Anyone adopt a dog before?

[TheBlueWave]

So I'm trying to adopt this one year old Golden mix named Trucker. He's a nice lookin feller, ain't he?

Anyways, they are going to send someone out to my house to evaluate me and try to match me up with a pooch. I really want this dog, though. I don't know why, I just do.
I live with my brother. We're both runners, and I'm a big outdoorsman, both good things for a dog. My folks also are dog lovers and both of them walk all the time all over the place. Basically, the dog would not be alone too much and would get TONS of exercise. Plus, I'm a serious believer that dogs only need three things: discipline, affection, and exercise. I know a reputable dog trainer, I have read Ceasar's books....

Is there anything I should avoid saying, or anything I should do to my house, other than make sure its spic and span? I have a guy coming to install a little fencing to finish off my yard when the ground thaws.

Any advice would be appreciated, guys. If I don't get trucker, I plan to keep on trying to get a furry buddy, I prefer adoption, but a pup wouldn't be so bad, either.

 

[Even Steven]

I understand why someone would want to make sure that the dog is going to a good home, but in reality they are probably just making sure that you have the basics covered--ability to keep the dog fed and sheltered.

I mean, seriously...with all the low life jackasses out there who either abuse dogs or fight them, or leave them tied to a fence practically starving, I'd think that most dogs would be happy to have a warm place to stay a bowl full of food every day.

The fact that you're an active person and will provide the dog with a great life is a bonus, so I'm sure you can just be yourself and not worry too much about being rejected.

BTW, other than one purebred Dalmatian, every dog I've owned has been adopted (or "rescued) from a shelter. My current dog is a black lab mix (not sure though, probably some sort of Bull Terrier) and she loves hiking, swimming, or whatever else we decide to go on the weekends. Your future dog looks like the type of dog to like shit like that...

 

[rook]

No sweat, man! They will take one look at your 4Runner and say "he's good"! :biggrin2:

If you have read Ceasar's book, then you will be fine. He lays a good foundation for raising a dog. When a shelter releases a dog, they want to ensure it is going to a good home. They do not want to take the dog back after placing it.

I don't think you have to worry about "what to say" . Take the time to talk to them, ask them what things you can do to make the dogs transition a smooth one. You are about to adopt a loyal friend. I wish you well.

 

[jharris2]

Only other thing I'd add is no different than a job interview or anything else similar. Just be yourself -- relax, be polite and engaged in the conversation, and don't put on any "fronts." An experienced person can see through an act in a heartbeat. And the person coming out probably has the mindset that they really want things to go well, not that they are trying to find fault.

And good luck!

 

[Jeff Kleb]

I once adopted a Lab-Pointer mix from a shelter back in early 1995. She was a great dog, survived a near-fatal case of Parvo (50% mortality rate for puppies) when she was four months old and provided endless love, fun and laughs.

After having her for about six months, we got a second dog (all Black Lab) that was six or seven weeks old. We got him free because the owner wanted yellow puppies and all seven came out black as coal. He's been a great dog!


My female passed away last spring at the ripe old age of 12 1/2 years. My son and ex-wife buried her in their back yard (as I was on the road at the time), so she will run around her territory for all eternity.


The male (just under 90 pounds) is still around and will be thirteen in July. He missed her a lot and was sad for about a week or so, but eventually forgot about her and has adjusted well to living alone (as dogs don't have a human-sized brain or memory).

You can't go wrong with a retriever-type dog from a shelter. They're very hardy, sturdy and loving dogs; and will also be less likely to develop diseases that often afflict pure-breds (hip dysplasia, etc.). They're also great with kids and will put up with a lot of "teasing" by youngsters that smaller dogs might not tolerate.

You'll be fine with the people coming to your house. Believe me, they just want to ensure that the pooch is getting a good home.


P.S. A dog is nothing but 100% unconditional love!


-- Dogs have owners. Cats have staff. --

 

[rook]

P.S. A dog is nothing but 100% unconditional love!

X2

 

[TheBlueWave]

Thanks for the advice all. I planned on just chillin out and being myself, telling the truth, etc.
I just didn't want to be that guy who asks if everyone works on President's Day during an interview. Meaning that I say or ask something bad without that intention.
You all actually eased my mind.

 

[jwa898]

Just show whoever comes your 4Runner's ability to roll down the back window which is great for a dog


cute dog, and good luck, I'm sure you'll get him and he will have a great home. Keep us informed

 

[jrs2]

I've adopted several dogs from shelters, they've all been great dogs (aren't most dogs great?). The shelter people are just looking out for the dog, they want to make sure he gets a good, permanent home. You sound like you'll pass the test.

