Adopting a dog known to us - help
Discussion
Sorry for the length of this however it has been sprung on us and I don't know many dog owners personally!
Circumstances - We were going to adopt a cat, as discussed elsewhere on here, however the owner of the dog is completely fed up and not in a position to carry on caring for it, from circumstances outside of his control. The current owner is a close family member and I know/love the dog. We are a normal mid 20's couple who work all week and live in a small house the garden is a normal size.
The dog - Lab cross we think with an Alsatian. 4 years old. not trained (bit of an issue) will sit but that is it, constantly pulls on the lead, will chase other dogs due to excitement. He is being friendly but he is big and clearly scares other dogs and their owners, to be clear he has never been aggressive, worst was he tried humping a pug the owner was mortified. In good physical condition, I will take him to my vets for a once over anyway. He currently lives all day outside pretty much alone (lovely big garden). He has not been neutered (if it will calm him down I will get this done).
The plan - Take the dog on. Spend time with him and give him attention,exercise him properly. Get him trained to a level where he isn't a worry and will obey a command. I can take him to work, however he will have to spend up to an hour in the van alone early in the morning, no idea how that will go. He will be in the house at night and when we are out for short periods, in the garden/shed (I can convert a part of the summerhouse for him, it will be dry and warm).
I am looking for your opinions and thoughts. My main worries are the training and the hour alone in the van each day. He is such a nice dog just very big and powerful, he is keen to please and very aware of humans so hope he will be trainable!
Circumstances - We were going to adopt a cat, as discussed elsewhere on here, however the owner of the dog is completely fed up and not in a position to carry on caring for it, from circumstances outside of his control. The current owner is a close family member and I know/love the dog. We are a normal mid 20's couple who work all week and live in a small house the garden is a normal size.
The dog - Lab cross we think with an Alsatian. 4 years old. not trained (bit of an issue) will sit but that is it, constantly pulls on the lead, will chase other dogs due to excitement. He is being friendly but he is big and clearly scares other dogs and their owners, to be clear he has never been aggressive, worst was he tried humping a pug the owner was mortified. In good physical condition, I will take him to my vets for a once over anyway. He currently lives all day outside pretty much alone (lovely big garden). He has not been neutered (if it will calm him down I will get this done).
The plan - Take the dog on. Spend time with him and give him attention,exercise him properly. Get him trained to a level where he isn't a worry and will obey a command. I can take him to work, however he will have to spend up to an hour in the van alone early in the morning, no idea how that will go. He will be in the house at night and when we are out for short periods, in the garden/shed (I can convert a part of the summerhouse for him, it will be dry and warm).
I am looking for your opinions and thoughts. My main worries are the training and the hour alone in the van each day. He is such a nice dog just very big and powerful, he is keen to please and very aware of humans so hope he will be trainable!
garythesign said:
Hi Josh.
I would only do this if 1) you are an experienced dog owner and 2) you have the time available to dedicate to the dogs training.
A four year old untrained large strong dog is not something I would like to take on.
Good luck with your decision
I am not an experienced dog owner.I would only do this if 1) you are an experienced dog owner and 2) you have the time available to dedicate to the dogs training.
A four year old untrained large strong dog is not something I would like to take on.
Good luck with your decision
I would be dedicating plenty of time to training him (if its possible)?!!
He is strong but wants to please so controllable! He's not charging around the house for example, he will sit in his bed if told!
Got any thoughts on leaving him in the van for 1hr?
Thanks for the reply!
garythesign said:
Hi Josh.
I would only do this if 1) you are an experienced dog owner and 2) you have the time available to dedicate to the dogs training.
A four year old untrained large strong dog is not something I would like to take on.
Good luck with your decision
I echo this.I would only do this if 1) you are an experienced dog owner and 2) you have the time available to dedicate to the dogs training.
A four year old untrained large strong dog is not something I would like to take on.
Good luck with your decision
The subtext of your post is that it's a "difficult" dog, certainly difficult enough that the current owner wants rid.
Do not underestimate the amount of work that would be required - it isn't going to be as simple as teaching them to sit / stay and then that being enough. It's going to be working to undo the last 4 years.
joshcowin said:
I am not an experienced dog owner.
I would be dedicating plenty of time to training him (if its possible)?!!
He is strong but wants to please so controllable! He's not charging around the house for example, he will sit in his bed if told!
Got any thoughts on leaving him in the van for 1hr?
Thanks for the reply!
All my dogs came to work in the back of the van.I would be dedicating plenty of time to training him (if its possible)?!!
He is strong but wants to please so controllable! He's not charging around the house for example, he will sit in his bed if told!
Got any thoughts on leaving him in the van for 1hr?
Thanks for the reply!
They often stayed there for periods of time with no problems.
HOWEVER this was after they had been trained, socialised and didn’t suffer from separation anxiety.
My first dog was a rescue, with a lot of baggage. Whilst I loved her to bits, she was not easy!
I think you will receive a mixture of advice regarding taking on this dog.
This is because we are thinking of what is right for the dog.
Please think of the dog first. They deserve that you make the right decision
Jakg said:
I echo this.
