fuzzy82 Posted October 29, 2011 Share Posted October 29, 2011 I must have missed the bit where you said you'd be adopting from another state without meeting the dog first. NO WAY I'd adopt an adult dog like that. A puppy yes (I already did), but an adult, nope. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BJean Posted October 29, 2011 Share Posted October 29, 2011 (edited) ETA: I think what you're saying is, you doubt that the dog's behaviour in one home reflects how it will behave in a different home, with a different dog and different animals? Is that right? I do not doubt. The dogs behaviour is a variable. Livestock and your resident dog compounds this variable. If your livestock includes fowl this is further compounded. If you are confident with this variable, good for you and the rescue group. The rescue dog's potential compatibility / integration with your livestock, stood out to me because you wrote "sounds promising OR can be trained". That to me does not sound as 'animal blase' as I would like an adult dog to be, when that dog is interstate and heading to my place, and intended to live in harmony with my livestock and resident dog. Edited October 29, 2011 by lilli Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
casowner Posted October 29, 2011 Share Posted October 29, 2011 AM the pic of this older lab was taken a couple of weeks ago - these dogs are responsible for the deaths of a palomino yearling show filly, injuries on another horse and deaths of at least 20 sheep over a few months. This lab is aged and apparently "good" with other animals, they were found trying to get in and kill my deer and emus. They had already chased cows, sheep and horses and bailed up a neighbour luckily we were interstate and another neighbour caught them on my property next time they will not be returning home. In fact I had my own topic a few months ago asking whether our sheep attacks were dog or fox related my guess was correct. Lilli's questions are valid especially if you have other animals, these animals are good where they are comfortable but as soon as the opportunity is available they roamed every weekend and caused utter devastation to several families. Personally I would go the pup option but that is just my opinion, it depends on whether you have enclosed areas that are escape proof. Are you on property or are you meaning other family pets. If you are on land it is not only your animals you have to think of but your neighbours - these dogs were coming from at least 3-5kms away Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlanMatic Posted October 29, 2011 Author Share Posted October 29, 2011 (edited) That's right - dog is coming from another state, and neither myself nor our dog will be flying to meet them prior. Here's another variable to the mix - I have a young child in the house. I've never raised a pup with a child in the home. ETA Thanks Cas for your input - valuable points. Labs are underestimated I think but obviously the potential for real harm is there. Edited October 29, 2011 by AlanMatic Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BJean Posted October 29, 2011 Share Posted October 29, 2011 Not so much advice on how to choose - my life, my dogs, my choice, and I have to live with it! - more a 'what would you do' subject, hence the WWYD in the title. What I would do depends on how the rescue group test their dogs with livestock. It would depend on the livestock I own. It would depend on my ability to train an adult dog to accept and integrate with my livestock. It would depend on the rescue dog's familiarity with a rural fencing system and if I own fowl - the rescue dog must have experience living amongst fowl. Not all livestock are created equal in the eyes of the dog. For me, these are fundamentals that precede any "WWYD". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
_PL_ Posted October 29, 2011 Share Posted October 29, 2011 (edited) I'm afraid I prefer mature dog adopters meeting their dog in person. But everyone does things differently and quite successfully. Not saying that this adult couldn't be perfect for you, just take care to iron out the crinkles like, trial periods, how to do a proper intro with your dog and who pays for boarding (if needed) and return freight if it doesn't work out. The finer points of returning a dog can be a real headache if the question isn't asked beforehand. It's probably a good question to ask the puppy breeders as well: a 'just in case' scenario. Good luck. &Brownie points for asking for feedback. Edited October 29, 2011 by Powerlegs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted October 29, 2011 Share Posted October 29, 2011 Not all livestock are created equal in the eyes of the dog. That's right ! Some of ours are perfect with chooks- but if they get a chance, will eat guineafowl .Others are fine with sheep .. but hate the goats ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted October 29, 2011 Share Posted October 29, 2011 take care to iron out the crinkles like, trial periods, how to do a proper intro with your dog and who pays for boarding (if needed) and return freight if it doesn't