Frequently Asked Questions
Dog ownership, the adoption process in particular, can be daunting. We have compiled some articles that we hope you will find to be useful on your quest to either start, or expand your dog family. If you have specific questions that you are seeking answers to, please feel free to email Penny or check out her blog for dog-related news, tips, and advice.
Thank you and happy reading!
Behavioral
Q: I’ve heard that crate training is good, but isn’t it really cruel?
Q: How do I crate train my dog?
Q: Someone told me that it’s important to socialize my dog. Why?
Q: I’ve heard that crate training is good, but isn’t it really cruel?
A: Crating a dog is not mean or cruel. In fact, crates are a very
useful tool. Dogs find sanctuary in the quiet, dark confines of the
crate and it allows them to settle down, relax and sleep. Dogs
den by nature. The owners need to remember that dogs
are dogs, not people. Before saying "I would never crate my
child", consider the fact that our children are not canines who
den in the wild. When you bring in a dog that is young, high
strung, not house-trained, or possibly destructive, the crate is a
great option to give the dog some down time. There are many
benefits:
- Allows the puppy or dog time to decompress
- Provides a safe haven while you are not at home to supervise
- Protects your floors during the house-training months
- Protects your furniture from dogs who might chew in times of boredom
- Keeps your dog safe from household hazards when you are away
- Gives you some dog-free time when/if you need it
- Provides the safest means of transporting your dog while in a vehicle
Consider crating if your dog is barking, digging, chewing, accidents, or constant running or pacing indoors. It's OK to give yourself a break from your dog. It's OK to crate them for a short period of time while you vacuum, mop and pick up the house. It's OK to crate them when you have a party and don't want your dog underfoot. Crating your dog while you are away for a couple of hours is much more acceptable than leaving them outside to bark and annoy your neighbors.
Read more here.
Q: How do I crate train
my dog?
A: Crating a dog is not mean or cruel (Read this answer).
Here are a couple of hints to successful crate training :
- Keep the crate where your family resides so the dog will feel less isolation
- Cover the crate with a blanket
- Offer treats or kibble to entice dogs into the crate for the first time
- Use your happy voice to encourage your dog to get in the crate
- Don't associate punishment with the crate, it's their sanctuary, not their prison
- Make sure your dog has adequate water if you are gone for extended time periods
- Don't over-utilize crates. In other words, don't leave your dog there all day and then crate again all night
Read more here.
Q:Someone told me that it’s important to socialize my dog. Why?
A: Socializing reduces fear of the unknown and builds confidence.
Here are a couple of ideas for ongoing socializing for your puppy
and/or dog.
- Daily walks in your neighborhood
- Supervised play dates with other dogs
- Doggy Daycare
- Puppy classes or ongoing obedience with other dogs in a group setting
- Agility classes (fun for the dog and for the handler)
- Walks at public parks
- Visit stores that allow dogs (pet stores are great for this)
- Visits to the vet clinic
- Walks in parks
- Visits to public beaches that allow dogs
Read more here.
Adoption Considerations
Q: What does it mean when the dog biography says "Best as only dog"?
Q: What does it mean when the description says "no kids"?
Q: What should I expect during the first week of dog ownership?
Q: Why are your adoption fees higher than at a shelter?
Q: Should I take my dog for group obedience classes or invest in private sessions?
Q: When you say recall, what exactly is that in reference to?
Q: I really want to adopt a puppy but I am ready to handle a young dog?
Q: I love puppies, but it’s been suggested to me that an older dog might suit me better. Why is that?
A: Older dogs suit many families better than puppies.
Senior dogs make great pets and more people should consider adopting
one. Not only are mature dogs calmer, past the destructive years and
easier going, they are also content to enjoy companionship without
asking much in return. Forget the bouncing, counter-grazing, high energy
young dog who would think nothing of eating the new couch! Please
consider offering an older dog his or her forever home so that they can
enjoy their golden years surrounded by love and comfort. Remember, these
mature dogs were once cute little puppies too, but somewhere along the
way, someone turned their back on them.