The subtext of your post is that it's a "difficult" dog, certainly difficult enough that the current owner wants rid.
Do not underestimate the amount of work that would be required - it isn't going to be as simple as teaching them to sit / stay and then that being enough. It's going to be working to undo the last 4 years.
Health issues are the reason. Wont get into it here. The subtext of your post is that it's a "difficult" dog, certainly difficult enough that the current owner wants rid.
Do not underestimate the amount of work that would be required - it isn't going to be as simple as teaching them to sit / stay and then that being enough. It's going to be working to undo the last 4 years.
I may have over egged this, he will sit on command, he is not some nut case dog just a 4 year old lab with energy. I was trying to get across that he has had no formal training and lives a pretty care free life at present. Although I think he craves attention and human contact.
I want him to be well trained, as you rightly say the time is the daunting thing! I was also wondering if it is to late for a 4 year old dog?
garythesign said:
All my dogs came to work in the back of the van.
They often stayed there for periods of time with no problems.
HOWEVER this was after they had been trained, socialised and didn’t suffer from separation anxiety.
My first dog was a rescue, with a lot of baggage. Whilst I loved her to bits, she was not easy!
I think you will receive a mixture of advice regarding taking on this dog.
This is because we are thinking of what is right for the dog.
Please think of the dog first. They deserve that you make the right decision
Good to hear the van thing may work.They often stayed there for periods of time with no problems.
HOWEVER this was after they had been trained, socialised and didn’t suffer from separation anxiety.
My first dog was a rescue, with a lot of baggage. Whilst I loved her to bits, she was not easy!
I think you will receive a mixture of advice regarding taking on this dog.
This is because we are thinking of what is right for the dog.
Please think of the dog first. They deserve that you make the right decision
This dog is currently left for 6+ hours a day outside, he is not afraid of being separated for 1 hr. I personally think more contact/time with humans will be good for him! He would be in the office all day and walked twice a day (this would be training time)
I am also thinking what is right for the dog hence why I am contemplating making massive changes in my life to adopt him!
At 4 years old he should still be very trainable, particularly if as you say he is keen to please, a handy trait in a dog. The energy will be a lack of routine and exercise, if you can offer him structure and the time he needs then he may have a lifelong companion.
As the others have said, it wont be easy, lots of patience, many miss haps, a Julius K9 or similar harness will help with lead control, as will regular lead training.
Really though, only you know if you are up to this, there are plenty dog behavioursit/trainer type people who can come to you house and work with you and the dog together to get you up to speed as well, as you have no experience it could be a worthwhile expense to make sure you aren't getting off on the wrong foot. I would deffo have him "done" as well, will help you (and him) long term.
As the others have said, it wont be easy, lots of patience, many miss haps, a Julius K9 or similar harness will help with lead control, as will regular lead training.
Really though, only you know if you are up to this, there are plenty dog behavioursit/trainer type people who can come to you house and work with you and the dog together to get you up to speed as well, as you have no experience it could be a worthwhile expense to make sure you aren't getting off on the wrong foot. I would deffo have him "done" as well, will help you (and him) long term.
garythesign said:
Hi Josh.
I would only do this if 1) you are an experienced dog owner and 2) you have the time available to dedicate to the dogs training.
A four year old untrained large strong dog is not something I would like to take on.
Good luck with your decision
Agree 100% with this. Before you make a final decision I would suggest paying a professional dog trainer to give you his/her assessment of how much work they believe is needed to get this dog to a suitable/safe trained, under control pet!I would only do this if 1) you are an experienced dog owner and 2) you have the time available to dedicate to the dogs training.
A four year old untrained large strong dog is not something I would like to take on.
Good luck with your decision
What happened to the Maine Coon?
geeks said:
At 4 years old he should still be very trainable, particularly if as you say he is keen to please, a handy trait in a dog. The energy will be a lack of routine and exercise, if you can offer him structure and the time he needs then he may have a lifelong companion.
As the others have said, it wont be easy, lots of patience, many miss haps, a Julius K9 or similar harness will help with lead control, as will regular lead training.
Really though, only you know if you are up to this, there are plenty dog behavioursit/trainer type people who can come to you house and work with you and the dog together to get you up to speed as well, as you have no experience it could be a worthwhile expense to make sure you aren't getting off on the wrong foot. I would deffo have him "done" as well, will help you (and him) long term.
The fact he is still trainable is great. My life is very structured and he would spend 5 days a week with me 100% so that may help.As the others have said, it wont be easy, lots of patience, many miss haps, a Julius K9 or similar harness will help with lead control, as will regular lead training.
Really though, only you know if you are up to this, there are plenty dog behavioursit/trainer type people who can come to you house and work with you and the dog together to get you up to speed as well, as you have no experience it could be a worthwhile expense to make sure you aren't getting off on the wrong foot. I would deffo have him "done" as well, will help you (and him) long term.
Yes he currently has a choker chain, I have no issue with this as the only person who takes him on the lead is me and I am not yanking it around, however it doesn't work for training, I will have a look at the Julius K9 many thanks.
