Monkey
09-24-2007, 08:17 PM
In today's dog world it means a lot to take a rescue.
Thanks to money hungry people, there is way to many dogs in this world, and each day, so many is euthanized cause they don't get rescued. Hopefully this FAQ will help you to find the right rescue and how to easier get him/her to adapt to their new home.
How to pick a rescue?
There is many questions you need to sit down and think of here.
1. What sort of dog do I want? What traits do I want/not want?
If you want a pure breed you have the national breed club, if you will take any kind of dog, you have the shelters, ASPCA, and all private adoption organisations, craigslist, daily ads, petfinder and so much more. Also sit down and do a list with traits you wish and do not wish for. For example, if you do not want a guarding dog, then you cross out all mixes and pure breeds with Doberman, Rottie, German shepherd, and so on. Read up on the different breeds to get familiar with different breed traits so you know what to look for and possibly expect. You never know which traits a mixed breed will get from either side until they show it. If a trait is VERY uncomfortable for you, do not choose breeds/mixes that MIGHT display it. Traits to consider include, activity level, hunt/tracking, prey drive, aggression, guard, as the five top ones you need to know if you would be comfortable with or not.
* Activity level, for example, working and hunting dogs will need more mental and physical exercise then an English Bulldog.
* Hunt and tracking, you have dogs that are bred for hunting, and chase prey by scent, sight, and hearing, these dogs will be harder to have off lead.
* Prey drive is what makes a dog go for other small dogs, cats and other animals. They will need extra socialisation and does not fit in all families.
* Aggression, dogs in shelter have often been abused, neglected or not trained properly and can therefore have different varieties of aggression. This can make them more or less willing to bite, which you will need to take into consideration. Do you have time and patience to handle this? There are different kinds of aggression: Dogs/animal, human, fear, and resource aggression. This is the most common reason for a dog to be euthanized.
* Guard, a good guard dog rarely displays aggressive behaviour unless necessary; however, a misdirected guarding behaviour might make it bark a lot, and be wary of your friends, often a one man dog, not to mention being hard to have in public if it lacks social training.
2. What experience do I have?
A lot of rescues comes with a baggage, often with pain, fears and unruly behaviour. Not their fault of course, but it will require a lot of work none the less. Can you handle a dog that might possess aggression towards other dogs? If not, then you might want to avoid Pitbulls for example. Take a good look at the word MIGHT. Never assume things WONT happen, assume they WILL, so you are always prepared. If things go easier it is great. If they don't you are prepared. Ask to take the dog for a walk, bring some treats and look at how the dog reacts to you, it's surroundings, and if you can arrange it, other dogs and animals. Make sure you feel comfortable during the walk even if the dog displays "misbehaviour" I use quotes because most misbehaviors are 1. Not the dog's fault and 2. Trainable. Make sure YOU can relax with him/her no matter what happens. This will give a bigger chance for success.
3. What problems can I expect?
Here is a list of issues, that does not apply to all dogs, but I've seen everything from a dog with one issue to a dog with all of them, so again, choose your dog carefully.
* Pulling on lead.
* Lunging at other dogs on lead.
* Barking at various things outside/inside.
* Not housebroken.
* Chew on stuff when you are around/not around.
* Aggression to other dogs/animals/humans (fear aggression trainable, pure dog aggression less trainable).
* Hard to reach in stressfull situations (does not listen when you call it's name, or totally blocked out when it sees other dogs, being in public etc).
* Scared of things, either specific items or just regular surroundings, sudden sounds or rapid movement (abused dogs often react to rapid movements, for example).
* Separation anxiety (An EXTREMELY common issue).
* Different kinds of unruly behavior (going into trashcans, stealing food off the table, barking at things outside the window, etc.)
Make a list of what kind of issues you can think of coping with. There are always dogs in different stages of unwanted behaviors that have been/are fostered, and the families can tell you what behaviors the dogs have/don't have so you can better choose a dog that fits you. I once actually received a foster that had no issue being in his crate so he could be left home alone from the very first week. That could be a blessing for someone who doesn't have time to train for such a difficult issue as separation anxiety, but it rarely happens that way.
4. What resources do I have?
Just because you lack experience with a certain dog does not mean you cannot take it if your heart wants it. Sit and think about what resources you have around you. Maybe a local dog club with a good behaviorist trainer? Internet? Books? Most dogs will calm down over time with love and patience. The key is PATIENCE with everything, in the meantime. A key consideration is: How much time and money am I willing to put down? There are often trainers who can help, but some charge outrageous prices. Don't spend beyond your means.
5. Is it possible for you to take a special needs dog (with physical/psychological disabilities)?
Many times, dogs with special needs just get put to sleep, right away. If you have the time and money maybe you can save one of them? One might need an amputation or surgery to repair a broken leg. Another might be blind or deaf, or extremely shy. These dogs require special needs and support, and special people who have the extra time to give them.
