Oh my giddy god......

[HangingOver]

I can't actually believe I'm finally typing this... I think I'm getting a dog!

I've wanted one of my own my entire life. I had one growing up and look after friends and neighbours at every available opportunity as I adore dogs so much. A rescue came up locally and I thought he looked lovely, he was snapped up immediately, but came up again yesterday! Me and DP are meeting him this afternoon.

Any tips for meeting a rescue for the first time? Other than being gentle and calm? He's 8 months so a bouncy chap.

ARGGGH! So excited. 😁

Best of luck OP, can’t wait to see your new DDog ❤️

This is very exciting.

I don't like dogs but this is the cutest thread I've ever seen!

I'm just here for the pics!

How exciting!😄🎉

Hi @HangingOver fab that you're getting a rescue dog, so pleased for you and him.

We foster and this is our current girl, who we want to adopt.

Best of luck! My sweet German Shepherd is my absolute pride and joy! He can turn around a crap day with just one look.

I just wanted to reassure you that when we first got him (also rescue) it was slightly tough going as he adjusted. But once I genuinely began to love him the annoying bits (waking up at 5 am)) became less difficult. He is now the world’s easiest dog and gets complimented on his manners everywhere he goes. My boy sleeps most of the day. And i genuinely can’t walk past him without bending down and kissing his face. Even after 6 years together.

We are looking out for you and wishing you luck (all 3 are rescue beagles).

Congratulations. Very excited for you. I’ve had lots of rescues and several found their own safe space in the house. For 2 it was our coat cupboard, another was under the dining table. Try not to overstimulate him, just let him come to you, and be sideways to him. Teach him that his bed or basket is a good place to be. My dogs when new always seemed to like a quiet commentary on what was going on. Oh and he’s a puppy, they do mouth, that isn’t biting, although obviously to be discouraged with a firm no and withdrawal of attention. Oh and never feed him from the table, or let him in your bedroom, or you will live to regret it, like us!

This thread has put a smile on my face. I have two rescue cats who were returned by their previous owner and adopting them is the best thing I ever did. I'm sure it will be the same with you and your pup! Can't wait for pics!

Eek how exciting OP! Dogs really do bring so much joy into your life. You’ll be fine once you get into the swing of things.

I haven’t read the whole thread so don’t know if it’s been suggested but get a blanket to put over the crate that covers the top back and sides (but not the front) dogs like a dark cosy safe space this might help him settle.

You can also get soft toys now with a battery operated heartbeat in that soothes dogs who are anxious, it mimics the mother’s heart.

I had a very hormonal third trimester cry over the little skeleton dog in Corpse Bride last night and couldn’t stop looking at my beautiful boy (who is only five and in perfect health!) and absolutely bawled my eyes out, he was looking right in my eyes and then got up and licked my tears away 😭

Poor boy probably just wanted me to shut up, but it was such a sweet moment as he is a very psychologically-damaged rescue who doesn’t show much affection, so for him to do that just made my heart burst! I hope you have ALL these moments with your lovely new boy.

We got a rescue dog just over 6 weeks ago, he's an 18 month old pug crossed with a yorkie with a huge underbite so he is challenging to look at - but so adorable.

He's 18 months old and his previous owners weren't able to cope with his incessant yapping and pooing indoors. He displays neither of those behaviours now. He gets lots of attention, lots of long walks, lots of play time and cuddles.

He can be reactive to other dogs at times (usually bigger dogs) but he knows his new name and he knows he's our boy, and we are working on that issue.

The first thing we did was change his chip online to our address and get him a tag on his collar with his new name and address.

He's snoozing on the sofa right now, after a long walk on the beach this morning, chasing seagulls and dodging the waves - he still doesn't quite understand the sea yet.

All my family dogs have been rescues and we've had to train them to suit us. I went crazy ordering stuff for my first one, clickers, treat pouches etc and ended up not using the clickers much as he trained really fast and then just shoved treats in my pocket so didnt need the pouches. I also bought loads of different toys for him and there was quite a few he wasnt interested in, he preferred the cuddly toys with squeaks.

Good luck OP and enjoy the special bundle.

Aw, I'm so glad I clicked on this thread! We've brought a couple of rescues home, they were older girls, 5 yrs and 8 yrs at the time. We we had no time to prepare for their arrival, so we went to get them and stopped off at a pet store on the way home. They'd been so subdued and frightened in the car and in the store, understandably. We took them into the house but then straight out to the garden where they just really relaxed, enjoyed lots of running around and sniffing things. We sat on the grass and they would occasionally come up to us for cuddles and then go back to exploring. We were lucky that it was a nice day so we could leave the doors open and they could come and go and get used to toileting outside. By evening they were cuddling with us on the sofa, rolling on to their backs, asking for more pets if we stopped. It was such a great day to see them doing well, especially as they'd had a crazy few months and some travel before getting to us. Thanks for reminding me about that day OP!

What a beautiful hippo 🥺

Be prepared for a stroppy teenager after a spell of really good behaviour! Testing boundaries and working out houserules.
(I'm really here waiting for the photos).

Omygosh I love her

My dog was absolutely terrified of that toy. Just saying 😅

The love on this thread is why I hate all the anti dog rhetoric. Dogs are beautiful and loving animals, we do not deserve them. All my boy ever wants is his family, he could be chowing down on a roast chicken (he gets often) and he will completely abandon it to go give affection to husband if he walks in through the door. Our bond genuinely makes my life special.

This is the nicest thread I have read in a long time, I feel quite emotional just reading your pupdates.

If you all don't mind, please could I introduce my 19 month old rescue dog Rupert. We adopted him from an animal sanctuary when he was 11 weeks old and we love him so much.

Can you all post pics of your dogs so I can admire them.

Your dog is a teenager, so expect some naughtiness and might even still be teething, so be prepared for some damage. Going to need lots of attention, reassurance, and thoughtful training. The next few months with you are the most important in making sure your new best friend will be well behaved, and quiet. So work on discouraging excess barking, don’t go straight for a harness but use a collar and lead, and use a slight tug back if he pulls hard. You can put the harness on, but use the collar to pull back. Once he’s got the idea, then clip lead to harness. You don’t want to spend rest of days life fighting with him out on a walk😱 We got all ours used to travelling in car as well, short journeys to start with, build them up.
Owning a well behaved, happy dog is an absolute joy. Hope everything goes well for you😁

My dog died just a few days ago and I am heartbroken to say the least 💔

But this thread has absolutely made my day (I may have cried) and I’m so happy for you OP! ❤️

I’m loving all of the responses too, especially those with pictures!! 😁

He's beautiful 😊

Rescue dogs are such a blessing, this is my boy scruffs, we’ve had him 6 years. He was two when he was rescued, his previous owners had used him as bait for fighting. He is the most loving, cuddly boy.

I couldn't resist posting my pup.
Meet Zbigniew, he's a 15 month old Kooikerhondje and an absolute nightmare of a teenager/part time asshole the best thing that's ever happened to me. He likes rolling in mud and eating chicken, and hates loud noises and being left alone.