Bonding with an adopted 3 year old dog?

K-Dawg

I'm currently going through the process of adopting a 3 year old female Golden Retriever x Labrador, named Ally, from a rescue organisation. I already have an eight year old Golden Retriever and a 10 month old Chocolate Labrador, both of which I've had since they were pups.

Today I passed the premises inspection done by the rescue organisation, and tomorrow is the final health check for Ally. If all goes well with the final health check she can come home and meet my current dogs and if that goes well we start the two week trial period before the adoption is finalised.

Everything is going well and I'm nervously excited about the prospect of the new addition. My only concern is how I'm going to bond with her. She's very sweet natured and craves and thrives on attention and love but I've only ever had male dogs and always from puppy-hood so there's never been an issue. I'm glad to be able to give this lovely girl a good loving home but am just a little nervous.

Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Answer
Hi K-Dawg
Retrievers and Labradors have lovely temperaments. Take your two dogs to the rescue centre and introduce them to the new girl. Let them run in the exercise area as they cement their friendship. Your male dogs will almost certainly urinate over the girl dog. They are marking her as part of their pack. Give them all treats then take them home.
Lots of food, treats and grooming will soon settle them all.
By the way, my old rescue dog was terrified of the dog crate after being held at the RSPCA shelter when his previous owner died. A canvas collar and lead tied to the rear seat belt works fine.
Good luck with your dogs and best wishes. xxx to the dogs. OK x you can have one too for homing your girl.

How can I get my dog and cat to get along?

Jessica

I have a four year old Australian terrier, and adopted an adult cat from the RSPCA in November. Although I introduced them slowly as the vet recommended, the dog still chases the cat every time he sees him. This has resulted in the cat spending the majority of his time in his room, except during the day when he spends time outside and on some nights when he sleeps with me. Of course I feel incredibly guilty about this, and am desperate for them to get along so the cat can move freely through the house at will.

What can I do to prevent this from happening?

Answer
First you need to let your dog know that he or she isnt the boss, and has no buisness telling the cat what to do. YOU are the boss.

You can get a squirt bottle ( fill it with water this wont hurt her) and watch as the dog starts to chase or show too much intrest in the cat, squirt the dog saying NO KITTYS quickly and firmly. If after trying this a few times doesnt work you can put a leash on the dog, just let her drag it around the house and if she trys to chase the cat step on the leash or tug it quickly and firmly with your hand and say NO KITTYS. After doing this for a while she will learn that it is a bad thing to chase the kitty.
If you have a plastic crate you could put in the room, whenever she chases the cat tell her NO NO BAD DOG, NO KITTYS. Then as a timeout she has to go in her crate and go get the cat so she can see him with you and talk to him and pet him and when you look at her say BAD DOG NO KITTYS. She will then learn that this behavior gets her locked up and she doesnt want that. When you let your dog chase the cat away shes getting when she wants with no punishment so she doesnt see this as bad behavior.

After youve worked with her for a while you should be able to just verbally correct her by saying NO KITTYS whenever she shows intrest.

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My dog is leaving , How can i stop it?

Q. Is there anyway i can keep my dog from leaving?
My mum is taking her to the RSPCA in 20mins.
How can i stop her from leaving???
She is a well behaved dog. But she chewed up our sofa yesterday.
She go's dog training. If she has to leave, i want her on a farm (is a collie) any idea's on farms in leicestershire or the uk?

Answer
You didn't say why. Is the dog aggressive? Behavior problems? Pooping in the house? Not getting enough exercise? Barking? Is someone allergic? The list is very extensive ... you fill in why she's taking her to the RSPCA and then we can help.

We need more info.

ADD: OK, it seems like your dog is bored at home alone. If you still have her, try this:

1. Exercise. Get off the computer, go outside and take her for a long run/walk at least twice a day. Get her tired before she has to spend the day alone inside. She is not being a 'bad' dog. She is just bored and chewing is fun.
2. Crate training. Note 'training' -- you don't just toss the dog in a crate and expect her to like it. Gradually acclimate her to it. Follow instructions found here:
http://www.barkbytes.com/training/crate.htm
http://www.mysmartpuppy.com/articles/Crating101.htm

Good luck.

Questions for Dog Sestion regulars?

