Thinking of taking a rescue dog
Discussion
Johnnytheboy said:
Am I right in thinking most rescue places aren't interested in people who are out all day?
They don't look to kindly on it if it's more than 4 hours at a time in my experience but if you can make arrangements to break up the day (come home at lunch or get a walker in etc) they should be fine. Depends on the dog also, some might be fine being left for longer periods.The rescue should state what they find acceptable in their adoption policy.
Johnnytheboy said:
Am I right in thinking most rescue places aren't interested in people who are out all day?
I help out at a dog rescue home (though its in Portugal, not UK).Being out at work for 8 hours or so is not an absolute deal breaker. Its obviously not ideal but you could likely be matched up with a suitable dog, there would probably need to be some compromise on what exactly you were looking for, against what could be matched up with you as suitable though.
If an older dog is going to sleep most of the day, its far better in your house and being fed properly, plenty attention in evenings and weekends etc, than stuck in a dog home totally bored.
If you are out for long periods of times consider having two Dogs. They are pack animals and do not like being alone. I am lucky and never leave then for more than 5 hours. You can also get someone to walk the Dog during the day if you are not able too. There are always solutions to these problems. From the Dogs point of view anything would be better than 23 hours a day in a cage.
johnxjsc1985 said:
If you are out for long periods of times consider having two Dogs. They are pack animals and do not like being alone. I am lucky and never leave then for more than 5 hours. You can also get someone to walk the Dog during the day if you are not able too. There are always solutions to these problems. From the Dogs point of view anything would be better than 23 hours a day in a cage.
Sensible contribution I have to agree.I would previously have been reticent about this but my parents (who are retired, which probably makes a difference, as they are with the dog all day) took on a rescue dog which was supposedly unmanageable and it's as goid as gold. Pretty much sleeps all day other than the odd short walk.
Which suits the dog (a typically lazy but good natured Labrador) fine. Boom boom!
From my parents experience I would say that giving the dog a ridiculously pampered/ settled lifetsyle and a lot of love overcomes most of the perceived issues, although you could of course be unlucky and get a nutter!
Which suits the dog (a typically lazy but good natured Labrador) fine. Boom boom!
From my parents experience I would say that giving the dog a ridiculously pampered/ settled lifetsyle and a lot of love overcomes most of the perceived issues, although you could of course be unlucky and get a nutter!
johnxjsc1985 said:
If you are out for long periods of times consider having two Dogs. They are pack animals and do not like being alone. I am lucky and never leave then for more than 5 hours. You can also get someone to walk the Dog during the day if you are not able too. There are always solutions to these problems. From the Dogs point of view anything would be better than 23 hours a day in a cage.
Absolutely, I'll never have less than two again, they get something from having a doggy companion that they'll never get from us hoomans.85Carrera said:
I would previously have been reticent about this but my parents (who are retired, which probably makes a difference, as they are with the dog all day) took on a rescue dog which was supposedly unmanageable and it's as goid as gold. Pretty much sleeps all day other than the odd short walk.
Which suits the dog (a typically lazy but good natured Labrador) fine. Boom boom!
From my parents experience I would say that giving the dog a ridiculously pampered/ settled lifetsyle and a lot of love overcomes most of the perceived issues, although you could of course be unlucky and get a nutter!
All my Dogs came to us with major problems biting and aggression. they where on Death Row but as usual they proved it was always the owners never the dogs. They are never aggressive with each other or me and having a settled lifestyle as you say is the foundation to having a happy content companion.Which suits the dog (a typically lazy but good natured Labrador) fine. Boom boom!
From my parents experience I would say that giving the dog a ridiculously pampered/ settled lifetsyle and a lot of love overcomes most of the perceived issues, although you could of course be unlucky and get a nutter!
tedmus said:
johnxjsc1985 said:
If you are out for long periods of times consider having two Dogs. They are pack animals and do not like being alone. I am lucky and never leave then for more than 5 hours. You can also get someone to walk the Dog during the day if you are not able too. There are always solutions to these problems. From the Dogs point of view anything would be better than 23 hours a day in a cage.
