Dog adoption

CaoinDory

Hi guys,

So weve been looking into adopting a dog for months. We were meant to go looking this month but I am missing one criteria.

My side entrance gate. I have a guy (local handyman) make one up for me but just before he got over to install it, he broke his leg. And then this whole Corona virus thing happened.

Point is I've been looking lately. The shelters seem to be struggling and I would love to adopt a baby. My question is,is the side gate a necessary must? It was meant to be up but things have all gone pear shaped!

Thanks in advance

aonb

I dont think any home-checks will be done by rescues at the moment?
If you put a 'baricade' up on your side entrance - temporary - until you get the side gate installed, that should do.

JustAThought

aonb wrote: »

I dont think any home-checks will be done by rescues at the moment?
If you put a 'baricade' up on your side entrance - temporary - until you get the side gate installed, that should do.

can you get over to the handyman guys place to pick it up and prop it up while you wait for his leg to heal!! Might be able to do a medieval style bolt in on job while waiting. I can’t see it making any sense to have a big gap a litle dog can gallop out of and go missing or be injured by a passing car by. Great time to get a pet thou! Have you checked out being able to buy proper petfood thou :0

cocker5

CaoinDory wrote: »

Hi guys,

So weve been looking into adopting a dog for months. We were meant to go looking this month but I am missing one criteria.

My side entrance gate. I have a guy (local handyman) make one up for me but just before he got over to install it, he broke his leg. And then this whole Corona virus thing happened.

Point is I've been looking lately. The shelters seem to be struggling and I would love to adopt a baby. My question is,is the side gate a necessary must? It was meant to be up but things have all gone pear shaped!

Thanks in advance

To be honest a secure garden (including gates) is usually a deal breaker for obvious reasons.. can you not just collect the gate and get someone to hang it for you?

CaoinDory

I didnt actually think of going over to collect it. Thanks guys. I'll text him tomorrow. Thanks all.

As for the food, there is a pet store in town staying open (confirmed by owner). I dont want to just assume which food the dog will like so I'm gonna wait till I see which one suits best... then stock up!

BillieT

I volunteer with a dog rescue. We are still doing homechecks, we have to, or else the dogs won't get homes.
We insist on a secure garden, as do 99.9 % of all other rescues.
I wouldn't worry about food either. I get mine online with free delivery if you spend over a certain amount. And it's not more expensive to shop online... In a lot of cases it's cheaper.
I hope you get your gate sorted soon., cos there is a little furbaby somewhere, waiting to be saved

Tilikum17

Good on you adopting rather than paying for a dog.

If only everyone was like you.

JustAThought

Tilikum17 wrote: »

Good on you adopting rather than paying for a dog.

If only everyone was like you.

Not everybody wants someone elses discarded restricted dog as a pet - the shelters are full of them. And not everybody wants somebodys elses high energy discarded dog as a pet - the shelters are full of them. And not everybody, particularly those with children, want the risk of bringing a dog that could be discarded because it is a biter or has significant behavioural issues or gone too long without socialisation or training into their homes. Adopting a dog is admirable and a kind and generous thing to do - but it is not the path for everyone.

Choc Chip

JustAThought wrote: »

Not everybody wants someone elses discarded restricted dog as a pet - the shelters are full of them. And not everybody wants somebodys elses high energy discarded dog as a pet - the shelters are full of them. And not everybody, particularly those with children, want the risk of bringing a dog that could be discarded because it is a biter or has significant behavioural issues or gone too long without socialisation or training into their homes. Adopting a dog is admirable and a kind and generous thing to do - but it is not the path for everyone.

I've no issue with people getting dogs from reputable breeders, there are good reasons for some people to do so.

The kid reason always bugs me though - you've a far higher chance of getting a kid-friendly dog if you pick an adult dog in foster with kids, than any pup who is inherently to an extent an unknown quantity.

And I have "someone else's discarded restricted dog as a pet." She's likely the best dog I'll ever own.

Hope you got that gate sorted op.

deadlybuzzman

JustAThought wrote: »

Not everybody wants someone elses discarded restricted dog as a pet - the shelters are full of them. And not everybody wants somebodys elses high energy discarded dog as a pet - the shelters are full of them. And not everybody, particularly those with children, want the risk of bringing a dog that could be discarded because it is a biter or has significant behavioural issues or gone too long without socialisation or training into their homes.

