Considering a rescue...would love to hear some advice.

[JavaJoeyMoac]

Heya, all.

I just signed on for a BoxerWorld account, and posted my introduction this morning. I thought I'd take advantage of some "down time" at work to pose a fairly pressing question that I need objective answers to.

My wife and I have three kids, ages 2, 4, and 7. We also have a gorgeous 1.5 year-old boxer boy, Joey. We brought Joey home when he was 8-weeks old, and he has really turned into what I consider the (almost) perfect Boxer. He's smart, funny, FANTASTIC with the kids, and has his routine down to a science. He's crate trained, potty trained, knows his commands (both spoken and sign language), and has really become a family member in every sense of the term.

Over the past 5-6 months, my wife and I have come to the conclusion that we'd like to get a second boxer. We've spent a ton of time reading about the topic of having 2 dogs, and have figured out that we're as prepared as possible...or so we hope. We also agree that a rescue would be a great way to go.

To that end, we've done a fair amount of searching. This search included the recent discovery of a 2.5 year-old female boxer (or possibly Valley Bulldog) at a local shelter. She is already spayed, up to date with her shots, vet checked, and sweet as can be. I have visited her twice, and took my wife to meet her last night. We spent about 30 minutes with the dog, and we were impressed with the fact that she knows some commands, showed NO signs of aggression, and wiggled her way into our minds and hearts.

Now to my issue -

I know that we have to do the introduction between her and Joey in a neutral space. I know that we have to introduce her to the kids in a one-on-one way. I suppose my biggest concern is how we go about integrating her into the family fold, provided we pick her up??? My fear is of the unknown. The female boxer's upbringing is unknown. The temperment - outside of that half hour we spent with her - is unknown. Her "quirks" are unknown.

We have none of those concerns with Joey, since we raised him. We trust him as much as someone could REALLY trust an animal. I DON'T trust the new one, because I know little to nothing about her. Is bringing a shelter dog into a family with small kids a bad idea? Is the risk to great?

Anyone who has experience with this....PLEASE feel free to chime in. I'd greatly appreciate any insight/advice I can get!!!

Thanks for the time it took you to read this. Guess it was longer than I thought it would be, for a first thread.

Mark

 

[johann]

A few things to consider-
Is the new dog food aggressive at all? With either people (probably would not be a good choice since you have kids) or dogs (manageable with crates and separate feeding areas).

Have you brought the kids to meet her? I'd bring them to meet her first and see how she reacts around them, but don't be alarmed if she's a bit nervous (shelters are stressful). I'd also see if you can bring her and Joey for a walk together to make sure they ge along before you go any further with the adoption.

She sounds like a sweetheart from your description. I'll be looking forward to reading the replies to your questions....we're also starting our search for a 2nd boxer (rescue this time, not a puppy) and wondering how to get him comfortable in our home.

 

[BostonGeorge]

I agree with what Kate said. See if you can bring Joey by for a playdate or a nice walk. Ask the staff all the questions you can think of. How does she interact with the other animals at the shelter? How does she do with the staff? Did she come to the shelter sick? Do they know if she was surrendered or picked up, if surrendered what do they know about that?.....See if the staff at the shelter has any concerns about her or if they've noticed things about her.

Shelters can be stressful so if visit 1 doesn't go 100%....try another time.

Everyone wants what is best for the dog so I'm sure the shelter would be more than willing to help you!!

Good luck!

 

[RigleymyLove]

Intergrating a new dog

Just take it slow have the new dog on a leach until you are comfortable. Rescueing a dog is so rewarding and these dogs are usually very grateful. But absolutely be cautious with your kids and a new dog that you dont know. Introduce the dogs then later the kids.

Heya, all.

I just signed on for a BoxerWorld account, and posted my introduction this morning. I thought I'd take advantage of some "down time" at work to pose a fairly pressing question that I need objective answers to.

My wife and I have three kids, ages 2, 4, and 7. We also have a gorgeous 1.5 year-old boxer boy, Joey. We brought Joey home when he was 8-weeks old, and he has really turned into what I consider the (almost) perfect Boxer. He's smart, funny, FANTASTIC with the kids, and has his routine down to a science. He's crate trained, potty trained, knows his commands (both spoken and sign language), and has really become a family member in every sense of the term.

Over the past 5-6 months, my wife and I have come to the conclusion that we'd like to get a second boxer. We've spent a ton of time reading about the topic of having 2 dogs, and have figured out that we're as prepared as possible...or so we hope. We also agree that a rescue would be a great way to go.

To that end, we've done a fair amount of searching. This search included the recent discovery of a 2.5 year-old female boxer (or possibly Valley Bulldog) at a local shelter. She is already spayed, up to date with her shots, vet checked, and sweet as can be. I have visited her twice, and took my wife to meet her last night. We spent about 30 minutes with the dog, and we were impressed with the fact that she knows some commands, showed NO signs of aggression, and wiggled her way into our minds and hearts.