Absolutely, I'll never have less than two again, they get something from having a doggy companion that they'll never get from us hoomans.In fact I think he resents the intrusion when we're at home.
Even though he's a breed that is known for being happy home alone I can't imagine a rescue place agreeing.
One or two dogs, We decided against a 2nd dog with Jimmy. He was great with other dogs in his home but he was so submissive to them that we worried a even slightly more strong willed dog would inadvertently bully him so didn't chance it.
Bryn would be great with another dog but truth is we can't afford to have two, so he will have to stay a solo dog for the time being. He comes to work 3 days a week with me so spends those days chilling with other staff dogs
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Bryn would be great with another dog but truth is we can't afford to have two, so he will have to stay a solo dog for the time being. He comes to work 3 days a week with me so spends those days chilling with other staff dogs
.Well I went today to dogs trust in West Calder. Lovely place to be fair however I rang 5 times and no answer and it was a 3 hour drive from my house.
When I arrived I explained I had rang the last day and enquired about a couple of their dogs.
On arrival I filled in a `suitability` form and was shown in the direction of the kennels.
The wee dogs I saw online were there however I wasn`t allowed to see them out of their cages as they said they were short staffed and later on they said only staff the dogs knew could take them out. They painted the worst picture possible for the dogs we asked about saying they were boisterous and verging on uncontrollable yet the descriptions were the complete opposite. I mean a 6 hour round trip, I was hoping to at least see one the lead to get a clearer picture and form an opinion. I know it takes time but I get the sense that if I travel again it`ll be a repeat show. I wasn`t expecting to walk a dog, just see one out of the cage.
The dogs themselves, from what we gathered behind the mesh were wagging tails and really happy to have someone near by and talk to them. One kept picking his ball up and dropping it next to me. Another mature couple we met told us that had been rejected in their hope for a spaniel having been told the dog wasn`t for them.
Now, I know the staff have the best interests at heart for the dogs and I understand that they can`t just rehome them to any old Tom, Dick or Harry but they don`t exactly come across as accommodating. The dogs we asked about had be there for a long time. One had been there for a year and a half with no offers of a home but we were told he was the worst dog they had. I mean, he won`t get any offers if they don`t trust anyone or give anyone a chance and it doesn`t help putting that he`s sweet and loving and cute in his description. Maybe it`s part of the process to see if you`re genuinely interested as I dare say there`ll be some dodgy characters in and I understand there needs to be a vetting process.
I`ll try again as I`m still keen to take one in.
When I arrived I explained I had rang the last day and enquired about a couple of their dogs.
On arrival I filled in a `suitability` form and was shown in the direction of the kennels.
The wee dogs I saw online were there however I wasn`t allowed to see them out of their cages as they said they were short staffed and later on they said only staff the dogs knew could take them out. They painted the worst picture possible for the dogs we asked about saying they were boisterous and verging on uncontrollable yet the descriptions were the complete opposite. I mean a 6 hour round trip, I was hoping to at least see one the lead to get a clearer picture and form an opinion. I know it takes time but I get the sense that if I travel again it`ll be a repeat show. I wasn`t expecting to walk a dog, just see one out of the cage.
The dogs themselves, from what we gathered behind the mesh were wagging tails and really happy to have someone near by and talk to them. One kept picking his ball up and dropping it next to me. Another mature couple we met told us that had been rejected in their hope for a spaniel having been told the dog wasn`t for them.
Now, I know the staff have the best interests at heart for the dogs and I understand that they can`t just rehome them to any old Tom, Dick or Harry but they don`t exactly come across as accommodating. The dogs we asked about had be there for a long time. One had been there for a year and a half with no offers of a home but we were told he was the worst dog they had. I mean, he won`t get any offers if they don`t trust anyone or give anyone a chance and it doesn`t help putting that he`s sweet and loving and cute in his description. Maybe it`s part of the process to see if you`re genuinely interested as I dare say there`ll be some dodgy characters in and I understand there needs to be a vetting process.