Read more here.
Q: What does it mean when the
dog biography says "Best as only dog"?
A: Most of the adoptable dogs are fostered with other dogs. When the
description says "Best as only dog", it means that the foster parent
has noticed some behavior that indicates that he or she would do
best in a household that has no other dogs, such as
- The dog more people friendly than dog friendly.
- The dog has poor "dog manners". In other words, the dog may not know how to properly read other dogs' signals, which often times will lead to a dog fight. The dog isn't being mean, but it is unable (or unwilling) to properly assess other dogs' body language. When this happens, certain behaviors are ignored (hackles up, warning growl, stiff body posture) and often times it will lead to the dogs tangling with each other.
- The dog is protective of person and/or belongings. When another dog approaches, the dog will literally fight (growl, show teeth, or worse) for the attention that he/she feels is deserved.
- The dog is simply isn't interested in playing with another dog. This is not ideal for people who want a second dog so that their current dog has a playmate.
In the end, if you do see a label on a dog's biography that states "best as only dog", please take it to heart. It is for the best for all involved; you, your current dog and the dog that's up for adoption.
Read more here.
Q: What does it mean when the
description says "no kids"?
A: Dog that comes in the rescue with no prior history with children
(especially if that dog came in as a stray) will be labeled "no
kids" until it proves that it is safe with children. This is based
on the observations of the handlers in the organization, who might
note certain behaviors that might make them a risk to children.
Kids are known to grab dogs anywhere on their body, grabbing the tail, sitting on the dogs, running with toys....and that can lead to problems down the line. This is hard for dogs that are not well socialized, are lacking confidence and show signs of being skittish. This doesn't mean that the dog is mean or aggressive, but their lack of confidence could indicate a potential for a nipping or biting situation in a household with children. Dogs that are not comfortable being handled are typically labeled No Kids.
Dogs that appear to be confident and well-balanced, but still have no history, may go to an experienced foster home with children at this point, to further observe the real life interactions between the children and the dog. If things go smoothly at the foster home with no red flags being raised, an ok for children is traditionally made.
Obviously with a large breed dog such as a German shepherd, extra precautions must be exercised. I would encourage anyone who is looking to adopt a dog to quiz the rescue organization about how they evaluate their dogs for living in a household with children. Please be aware that the rescue cannot guarantee the absolute safety of any dog with a child. This is where parents must step in and be responsible. Always supervise, especially a newly adopted dog in a new household.
Read more here.
Q: What
should I expect during the first week of dog ownership?
A: There is an adjustment period for a dog to settle into his/her
new environment.
Owners that bring a newly adopted home should expect their new companion to pace, whine, act nervous and most likely, not eat, for at least the first 24 hours. This is perfectly normal! Imagine if someone took you and plopped you down in a completely foreign environment with no explanation; you would be confused and disoriented.
Here are a few tips:
- Get a crate before you get the dog. When the dog is too stressed or the pacing and/or whining has become too much, the dog should go in the crate. This will help the dog to decompress and will allow the owner to take a much needed break also. For more information read I’ve heard that crate training is good, but isn’t it really cruel? and How do I crate train my dog?
- Take the dog for several long walks during the first several days is an excellent way to create a bond with the new dog. Dogs look to their handler for guidance and a walk is a perfect way to let the dog know that he is in your care and you his security blanket. Be sure to have a securely fitting collar and solid leash and be aware of where you are taking the dog so as not to put yourself in a situation that is uncomfortable (or dangerous) for you and the dog.
- Establish the rules and boundaries of the household from day one. Don't coddle the new dog and treat him/her like a baby. Let the dog know what is acceptable in the household and what is not. If you don't want a dog that thinks the furniture is their throne, don't allow them up there just because "they're new, cute and scared". Dogs who are given clear, consistent rules will respect their new owner more and be more eager to please.
