Need Advice- Adopting a Rescue Dog

Not sure if any of you remember me but about 8 months ago, I posted about having to give up my mini dachshund, Leo, after he bit my daughter on the face. Luckily I found him a wonderful home with a great family and mini doxie brother! Though I could cry just thinking about him, I am ready to get another dog. Since DH and I work opposite schedules, someone is always home, and we rarely go on vacation, so I feel like now would be a perfect time to get another family member.

I've been searching on Petfinder.com and found an adorable young dog. I've been in contact with the rescue group and found that the dog is being fostered in CT. DH and I have tentative plans to drive out there on Friday if the foster mom is available, and we were told that if it is a good match, we are welcome to take the sweet dog home with us that day!

Now for my question for experienced rescue dog owners: If you also adopted a young dog, not a puppy, did you do anything during the first meeting with the dog to check out his temperment? I know there is no guarantee that a dog will not bite, and our youngest children are 11 months and 2 years old, and actually are pretty mellow kids, but is there anything I can do when we visit to see if the dog would react in a threatening way?

My biggest fear is that we will get the dog home and something will happen and she will bite one of my kids. I really want to get a dog and give back by adopting one who really needs a home. Does anyone have any tips or insight? Help!

Re: Need Advice- Adopting a Rescue Dog

My tan one was a rescue (about a year old)..she was fine when we first met her..now that she has bonded with us she is a bit more aggressive towards people she's not used to that approach us...but she was also a stray for awhile and we think she was abused..she's great with my niece & nephews most of the time...sometimes she doesn't like it when they move too quickly right by her. I would ask the rescue group what kind of temperament testing they've done to see if he's good with kids, etc. They might be able to give you more insight. Wishing you good luck Gabi!!!

Message edited 11/15/2010 10:33:12 PM.

Re: Need Advice- Adopting a Rescue Dog

I am not experienced in rescue dogs.But I am experienced in dogs that bite unfortunately.

Just think of it this way. The reality is if there is always a risk with any animal, then that is increased when adopting an older, rescue dog simply b/c you may never know the full back story on that dog.You can never tell temperment for sure from a one time meeting.

For ex, we got our both dogs from a breeder at 10 weeks old. My female just bit me for the first time when she was stressed out when I was in the hospital having DD. She was 3.5 years old and never bit anyone ever until she bit ME. 2 years later...just 2 mths ago, she bit an adult visiting my home (did not break the skin but did leave a bruise). I would never think she would bite and she never bit anyone ever until these last 2 incidents. My point is, I had her since 10 weeks old, I know nothing traumatic ever happened to her. Yet she bit when I never expected her to do that to anyone, esp me! I can only imagine if I adopted a dog I didn't know since it was a puppy.

So I guess the point is any dog is a risk at any time. A rescue simply adds more of the unknown. Then add small children into the mix and you can never be sure ever. And even if a dog gets along with your children, how can you be sure how the dog will react when different children enter the picture? Only time can tell but is that a risk you are willing to take? Can your heart handle that possibility? And would that be fair to a rescue to risk having to be rehomed again, esp if he/she bit years down the line, once she is in the family for a long time? JMO, please don't take it the wrong way.

Message edited 11/16/2010 10:27:50 AM.

Re: Need Advice- Adopting a Rescue Dog

We were lucky when we adopted Casey (our pitbull) she was super sweet from the beginning.

We had a different experience with a poodle I was fostering. he hated my husband but it was because the way my husband approached him from the beginning.

A tail at a time sent me this and maybe this will help you when you first meet the dog and you should do the same thing when you officially adopt the dog and tell others who come to visit the dog. I would also keep guests at a minimum when you first bring home the dog so it can get use to its surroundings.

I hope this helps.

When fostering a dog, it's important to be mindful of the comfort levels (or lack thereof) of your new friend. Dog experts agree - a human who's aware of the subtleties of canine calming signals will have a much better relationship with the dogs in his or her care.

How to meet a new dog.

Super important : never stare a new dog in the eyes. A dog that might be deciding whether or not to bite you may "go for it!" if he gets an eyeball stare from you during a confrontation. Keep in mind that you may or may not know that there actually *is* a confrontation happening until you become more familiar with your dog! Conversely, a shy dog who's decided that the only place for him to be is wedged under your couch will not be encouraged by humans staring at him or trying to grab at him, no matter how well-meaning their intentions. We human primates are hard-wired to want to greet dogs in ways that make us comfortable: facing straight forward, with direct eye contact and lots of full-on frontal action. Leaning over a dog, Frankenstein-style, is also a favorite thing for humans to do - but, a shy or nervous dog will become quite unsettled if you try this move on them. Dogs communicate their emotional state quite differently in their world! The work of Turid Rugaas and Brenda Aloff, among others, has helped untold numbers of people to understand the language of dogs.

When I'm sure that the dog I'm about to meet is not a risk for a bite (use your common sense here) I will do the following.

1. Get Low. Reducing my height makes me much more approachable, and reduces that scary "Aigh! Frankenstein!" factor for the new dog.