I`ll try again as I`m still keen to take one in.
Disappointed in this feedback for the Dogs trust. Might be worth making a complaint.
However I hear these scenarios repeated with many charities and I really do think people who run them become too self important and too judgmental. I know they have to be careful and it is their responsibility to get it right but I also believe no dog should spend years in a kennel (dogs trust have dogs that have been kennelled several years 7+) sadly hard as it is I think they should be euthanased if they really cannot see any way to rehome these dogs. They are a charity afterall and their funds aren't limitless and neither is their space and it just doesn't seem right.
I hope you get more joy on your next attempt. There will be a dog (or two) out there for you
However I hear these scenarios repeated with many charities and I really do think people who run them become too self important and too judgmental. I know they have to be careful and it is their responsibility to get it right but I also believe no dog should spend years in a kennel (dogs trust have dogs that have been kennelled several years 7+) sadly hard as it is I think they should be euthanased if they really cannot see any way to rehome these dogs. They are a charity afterall and their funds aren't limitless and neither is their space and it just doesn't seem right.
I hope you get more joy on your next attempt. There will be a dog (or two) out there for you
bigkeeko said:
They painted the worst picture possible for the dogs we asked about saying they were boisterous and verging on uncontrollable yet the descriptions were the complete opposite.
We heard the very same warnings, I think it's to weed people out who are a bit fickle. When we were there they had all sorts of idiots trying it on. Fugazi said:
bigkeeko said:
They painted the worst picture possible for the dogs we asked about saying they were boisterous and verging on uncontrollable yet the descriptions were the complete opposite.
We heard the very same warnings, I think it's to weed people out who are a bit fickle. When we were there they had all sorts of idiots trying it on. Greyhound rescues seem to be a bit more flexible.
bexVN said:
Possibly but I have had 3 colleagues turned down (all qualified vet nurses) because they worked, even though they could bring the dogs to work with them and with one of them her partner worked shifts and another had family that could help if ever needed!
Sounds a bit strict but what can you do? I`ve had dogs all of my life and the breeds I viewed I have an in depth understanding of. Even if am rejected ( and that would be pretty crazy and glaringly evident of a poor system) I could buy one and start from scratch as I always have done so all is not lost.bigkeeko said:
Well I went today to dogs trust in West Calder. Lovely place to be fair however I rang 5 times and no answer and it was a 3 hour drive from my house.
When I arrived I explained I had rang the last day and enquired about a couple of their dogs.
On arrival I filled in a `suitability` form and was shown in the direction of the kennels.
The wee dogs I saw online were there however I wasn`t allowed to see them out of their cages as they said they were short staffed and later on they said only staff the dogs knew could take them out. They painted the worst picture possible for the dogs we asked about saying they were boisterous and verging on uncontrollable yet the descriptions were the complete opposite. I mean a 6 hour round trip, I was hoping to at least see one the lead to get a clearer picture and form an opinion. I know it takes time but I get the sense that if I travel again it`ll be a repeat show. I wasn`t expecting to walk a dog, just see one out of the cage.
The dogs themselves, from what we gathered behind the mesh were wagging tails and really happy to have someone near by and talk to them. One kept picking his ball up and dropping it next to me. Another mature couple we met told us that had been rejected in their hope for a spaniel having been told the dog wasn`t for them.
Now, I know the staff have the best interests at heart for the dogs and I understand that they can`t just rehome them to any old Tom, Dick or Harry but they don`t exactly come across as accommodating. The dogs we asked about had be there for a long time. One had been there for a year and a half with no offers of a home but we were told he was the worst dog they had. I mean, he won`t get any offers if they don`t trust anyone or give anyone a chance and it doesn`t help putting that he`s sweet and loving and cute in his description. Maybe it`s part of the process to see if you`re genuinely interested as I dare say there`ll be some dodgy characters in and I understand there needs to be a vetting process.
I`ll try again as I`m still keen to take one in.
It really pisses me off when I read posts like this When I arrived I explained I had rang the last day and enquired about a couple of their dogs.