- Be extra vigilant during the first 24-48 hours of ownership so as to prevent potty accidents. Even a house-trained dog may feel the need to mark his/her territory with all of the new smells bombarding their nose. Offer to take the dog out for frequent potty breaks (hourly) until you feel comfortable that the dog knows where it is appropriate to relieve himself and watch for subtle cues from the dog (walking by the door to go outside or a soft whine or pacing).
- If you have children, exercise care while the new dog interact with them. Make sure that the children know that it's not appropriate to grab the dog (especially in the face or hindquarters) or corner the dog so that he/she feels threatened. Do not leave a new dog unattended with children until you are certain that the dog is completely comfortable with his new human siblings.
- Be patient with your new dog. Don't expect that the dog will learn the rules of your home overnight. As the dog settles into the routines of your household, he/she will begin to relax and a strong bond will start to form. If you are patient and take time to accept your new dog, you will be pleasantly surprised at how quickly those first few tense moments pass and how quickly the dog feels as if he/she has always been a part of your life.
Read more here.
Q: Why
are your adoption fees higher than at a shelter?
A: Our rescue relies on donations to survive. We do not receive any
state or federal funding to support the vet care, food and other
expenses incurred from caring for the dogs while they are in foster
homes. We are hopeful that adopters will see the value in being able
to adopt a dog from a foster home where it has been observed and
evaluated. The dogs which we place are always altered, UTD on their
shots and micro-chipped. We have observed their behavior and have
made recommendations as to what type of family they are best suited
for (active, sedate, middle-of-the-road), as well as noting any
tendencies that might make them unsuitable for certain home
situations (for example, homes with cats, small children or perhaps
other dogs that may or may not be good personality matches).
Additionally, while the dogs are in foster care, they are actively
being crate-trained, house-trained and brushing up on their indoor
house manners. While we fully support adopting dogs from shelters
(as all dogs DO need a home) we also hope that there is
understanding on the part of potential adopters as to the added
value of adopting from a rescue that houses dogs in a family
setting, rather than a kennel run, without one on one attention.
Q: Should I take my dog for group obedience classes or invest in private sessions?
A: In a group setting, dogs are faced with distractions that they must learn to overcome. They are exposed to other dogs and people, and they are required to interact with them in an acceptable manner.
Being able to focus on the dog's owner/handler in a group setting is a valuable skill, especially for owners that intend on taking their dogs out to public places (like public dog parks) on a regular basis.
Owners who have a new puppy can kill two birds with one stone while attending obedience classes that include other dogs. The puppies will be gaining wonderful socializing exposure at the same time that they are learning basic commands. Varied sights, sounds and stimulation will help the dog to learn appropriate reactions and coping skills (especially important for puppies). The added, and obvious, bonus is that a certified trainer is present and can assist both the owner AND the dog in appropriate responses to the various situations that arise.
However, some dogs are not cut to attend group obedience classes. This is often the case for a newly adopted dog who may be facing some behavior issues. One on one training is often the best choice for a dog that becomes overly excited when encountering other dogs and/or people, or for dogs that exhibit leash aggression. Dogs reacting in this manner can be too distracting for a group setting and it's not fair to the other class members to have to endure constant jumping, barking or lunging. Enlisting the services of a private trainer can be crucial to a difficult dog's overall success.
If a dog has been banned from a group obedience class, he/she can learn their basic commands through the help of a certified trainer. The trainer will not only teach the dog, but more importantly, teach the owner appropriate responses to the dog's "issues". After the dog learns to both focus and respect his owner, rejoining a group obedience class may be possible.
Owners with hectic, sporadic schedules can also benefit from one on one training. Group classes typically meet at a specific time, date and location. If an owner has a rotating shift, the group class may not be feasible.