Unpredicta

1. What breed or mix of dog(s) do you own?

2. Where did you get them from? How old was/were your dog(s) when you got them?

3. Is/are your dog(s) show or work dogs?

4. What food do you feed your dog(s)? Do you feed them once or twice a day?

5. Do/does you dog(s) have any behavioral problems? What are you doing to fix them?

6. What is/are your dogs' favorite activity?

7. What other pets do you have?

8. What's your first name?

9. What do you think of the intentional breeding of mixed breed dogs?

10. What is your dog doing right now?

Legit: I may be getting my GSD/Husky mix a crate for when no one is home. I may do this because she is always destroying something when she is home alone. Would it be alright to leave my other dog out of a crate while the other dog is in a crate? He doesn't do anything when we are gone, so there is no reason to get him a crate.
Hey, sorry about all the TDs, I guess we have a lot of grouchy people on here today!

Here are my answers:

1.German Shepherd/ Siberian Husky mix. And a possible Cocker Spaniel/Poodle mix.

2. Got the GSD mix from a friend who couldn't keep her any more. She was 8 months old. Got the Spaniel mix from the humane society when he ws 8 weeks.

3. Nope, just pets but will be getting into agility very soon

4. The GSD mix gets Blue Buffalo Wilderness twice a day and the Spaniel mix gets Blue buffalo Puppy twice a day.

5. GSD mix has fear aggression towards humans and we are seeing a behaviorist to fix. Spaniel mix is pretty much perfect.

6. GSD mix loves to go running and plat fetch. Spaniel mix loves any form of play!

7. Cat, cockatoo, cockatiel, parakeet, rabbits, guinea pig, and tortoises.

8. Angela.

9. It's very unnecessary and stupid.

10. Both sleeping.

Answer
1. What breed or mix of dog(s) do you own?
Mongrel, and a field bred English Springer Spaniel

2. Where did you get them from? How old was/were your dog(s) when you got them?
Herbs- RSPCA and around 6/7 months. Fern- a breeder and 8 weeks old.

3.Is/are your dog(s) show or work dogs?
Herbie is neither. Fern is a working dog.

4. What food do you feed your dog(s)?
James Welbeloved.
b) Do you feed them once or twice a day?
Once a day

5. Do/does you dog(s) have any behavioral problems? What are you doing to fix them?
Herbie was dog aggressive. After different methods, the one that worked best for him was positive experiences around other dogs, do that's what we did. He can still get a little growly when taken my surprise or confronted with a dominant male, however he has improved a lot.

6. What is/are your dogs' favorite activity?
Herbie's is running/chasing birds on the beach.
Ferns is hunting and/or gundog training.
EDIT- how could I forget, Fern LIVES to swim. She spends her whole time in walks swimming, she's obsessed with water!!

7. What other pets do you have?
2 cats, 2 guinea pigs, 2 hamsters and a lizard.

8. What's your first name?
Catherine

9. What do you think of the intentional breeding of mixed breed dogs?
If the dog is bred for a purpose and to be used purely for that purpose, the two breeds go well together and the mix is not created for money and is taken seriously, then I don't see a problem. For example a lot of hunters cross field Springers
and field Cockers together to create a dog more vigurous and faster then the Springer but more trainable and bigger than a Cocker.

10. What is your dog doing right now?
Herbie is sleeping on his bed in my room, and Fern is sleeping at the bottom of my bed.

Legit: I wouldn't recommend it. It will cause frustration in the crated dog if the other dog is getting to wonder. Either crate both in different crates, or leave them uncrated in just one room.

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What do you think about Greyhound racing?

dog crates rspca image

Cleoppa

I've heard all the hype. But I'm curious how educated people feel on this?

Is it really a terrible sport for the dogs? The horse people don't condemn horse racing (that I've heard). Is it the PETA people turning legitimate businesspeople into the spawn of Satan? Did a few bad apples spoil the reputation of everyone?
Cat: I totally agree with you and I appreciate that you didn't just repeat the facts that may or may not be exaggerated propaganda (like they torture and shoot the dogs???).

I love lure coursing and I know the Greyhounds love to run... but I don't think anyone educated has a problem with Greyhounds running.

It's how the treat and care for the dogs. That's what I'm unsure about. The dogs won't win unless they're treated well... but what about the dogs that are no longer needed? I dunno.
Caninelegion: Thanks for your answer. Sounds like you have some knowledge about this. Do you know how I can find out about the "industry responding positively to the criticism"? I don't know enough about Greyhound racing to know the first place to look.

Answer
Greyhound racing is not a terrible sport, nor is it a horrible thing for the dogs.

The vast majority of people involved with the sport do it because they love the dogs. Believe it or not there is not a lot of money being made by anyone. Most owners and breeders have a day job and/or have a spouse with a full time job. The kennel workers I know don't get paid vast sums of money - they get minimum wage and work from 6:30am til 10:30 pm seven days a week, 365 days a year because they absolutely love the dogs.

The dogs on the track are kept in very good condition (as you said in your description). They are athletes making money for their owners, they have to be treated well, kept healthy, etc. Most people believe otherwise (I recently heard someone say that people break the dogs' hips in order to make them run faster) but common sense dictates that if people want to make money on their dogs they will keep the dogs in good condition.

Another myth is that they aren't socialized - but greys recieve more one on one attention than many pets in homes. Every day they are handled by the kennel worker or trainer. They are gone over with a fine toothed comb looking for any stiffness, soreness, cuts, nicks or bruising. They get daily massages to keep them in shape. And they get lots of loving. I have been shown many 'kids' by trainers at different tracks and I've seen more than a few tears when one of those kids leaves for adoption.

From a breed standpoint, greyhounds are some of the healthiest dogs out there. Because they are bred strictly for performance they are the only large breed that does not suffer from hip dysplasia. They also have one of the longest average lifespans for the large breeds at 12-14 years (and I have known greys to live up to 18,19,20). Because of the money (yes I know money is evil!) involved in racing, the bloodlines have been maintained by professional breeders and the genetic diversity of 46 founding female families is tremendous.

From a pet standpoint racing does wonders for greyhounds. Retired racer adoption is highly successful because the dogs have a background unlike most other pets. Retired racers are (usually) adopted as adults - they are well socialized, responsive to human commands, crate trained (which translates easily to housebreaking), and have excellent leash manners.

The major knock against the racing industry is what happens to dogs after they are no longer successful racers. Many PETA folks characterize racing owners as cruel and uncaring. But believe it or not racing owners started the adoption movement long before PETA became involved. The first organized greyhound adoption program began in England in the 1960s to combat a stereotype that greys were not suitable for home life that was popularly circulated by other purebred adoption groups and the RSPCA. In the US an ontrack adoption group was first founded at Seabrook Racetrack in New Hampshire. Again, you don't hear about it but many tracks have onsite adoption programs. You also don't hear about states like Connecticut and Massachusetts which have laws that ban the euthanasia of healthy greyhounds by anyone but a shelter or rescue group. Massachusetts also has a retirement fund for greyhounds bred and/or raced in that state, paid for from a portion of the gambling at the two Mass. racetracks.

While it is true that there are still greyhounds euthanized at the end of their careers, that is a small number. And with the number of dogs registered every year decreasing dramatically the number not adopted is shrinking as well. Most adoption groups expect to see 100% adoption rates in the next 3-5 years. And realistically, the number and percentage of greyhounds euthanized today is significantly smaller than those of other popular breeds and mutts that are euthanized annually in shelters.

Is racing perfect? No. Are there bad people in the industry? Show me an industry that doesn't have some bad people. But racing has some of the harshest punishments for bad people and is one of the most regulated industries out there. And in my experience the worst treatment of greyhounds I've seen has come from adopters - not racing owners.

If i saved up between £200 and £300 would I be able to get a beagle puppy from the RSPCA?

Zoe

Okayy so if i saved up £200-£300 would i be able to get a beagle puppy from the RSPCA. The price including all supplies that will be needed. and the puppy?
My mum has agreed to pay for the vet coverings and pet insurance.

Answer
Maybe. But this isn't going to cover all the other things we discussed in your previous question. If you have to scrape together £300, how are you going to pay for other vet bills or an emergency?

The price will likely include a basic collar, a leash, vaccinations, and altering the dog, but it's not going to include food, basic vet care, a bed, a crate, etc.

Edit: That's great that mummy is going to pay for vet bills. So you'll be able to get ahold of her in 7 years when you've moved out and have the dog and the dog gets a bowel obstruction at 2am and needs £2500 in surgery? They require payment upfront.
Who is going to pay for training?
Who is going to pay for basic upkeep?
Who is going to care for the dog if you decide that when you head off to uni, you can't take the dog?

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I found a hedgehog in the garden, what should I do?

dog crates rspca image

Caz -- X

He is a baby hedgehog, and my next door neighbor found him stuck in their shed, he is very weak, and not interested in food. We have tried ringing our nearest RSPCA center, but no one is answering, What should we do?
He is not like a baby baby hedgehog, he is just quite young :/

Answer
I found this information for you online and I found it quite interesting and cute.