On arrival I filled in a `suitability` form and was shown in the direction of the kennels.
The wee dogs I saw online were there however I wasn`t allowed to see them out of their cages as they said they were short staffed and later on they said only staff the dogs knew could take them out. They painted the worst picture possible for the dogs we asked about saying they were boisterous and verging on uncontrollable yet the descriptions were the complete opposite. I mean a 6 hour round trip, I was hoping to at least see one the lead to get a clearer picture and form an opinion. I know it takes time but I get the sense that if I travel again it`ll be a repeat show. I wasn`t expecting to walk a dog, just see one out of the cage.
The dogs themselves, from what we gathered behind the mesh were wagging tails and really happy to have someone near by and talk to them. One kept picking his ball up and dropping it next to me. Another mature couple we met told us that had been rejected in their hope for a spaniel having been told the dog wasn`t for them.
Now, I know the staff have the best interests at heart for the dogs and I understand that they can`t just rehome them to any old Tom, Dick or Harry but they don`t exactly come across as accommodating. The dogs we asked about had be there for a long time. One had been there for a year and a half with no offers of a home but we were told he was the worst dog they had. I mean, he won`t get any offers if they don`t trust anyone or give anyone a chance and it doesn`t help putting that he`s sweet and loving and cute in his description. Maybe it`s part of the process to see if you`re genuinely interested as I dare say there`ll be some dodgy characters in and I understand there needs to be a vetting process.
I`ll try again as I`m still keen to take one in.
Its like some rescue homes seem desperate to send potential dog owners straight to a puppy breeder from Gumtree who'll hand them a dog with no issues whatsoever, when a suitable rescue dog could have been placed with them. I think they need to stop looking for the 'perfect home' for each dog, and start thinking from the point of view of 'is this home on offer better than being stuck in a kennel'. If yes, the dog should be going out there and freeing up space for another one to come in.The rescue dog I've got out on trial just now (pics posted on the first page of this thread) continues to be brilliant.... he's loving having the 2 kids to play with constantly. We just need to sort the paperwork and he'll be off home. I wonder how he'll like the climate change, going from the sunny Algarve where he can sleep outside if he wants, to freezing Scotland
7am and I just woke up and tried to take him and the other 3 dogs (babysitting my ex's Jack Russell along with my own 2 currently) out for a piss.... they all looked at me as if I was crazy and all immediately got back in my bed without going out
KFC said:
I help out at a dog rescue home (though its in Portugal, not UK).
Being out at work for 8 hours or so is not an absolute deal breaker. Its obviously not ideal but you could likely be matched up with a suitable dog, there would probably need to be some compromise on what exactly you were looking for, against what could be matched up with you as suitable though.
If an older dog is going to sleep most of the day, its far better in your house and being fed properly, plenty attention in evenings and weekends etc, than stuck in a dog home totally bored.
This is quite a controversial topic for dog owners. As soon as you say you work full time, don't expect a warm reception from kennels. We certainly didn't get one. Being out at work for 8 hours or so is not an absolute deal breaker. Its obviously not ideal but you could likely be matched up with a suitable dog, there would probably need to be some compromise on what exactly you were looking for, against what could be matched up with you as suitable though.
If an older dog is going to sleep most of the day, its far better in your house and being fed properly, plenty attention in evenings and weekends etc, than stuck in a dog home totally bored.
We both work full time and leave Herbie (Greyhound) at home all day and he is fine. We walk him first thing in the morning and the Mrs walks him as soon as she gets home. We did contemplate two, but this is our first dog and we didn't want to go overboard and I think two would be a bit much. Also Two greyhounds in the house is a lot of dog!!
Also, its never 8 hours. Its usually something like 8-10 for f/t workers as we have to get to and from work. Herbie does 9 and sleeps all day. Its a greyhound specialty. Other breeds can do it, but there is obviously an element of luck involved. With the aid of camera, you sill soon find out if the dog can't do it.
Having said all this is the OP a full time worker??
bakerstreet said:
Having said all this is the OP a full time worker??
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