Four Paws Animal Rescue
Find your new companion => Dogs looking for homes => Foster Dogs Looking for Homes => Topic started by: Bunter on November 22, 2010, 09:24:14 AM
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What experience do you have?
Many dogs need both mental and physical exercise to keep them happy and fulfilled. They will not be happy with a ten minute walk and are likely to develop behavioural problems if not given both the mental and physical activity that they require. While experience is not essential for all dogs, many would be better suited to people who have had previous experience, perhaps of the breed. Please consider the age and breed of the dog and whether you can give that dog all that it needs.
Who will be the main carer?
In many cases the majority of the dog's care falls to one person. Is this person happy that they have the time and energy to devote to the dog? In families with children it is often mum who has to look after both the children and the dog. The dog is like having another child in the family with requirements of its own. Some breeds are slow to mature. In many cases this is at least three years old.
Do you work?
Dogs need your time and attention and should not be left alone for long periods of time or they may become bored and frustrated. They are then likely to start to make their own entertainment! If all adults in the house work have you considered how you will ensure that the dog is cared for (dog day care, dog walkers etc).
Is your garden secure?
Some breeds are a very agile and others are escape artists. You need to ensure that your garden is safe and the dog cannot get out.
Are there any children/grandchildren in the house (including regular visitors)?
Great care must be taken where children are involved. Before taking on a dog it is important that you consider how any children are likely to treat the dog. Everyone likes to think that their children are little angels but you need to be sure that your child will not torment the dog and will give it its own space when required.
Have you any other pets?
When taking on a dog you need to consider other pets in the house. These are your responsibility too and you need to be confident that they will not be too upset by the introduction of a dog into your house. Can your other pets be kept safe and out of the way of a dog if necessary? If your other pet is a dog, how do they get on with other dogs that visit the house?
Are you willing to work on training a dog?
All dogs need to be trained, whatever their background. Have you the time, patience and skills needed to work on training the dog and resolving any behavioral issues? Are you willing to take professional advice if you need to? If these issues cannot be resolved would you be able to live with a dog with less than perfect behaviour?
Can you give a dog the exercise it needs?
Many dogs needs a lot of exercise and will need walking everyday regardless of how busy you are or how bad the weather is.
Can you cope with the dirt?
Dogs can bring in a lot of dirt especially in the winter. When a dog shakes dirt and dust will fly all around the house. Can you live with this?
What are your future plans?
A dog is for life. Depending on the dog's age and breed that can mean around 15 years commitment on your part. You need to be sure that you can include your dog in any future plans you make and not let it down when it suits you.
The Meaning of Rescue
Now that I'm home, bathed, settled and fed,
All nicely tucked up in my warm new bed,
I'd like to open my baggage, lest I forget,
There is so much to carry, so much to forget.
Hmm….. there it is, right on the top,
Let's unpack Loneliness, Heartache and Loss,
And there by my leash hides Fear and Shame,
As I look on these things I tried so hard to leave,
I still have to unpack my baggage called Pain.
I loved them, the others, the ones who left me,
But I wasn't good enough, for they didn't want me,
Will you add to my baggage?
Will you help me unpack?
Or will you just look at my things
And send me right back?
Do you have the time to help me unpack?
To put away my baggage, to never repack?
I pray that you do, I'm so tired you see,
But I do come with baggage,
Will you still want me?
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No one has commented on this, but I am so glad this has been posted as I feel people should really think before they take a dog regarding the question "what are your future plans". So many dogs are returned (back to charities, or just dumped) because circumstances change. A home checker can not reasonably be expected to ask "what are you plans for the future", but you as a prospective owner should think about the impact of kids, new job, holidays etc etc, your new dog hopes you have thought of everything and certainly is hoping you are not going to push them aside at the first sign of a problem as is our "disposable" way of life is now a days.
We never put our last dog into kennels so for the first time in 11 years had a holiday abroad, which we enjoyed (maybe it was the not having to put up with three in the bed ;D) and as we did not have a dog at that time we booked and paid a substantial deposit for another holiday and promised ourselves if we got another dog "things would be different" we would put them in a good kennels. We adopted Sally and surprise, surprise no way will we treat her any differently to our other dog as she is spooked by lots of dog noise around her as our visit to Pembrey Show testified, so instead of Gran Canaria in March - its Dumfries for us so we can all be together. Granted this isnt something you would expect everyone to do as other dogs can cope in kennels, but the point of the statement is you can not just "change your mind" after then event because the dog isnt fitting in with your lifestyle you need to think beyond the first few months and the rest of the dogs life as the article states.
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I agree too, having had two dogs before the 2 children come along it is hard work having both. Having to be constantly watchful, making sure both respect each other, plus the time commitments. Even with two adults it's a logistical nightmare going out on family walks, though I hope it gets better... Being on mum forums I've often seen people thinking about having a puppy when they are on maternity leave as they will be around... but I really would not suggest this in the slightest! Having a newborn is very time consuming and made things more difficult with established dogs who didn't need toilet training, socialising etc. Trying to manage a teething puppy that needs toilet training, socialising, lead walking etc with a small child is just a recipe for disaster for most.
Having dogs and children is a joy, but one that needs to be taken on fully knowing the hard work and time that is involved. Our dogs have sometimes had to have less walks, but they are mentally stimulated, loved and now get extra treats from the 2 year old. You need to be sure that you and your dogs can be flexible in the busy times...
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Please think long and hard before getting a dog.
Press Release from University of Bristol - One in five puppy buyers no longer have their pet two years later (http://www.bris.ac.uk/news/2011/7448.html)
Depressing reading :(
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Blimey that's a very high number :cryblow:
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I would never have thought it was that high it is disgusting I remember when 101 Dalmation film was out and everyone wanted a Dalmation and most of them ended up in rescue
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That's very depressing reading :(
Wonder what the stats are for people who get a pup from rescue - hopefully much better.
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That's a really high number :(
A number of people I've spoken to whilst at events have often said to me that they were thinking of having a Labrador as a pet as they're good family pets -
Yes they are BUT you have to go through puppy-hood to get there as they are one of the dog's that Bunter mentions as taking time to 'grow up'
A Labrador puppy remains boisterous till it's around 3 or 4 years of age. They are a clumsy breed and will regularly knock things over including adults and children.
My first Lab chewed the edges off furniture if left alone for any length of time just because he was bored :-\
Younger children can find Lab's daunting as they are a solid breed - my grandson got nervous for a while around their family Lab and mine because once they start playing that's all they think of and if someone's in their way .. well you can find yourself on your backside ::) :rofl:
My daughter taught her dog that if she left the room so did she so that the dog was never left untended with the childen.
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aww shes beautiful :inlove:
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Hi Rachel, how very sweet.......you should have seen the state of my 2 when I first had them, but with tender love and care they have both like yours become the most wonderful adorable pets anyone could wish for :luv:
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Yep, not rocket science is it?................ just normal things like love, tlc & sometimes lots of patience :hug: :inlove: