To Choose An Adult Rescue Or A Puppy

[tikira]

We are beginning the process of researching and choosing another Jack Russell for a household of two people (in our 40's) and an 8 year old Border Collie.

We always thought it was best to introduce a puppy into a house with an older dog, as they would accept the pup better than an adult, but today we were told an older dog would be accepted better.... but wouldn't that create potential problems two ways?

We were also told that Jack Russell's may have a problem with a border Collie..... Oh we are so confused.

We really want to train from puppyhood, but if that is going to be a problem for Kira, then that is not going to work either.

An older (up to 2)year old would maybe be a option, but I feel we would need to know it's previous history, and whether it had any training. We would reluctantly decide against another dog or puppy at all if that was what was best for Kira, but a one dog household seems unthinkable.

How much of a potential problem could all this be, I know a lot of DOLers have faced the same decision, how did it work out for you.

Kira is eight, and has only ever known two terrier's in her house. She was boss dog with Tip,but never had to prove it. they played well together, and never had an argument, but when she finished the game, Tip knew. With our nephew's dog who spends a lot of time here, she is so gentle and caring.

We will be talking to the dOLer who was our puppy trainer, and knows a lot about dogs, but wanted others experiences too. We really value everyone's point of view here, and it seems the logical place to mull things over.

Please ask if you want more info before giving an opinion.

Di

[Rebanne]

I've had both come into an established house, pup and older dog. One older dog did not work out, a couple more did. All pups worked out. If you want a pup get one. If your current dog is a normal well adjusted dog it shouldn't make a scrap of difference to what you get, as long as the adult rescue is also well adjusted etc.

[shapeshifter]

Who told you this? Just a person or was it a rescue group? If it was the latter beware as some rescue groups have funny ideas, won't place a male dog with another, won't place a dog if you work, won't place a pup with an older dog, it goes on and on, don't be discouraged though just try another rescue group, not all are on power trips and think they are god!

You know your dog better than anyone, do what you think is best for your family.

[Rascalmyshadow]

I think go with your preference, a jack russell sounds like a great match for a border collie.

We have done a lot of rescue and have found most adults have been good with the other dogs but do cause a bit more upset than bringing in a puppy.

Puppies can be annoying for some older dogs but they are more adaptable to other dogs and environment around them making it easier to integrate into a home with an older dog.

Maybe you could look at an older puppy somewhere between 6 and 12 months.

[Loving my Oldies]

Who told you this? Just a person or was it a rescue group? If it was the latter beware as some rescue groups have funny ideas, won't place a male dog with another, won't place a dog if you work, won't place a pup with an older dog, it goes on and on, don't be discouraged though just try another rescue group, not all are on power trips and think they are god!

Unfortunately, this post does sum it up. Fortunately, most rescue groups/people just want what is good for their dogs and the potential home. :)

You know your dog better than anyone, do what you think is best for your family.

Agree.

[tdierikx]

Look up JRT Rescue... Jill may have a Jack Russell that may fit the bill...

T.

[_PL_]

Who told you this? Just a person or was it a rescue group? If it was the latter beware as some rescue groups have funny ideas, won't place a male dog with another, won't place a dog if you work, won't place a pup with an older dog, it goes on and on, don't be discouraged though just try another rescue group, not all are on power trips and think they are god!

You know your dog better than anyone, do what you think is best for your family.

That whole post is so contradictory.

You know your dog better than anyone, do what you think is best for your family.

May seem surprising but not every rescuer is on a power trip or making up rubbish. Some are trying to be helpful. When a dog lives in my house it is my dog and I do know it better than anyone. It's not just some random animal passing through.

It's a massive rescue fail to place a dog in just any home when you know it's not the right fit. I should be doing the best for both my dog and someone else's family.

OP. Every dog is different. You need a good matching process that's all.