How to care for a baby hedgehog

Hedgehogs should be given a rehydration fluid to begin with which can be made from water with milk and sugar. The milk of cows, goats and ewes are efficient in delivering the amount of nutrients for a baby hedgehog. The colostrums of these animals can be given for the first three weeks. After this, the colostrums should be replaced with normal milk which should be warm.

Weaning should commence at twenty one days old or until the teeth show and from about 100g, things like squashed banana and minced beef or chicken should be added to the diet. At about 150g, boiled egg yolk, canned dog food and mealworms can all be offered. Milk should be given by a dropper/syringe to begin with and then in a shallow dish along with the more solid foods.
Neonate hedgehogs will have to be fed frequently e.g. every half hour and at a few days old, should be fed every two to three hours.

Because baby hedgehogs can easily suffer from hypothermia it is essential that theyâre kept warm when feeding, - hoglets can be kept wrapped in a warm blanket during feeding. The hold on the hoglet should be firm and upright tilting slightly forward. The teat or end of dropper should be pushed gently between the lips and the tongue and the roof of the mouth. A small amount of milk should be given to initiate swallowing.

Small pens such as a fish crate are suitable accommodation although the sides should be high enough to prevent escape. Hypothermia can be avoided by providing a heat lamp or mat, although these should be kept at one end of the housing to provide a gradient.
The floor should be covered with layers of newspaper and soft, shredded paper. Also, providing something like a bobble hat can act as a substitute to a mother hog body.


So are you planning on keeping the baby hedgehog? It's possible that it may be too young to be seperated from its mother and handing it over to the nearest shelter (assuming they take exotics) would be a wise decision. If you decide to keep the precious animal then you will find a ton of information online about hedgehogs @

My dog is leaving , How can i stop it?

Q. Is there anyway i can keep my dog from leaving?
My mum is taking her to the RSPCA in 20mins.
How can i stop her from leaving???
She is a well behaved dog. But she chewed up our sofa yesterday.
She go's dog training. If she has to leave, i want her on a farm (is a collie) any idea's on farms in leicestershire or the uk?

Answer
You didn't say why. Is the dog aggressive? Behavior problems? Pooping in the house? Not getting enough exercise? Barking? Is someone allergic? The list is very extensive ... you fill in why she's taking her to the RSPCA and then we can help.

We need more info.

ADD: OK, it seems like your dog is bored at home alone. If you still have her, try this:

1. Exercise. Get off the computer, go outside and take her for a long run/walk at least twice a day. Get her tired before she has to spend the day alone inside. She is not being a 'bad' dog. She is just bored and chewing is fun.
2. Crate training. Note 'training' -- you don't just toss the dog in a crate and expect her to like it. Gradually acclimate her to it. Follow instructions found here:
http://www.barkbytes.com/training/crate.htm
http://www.mysmartpuppy.com/articles/Crating101.htm

Good luck.

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If i saved up between £200 and £300 would I be able to get a beagle puppy from the RSPCA?

dog crates rspca image

Zoe

Okayy so if i saved up £200-£300 would i be able to get a beagle puppy from the RSPCA. The price including all supplies that will be needed. and the puppy?
My mum has agreed to pay for the vet coverings and pet insurance.

Answer
Maybe. But this isn't going to cover all the other things we discussed in your previous question. If you have to scrape together £300, how are you going to pay for other vet bills or an emergency?

The price will likely include a basic collar, a leash, vaccinations, and altering the dog, but it's not going to include food, basic vet care, a bed, a crate, etc.

Edit: That's great that mummy is going to pay for vet bills. So you'll be able to get ahold of her in 7 years when you've moved out and have the dog and the dog gets a bowel obstruction at 2am and needs £2500 in surgery? They require payment upfront.
Who is going to pay for training?
Who is going to pay for basic upkeep?
Who is going to care for the dog if you decide that when you head off to uni, you can't take the dog?

I found a hedgehog in the garden, what should I do?

Caz -- X

He is a baby hedgehog, and my next door neighbor found him stuck in their shed, he is very weak, and not interested in food. We have tried ringing our nearest RSPCA center, but no one is answering, What should we do?
He is not like a baby baby hedgehog, he is just quite young :/

Answer
I found this information for you online and I found it quite interesting and cute.