The most important thing to remember is that obedience classes are important and should be attended. The key is finding one that works for you and your dog and following through. One additional point of importance; the skills learned in class MUST be exercised at home too. Just showing up to a class once a week and not following through at home is a recipe for failure. Attend classes, practice at home, and enjoy your well-behaved friend and companion.
Q: When you say recall, what exactly is that in reference to?
A: In essence, recall refers to a dog's propensity to come back to his/her owner when called.
Dog who have excellent recall are a joy to own. They want to be near their owner more than where their nose may lead them and if their curiosity does lead them away, the mere sound of their owners voice makes them come running.
So, where does this excellent recall come from? In some dogs, it just seems to be part of their personality. These dogs are typically very bonded to their owner, handler or caregiver, and they shadow them. These dogs are often referred to as velcro dogs.
In other dogs, this attribute can be nurtured through training and the creation of a strong bond. Food motivated dogs can be enticed by receiving a tasty treat every time they are called. Using a "happy" voice and showering dogs with praise is another way to foster a positive association between being called and coming to the owner.
In dogs without that natural bond, obedience training is crucial (obedience training is always crucial with or without that bond!!). Finding a quality trainer to instruct the owner on proper technique is vitally important. After all, excellent recall can literally be lifesaving for the dog. Imagine a dog racing towards a busy road.....if you are unable to make this dog stop and respond to the command "come", the consequences could be horrifying.
If a dog has excellent recall, owners can usually open the back of their SUV without fear of the dog bolting away or work in the yard without the stress of the dog taking off on a personal adventure. Obviously, good recall is important, so responsible owners should strive to train and/or nurture the bond as soon as they get a puppy or dog. Your life will be easier and your dog will be safer if you are able to accomplish this. If your dog is having problems with recall and you are not having success with it on your own, look to a qualified trainer as soon as you can - it truly can be life saving!
For more information, check out Manners Unleashed. The clinic is designed to help dogs who need work with recall issues.
Q: I really want to adopt a puppy but I am ready to handle a young dog?
A: Puppies are cuddly, adorable and oh so much fun! But, they are also A LOT of work. Are you really ready to be committed to the needs of a new puppy? Ready for the training (potty, crate and obedience)?? Committed to raising a puppy that will be a wonderful dog?
Being prepared means more than having a collar, leash, crate and bowls. New owners need to consider all aspects before diving into the puppy process. These sweet babies need an owner who is dedicated to starting things off on the right foot. Teaching good manners (no biting, chewing, jumping), working on potty training and crate training from day one, and looking ahead to the needs of an adolescent and adult dog.
Puppy ownership is DOG ownership and the faint of heart should not jump in on a whim (especially if motivated by the pleading of their children) especially if they aren't willing to see ownership through the lifetime of the dog. Nothing is worse than bringing a puppy home and then turning your back on your responsibilities after several weeks or months because it's just "too hard". Worse yet, making it through the cute puppy months and rehoming (or taking to a shelter) when the sweet puppy breath smell has faded and the gangly pup or rambunctious adolescent dog's sweet looks have faded and it's harder to find them a quality home.
So, what should you expect with a new baby?
- Expect to get up during the night to attend to potty needs (probably every 2-3 hrs for a 8-12 wk old pup),
- Expect to keep the puppy on a lead during this time or resign yourself to cleaning up random messes if you don't make it outside in time (it takes up to 6 months to fully potty train a puppy due to their bladder size),
- Expect to listen to crying when the puppy is away from you. Dogs are pack animals and want to be WITH their people, so if you are away from them, most likely they will cry. There will be an acclimation period as your puppy learns to use his/her crate.
Be committed to finding a puppy training class to start your dog off on the right foot for learning good obedience and manners. Studies show that puppies' brains are 80% developed by the young age of 16 wks. So, you need to start early! Be committed to socializing your puppy to avoid fear issues in the months to come.
