Taking on a dog.

[FishOutOfWater]

I’m in the position where I’m taking on a dog. He’s a 2 year old bullsmstiff called Doug. He’s a lovely dog. But not without issues.

He’s my former family dog. However as I’m splitting with my wife there’s no longer that family unit. She isn’t in a position where she can’t care for Doug so the responsibility falls to me. The issue is she is the dog person in this scenario. I didn’t really have a lot to do with it. So whilst I’m fine with the day to day. Training etc isn’t something I’m comfortable with.

Doug is coming to live with me and my dad. What’s the best way to adjust him to his new life? He’s house trained but will have regular accidents. He’s not neutered (will be sorting that) so he scent marks. Any tips for preventing this until i can get him “done”?

[PositronicRay]

FishOutOfWater said:

I’m in the position where I’m taking on a dog. He’s a 2 year old bullsmstiff called Doug. He’s a lovely dog. But not without issues.

He’s my former family dog. However as I’m splitting with my wife there’s no longer that family unit. She isn’t in a position where she can’t care for Doug so the responsibility falls to me. The issue is she is the dog person in this scenario. I didn’t really have a lot to do with it. So whilst I’m fine with the day to day. Training etc isn’t something I’m comfortable with.

Doug is coming to live with me and my dad. What’s the best way to adjust him to his new life? He’s house trained but will have regular accidents. He’s not neutered (will be sorting that) so he scent marks. Any tips for preventing this until i can get him “done”?

I'd involve a trainer (they'll be training you as much as Doug). Get dad involved too so the household is on the same page.

[Jasandjules]

We have rescued a few dogs over the years.

One we had met for maybe 30 minutes then a couple of years later he was simply dropped off at our house.

Another was taken to a shelter, then she got bundled into the back of our car. The people in the shelter were too scared of her to put her in so I had to do it.....

Once home, we just let them settle, do what they want to do. Also generally get them out for a long(ish) walk as soon as you can, tire them out.

I do not think it takes long for dogs to know where they belong. At least the dog knows you, I think he should be fine.

[NAAHD]

Nice and slowly. Don’t force anything and after a few days they typically open up. After weeks you see a different dog and after months they’re part of the furniture. Since you already know him, you’re a few steps ahead. When I took a dog in, I had to feed him by hand for the first few weeks and on occasion for the first year or so. Whenever he does something that pleases you, give him a bit of praise. Just show him some love and learn as you go. Since he’s not a young pup, you’ve saved a lot of headaches and cleanup

[Youforreal.]

Tbh if your heart isn’t in it the dog will know, possibly see about getting him re homed with a family that really want him, just being honest