddenly and there's no one else in the family that can take her as they all work.

It was just her and my nana yes. She has visited us with the children and coped fine but obviously not as a permanent situation.
Not sure on the brand of food but I will find out tonight.

Poor girl is just on her own at the house at the moment with someone popping in a few times a day.

My children are 2.5 and almost 5. Not ideal I know.

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Elizabethan · 13/09/2017 12:07

You've thought about it and seem as well prepared as you can be.

Make sure the children don't grab at her or try to cuddle her. She'll need time to adjust as any rehomed dog does and this will be a big adjustment for her. It's good that she's used to the crate. You'll have to be very alert when the children are around her.

Calmness and routine go a long way. I hope you enjoy life with her.

Original poster
Mol1628 · 13/09/2017 14:09

Thank you. I'm going to do my best.

I don't know what to do about her microchip since my nana is in hospital and not conscious but I'll know more when I go later today

I'll tell the children not to approach her at all. 2yo probably won't understand as well but I won't be leaving them unsupervised together.

I'm good with routine so that should be ok!

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frisbeefreedom · 13/09/2017 14:17

You seem prepared, which is great. My worry is that you say she's timid - you'll need to watch her very closely with your children, scared dogs can be dangerous. Having her crate as a safe space is excellent, absolutely the right thing to do.

I would suggest you find a good dog trainer who does classes for adult dogs and have them over for a private class. Even if she's well trained already, if you're not experienced with dogs then they will train you on how to interact with her!

Original poster
Mol1628 · 13/09/2017 14:22

Thats a good idea about finding a trainer. I think I will let her get used to the surroundings then do just that :)

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OhWotIsItThisTime · 13/09/2017 15:05

Make sure the kids know to leave the dog alone when she's in her crate. Think about walks - a tired out dog will flop, rather than worry.

DM inherited a dog - it's been brilliant. Dog slotted in, DM gets company.

Original poster
Mol1628 · 13/09/2017 15:28

Yes I have plenty of time to walk her I'm home all the time. I like the idea of tiring her out!!

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Original poster
Mol1628 · 13/09/2017 21:22

Ok she's here. Breed identification would be welcome!
I've got to ring her old vets in the morning to get her records.
Also this is the food she's come with.

Inheriting a dog
Inheriting a dog
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Original poster
Mol1628 · 13/09/2017 21:24

Oh I'm aware she's rather overweight. We will soon sort that out.

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dudsville · 13/09/2017 21:28

She's adorable! I wouldn't worry about her weight just now and it's good you know her food and have her familiar things like her crate. You sound v thoughtful re her and your children. Lovely that you're keeping her in the family.

LilaBard · 13/09/2017 21:29

Aww she is so sweet! Looks like a Westie crossed with something else to me. Maybe something like a Lhasa apso or similar little dog?

Kurkku · 13/09/2017 21:46

I am a long time lurker here but I had to join now just to say she is the spitting image of the glen of imaal terrier my grandparents had when I was a child. Could be some other terrier or terrier mix too, but she is really identical to Teddy.
That said, I hope it works out for you all, and sorry about your nana.

becotide · 13/09/2017 21:51

Harringtons is a gentle complete food (My own small terrier is on it) and she looks like a little yorkie cross.

She doesn't look very old, and she lookks very very sweet.

Original poster
Mol1628 · 13/09/2017 22:01

Right. So no rush to change her food. I'm glad she's not on that horrible tinned stuff anyway!

Thanks for the supportive replies. I'm quite anxious to be honest. Felt a bit wrong collecting her from my nanas house as well but has to be done. I hope we get on ok.

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becotide · 13/09/2017 22:06

As she gets older, watch her back because she looks a bit Shit-Zhu ish, and they can have back problems later in life.

Good luck, and I'm sorry about your nan

Original poster
Mol1628 · 13/09/2017 22:44

Oh yes I forgot, she has a chip registered with petlog. I have the letter from when she was originally chipped with the number DVD petlog ID. I'm wondering how difficult this will be to change to my details since my nana is unable to verify anything herself. There's a form on the letter for change of ownership but it needs her signature etc.

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picklemepopcorn · 14/09/2017 06:58

They will have dealt with this situation before. Maybe need to send a medical letter or similar with it.

Try not to worry. You'll be ok. Cinnamon trust may be helpful. They help elderly or ill owners and pets. Give them a call.

Fluffycloudland77 · 14/09/2017 07:08

I would ask her current vet for advice, if they know your nana & the dog.

She's a gorgeous looking dog & I'm so pleased you've taken her on. She'll be your best friend in no time & you won't be able to remember what life was like before she came.

Original poster
Mol1628 · 14/09/2017 07:34

Thanks for the reassurance everyone.

She did great on her first night. All night in her crate not a peep and then walk first thing. She's sat in the crate watching the morning routine from a distance she doesn't seem too worried in there. It's open she can wander but she's keeping her distance at the minute. Probably tired because we had a fast paced walk too hah.

Should I be concerned that she's not eaten anything? She's had water and toileted. I put her some food down once we got back and she isn't interested. I do think she's been very used to eating human food so could that be something to do with it? Or too scared?

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DeepfriedPizza · 14/09/2017 07:52

It might just take her a while to eat. I wouldn't worry too much for now but if she doesn't eat later then putting a little hot water in the food (wait for it to cool) then try her with it as the hot water releases the aroma

dudsville · 14/09/2017 08:13

She'll be stressed amber probably just needs time but you can tempt her with boiled chicken and rice, no seasoning. It's good for their digestion if she is feeling sensitive.

becotide · 14/09/2017 08:49

My little dog was 3 when I got her and she was so distressed she didn't eat for a week )she was my mum's)

I used to hand feed her fish off my plate (chicken has always upset her stomach) and she because a lot more trusting afterward.