...... So get one of the many many dogs that are in shelters that are none of the above. Plenty of dogs in shelters because of landlord issues, the owner died etc

cocker5

I too have "someone else's discarded high energy dog as a pet."

And how lucky am I .. he is the sweetest .. kindest springer .. who deserves the very best life same as any pup / dog

People need to expand their minds and at least explore the avenue of adopting .. before writing off all dogs discarded .. as vicious too hyper etc

9 times out of 10 dogs are discarded due to sh*tty owners and through no fault of the dog.

I did purchase my first dog via a breeder and while he was an amazing dog whom we loved with all our hearts ... he was a nightmare / high energy / very destructive for the first 3 years of his life (totally my fault - we Got everything sorted with a decent trainer) but our new guy cooper who’s 18 months .. is sooo delighted to be part of a family and loved he does nothing wrong at all he the sweetest guy .. my point is not all discarded dogs are problem dogs ..

You just need to find the right dog ðŸ•

Hannibal_Smith

JustAThought wrote: »

Not everybody wants someone elses discarded restricted dog as a pet - the shelters are full of them. And not everybody wants somebodys elses high energy discarded dog as a pet - the shelters are full of them. And not everybody, particularly those with children, want the risk of bringing a dog that could be discarded because it is a biter or has significant behavioural issues or gone too long without socialisation or training into their homes. Adopting a dog is admirable and a kind and generous thing to do - but it is not the path for everyone.

I would suggest anyone looking for a dog should start with a rescue centre. We had to wait a long time for our guy because of allergies in the house and we were just about to lose hope. But along he came and the rescue centre were fantastic in helping us find him and have been outstanding afterwards with help and support.

The centres know the dog, the temperament and have so much experience to help you at any stage after you've rescued them.

It's convinced me that every dog suits someone. And when a dog finds their right family both lives will be made.

Caoindory, definitely they're number 1 concern is how secure your garden is. I've seen some centres have cancelled home visits at the moment too. But give them a call and see whether they have any alternative ideas regarding adoption.

cocker5

The Bishop Basher wrote: »

This isn’t always the case unfortunately. We took a pup from a rescue about 15 years ago and it was a total disaster. Wrong dog for us and we were wrong for the dog.

My in laws had a similar experience.

Friends recently took a dog from a rescue and have had a lot of grief. The dog attacked a postman. They had genetic testing done and it’s an Akita mix which they weren’t told at the time. He’s a beautiful dog but clearly capable of doing damage.

I have unapologetically bought 3 pedigree dogs since our experience as it means I know the breed and all that comes with them. I have never regretted this decision. We did have one stray in that time but he jumped in my wife’s car and decided to adopt us. He also had numerous behavioural issues and couldn’t be trusted around strangers or children but we kept him till he died a few years ago.

Rescues serve a vital function and can be a great option for some people but this idea that it’s the only way anyone should ever get a dog is nonsense and misleading.

Each to their own but approach rescues with your eyes wide open especially if it’s your first dog.

It depends on the rescue some are better than others, some have better resources so can spend more time on each dog, some don’t get any background info at all as they take from irish pounds and it also depends on the adopters some are better prepared and have more realistic expectations than others.

In my opinion I see lots of people adopting or buying dogs with unrealistic expectations... not willing to put in the hard work .. the fact is they are hard work.. and costly etc most people don’t consider this they just want the cute dog!

The reality remains there are thousands of dogs out there looking for a home or a second chance .. why not explore those choices before buying a dog .. fair enjoy if it doesn’t work out it but at least explore the idea before shooting it down or believing all dogs from rescues are trouble.

The Bishop Basher

cocker5 wrote: »

why not explore those choices before buying a dog .. fair enjoy if it doesn’t work out it but at least explore the idea before shooting it down or believing all dogs from rescues are trouble.

I did and it didn’t work and I know others who’ve had the same experience so I’m not going to make the same mistake twice.

