Need Input on Bringing Home a New Dog

[disneyfanatic60]

As posted earlier, we recently lost our beloved 8-year old furbaby to lymphoma three weeks ago. He was a lab-mix that we adopted at 7 months. After much discussion, my children (21/18) really missed having a dog in the house to love and so did I. They began searching after about a week for another dog to rescue. I wasn't sure I wanted to adopt again so quickly.

They found a male yellow lab they both fell in love with and we adopted him on Friday. He was a stray so we don't know much about his background, etc. He was at the SPCA for one week in a rural part of the county and was transferred to the local office on Friday morning. He was examined and appears to be a healthy one year old. We spent a considerable amount of time with him (a few hours) and he was extremely laid back and well behaved. The volunteers at the shelter commented over what a wonderful dog he was. We had the opportunity to watch him with other dogs/cats, children and adults and he was very friendly and well behaved. No jumping, no barking, etc. He patiently stood and allowed everyone to pet him, etc. without any negative reaction at all. He is being neutered on Monday so we'll be able to bring him home on Tuesday.

I'm looking for any comments/suggestions that will allow for a smooth transition not only into a new home but from the SPCA for him. It's been a long time since I've had to deal with issues such a housebreaking (hoping he is at a year old but not certain), behavior issues, etc. We never crated our first dog (he was just such a good dog) but we are wondering if we should begin crate training him and if it's even possible at 1 year old to do so. He will be with someone 24/7 for the first 5 days or so. After that, he'll be alone just a few days a week for small periods of time throughout the day. The most he should be alone is 5-6 hours ocassionally.

So let me have your best suggestions or comments. They would be truly appreciated!

 

[Tigger&Belle]

We did crate our yellow lab lix when we adopted her. She wasn't happy about it at first, but now goes into her crate without a problem and waits for her treat. We have cats, also, and I wanted the cats to have some hours at night when they don't need to worry about being chased and/or played with by Sheena. Also, she will bark at any and everything outside, so having her crated means a quieter household at night.

Sheena was 1 1/2 years old when we adopted her. She had been my sister's dog, but my sister had a bad marriage end and needed to find a home for her dogs, so I took her. My sister drove her all the way from Idaho to Maryland to be with us.

Even though she was housebroken, she still had some accidents at first. Same with our older dog when we first adopted him. So don't panic if your dog has an accident because it doesn't always mean they aren't trained. It's tramatic for them having a new household to get used to, but I'm betting your dog will adjust quickly.

I also leashed our dogs to me in the beginning to see how they would do in the household, with our other pets, and to make sure I was aware if there were any chewing issues. A 1yo lab mix is certainly still a pup and some chew things still at that age. We've been lucky with our dogs as far as that go and they really just chew pencils, pens, etc, so not too bad.

Have fun with your new dog and keep things quiet for a little while. Sounds like things will work out well and that you have a nice dog!

 

[Stacy's a freak]

First, I'm so sorry to hear about your furbaby! A pet (IMHO especially a dog) really becomes a part of your family and losing that family member can be so hard!

I'm excited for you and your to adopt this lab. I have a lab mix too which I adopted as a puppy from the SPCA, and she's wonderful.

A couple of suggestions...

1. Yes, do get a crate. Even if you never close the door, the dog will have a den to hide in he/she feels scared or threatened or just wants to be left alone. Chances are that he/she is living in a crate at the SPCA so it might be a little easier transition if you have one at your house. Also, my lab LOVED to chew things that she was not supposed to (wood, shoes, etc.) for the first 2 years, and the crate solved that problem for me. My lab is now 4+ and has been living crate for for over 2 years without incident.

2. Ask the SPCA is there are any special toys that your new dog played with at the shelter. Maybe they will let you take that toy home with you to help with the transition.

3. Also ask the SPCA what food they were feeding the dog. It might be a good idea to stick with that food for a little while. It's a big transition to a new home which can cause tummy issues (YUK!) so keeping the same food might help a little there.

hmm - those are the only suggestions I can offer. Good luck with your new pet/family member. And again, I'm so sorry for your recent loss

 

[Tigger&Belle]

Oh, one more thing. Maybe you can borrow a crate from someone until you are sure that you will crate train. If you do buy one, make sure that it is big enough for your dog to stand up in and turn around. I'm not sure of the size of our crate, but it folds, which makes it easier to move and to store if we ever didn't use it.

Good idea to find out what food he's been eating. You can transition him to something else, but do it gradually.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I would crate train. Keeps the dog safe and he will feel secure. It also will have you relaxed esp. if behavior issues need to be addressed. Rescue dogs sometimes have "kinks" to work out. Best to start a planned routine from the beginning. It will help the dog adjust better.

Exercise the dog DAILY, in the morning, with a 45 min walk. This will get rid of energy that the pup has and it also establishes a bond with you as part of his pack. Yes it is a pain but it was the best thing we did for our puppies.

When they start "acting up" we take them on a walk. Works like a charm.

Cesar Milan "The Dog Whisperer" recommends exercising the dog BEFORE bringing into your house. It will rid the dog of excess energy and he will enter your home in a more relaxed state.
Then limit his area and let him earn it bit by bit. We had our pups crated or leashed for the first 2 weeks in the house.
They are still slowly earning their way around the house but we have 2 and they get into mischief together. They are about 8 months now.
Most of the time they go into their own crates by themselves to sleep.

Have fun, lot of work but they are so darn cute!

 

[Stacy's a freak]

How about an update, disneyfanatic60? I hope all is going well with your new dog!