2. Turn to the side. If I point my knees away from the dog, this will also make me less scary. Watch friendly dogs approaching each other in off-leash situations : when greeting, you'll see the dogs circle in to each other from the side, as opposed to moving directly in to each others' space. Presenting the side of your body when greeting is much more welcoming.

3. Touch the ground with my fingers. Once again, I'm doing the best I can to mirror calm canine body language. I can't sniff the ground with my own nose directly (yikes!) but I can effectively mimic that canine calming signal by touching the ground with my fingers.

4. Look away and blink a lot. Yawn. Continue to touch the floor with your fingers. "Hey there, dog, please calm down - you have nothing to worry about." More overt, understandable canine signals from me to the dog that I'm not going to do anything objectionable to him.

5. Let the dog do the approaching. Sadly, in rescue situations, we often see the behavioral fallout that occurs when small dogs are swooped down upon, un-ceremoniously scooped up, and subjected to surprise (unwanted) grabs, hugs, and kisses on the face. The dogs in our lives who have been well-socialized have learned to tolerate these things, as we have had the chance to teach them that we won't hurt them by doing these things to them. It'd be a safe bet that a newly rescued dog has not been taught that humans won't be harmful. When you let a new foster do the initial approaching, you're starting things off on the right foot. Rewarding your foster dog for sniffing you and hanging out with you is a good thing too - I will keep bowls of roasted chicken within reach so that I can quickly reinforce the slightest interest in hanging out with me. I make sure that I never trap or corner a new dog, and that I'm always aware of the space that he needs to have around him to be comfortable.


6. But I was just trying to be friendly! I'm very careful to avoid the list of things that might alarm my new friend. For example, I'll never reach over the dog's head. I might really like the idea of giving a dog a pat on the head, but if the dog has learned that human hands mean trouble, I am in fact punishing the dog by trying to be affectionate towards him. Pats on the head, kisses, and hugs are out of the question with an unsocialized, insecure dog. Reward-based dog trainers teach their students : "It's the dog that decides what is rewarding and what is punishing, not the human!" Your own familiar, socialized dog may love being picked up and given belly rubs and head pats, and your new foster may be absolutely terrorized by them. Watch carefully for warning signals from your new dog.

Jester, alert and a bit tense. Not a good time for a bear hug.

Here's a hit list of common situations that you'll want to avoid:

1. Sudden movements with your hands towards the dog. This goes double for a dog who's got a chewie or other valuable object - even if it's not "his". Use an object exchange to trade the dog for what he has. (Please see the "Drop!" game in Games to Play with your Foster Dog) Be sure to take the pressure off the dog by keeping your distance. Many dogs are easily intimidated by humans who gettooclose. From a distance, you can throw a cookie (or several) as an exchange / "Trade ya!" for the dog. Remember : Please, don't scold the dog for growling or being protective.

2. Trying to pick up a new foster. Again, this may be quite unwelcome to the dog - let him choose when it's time to initiate closer contact. It's not worth a bite or a nip to experiment with this.

3. Friendly strangers trying to befriend a new foster dog. A stranger who reaches out to pet a dog may not be familiar with dog body language and may inadvertently cause a snap...This would be one occasion where you'll have to be that crazy dog person and request that well-meaning friends give the dog space - a lot of space. For children, this rule goes double. Never allow a child to feed a treat or interact with a new foster without constant supervision! In many cases, it is best to avoid any child / dog scenario until you've had a chance to work with a trainer. Taking a chance is not worth the risk to the dog OR to the child. "Be rude, so that your dog doesn't have to be." Hurt feelings are still better than a trip to the hospital for the human and a trip to the euth chamber for the dog.

4. Be aware that when a dog is up on a lap or on a couch or chair, that their comfort level may diminish. Reaching out to touch or pet a dog who's up on a lap may cause a surprise snap. If you need to move a dog away from a place, use treats - toss them where you need the dog to go. Under no circumstances should you use any kind of stick, broom, or other object to move a dog. If you are stuck, please ask us for help!

Finally, it's worth taking a look at the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior's latest study regarding the use of "Dominance" in relation to training, and what subjugating and punishing dogs will do to them. Waggytail Rescue will not ever recommend any form of force or aggression as a solution for problem behaviors. Thanks!


Flop reminds us that tongue flicks are a sign of discomfort.

For more information:

Dr. Karen Overall article, "Behavioral Signals Interpreted by Body Postures"

Terry Ryan's article, "Calming Signals: Canine Life Insurance"


© 2010 by Misa Martin. Written for fosters and volunteers of Waggytail Rescue, and beyond!

Re: Need Advice- Adopting a Rescue Dog

I really appreciate everyone's input. I especially love the guidelines when meeting a new rescue! Thanks! Anyone else with experience dealing with young rescue dogs please share!

Re: Need Advice- Adopting a Rescue Dog

why not try to find a dog that is being fostered in a home with kids already. This way it's not a new experience for the dog when it comes home to your house.