We already have a strong bond as I spend a fair amount of time with him! Its said in the family that me and the wife are his favourites!
As for neutering thanks for your opinion, do you think let him settle (if we have him) and get it done later on?
Get a head collar. Anything untrained with German Shep in it will pull like a train at the age of 4. A head collar will tame this, instantly, You can them work on not getting it to pull through training.
If you love the dog, and have time for it, you will be fine. I would get some sessions with a dog trainer, with the right technique, the dog will learn very fast. Our 8 year old shep can learn new things.
If you love the dog, and have time for it, you will be fine. I would get some sessions with a dog trainer, with the right technique, the dog will learn very fast. Our 8 year old shep can learn new things.
rxe said:
Get a head collar. Anything untrained with German Shep in it will pull like a train at the age of 4. A head collar will tame this, instantly, You can them work on not getting it to pull through training.
If you love the dog, and have time for it, you will be fine. I would get some sessions with a dog trainer, with the right technique, the dog will learn very fast. Our 8 year old shep can learn new things.
echo this, van issue is not one necessarily, my rescue dog loved his car, really loved being in there even with doors open. If the dog bonds and you can learn and teach then it sounds a potentially great idea. Downside 4 year old big dog with new family. Upside dog adopts you and decides to make it work. Get advice as soon as you feel stuff isn't working, don't let problem behaviour become ingrained. If you love the dog, and have time for it, you will be fine. I would get some sessions with a dog trainer, with the right technique, the dog will learn very fast. Our 8 year old shep can learn new things.
Neutering may help, depends on the dog and behaviour, but probably a good idea generally.
Good luck, adoption of a problem that then becomes a blessing is such a good feeling
Thanks for the last 2 replies!
He has stayed here before for a week and adapted well, even calmed down a little! However it wasn’t long enough to engrain new behaviour!
I will have to get used to the grass being churned up oh and having a dog at my side all day, I am excited tbh, my wife not so much due to the additional cleaning!
Might give it a go next week! I’d let him get settled here and then send him for the chop? Don’t think I would do it all at once, too much in one go for the lad!
He has stayed here before for a week and adapted well, even calmed down a little! However it wasn’t long enough to engrain new behaviour!
I will have to get used to the grass being churned up oh and having a dog at my side all day, I am excited tbh, my wife not so much due to the additional cleaning!
Might give it a go next week! I’d let him get settled here and then send him for the chop? Don’t think I would do it all at once, too much in one go for the lad!
Lots of good advise above, I'd also add that I believe your wife needs to be involved.
Mine feeds our Lab in the morning, I feed him in the evening. I walk him during the week, she does more of the walking on weekends. When our grandson comes to stay he feeds the dog.
We do this so he knows his place in "our pack".
There will be nothing worse than if a year down the line he decides he is higher in the pack order than your wife.
Mine feeds our Lab in the morning, I feed him in the evening. I walk him during the week, she does more of the walking on weekends. When our grandson comes to stay he feeds the dog.
We do this so he knows his place in "our pack".
There will be nothing worse than if a year down the line he decides he is higher in the pack order than your wife.
From what you describe there is nothing that would worry me about his behaviour. Sounds just untrained with no leadership or vent for his energy.
A few points though *do not* get him neutered as soon as you get him. He will be going through a big upheaval, suddenly changing something in his body will not help that and may leave you with some unexpected consequences.
Dont use a harness like a Julius K9, as they brace across the chest and secure at the back the dog can get his full weight behind it. In an untrained big dog that will lead to him taking you for a walk not vice versa.
Treat him like a puppy and start from the beggining and you will be fine. You may get a rebellion once he becomes settled if he decides to challenge your authority. Doesnt always happen but it could, its just a casesl of keeping consistent.
A few points though *do not* get him neutered as soon as you get him. He will be going through a big upheaval, suddenly changing something in his body will not help that and may leave you with some unexpected consequences.
Dont use a harness like a Julius K9, as they brace across the chest and secure at the back the dog can get his full weight behind it. In an untrained big dog that will lead to him taking you for a walk not vice versa.
Treat him like a puppy and start from the beggining and you will be fine. You may get a rebellion once he becomes settled if he decides to challenge your authority. Doesnt always happen but it could, its just a casesl of keeping consistent.
garythesign said:
Hi Josh.
I would only do this if 1) you are an experienced dog owner and 2) you have the time available to dedicate to the dogs training.
A four year old untrained large strong dog is not something I would like to take on.
Good luck with your decision
We took on a 3 year old ex racing Greyhound and he was a big dog. We survived. Very different breed though. I would only do this if 1) you are an experienced dog owner and 2) you have the time available to dedicate to the dogs training.
A four year old untrained large strong dog is not something I would like to take on.
Good luck with your decision
bakerstreet said:
We took on a 3 year old ex racing Greyhound and he was a big dog. We survived. Very different breed though.
A greyhound is a (pun not intended) completely different animal.Greyhounds are nearly always ex-racers dumped by their breeders because they are no longer useful - whereas a rescue dog might have a much more complex (= challenging) history.
They are also lovely
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