How to care for a baby hedgehog

Hedgehogs should be given a rehydration fluid to begin with which can be made from water with milk and sugar. The milk of cows, goats and ewes are efficient in delivering the amount of nutrients for a baby hedgehog. The colostrums of these animals can be given for the first three weeks. After this, the colostrums should be replaced with normal milk which should be warm.

Weaning should commence at twenty one days old or until the teeth show and from about 100g, things like squashed banana and minced beef or chicken should be added to the diet. At about 150g, boiled egg yolk, canned dog food and mealworms can all be offered. Milk should be given by a dropper/syringe to begin with and then in a shallow dish along with the more solid foods.
Neonate hedgehogs will have to be fed frequently e.g. every half hour and at a few days old, should be fed every two to three hours.

Because baby hedgehogs can easily suffer from hypothermia it is essential that theyâre kept warm when feeding, - hoglets can be kept wrapped in a warm blanket during feeding. The hold on the hoglet should be firm and upright tilting slightly forward. The teat or end of dropper should be pushed gently between the lips and the tongue and the roof of the mouth. A small amount of milk should be given to initiate swallowing.

Small pens such as a fish crate are suitable accommodation although the sides should be high enough to prevent escape. Hypothermia can be avoided by providing a heat lamp or mat, although these should be kept at one end of the housing to provide a gradient.
The floor should be covered with layers of newspaper and soft, shredded paper. Also, providing something like a bobble hat can act as a substitute to a mother hog body.


So are you planning on keeping the baby hedgehog? It's possible that it may be too young to be seperated from its mother and handing it over to the nearest shelter (assuming they take exotics) would be a wise decision. If you decide to keep the precious animal then you will find a ton of information online about hedgehogs @

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How can I house break my 8 year old dog?

dog crates rspca image

The Aviato

Yesterday we got an 8 year old dog from the RSPCA centre. In her previous home she had been kept in the garden all the time and when she was in the centre she was used to doing her business all over her kennel. When we came downstairs this morning we found she'd left us a present. How can we train her to do her business outside?
She's a Collie X by the way :P

Answer
Time, patience, and a crate, or somewhere she's contained at least.

She doesn't know the house-rules yet. With an 8 year old, especially a b itch, it's going to be comparatively easy and I'd bet she'll be fine in a matter of days, provided you are firm with her, set the ground rules, let her out regularly, and pick up on her habits (needs to go). Most dogs, on 2 meals a day, only need to go say 4 times (poohs that is) but if she's on new food, you may find she goes a bit loose to start with, so cut her some slack. Just take her outside and, like with a puppy, when she goes, loads of praise.

If you have a crate for her, it will help with the overnight thing.

Mine went through 6 months in quarantine. Housetrained when they went in, but obviously with an inside cubical and outside pen so they got pretty used to going as and when. But it didn't take long to sort the 'bad habits' out once they came home.

She'll be fine but I do think you have to expect this for a little while so be kind.

How can I get my dog and cat to get along?

Jessica

I have a four year old Australian terrier, and adopted an adult cat from the RSPCA in November. Although I introduced them slowly as the vet recommended, the dog still chases the cat every time he sees him. This has resulted in the cat spending the majority of his time in his room, except during the day when he spends time outside and on some nights when he sleeps with me. Of course I feel incredibly guilty about this, and am desperate for them to get along so the cat can move freely through the house at will.

What can I do to prevent this from happening?

Answer
First you need to let your dog know that he or she isnt the boss, and has no buisness telling the cat what to do. YOU are the boss.

You can get a squirt bottle ( fill it with water this wont hurt her) and watch as the dog starts to chase or show too much intrest in the cat, squirt the dog saying NO KITTYS quickly and firmly. If after trying this a few times doesnt work you can put a leash on the dog, just let her drag it around the house and if she trys to chase the cat step on the leash or tug it quickly and firmly with your hand and say NO KITTYS. After doing this for a while she will learn that it is a bad thing to chase the kitty.
If you have a plastic crate you could put in the room, whenever she chases the cat tell her NO NO BAD DOG, NO KITTYS. Then as a timeout she has to go in her crate and go get the cat so she can see him with you and talk to him and pet him and when you look at her say BAD DOG NO KITTYS. She will then learn that this behavior gets her locked up and she doesnt want that. When you let your dog chase the cat away shes getting when she wants with no punishment so she doesnt see this as bad behavior.

After youve worked with her for a while you should be able to just verbally correct her by saying NO KITTYS whenever she shows intrest.

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