work out. <br style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: verdana, tahoma, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; background-color: rgb(238, 242, 247); ">The finer points of returning a dog can be a real headache if the question isn't asked beforehand. <br style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: verdana, tahoma, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; background-color: rgb(238, 242, 247); ">It's probably a good question to ask the puppy breeders as well: a 'just in case' scenario. Good points Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gayle. Posted October 29, 2011 Share Posted October 29, 2011 I got two adult dogs from interstate.....the first I saw when I collected her from the airport, the second I met at a dog show and brought him home from there. There were no problems with them coming into the established pack, we just introduced them through a gate first then let them have a play in the back yard. The newcomers hung back for the first few days but it didn't take long for them to become part of the gang. Neither of these were ex-show or breeding dogs, one had been returned to the breeder twice for various reasons and one was rehomed to me as the previous owner (who wasn't the original owner) felt the dog was more suited to the lifestyle we could provide. The dogs we already had had come here as 8 week old puppies. I would not have a problem taking on a dog from interstate sight unseen as long as the person doing the rehoming gave an honest appraisal of the dogs temperament and experiences. However, if I wanted a very specific breed and type of dog, maybe from particular lines, I'd get a puppy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
becks Posted October 29, 2011 Share Posted October 29, 2011 ETA: I think what you're saying is, you doubt that the dog's behaviour in one home reflects how it will behave in a different home, with a different dog and different animals? Is that right? Dogs do behave differently in different homes - it can depend on house rules, how the dog is looked after (mental and physical exercise, time left alone etc etc). I was talking to a breeder awhile ago about a Giant they had back for rescue (there were 4 of us having the conversation) only 2 of us were named as potential fosters or able to take on this dog as we have right home life for that dog - the other 2 wouldn't be able to cope with the dog. I had a pup returned to me as the owners couldn't cope with a puppy and told me he was wild, biting, wouldn't walk on lead, barked at everyone etc etc. Didn't take him long to learn the rules here and be a sweet and fun dog again. So in your situation with child and stock, I would go for a pup that can be trained up to be the dog you want and not risk an unknwon dog that might turn out to not be the dog you were expecting and unsuitable for your family and difficult to return. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snippet Posted October 29, 2011 Share Posted October 29, 2011 Although the older dogs have advantages I would be hesitant to get one from interstate, a puppy may be a better option. Or is it possible to find a rescue dog closer to home? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WreckitWhippet Posted October 29, 2011 Share Posted October 29, 2011 We've been suitably matched with a rescue dog of the breed we are seeking, the dog sounds great and truly what we are looking for. With any "older" (non-pup) canine addition to our home, it would help for them to be sociable due to our livestock, kids etc and this dog sounds promising on that front also. This dog is also of a similar age to our resident boy. However... of late we have also been considering a pedigree pup (of same breed) and had become pretty excited about it. The pup in question has not even been born yet and no deposit has been made although we have already become emotionally attached to the idea. But puppies are so much work! However; pedigree means a better window into the future, health & temperament wise. Due to the rescue dog being located interstate and needing vet work the costs for each are similar. What would you do? Why not look around for a pedigree dog from a registered breeder, that is being rehomed. They often come up for sale ( depending on the breed )or are given away. Look for a breeder who raises their pups and has their dogs around livestock and kids, that way you are more likely to get a dog that is going to fit in. If you decide on a pup, then do the same, find a breeder who raises and socialises the pups well and will be there for back up support. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kosmology Posted October 30, 2011 Share Posted October 30, 2011 It's a very personal decision. Have you considered a rescue pedigree pup? That covers all bases! Plenty of them across the country. I bought my pedigree Belgian Shepherd as a 10 week old rescue pup for $300. Her temperament and abilities are top-notch. Rescuing otherwise homeless dogs is the way to go, if you feel the urge!