If you choose rescue don't be in a hurry, take your time, choose one who knows their dogs. With a breed like a Jack Russell I'd go for breed specific but that's just me. They are a funny little terrier. :)

Edited April 29, 2013 by Powerlegs

[Aphra]

From a rescue perspective it's all about the relationship. A puppy is often a really good way of introducing a new dog into a home with an existing dog because they're non-threatening to the current dog and puppies will usually defer to an older dog. However, some older dogs with no experience of puppies find them a challenge, particularly bouncy terrier puppies. So it depends on the level of experience and tolerance of your current dog.

An older dog who has come out of a foster care situation, so has a known personality can also be a good choice, you'll already know if they are good with other dogs and you'll have a good idea of their adult personality.

I think that the active, smaller terriers a great match for the working breeds, you'll get similar levels of activity, but not two bigger dog tearing about.

A lot will depend on your current dog and her temperament, you need to look for a dog who is a good match. If she's naturally quite assertive a softer natured dog would be a good choice. The male/female pairing is less important than compatibility. Like humans, dogs get on better with some dogs than others, so you're looking for the right chemistry.

Being terriers Jacks can be reactive and some can be a bit dog aggressive, but there are lots of them out there looking for homes, so you're sure to find one who is suitable. Depending on where you are, Jack Russell Rescue would be a good place to start. Jill is an experienced breed rescuer so will be able to offer good advice, and probably the right dog. :-)

Edited April 29, 2013 by Aphra

[tikira]

We have spoken to Jill, and she has been great, and her dogs are adorable, but as we keep going back to the fact that we are still grieving, and it probably is too soon, we will just keep an eye on JRT Rescue. We will also look at registered breeder pages as the months go by to see if one of them may be "our" new boy. Our only criteria at this stage is a male short coat Jack Russell or Parson Russell. I doubt this will change, but who knows!

Di

[_PL_]

You'll know when you meet "The One".

Sorry you are still grieving. Take your time.

x

[Mystiqview]

Regardless of pup or adult - you need a good matching process.

A pup is more adaptable and generally is easier to settle than an adult dog. An adult dog may have more baggage and/or bad habits from its previous life and may take longer to retrain to make it a good contribution to your household.

Personally I would be going with a pup or younger dog each and every time. I prefer to always start with a "Clean Slate" rather than clean a used one and then start writing on it. For me personally - I do not have the time nor inclination to go through a retraining process with older dogs. Been there and done that. Pups can be a pain the ass when they are going through their various stages, but that I think that is much easier to deal with than retraining an older dog with bad habits.

As someone else stated, try the JRT rescue or even breeders who may have an older pup that did not cut the show ring and is now looking for a pet home. Even better if the breeder/rescue is local, where you can meet the new dog and maybe introduce your existing dog to the proposed new member.

I could not agree more - WAIT until the right one comes along and not jump at the first or second one that is offered.

[Salukifan]

What Mystiqueview said.

[CHA]

We added a 1 and a half year old rescue JRT x into our pack of 2 and made sure they met her first and introduced them to each other beforehand. It all went really well and they bonded quickly. Our main criteria was for a gentle natured dog so our old dog wouldn't get bowled over and dragged around by a puppy and our other dog has a gentle nature as well.

Previously when we got our second dog as a young pup, the introductions didn't go so well - we just brought him home and plopped him down and it took a LONG time for them to bond. This time round, we were determined to do the right thing.

Decide what it is you and your dog need out of a new friend and keep up the search til you find the perfect addition for your family. You'll know when you've found the right dog and when you are ready.

[Mystiqview]

Previously when we got our second dog as a young pup, the introductions didn't go so well - we just brought him home and plopped him down and it took a LONG time for them to bond. This time round, we were determined to do the right thing.

Regardless whether adult or puppy, this method of introduction is less than ideal. It can be traumatic both both animals. The pup has just had its whole world turned upside down by going into a strange environment, and the existing dog/s have had their world shattered by an "intruder" who being a new comer and a puppy (by the pure nature of a puppy) take away a lot of time they had devoted to themselves previously.

When introducing another dog to the household (regardless of how many there are presently), each animal needs time to bond and know the boundaries of the other. Pups are more adaptable, but you cannot expect instant miracles with an introduction like that.