(continued...)
Thanks to money hungry people, there is way to many dogs in this world, and each day, so many is euthanized cause they don't get rescued. Hopefully this FAQ will help you to find the right rescue and how to easier get him/her to adapt to their new home.
How to pick a rescue?
There is many questions you need to sit down and think of here.
1. What sort of dog do I want? What traits do I want/not want?
If you want a pure breed you have the national breed club, if you will take any kind of dog, you have the shelters, ASPCA, and all private adoption organisations, craigslist, daily ads, petfinder and so much more. Also sit down and do a list with traits you wish and do not wish for. For example, if you do not want a guarding dog, then you cross out all mixes and pure breeds with Doberman, Rottie, German shepherd, and so on. Read up on the different breeds to get familiar with different breed traits so you know what to look for and possibly expect. You never know which traits a mixed breed will get from either side until they show it. If a trait is VERY uncomfortable for you, do not choose breeds/mixes that MIGHT display it. Traits to consider include, activity level, hunt/tracking, prey drive, aggression, guard, as the five top ones you need to know if you would be comfortable with or not.
* Activity level, for example, working and hunting dogs will need more mental and physical exercise then an English Bulldog.
* Hunt and tracking, you have dogs that are bred for hunting, and chase prey by scent, sight, and hearing, these dogs will be harder to have off lead.
* Prey drive is what makes a dog go for other small dogs, cats and other animals. They will need extra socialisation and does not fit in all families.
* Aggression, dogs in shelter have often been abused, neglected or not trained properly and can therefore have different varieties of aggression. This can make them more or less willing to bite, which you will need to take into consideration. Do you have time and patience to handle this? There are different kinds of aggression: Dogs/animal, human, fear, and resource aggression. This is the most common reason for a dog to be euthanized.
* Guard, a good guard dog rarely displays aggressive behaviour unless necessary; however, a misdirected guarding behaviour might make it bark a lot, and be wary of your friends, often a one man dog, not to mention being hard to have in public if it lacks social training.
2. What experience do I have?
A lot of rescues comes with a baggage, often with pain, fears and unruly behaviour. Not their fault of course, but it will require a lot of work none the less. Can you handle a dog that might possess aggression towards other dogs? If not, then you might want to avoid Pitbulls for example. Take a good look at the word MIGHT. Never assume things WONT happen, assume they WILL, so you are always prepared. If things go easier it is great. If they don't you are prepared. Ask to take the dog for a walk, bring some treats and look at how the dog reacts to you, it's surroundings, and if you can arrange it, other dogs and animals. Make sure you feel comfortable during the walk even if the dog displays "misbehaviour" I use quotes because most misbehaviors are 1. Not the dog's fault and 2. Trainable. Make sure YOU can relax with him/her no matter what happens. This will give a bigger chance for success.
3. What problems can I expect?
Here is a list of issues, that does not apply to all dogs, but I've seen everything from a dog with one issue to a dog with all of them, so again, choose your dog carefully.
* Pulling on lead.
* Lunging at other dogs on lead.
* Barking at various things outside/inside.
* Not housebroken.
* Chew on stuff when you are around/not around.
* Aggression to other dogs/animals/humans (fear aggression trainable, pure dog aggression less trainable).
* Hard to reach in stressfull situations (does not listen when you call it's name, or totally blocked out when it sees other dogs, being in public etc).
* Scared of things, either specific items or just regular surroundings, sudden sounds or rapid movement (abused dogs often react to rapid movements, for example).
* Separation anxiety (An EXTREMELY common issue).
* Different kinds of unruly behavior (going into trashcans, stealing food off the table, barking at things outside the window, etc.)
Make a list of what kind of issues you can think of coping with. There are always dogs in different stages of unwanted behaviors that have been/are fostered, and the families can tell you what behaviors the dogs have/don't have so you can better choose a dog that fits you. I once actually received a foster that had no issue being in his crate so he could be left home alone from the very first week. That could be a blessing for someone who doesn't have time to train for such a difficult issue as separation anxiety, but it rarely happens that way.
4. What resources do I have?
Just because you lack experience with a certain dog does not mean you cannot take it if your heart wants it. Sit and think about what resources you have around you. Maybe a local dog club with a good behaviorist trainer? Internet? Books? Most dogs will calm down over time with love and patience. The key is PATIENCE with everything, in the meantime. A key consideration is: How much time and money am I willing to put down? There are often trainers who can help, but some charge outrageous prices. Don't spend beyond your means.
5. Is it possible for you to take a special needs dog (with physical/psychological disabilities)?
Many times, dogs with special needs just get put to sleep, right away. If you have the time and money maybe you can save one of them? One might need an amputation or surgery to repair a broken leg. Another might be blind or deaf, or extremely shy. These dogs require special needs and support, and special people who have the extra time to give them.
(continued...)