I have a male dog now. We lost his female companion 2 1/2 months ago to cancer and he still misses her. Actively checking the local shelters for another female. It's great adopting shelter dogs, they really do appreciate you giving them a good home.

Dogs love riding in the back of 4Runners.

Good luck to you and Trucker, he looks like a good boy.

 

[jharris2]

Thanks for the advice all. I planned on just chillin out and being myself, telling the truth, etc.
I just didn't want to be that guy who asks if everyone works on President's Day during an interview. Meaning that I say or ask something bad without that intention.
You all actually eased my mind.

So what happened during the visit??

 

[TheBlueWave]

I'm good to go! I'm picking up a different dog, the one in the early post was adopted already.
He's 1 y.o. as of 3/1/08. He's a BIG boy, very energetic, and needs lots of exercise and discipline. I already have him enrolled in school. I'm very happy with the whole process, I can't wait to run some energy out of him and introduce him to my house. His name is Tucker, and he was surrendered by a good home who had a kid with severe ADHD and harassed the poor fella. Despite this, he's super friendly and not possesive at all.
Thanks for the advice, guys.

 

[Even Steven]

From Trucker to Tucker? That's funny....

 

[greyghost4x4]

I only have weimaraners. They are my favorite dogs, for many reasons. You will notice like I have an adopted dog will be more loyal that a dog bought as a puppy. Those dogs somehow understand that you are doing them a favor. Congrats on the new edition to the family.

Evan

 

[jharris2]

I'm good to go! I'm picking up a different dog, the one in the early post was adopted already.
He's 1 y.o. as of 3/1/08. He's a BIG boy, very energetic, and needs lots of exercise and discipline. I already have him enrolled in school. I'm very happy with the whole process, I can't wait to run some energy out of him and introduce him to my house. His name is Tucker, and he was surrendered by a good home who had a kid with severe ADHD and harassed the poor fella. Despite this, he's super friendly and not possesive at all.
Thanks for the advice, guys.

Congratulations!! Sounds like a great deal for both of you.

 

[jharris2]

From Trucker to Tucker? That's funny....

:lmao:

 

[rook]

congrats on the pup!

cant really tell how big he is from the pic, but he looks fit, that is important, especially in Labs. Now lets see a pic of him takin a ride in the Runner!

Good luck!

 

[ColeTricklesDad]

All the best with the new family member!

I had an Aussie Cattle dog that was 4 y/o when I got him years ago, and recently had to have him put to sleep at the ripe old age of nearly 18. He was my very best friend period. Loyal to the end, and very high energy. He too was a truck dog, and wouldn't let me go ANYWHERE w/o him, even work. I still miss him, and soon when I can get moved out of this apt, I'll be visiting the Tennessee Cattle Dog Rescue to find another companion.

They truly have more character and personality than many people. Extremely loyal too... and will never leave your side.

I'll find a pic of ol' Blue and post it when I can find it...


Best of luck to you and your new buddy!!!


R'D'T

 

[OdinWiski]

congrats on the new pup! :bigok: He looks awfully cute!

I work a shepherd and a malinois. Dogs are the best Sounds like you'll be able to give the pup plenty of exercises he need

 

[TheBlueWave]

He is just great! My brother (roommate) and I both love him already. He is a little dis-obidient (only 1 yr old), but is responding to training very well. He LOVES obiedience school. Its crazy, he likes marching around in front of other dogs and people. He has lots of energy and acts like a flat out goof ball at times, and he follows me everywhere. Its hard to leave in the morning sometimes, as he always looks out the window and watches me leave. He has free reign in the house, and hasn't destroyed anything or peed or crapped on anything yet, either. He loves everyone, dogs and people, I'm sure he would lick the hand of a robber. Oh yeah, he loves riding in the 4runner, but hates my brother's Ranger (good boy!).
Thanks guys for the helpful advice and good wishes.
One question: Should I kennel train him? He has given me no reason to so far.

 

[BC4Runner]

I'm on my third rescue, a beagle and she was fine for the first 3 months. She had run of about 1/2 of my house, the family room and kitchen. One day I ran out for a short errand, about 20 minutes and arrived back home to find a volleyball sized hole in my couch. She got kennel trained after that and didn't mind at all. I have relented some and she now is loose in the kitchen all day.

I guess I'm saying just play it by ear. I always thought the kennel was a bad thing but my vet says if they're trained correctly it's just like a second home for them and they will be fine.