[HeelerLove]

Every dog is different and you know yours better than anyone, don't let anyone tell you she won't get on with any other particular breed just because they ight think they know best. Before you look at bringing home any potential new dog, take Kira to meet them and see how they interact. Things might be different when you get them home but you'll be able to tell pretty quickly if it's not going to work.

I would have loved to get a puppy when we got our second dog last year, but I knew that a young dog would probably be too much for my girl and finding a dog that suited her as much as us was my main priority. We ended up with a 10 year old rescue dog and he is the perfect match. As for them meeting for the first time, it was a quick sniff of eachother then 'come and check out the backyard!' and we have not had one problem with the two of them getting along.

[tdierikx]

We have spoken to Jill, and she has been great, and her dogs are adorable, but as we keep going back to the fact that we are still grieving, and it probably is too soon, we will just keep an eye on JRT Rescue. We will also look at registered breeder pages as the months go by to see if one of them may be "our" new boy. Our only criteria at this stage is a male short coat Jack Russell or Parson Russell. I doubt this will change, but who knows!

Di

Isn't Jill lovely? And she really knows her Jacks... if and when you are ready, then I reckon she will happily bend over backwards to help you make a great match for your family.

T.

[Sheilaheel02]

When my Uncle passed away in 2011, he left behind a little JRT that I had never met (I had met his previous best mate who was a fantastic dog, but he was stolen from his yard). Another Uncle had taken "Lucky" home but already owned a small lap dog who had her nose seriously out of joint about the new dog. Given my previous experience in rescue and rehoming, I offered to bring Lucky back with me and find him a new home via my contacts.

So, I collected an unknown, entire, adult JRT and then had to introduce him to 3 Cattle Dogs, a cat (who is bigger than he is incidentally), the current foster dogs (also ACD's) and two horses. Far from ideal.......and I wouldn't recommend it, however, it has worked out reasonably well so far for us, even with the odd hiccup.

Long story short, Lucky is still here. He has tried his little heart out to fit in and do the right thing (well mostly anyway, sometimes his Terrier instincts just get the better of him). Incidentally, the biggest trouble-magnet in my pack is the youngest Cattle Dog I've had from a puppy, not the JRT.

While I can understand the reasoning behind why someone might have suggested a working dog and a terrier might not be a good mix, I don't think it is always necessarily so. My new neighbours also have a couple of Cattle Dogs and a Jack. If the personalities clash though, it does have the potential to turn into WWIII.

The right dog will come along, you will know when the timing and personalities are right and so will Kira. Best wishes and good luck.

S

Edited April 30, 2013 by Sheilaheel02

[Mystiqview]

I don't necessarily agree point blank to any two breeds will not suit.

I have owned and had, Siberian husky with a Doberman and a vizsla, then a border collie. I have had border collies with dobermanns. And of course border collies with Siberian huskies.

Very good friends have mini bull terriers. And while I don't have this breed, my border collies get along very well with their current 5 month old mini bully pup.

Another friend of mine introduced border collies to an older English staffy. Again no issue.

Know plenty of others with mixed breeds (as in more than one breed or breed type) in the same household and have no issues.

I think it is more important to match personally type of the individual animals than breed.

[Salukifan]

I'll simplify your confusion.

Which would you prefer? Either scenario can be made to work within reasonable parameters. But for my money, a pup is usually a more sure bet provided the size of the exisitng dog and the pup isn't a big issue.

[Sheilaheel02]

I agree Mysticview, personality and temperament are the key drivers.

While Mick (9yo Cattle Dog) will tell Lucky off if he gets two big for his boots, he absolutely loathes my current foster ACD and I can't run them together at all. Both are fine with all of the other dogs, just not each other. In contrast, my previous foster Cattle Dog, the divine Radar, could socialize with every other critter here.

I think though if you have a vast difference in size and temperament, that can sometimes pose issues. While my Mother's Chi's would like to play with my dogs, they aren't generally allowed to because the risk of them getting seriously injured during a game is too high. A one on one gentle interaction inside is OK, but they would be flattened in a working dog style game in the open yard.

S