Rescue dog

[lulubelle6]

Hi, just wanting some advice really as we are considering a rescue dog.

I really want to offer the poor dog a loving, stable, forever home but I'm so worried.

We currently have a cockapoo who is 6 and to be honest the first 12 months were a total nightmare! Anyway now he's really settled down and we adore him. We also have a cat who is 3 and these both get on well.

The dog we have been offered is very sweet and very quiet. She's been living with a family, other dogs and cats.

We are just worried about upsetting our dog at home and just wanted some advice on where this has worked well or if anyone thinks it will cause any major issues. Our dog now is great with other dogs and if my parents dog comes to stay for the weekend or week if they are away he is not bothered at all.

If your dog has had other dogs in "his" home and been pretty chill, happy to eat his dinner and play with toys you should be ok. Definitely make sure the two dogs are fed separately though as that's the biggest reason two can kick off.

Is this a private rehome or reputable rescue? Basically, what back up do you have if it doesn't work out? Do you have have behaviour support from the rescue?

I’d take your dog to meet the other one if that’s possible.

Can you arrange for the dogs to meet on neutral ground a few times before committing to anything? Ideally I'd want the new dog to come into the house once or twice as well before committing to anything.

Is this a dog from an actual rescue or a dog you are getting from another family . Why are they giving the dog up ?

How do you know the owners / dog in question?

What's the stated reason for rehoming? This is probably plausible, but is it possible there are other reasons too? For instance, a claim that a child has developed allergies - but they fail to mention it has been tormenting the cat.

I would be incredibly wary of taking this dog if you responded to an online ad rather than it being, for instance, your DSis needing to rehome her dog. Online ads are the wild west of dog rehoming.

I would also want access to full vet records and a check up with your own vet before committing - you don't want to find your new dog has a pre existing condition which is going to cost you £££ and insurance won't cover.

I privately rehomed my dog from a friend. I'd walked him in the region of a hundred times (literally). He still came with a couple of surprises.

@fairylightsandwaxmelts

Can you arrange for the dogs to meet on neutral ground a few times before committing to anything? Ideally I'd want the new dog to come into the house once or twice as well before committing to anything.

This approach worked well for us. It also helped that we were adding a bitch to an existing male, and we knew he generally liked bitches. They are both labs so similar modes of play. 4 years age difference. We fed separately and left them in different rooms when we went out; also use adaptil collars and diffusers . Probably went over the top. They are best pals now and snuggle up together at night. We are now working to fend off separation anxiety as the male gets older - she hates being away from him, but he’s not always up for a walk.

Thank you all.

Yes she's from a charity and has had a very sad year. She was from a breeder when they rescued her then was re homed with a family who had a puppy and they said she wasn't robust (?!) enough as she's very quiet and they wanted something that would help put their puppy in it's place as apparently that was a handful! She was returned then re homed to another couple who one of them is sadly very Ill and they are leaving her for long amounts of time.

She's in foster care and said she's fitted in really well with their dogs and is very sweet and calm. We can go this weekend with our dog to see how they get on.

I am just so nervous to upset our dog now even though I think he would love a friend

As she's in foster it sounds like you're getting a realistic view of what she's like.

As PP have said, introduce them on neutral ground and see how they get on. Remove any items that may have high value when you first introduce them to the home (e.g. favourite toys) and feed separately.

If it really does go pear shaped, the rescue will take the new dog back.

I’d be very wary as this poor pup will be on its 4 th home excluding the rescue in what seems a short amount of time - I would imagine she will have some issues poor thing .

That's what's making me worry but also heartbroken at the same time as she's had such an awful start to life.

She's been in her foster home with other dogs and cats, she walks really well on her lead, is very quiet and they said she is happy to be left for a few hours.

I'm so torn with what to do

Go meet her and watch how your dog interacts with her. Many dogs are very adaptable and she sounds like she will be no threat to your boy.
If it works out, that’s a lovely thing to do. Good luck !

Just wanted to update you all to say we all met up on Saturday and she came straight home with us.

Both dogs are getting on amazing and sleeping next to each other. We absolutely adore our new addition to the family

Lovely update OP. 💕

Awwwww this is so lovely to hear 🥰 my heart broke reading the poor dog's story.

Pics please!!!!!!!

Yay! I love a happy ending!

I was just going to post about our rescue experience when I saw your update. I'm so glad it worked out for you. We rescued a lovely young husky and my dog instantly took against him and spent six weeks or so hiding under the desk, only coming out for food and toilet trips until I persuaded my husband that my dog should sleep in our bedroom, like the husky. It made all the difference to my dog - it gave him a whole new lease of life - and he and the husky formed such a close bond. It was lovely to watch. Hopefully you will have many years of adventures with your two.

I’m so pleased for you all. Bear in mind there might be a blip or two, but just give them both time to settle.