As I said, each to their own. I think it’s great if someone is willing to adopt a dog from a rescue. The issue I have is with the tone on this thread that it’s basically the only valid or ethical way to get a dog. It’s not.

OP go in with your eyes wide open is all I’m saying.

Choc Chip

The Bishop Basher wrote: »

The issue I have is with the tone on this thread that it’s basically the only valid or ethical way to get a dog. It’s not.

OP go in with your eyes wide open is all I’m saying.

I didn't take that being the tone of this thread at all - the comment about someone's "discarded xyz pet" annoyed me, with the insinuation that rescue dogs are somehow damaged. The vast majority aren't, and are grand after some time in a foster home learning the ropes.

Anyway, I don't know why these threads always turn into those who are for or against rescue. It suits some people. Reputable breeders suit others. I don't know that the OP was asking for any advice on her decision to go with a rescue.

Taiga

I've two rejects here and they're the maddest, funniest most affectionate little dotes. Our last little reject was the love of our lives.

Op, you're under no pressure. A good rescue wants the dog to fit in happily with your family so you can always take your lucky choice home on a trial basis.

Best of luck.

JustAThought

Taiga wrote: »

I've two rejects here and they're the maddest, funniest most affectionate little dotes. Our last little reject was the love of our lives.

Op, you're under no pressure. A good rescue wants the dog to fit in happily with your family so you can always take your lucky choice home on a trial basis.

.

Or you can choose not to trawl around other peoples discarded pets and buy the puppy breed of your choice online and know where you stand.

I agree totally that the tone of this is very much skewed - no wonder so many people buy online rather than endure the distain and emotional blackmail that so many rescues thrive ion.

The kennel club recommends a select few breeders of highly expensive show standard dogs - not everyone wants a pedigree or a show standard luxury pet. It’s about time a balance was found between the guilters and extremists. No wonder dogs on ‘these’ sites are sold out within a few days of being put up for sale.

Rescues can be fabulous or a lifetime of restrictions or problems or total nightmares. I know -I’ve dealt with two. Neuroses trained into them from their appalling pasts that not everyone wants to deal with or end up with.

fixerupper2

This might sound like a naive but my wife and I are looking to get (adopt or buy a puppy) We live in the country side and I honestly didn't think we would need to have a fully enclosed garden before getting a pup. We intend to get a small dog which will be sleeping inside.
Do I need to build an enclosure? I don't like the thoughts of restricting the dog as I would like it to be able to roam the entire garden but I cannot secure the entire site.

em_cat

fixerupper2 wrote: »

This might sound like a naive but my wife and I are looking to get (adopt or buy a puppy) We live in the country side and I honestly didn't think we would need to have a fully enclosed garden before getting a pup. We intend to get a small dog which will be sleeping inside.
Do I need to build an enclosure? I don't like the thoughts of restricting the dog as I would like it to be able to roam the entire garden but I cannot secure the entire site.

If you are not prepared to enclose your garden, then you need to properly train impeccable recall & not to cross threshold which are both lifelong training and very few people do it. You’ll also need to train the dog not to chase wildlife or livestock, again not something a lot of people don’t do.

Some rescues will not adopt out dogs without secure gardens for a reason, mostly because they don’t want to be forever picking up a dog they adopted out and also it limits the amount of accidents that a wondering dog can cause and also some rescues are so inundated with abandoned & confiscated puppy farming dogs that it is easier to ban all adoptions to non secure gardens.

Your best off building a nice generous run to keep the dog safe as oppose to thinking of it being denied access to your entire garden.

deadlybuzzman

em_cat wrote: »

If you are not prepared to enclose your garden, then you need to properly train impeccable recall & not to cross threshold which are both lifelong training and very few people do it. You’ll also need to train the dog not to chase wildlife or livestock, again not something a lot of people don’t do.

Some rescues will not adopt out dogs without secure gardens for a reason, mostly because they don’t want to be forever picking up a dog they adopted out and also it limits the amount of accidents that a wondering dog can cause and also some rescues are so inundated with abandoned & confiscated puppy farming dogs that it is easier to ban all adoptions to non secure gardens.

Your best off building a nice generous run to keep the dog safe as oppose to thinking of it being denied access to your entire garden.