Now to my issue -

I know that we have to do the introduction between her and Joey in a neutral space. I know that we have to introduce her to the kids in a one-on-one way. I suppose my biggest concern is how we go about integrating her into the family fold, provided we pick her up??? My fear is of the unknown. The female boxer's upbringing is unknown. The temperment - outside of that half hour we spent with her - is unknown. Her "quirks" are unknown.

We have none of those concerns with Joey, since we raised him. We trust him as much as someone could REALLY trust an animal. I DON'T trust the new one, because I know little to nothing about her. Is bringing a shelter dog into a family with small kids a bad idea? Is the risk to great?

Anyone who has experience with this....PLEASE feel free to chime in. I'd greatly appreciate any insight/advice I can get!!!

Thanks for the time it took you to read this. Guess it was longer than I thought it would be, for a first thread.

Mark

 

[djheitz]

The shelter staff should be able to help you with the initial introduction. In fact, they should insist on being there when your Joey meets the new girl. If all goes well at the meet/greet, you can take them on a long walk either as soon as you get home or maybe at a park along the way. The key is to get them comfortable being near each other and also to tire them out a little. Once home, you can let them out in the yard together, but keep the leashes on, just in case. Then bring them in the house, keeping the leashes on until you are 100% comfortable.

The first few weeks of having a new dog in the home are critical. She will probably be on her best behavior to start, but once she settles in, expect her to test you to see what you will tolerate. It's very important not to baby her or feel sorry for her in any way. Start as you mean to go on or you will just be creating more issues that will be harder to fix further down the road. Practice NILIF, and if you aren't already, use it with Joey, too.

A fellow BW member (thanks, Elaine!) shared this article with me a while back and I now keep it in my favorites. It's good advice -
Adopting a New Dog - Whole Dog Journal Article

I hope it works out with this girl. There are so many dogs in the shelters right now, rescues can't keep up.

 

[JavaJoeyMoac]

Thank you all so much for the inputs thusfar. All were good points, and all will be taken into consideration.

Just got a call from the Humane Society. The family "ahead of us" changed their mind, and we were informed that the girl is ours, if we want her. They told me the next step in the process is to have a meeting and possible walk/playdate with Joey and the kids tomorrow. It starts with an on-leash introduction to allow for sniffing-out and such, and to see what the first impressions are. Afterwards, they'll be allowed to hang out in close proximity to each other, still on leash. Third...if all goes well up to that point...is to let them play together in their fenced in area behind the shelter. Leashes stay on, but they are free to roam and feel each other out. After all that is said and done...and provided things go well...individual introductions to the kids happen, one at a time.

From all outward appearances, it seems like the shelter has their stuff squared away. They outlined the above process for me, telling me how things are gonna go for tomorrow. It's possible, provided everything goes well, that we will be bringing her home tomorrow afternoon!!!

By all means, please keep the advice coming. I'll put it all in the big Boxer blender, and fabricate something resembling a plan for this little adventure of ours.

Thanks again, ya'll.

Mark

 

[EAO76]

It sounds like this is a well run shelter. Ask the staff & volunteers what they know about the dog. Also if you have a trainer with whom you trust & have a good relationship with you can see if they would be available to come along & temperament test the dog. You can also ask the shelter what type of temperament testing they do (but keep in mind some of these tests are a bit flawed, the shelter is very stressful and some dogs wont test well in that environment. I would not use a shelter temp test as a deal breaker; but rather just as one piece of the information puzzle).

Many of the dogs in rescue are there due to no fault of their own. Often they are already trained, healthy, and have wonderful temperaments.Whether or not they have a detailed history on her shouldn't make too much of a difference. I will tell you that I have fostered a lot of Boxers in the last several years. Some of the absolute BEST tempered dogs were strays with NO KNOWN HISTORY. Most rescue/ shelter dogs are nice dogs that just need a 2nd chance. Working in rescue I see so many happy "customers" who love & trust their rescue dogs completely. With that said there are the occasional "special needs" dogs that do have behavioral issues. I don't want to paint a picture of all roses & sunshine because there are occasional issues but most of the time everything works out just fine. My advice is trust your instincts! Spend as much time with the dog as necessary to feel comfortable. Watch how she interacts with your kids (oldest kid 1st) & dog and then decide.

And if you do decide to adopt make sure your kids are extremely cautious in the beginning. I always cringe when I hear people say, "This dog lets my kids do anything to it. They can poke its eyes, pull its tail, take its food, etc". That's a bunch of non-sense. Yes, some dogs are extremely tolerant but children should not be allowed to torment a dog just because the dog will put up with it. That is just asking for trouble. Make sure you tell your kids; No laying on the dog, hanging on the dog, bothering her while sleeping, getting in her face, or bothering her while eating. The kids should not be alone with the dog until she has totally settled in & you are absolutely sure everything is fine.

Here are some Rescue Myths & Truths that might ease your mind:

Myth #1 It’s better to get a puppy because with an older dog, you never know what you’re getting.

At 1st that theory seems to make sense, except the exact opposite is true. All puppies are cute; all puppies love everyone. It’s not until a dog hits sexual maturity that some innate behavioral problems start to surface. There are many desperate calls made to rescues from people who paid thousands of dollars for a purebred puppy, who is now a year or two old and biting people, attacking other dogs, or engaging in some odd neurotic behavior. Buying & raising a puppy doesn’t mean you will automatically get a well tempered dog. Purebred is not the same as well-bred and with all the back yard breeders & unscrupulous puppy mills there are far more poor quality Boxer "breeders" than good ones.

The truth is this: when we list a 4 month old puppy, we can only guess what kind of adult she’ll make. When we list an 18 month old or two year old dog, we can predict pretty accurately what kind of dog you’ll have forever. Puppies take a long time to develop and mature before you see the true dog. However if you rescue an adult what you see is what you get. They have already grown into themselves.

Myth #2 I have small children so its better to get a puppy.

Without a doubt, this is the most common reason people want a puppy. A sweet, small puppy just seems like the best choice for sweet, small children.

The truth is Puppies have needle sharp teeth that they will happily sink into anyone. They also have sharp nails that scratch. Puppies have NO MANNERS. I have heard many parents complain about how their kids dislike the new puppy because the pup is biting them, jumping on them, scratching them. It might be in the name of play but for kids it still hurts & scares them...especially Boxer pups that often outweigh the children.

It takes the whole family to be consistent & calm with teaching a pup good manners and sometimes little kids don’t have the patience. Kids leave toys around (how is the pup supposed to learn not to chew in the midst of so much temptation?), and kids laugh, run, & squeal which eggs a puppy on.

Of course, puppies and small children do successfully co-habitate. But, in my experience, a calmer 2-3yr old boxer is a lot better fit for small children & inexperienced dog owners. A dog that has already been raised with kids or properly temperament tested is no more risky than a pup. Actually in many ways it’s less risky because their temperament is already known.

Myth #3 I’m unsure about getting a rescue dog, because I’m afraid he won’t bond to me.

The exact opposite is nearly always true--your rescue dog will CLING to you. There is NOTHING like the love of a dog that knows he’s/ she’s been given a 2nd chance. Rescue dogs are eternally grateful and seem to appreciate all their new family has to offer. They bond deeply and so will you!

More Reasons to Rescue...
Additionally when you rescue (especially from a reputable breed specific boxer rescue) you (usually) have a team of people who make an effort to get to know their dogs and get to know you (meet your family, your other pets, see where you live, ask questions about your lifestyle, etc) so that a proper match can be made. Furthermore if you rescue & it doesn’t work out most rescue organizations will take the dog back.

And another bonus to rescuing is that your dog (or Puppy) will come already up to date on shots, Microchipped, and spayed/ neutered. And it’s all included in the adoption donation. Not many breeders can promise that. Additionally the adoption fees that you pay go right back into the rescue and directly help save another dog's life. No Breeder can promise that!

 

[JavaJoeyMoac]

INITIAL SUCCESS!!!!!!!!

The meet and greet went absolutely flawless! The intro was on neutral ground, away from both home and the humane society cages. The two were on leash at first, and took about ten minutes to sort each other out. From there, they went to a large fenced area to move around a bit and play. They chased and boxed with each other for another 10-15 minutes or so...all the while, not a single growl, raised hair, or nip occurred.

Intro's with the kids went equally well...and they were all soggy with kisses shortly after the initial "hello."

WE BROUGHT HER HOME!!!!!

We did another meet outside of our house, on the street where we walk Joey. Everything went great...so we moved it to the garage. Again...great. Moved it to the back yard, on leash. Once again...raging success. Based on all we saw, we took the leap and let them play. They ran after each other, boxed, played, sniffed, and layed with each other for about 1.5 hours. Both got a fantastic bath, and are now squeaky clean.

Both are absolutely exhausted now, and lying on the living room floor with Jen and I, chewing away on a Nylabone.

Just felt like sharing. With all the concerns, worries, and fears we had about the first meeting...I don't know that I could have hoped for or imagined a better day. She's a wonderful girl...and Joey has taken to her in a way I could only hope he would have.

Now...if I can only figure out how to get his nose out of her behind by this time next December.......

 

[JavaJoeyMoac]

Our boy, Java Joey Moac is on the left.

Our new little girl, Chickory Abigail is on the right.

 

[BostonGeorge]

TOO CUTE!! So happy for yall....love her name!