Re: Need Advice- Adopting a Rescue Dog

We always adopt from shelters. I believe you can read a lot by the dogs initial response.
Some dogs, shy away from men, women, or kids as you walk by the cage.

Are you bringing your children ?
Check the dogs initial reaction to the children's arrival. I would want to see the tail wagging and excited.
Also, the dog's response to the noise of the children, activity, etc.
Nervous, aggitated, tail between the legs when seeing the children would be a no go for me.

Touch the dog, are they skiddish ?

When adopting our dog, he was excited to see my nieces & nephews arrive. He allowed us to touch ears, body everything. Overall excited and friendly.

Check local shelters too, they sometimes have surrenders that they can tell you grew up with children and have the history of the dog.

Good Luck!

Message edited 11/17/2010 11:11:36 AM.

Re: Need Advice- Adopting a Rescue Dog

Re: Need Advice- Adopting a Rescue Dog

Re: Need Advice- Adopting a Rescue Dog

Thanks again for the great input everyone! I actually found the dog we may adopt on Petfinder.com about a week and a half ago. I have been in touch with her foster mom thru email over the past week or so. She rescued her and her newborn puppies from a high kill shelter in Tenn. and fostered her there. She has a very high energy 2 year old son, and apparently the dog loves him and follows him around with tail wagging. Yesterday, our possible doggy was transported to CT and is with another foster mom. We are going to meet her tomorrow afternoon! And if we feel it's a good match for her and us, we can take her home then. :o) DH and I will be bringing both DDs, 11 months old and 2 years old. I hope everyone gets along!!

Message edited 11/18/2010 8:31:39 PM.

Re: Need Advice- Adopting a Rescue Dog

Posted by twinkletoes807

Thanks again for the great input everyone! I actually found the dog we may adopt on Petfinder.com about a week and a half ago. I have been in touch with her foster mom thru email over the past week or so. She rescued her and her newborn puppies from a high kill shelter in Tenn. and fostered her there. She has a very high energy 2 year old son, and apparently the dog loves him and follows him around with tail wagging. Yesterday, our possible doggy was transported to CT and is with another foster mom. We are going to meet her tomorrow afternoon! And if we feel it's a good match for her and us, we can take her home then. :o) DH and I will be bringing both DDs, 11 months old and 2 years old. I hope everyone gets along!!

Re: Need Advice- Adopting a Rescue Dog

Posted by Goobster

Posted by twinkletoes807

Thanks again for the great input everyone! I actually found the dog we may adopt on Petfinder.com about a week and a half ago. I have been in touch with her foster mom thru email over the past week or so. She rescued her and her newborn puppies from a high kill shelter in Tenn. and fostered her there. She has a very high energy 2 year old son, and apparently the dog loves him and follows him around with tail wagging. Yesterday, our possible doggy was transported to CT and is with another foster mom. We are going to meet her tomorrow afternoon! And if we feel it's a good match for her and us, we can take her home then. :o) DH and I will be bringing both DDs, 11 months old and 2 years old. I hope everyone gets along!!

Sounds great! Let us know how it goes. I guess if the dog is currently in a home with a rambunctious child, that's your best bet.

Re: Need Advice- Adopting a Rescue Dog

Posted by twinkletoes807
Thank you! I agree. Especially since my kids are pretty mellow. I figure, there is always a chance of a bite happening, regardless of how young the dog is adopted, so all we can do is get a feel for her, take our time, go with our gut, and do our best to watch over the interactions between her and the girls. I hope she is a match!

Re: Need Advice- Adopting a Rescue Dog

We found our dog through Petfinder and I stopped on it because her picture spoke to me (haha) but inquired when it said good with kids - so many of them say older kids only. We have LOTS of nieces and nephews and hope to have a family of our own, so this was important to me.

She was being fostered by someone from the rescue organization who replied to me and also spoke very highly of her temperament. She had also been told that the people who turned her in were a family with kids who lost their home.

When we met her the first time it was at a Petco where they had a cat adoption drive going on anyway, so she came along. With the cats, dogs, people, kids, general insanity, it was actually a great test environment to see what she was like. Essentially, we met her when she was "at her worst" with distractions and new people and animals - and she was a big, happy mush. We knew she was perfect for us.

We couldn't have been luckier. She's been amazing - loves everyone, great with kids, never goes on furniture, was totally housebroken, never chewed a thing... It was the best thing we ever did and we got an amazing dog.

Good luck!! Sounds like you found a great match for your family!

Re: Need Advice- Adopting a Rescue Dog

Posted by Goobster

Posted by twinkletoes807
Thank you! I agree. Especially since my kids are pretty mellow. I figure, there is always a chance of a bite happening, regardless of how young the dog is adopted, so all we can do is get a feel for her, take our time, go with our gut, and do our best to watch over the interactions between her and the girls. I hope she is a match!

I def think she sounds like a great match. Just see if you can find out her backstory, why she wound up being fostered in the first place. But she def def sounds like a great match and I would feel great about her having been in a home already with a crazy child!~