I live in the countryside too and I'd second all of this. Also how close are you to the road? Lots of dogs get stolen from gardens and that's aside from the dangers of traffic

hamburgham

JustAThought wrote: »

Not everybody wants someone elses discarded restricted dog as a pet - the shelters are full of them. And not everybody wants somebodys elses high energy discarded dog as a pet - the shelters are full of them. And not everybody, particularly those with children, want the risk of bringing a dog that could be discarded because it is a biter or has significant behavioural issues or gone too long without socialisation or training into their homes. Adopting a dog is admirable and a kind and generous thing to do - but it is not the path for everyone.

And the shelters are full of sad lonely dogs who despite being treated like a piece of dirt are still desperate to have their own human.

Goose76

Hi everyone,

Myself and my partner are hoping to finally get a puppy of our own. We would much prefer to adopt than buy from a breeder but I don't know if we would be approved by many of the adoption centres.

Our home and garden is perfect and weekend-wise, we would be fully devoted to the dog during the week, I would be at home two full days a week. The other three days we would have to do a combination of doggy day-care / a dog walker / dropping the dog to my parents house to be 'babysat' while we are in work. There would potentially be the occasional day where the dog would be at home for most of the day by itself.

However, we will both be working 100% from home until at least autumn, and potentially into early 2021 due to the virus restrictions etc. Therefore the above scenario would only come into play months and months down the line. It may also never even come to that, as who knows - we may be able to work fully from home in the future as employers change their attitudes to remote working as a result of the virus. Of course this is not guaranteed.

would the above scenario be an automatic deal breaker for adoption centres?

charlietheminxx

Goose76 wrote: »

Hi everyone,

Myself and my partner are hoping to finally get a puppy of our own. We would much prefer to adopt than buy from a breeder but I don't know if we would be approved by many of the adoption centres.

Our home and garden is perfect and weekend-wise, we would be fully devoted to the dog during the week, I would be at home two full days a week. The other three days we would have to do a combination of doggy day-care / a dog walker / dropping the dog to my parents house to be 'babysat' while we are in work. There would potentially be the occasional day where the dog would be at home for most of the day by itself.

However, we will both be working 100% from home until at least autumn, and potentially into early 2021 due to the virus restrictions etc. Therefore the above scenario would only come into play months and months down the line. It may also never even come to that, as who knows - we may be able to work fully from home in the future as employers change their attitudes to remote working as a result of the virus. Of course this is not guaranteed.

would the above scenario be an automatic deal breaker for adoption centres?

For a puppy I think it would be. For a slightly older dog, you'll be ok.

Most rescues don't like a dog to be alone for more than around 4 or 5 hours at a time. It sounds like you have your bases covered in that sense. I usually go home at lunch to see my dog and have a quick walk around the block and some fussing. The place I adopted her from were fine with this arrangement, but would not have agreed to it for a puppy.

I personally think it's a bad time to get a puppy as they will only know having you around for constant company and will not get the usual settling in experiences. You may end up with a dog with separation anxiety when you do leave it alone (and you see a lot of these dogs needing to be rehomed). My advice would be to discuss it with a rescue. A puppy probably isn't a good idea and if not, they won't home one with you, but they'll probably have a more confident and settled dog that would love a home like yours.

kg703

Hi Goose,

What you've said won't be a 'deal breaker' if you train the dog well and are willing to invest in doggie walkers / babysitters etc. They will likely recommend an older dog not a puppy though as puppies shouldn't really be left alone for long periods of time. Thats normal circumstances anyway as Charlie mentioned above, getting a dog now and then in a few months time leaving it alone - you will need to put some time into preparing the dog for that as it may suffer separation anxiety when its all of a sudden not seeing you as much. Practice leaving it alone for periods of time during the lockdown period so it's prepared for when you go back to work.

I'd advise a good bit of research and chat to dog owners, dog rescue centres etc before adopting - dogs can be pretty tough work especially those first few weeks. Contact the centres and they'll run through the adoption process with you - I know one for sure will give you a questionnaire anyway and call you to run through it. They'll give you a good idea of where you stand.

And best of luck! Enjoy the new family member