|
Jake and Adopting from the Humane Society |
|
|
|
When adopting a pet from the humane society, ask as many questions as possible.
- The animal's history.
- Where it came from.
- If it was a voluntary release ask why.(such as Jake)
- Was it taken from its owner? why?
This little bit of information will help you understand your pet's odd behavior, if it has any. It will also allow you to retrain the animal to over come its fears and except you as its new master.
- Watch the animal for the first few weeks, see its quirks and take note, then if you do not know how to help the animal overcome its problems, seek help from a vet, a trainer, or the internet from a reputable site.
- Never put your new animal in a position that you know is a fear factor until you are certain it is the right thing to do.
- Dogs are grateful for being adopted, but their history may mean intensive training, so ask questions and pick the pet that you know you can love without fear of it harming you, or anyone around you.
- If adopting a special needs animal, make sure you can be dedicated to it and give it the benefits of a healthy, happy life.
Jake, black lab, was born with 3 legs and a nub. It appears his brain still tries to use the nub as a full size leg. When he runs, he gets down low and uses the nub. We are constantly checking it for any sores or damage.
Don't be afraid of a disability in an animal, but be certain you can handle the problem properly.
Adoption is so much better than paying a breeder for an animal that may have been inbred. The purer the breed, the more health problems it will have in its life time.
Hope this helps you choose a wonderful pet!
By Tina from East Texas
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
RE: Jake and Adopting from the Humane Society
|
Post By Claudia-MD (Guest Post)
(08/31/2006)
|
|
Thanks to you and all the folks who responded for rescuing your pets. I also have two rescued LH doxies, and both have 'issues'- medical and behavioral- but I wouldn't trade them for anything.
RE: Jake and Adopting from the Humane Society
Hi Jennifer,
It took alot of patience with Jake, because that is all he knew. But both my husband and I went with the same technique, of gently removing his paw from us and placing it back on the ground while saying no, sit. Other times when we actualy saw he was fixing to raise up on us, we would put our hand out, palm to him and say 'no, sit', firmly and he would. Because of his disability, we stand next to him and allow him to lean on us and give him a good petting for doing a good job. I'm ashamed to say that one time I forgot he was leaning on me and took off after something in the yard and he just fell over. He was leaning on me so hard. Poor baby, I rushed back and loved him, but he wasn't hurt, nor did he act like it bothered him, but I felt so guilty.
When we first got him, his back legs were so strong from having raised himself up so much that being forceful with him to sit was impossible. He is a very hyper dog and requires a lot of attention. But with continuous work of putting our hand up and saying 'no sit', he has gotten to where he will sit on the spot and allow us to come to him, saving him a few steps.
I hope this helps. But I have not had any luck with my dachsund jumping up on people and licking. She welcomes everyone by trying to get higher than the blue heeler and then she will lick a person's skin off. I guess because she is so short, she can't see my hand and I know she has selective hearing. No one should ever think they are coming in this house to see me. My girls think they are coming to see them.
Take care,
Tina
RE: Jake and Adopting from the Humane Society
I have two adopted dogs and love them dearly. One was scared of all men until my husband broke him of that; the other is completely blind because of neglect. I wouldn't trade either of them for a perfectly healthy breeder puppy! Give Jake a big hug and kiss for me.
RE: Jake and Adopting from the Humane Society
|
Post By Jennifer (Guest Post)
(08/24/2006)
|
|
Can you explain how you taught Jake to stop jumping up as a greeting. My one year old lab mix has been to puppy school (and graduated with top honors, I might add), but I still have trouble getting him not to jump up on people. This poses a real problem when my in-laws come to visit as they are quite elderly. Thanks for any suggestions you might be able to offer.
RE: Jake and Adopting from the Humane Society
A lot of dogs are afraid of loud noises as you described. How did you get Maggie to overcome this fear? Remember next time you adopt, to find out some history. It may make you sick to your stomach to know what others have done but it will also give you a chance to properly care for it and love it like crazy. As for Maggie and the basement, there may be an odor that is present that reminds her of a bad situation, something that you can't see or smell. I suggest, not to force her into the basement. You might offer her a treat to follow you, but if she is still fearful, allow her the freedom of not venturing down there.
Thank you for sharing your story. I believe in spay and neutering and most definately adopting. By adopting, I will not procrastinate about the spaying or neutering, instead, it will be done before I bring a new pet home.
Loving our pets,
Tina
RE: Jake and Adopting from the Humane Society
|
Post By Diana (Guest Post)
(08/23/2006)
|
|
I too have an adopted adult dog and I will NEVER adopt a puppy again. We did have "issues"-a fully grown golden retreiver trying to get under the bed during thunderstorms and other loud noises (fire crackers, shotgun blasts, etc.) and she still won't go down in the basement (Wish I knew what Maggie's previous owners did to her), takes her food an will only eat it on the carpet, etc.
But she is the sweetest dog and I love her so much! SHe is such a joy to have as a poart of our family! Adopt and spay or neuter too!
|
|
|
|
| Login using the form on the top of the page to post feedback if you have registered with ThriftyFun. If you have not yet registered, click here. It's FREE!. If you are not registered you can post feedback as a guest below. Please don't use your email address for your name because spam robots can dredge it from our site. Please do not post your feedback more than ONCE. We need to approve all guest feedback and it may take from minutes to hours for that to happen. |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
