Decision : to get an older dog or not ?
It has been over 16 months since Petunia the Chi went to the Rainbow Bridge ... and looking at choices of mini-schnauzer (sp?) or Yorkie size and somewhere in the 2-4 yr range ... Any info would b...
Forum Discussion
If concerned about "handling" dogs with issues, I'd stick to dogs under 30lbs. I don't think you necessarily have to go to the smallest breeds. The smallest breeds tend to be more needy. A 15-30lb will be more independent (and more likely to be good about housebreaking) but still well within your capabilities for walking, controlling, etc.
Also, with an older dog, don't necessarily rule out larger. That's the great thing about adopting older - you can actually see how they are. I've known some 60+lb dogs that were perfect for folks who didn't think they could handle a large dog. The dogs were very calm and easy going, well trained on the leash, very obedient, and didn't have issues. Likewise, I've known small dogs who can and will drag a person through the streets.
I would worry less about the actual breed(s) and more about the temperament. One thing to remember is that dogs go through a "I wanna be adopted" phase. The first few weeks in a new home, the dog will be shyer, more easy going, etc. - they're trying to be really really good so you don't send them away. Once they get used to your home and they see you love them, they will stretch the envelope a bit trying to see what you'll allow. Their personalities will really start to show at that point. Remember this when talking to foster homes - how long have they had the dog in their home? If only a few days, then the dog hasn't relaxed yet and is on "especially good behavior". There are a few exceptions to this, but they are the more energetic dogs that you probably won't be interested in anyway. For most, the change isn't usually drastic but personality issues like not wanting to pee outside, stealing food, etc. won't usually show until they pass this point.
Also, don't worry if the dog seems attached to its foster parent. That's a good sign - it means the dog will attach to you. I had one foster dog who wouldn't even acknowledge a potential parent unless I left the room. Found a great guy to adopt her and he was really worried about that. I just kept reassuring him and told him to "give her a try". He got her in the car and drove home. He called me then to say "as soon as we turned onto the street from the driveway, she had her head cuddled up to me". She ended up full-timing in a 5er for the rest of her life and was the pride of his life (he even named her after his mother).
It's all good. Keep an open mind and listen to what the foster parents/adoption counselors don't say - if they don't talk about barking, ask; if they don't talk about housetraining, ask. And if you feel like they're pushing the dog on you, run away (yes, some folks will do that because they want to get the dog a home - even if it's not the right home). At the same time, if they try to steer you away from a particular dog, it's not that you're a bad home, it's that the dog is not a good fit for you. Trust them on that.
Also, with an older dog, don't necessarily rule out larger. That's the great thing about adopting older - you can actually see how they are. I've known some 60+lb dogs that were perfect for folks who didn't think they could handle a large dog. The dogs were very calm and easy going, well trained on the leash, very obedient, and didn't have issues. Likewise, I've known small dogs who can and will drag a person through the streets.
I would worry less about the actual breed(s) and more about the temperament. One thing to remember is that dogs go through a "I wanna be adopted" phase. The first few weeks in a new home, the dog will be shyer, more easy going, etc. - they're trying to be really really good so you don't send them away. Once they get used to your home and they see you love them, they will stretch the envelope a bit trying to see what you'll allow. Their personalities will really start to show at that point. Remember this when talking to foster homes - how long have they had the dog in their home? If only a few days, then the dog hasn't relaxed yet and is on "especially good behavior". There are a few exceptions to this, but they are the more energetic dogs that you probably won't be interested in anyway. For most, the change isn't usually drastic but personality issues like not wanting to pee outside, stealing food, etc. won't usually show until they pass this point.
Also, don't worry if the dog seems attached to its foster parent. That's a good sign - it means the dog will attach to you. I had one foster dog who wouldn't even acknowledge a potential parent unless I left the room. Found a great guy to adopt her and he was really worried about that. I just kept reassuring him and told him to "give her a try". He got her in the car and drove home. He called me then to say "as soon as we turned onto the street from the driveway, she had her head cuddled up to me". She ended up full-timing in a 5er for the rest of her life and was the pride of his life (he even named her after his mother).
It's all good. Keep an open mind and listen to what the foster parents/adoption counselors don't say - if they don't talk about barking, ask; if they don't talk about housetraining, ask. And if you feel like they're pushing the dog on you, run away (yes, some folks will do that because they want to get the dog a home - even if it's not the right home). At the same time, if they try to steer you away from a particular dog, it's not that you're a bad home, it's that the dog is not a good fit for you. Trust them on that.