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mags Posted October 30, 2011 Share Posted October 30, 2011 Should be remembered that getting a purebred puppy from a breeder is no guarantee of getting a dog that meets your needs either as unfortunately no matter how much research you do not all breeders are created equal and neither are puppies/dogs. Over the years we have had purebred puppy rescues, purebred adult rescues and puppies direct from registered breeders - the only one that we had significant issues with was a puppy from a registered breeder. Yes the rescues may have had issues but we were ready for them and they were certainly something that could be managed. At least if you are getting an adult from a reliable source you have some idea of how it will react in given circumstances. Goodluck with your decision. We currently have 2 dogs both rescues, one planned and one not. When we introduced the second planned rescue we were careful with introductions and all has gone well. Both lovely dogs who came with issues but things we are working through and very glad we have both of them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Perry's Mum Posted October 30, 2011 Share Posted October 30, 2011 I would go with the rescue because I am not prepared for the amount of work a puppy causes. I got Perry as an interstate rescue after I saw her photo on DOL and talked to the people at Koolie Rescue about her and her needs. When I met her it was love at first sight and we have been inseparable for nearly 8 years now. I had a four week trial period with her but there was never any question of her going back - she was meant to be with me. With a grown dog what you see is what you get - puppies are unnown territory. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandgrubber Posted October 30, 2011 Share Posted October 30, 2011 I once recommended an interstate rescue to someone in a similar situation and it was a mild disaster. The dog ticked all the boxes, but had a few screws loose . . . a lunatic that would require training up the yin yang to be a good companion . . . and might never get there no matter what you spent on training. If you go the interstate rescue route, I'd say post again and see if you can find someone you trust to do a temperament/health screening job for you. Rescue folks are sometimes more concerned with saving the dog than ending out with the best companion for they family. Bless them for the intent! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christina Posted October 30, 2011 Share Posted October 30, 2011 Although the older dogs have advantages I would be hesitant to get one from interstate, a puppy may be a better option. Or is it possible to find a rescue dog closer to home? My thoughts as well. What happens with the rescue dog if it is not as you thought & is not suitable ? Does it go back ? Do you have to find another home for it ? Surely there are dogs in Tasmania that need a home that you can meet first. With a young child also I would want to meet the dog & see the rescue place & chat to the person there too. Rescue is variable in quality & assessment too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlanMatic Posted October 30, 2011 Author Share Posted October 30, 2011 Although the older dogs have advantages I would be hesitant to get one from interstate, a puppy may be a better option. Or is it possible to find a rescue dog closer to home? My thoughts as well. What happens with the rescue dog if it is not as you thought & is not suitable ? Does it go back ? Do you have to find another home for it ? Surely there are dogs in Tasmania that need a home that you can meet first. With a young child also I would want to meet the dog & see the rescue place & chat to the person there too. Rescue is variable in quality & assessment too. Yep, plenty of rescue dogs however not of this particular breed, and this is the breed we have chosen to add to our family. Tassie is quite a small place. :D If the rescue dog did not work out she would be either flown back or held until placed with another family in this state. Mags, I would like to hear more re: your encountering issues with a pedigree pup if you have the time? Thanks again all for your input. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dame Aussie Posted October 31, 2011 Share Posted October 31, 2011 I wouldn't be comfortable with rescuing a dog I'd never met, especially as you already have a current dog, children and livestock. Too many variables for my liking, if you just had a child or one dog then yeah, but I wouldn't risk it. I'd go with a pup that you can train and bring up with your family. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LizT Posted October 31, 2011 Share Posted October 31, 2011 I have always found it easier to introduce a puppy to existing pets than and older dog. Have had a few disasters in the past. And having horses, multiple dogs cats etc. it's very important they get along and know the rules. Not saying a new adult cant learn the rules just find babies are accepted without question. Also like to have an age gap between my dogs too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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