If this is your first puppy (dog) ever, expect to adjust your schedule. If you are used to taking off for extended weekends or even long nights out on the town, you should realize that a puppy (soon to be a dog) has needs that must be considered first. If you take the step to adopt, or buy, a puppy, don't resent that puppy when you are inconvenienced down the road.
On the upside, puppies are beyond adorable. Puppies are snuggly, fun and unconditionally loving. Puppies are a great tool to teach responsibility to children and a wonderful way to share your love. Just remember that it's not a commitment to take on lightly.
Food-related
Q: I heard that some dogs like raisins as treats. Are they safe?
Q:I heard that some dogs like raisins as treats. Are they safe?
A: No! Beware of raisins and grapes! Just a small amount of these
sweet treasures can cause acute renal failure in dogs, a trend first
noted by the Animal Poison Control Center (APCC), run by the
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
(ASPCA). Although the exact cause of the renal failure from
ingestion of grapes is not known, the effects are real and
frightening.
Dogs suffering from the affects of grape and/or raisin toxicity typically exhibit vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort within the first two hours of ingestion. You may also note weakness, increased thirst, and a general lack of appetite. If you know that your dog has ingested grapes or raisins or suspect that they may have, an immediate trip to the veterinarian is essential.
Treatment within the first 2 hours typically includes the induction of vomiting. If a greater span of time has passed, activated charcoal may be utilized to help absorb the toxin from the intestines. However, the prognosis for dogs that have already shown advanced signs of toxicity is guarded at best. Safeguarding against the initial ingestion of the grapes or raisins should be first and foremost, as the consequences after the fact are too severe. Awareness of the danger by all members of the family and guests of the home is paramount.
Read more here.
Q: What is Bloat?
A: Gastric dilatation-volvulus or GDV (more commonly known as
Bloat) is a serious, sometimes life-threatening condition that is
most commonly found in deep chested German shepherds.
Overeating, especially in puppies, can cause a simple form of gastric distention. Belching and/or vomiting usually relieve this problem. However, if the stomach twists (Torsion or volvulus) the blood supply to the stomach and/or intestines can become blocked and the tissues begin to die. The hallmark signs of GDV are abdominal distention or swollen stomach, salivating and retching. Anorexia, restlessness, lethargy, depression, rapid heartbeat and weakness are additional signs of this serious ailment. If you suspect that your dog may be suffering from GDV, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible as this is a genuine emergency and time is of the essence. In most cases, surgery will be required to save the dog, however, recovery can not always be guaranteed. Additionally, the procedure is costly and recovery is long.
To avoid this dangerous condition, prevention is of the utmost importance. Feed your dog smaller portions two to three meals a day and do not exercise your dog for two hours after a meal. In this case, as with so many others, an ounce of prevention can make the ultimate difference in the well-being of your dog.
Fostering
Q: I don’t think I can foster because I would get too attached and want to keep every dog. How can you foster a dog and then let it go?
A: We are asked this fostering question all of the time. Fostering is great for:
- A dog lover who is horrified by the dogs dying in shelters and who wants to do something, anything to help. This person can make a huge difference in the life of the dog that they foster and help another dog make it out of the shelter alive.
- A person has a complete dog family. In other words, they are not looking for another dog and are happy with their current situation. You are less likely to be tempted to keep your foster dog if you are happy with the way that your household is. Also, you are helping another dog make it to their forever family and can feel great about your part in the process.
- An individual who is considering a second or third dog to their family. What better way to pick a companion than to test-drive them in your own household? If you find a dog that fits your family's dynamics perfectly, then you adopt. If the dog isn't perfect at your home, you can keep him/her until they meet the family that has the perfect dynamics.
There can be a combination of all three - horrified by the dying at shelters, 99% content with the dog family, but possibly looking for that perfect dog out there - he or she is out there waiting, but can help many others in the interim.
Again, Fostering is extremely gratifying; feeling good about your part in the process and helping save a life in your quest for the perfect companion.