Hi I am new on this site, but I was looking for a place to chat to other Lab owners. I have a beautiful Lab named Dusty, he is 7 years old, and he is our furbaby. He has been through so much in his young life and we are very fortunate that we have been able to see him through his battle with cancer and now he has elbow displacia. We have often joked that he loves being an only dog. He is never far from my husband or myself and loves it when he get to go for rides in the car with both of us. He is a happy playful lab, he loves playing with other dogs and over the years we quiet often look after other dogs whilst their owners go on holidays. Well now my husband and I have been asked to take In a 12 week old Lab, this poor puppy was rescued from a pound and then his new owners well they did not treat him right and he was kicked and beaten, he is in a foster home but needs a home of his own. because of Dusty's kind and caring nature they thought we would be perfect for this little puppy who needs a chance. We know Dusty loves other dogs but he has never been unhappy with us so do you think he will take to having a little brother puppy around and will cope with sharing the attention of his parents? Have any of you brought a new puppy in to your families when your Dog is content? Firstly Dusty is our main concern secondly this puppy needs a good forever home and we don't want to make a wrong choice. Dusty is our first dog as a couple and the first Lab. So any advice or comments I would welcome from any of you that might have more insight into our beautiful dogs Please
Re: Advice needed Please I would say that that some dogs that are less 'forward' and and quite soft and gentle in nature can be a bit pushed to the background if a very demanding and attention seeking dog comes into the picture, so it also depends on what the pup grows up to be like, which you don't know yet. But it sounds like Dusty is a confident dog who would enjoy having another dog around, but would be equally happy just carrying on being your single furbaby I guess that a very important question is - do you and your husband want a second dog? If you want a second dog does a rescue dog (i.e. medical history, parent's health unknown) fit the bill? Do you go away often and would making arrangements for two dogs be difficult or not a problem? Would you still be able to mind other people's dogs, which you seem to enjoy? What about becoming Lab Rescue foster carers yourselves? In asking questions I'm definitely not suggesting that you should not take in this puppy. Any puppy or dog would obviously have a wonderful life with you with the best of care.
Re: Advice needed Please I agree with Rachael. Taking on a rescue dog can come with a host of complications which you need to think about. From what you've said of Dusty I don't think he'd be much of a complication. Do you know how this pup gets on with other dogs? Could you perhaps take Dusty to the pups foster home to meet it? Or meet on neutral territory to see how they get on. Then perhaps the pup could come and meet Dusty at yours. How does Dusty behave with pups and young dogs ? I ask this because my old lab was not keen on bouncy pups when he got older and when I got the two labs I have now the older dogs in my extended family who were 4 and 6 years old couldn't stand them. : I think introducing them to each other would be a good idea then you can go from there. Good luck and I hope it works out as I think the pup would be very lucky to get you.
Re: Advice needed Please If the pup is in foster care then I'm pretty sure the carers would be happy for you to take your time to decide. Perhaps meet up a couple of times, then you could visit them, them visit you etc. You need to be absolutely sure that a second dog is right for you. Double the food, vets, training etc. But you know all of that... the very best of luck with your decision and do let us know how you go on!
Re: Advice needed Please Gosh what a dilemma. I tend to agree that the first question is do YOU two really want another dog. It's a big leap - two dogs are harder to place if you go away and it is a lot of extra work. Try to put pup out of your mind and think about 2 adult dogs - one young and bouncy and one starting to get older and achier are you entirely committed to this idea? There is always a pup or dog somewhere that desperately needs rescuing so as hard as it is make sure to be completely sure you want another dog not only naturally wish to help this particular pup. If you are then definitely you need to introduce Dusty first. My Barney adores puppies and loves nothing more than a puppy visit. He enjoyed when Rusty arrived and was good with him but even he needed regular breaks during the day from getting his ears chewed! Rusty is not that tolerant of puppies - all labs are individuals and Dusty might like this pup or not! So the neutral terrotory suggestion is a good one and one that the rescue centre's always insist on before placing a dog in a home with an existing pet. Whatever you decide - good luck and pop back here for more tips whenever you need to! Carole
Re: Advice needed Please My Lab who was 6 years old found the puppy quite scary at first and was stressed. However, he soon got over than and they are best of friends now. Number one Lab is 8 and number two is two and a half, I don't regret having number two at all.
Re: Advice needed Please Thank you all for your advice, its is very much appreciated. We have thought of having a second dog, and just signed up to foster dogs, but we do love Labs, there is something special about them. We have a big house and big garden and big hearts so having 2 adult dogs is not a problem for us. But Carole I had not thought about having one older and one younger, Dusty already has Elbow displacia and is on medication. that is something we need to consider. We have two very good friends who will dog sit for us they argue as to who is going to stay and look after Dusty now and one of those friends is how we came to hear about this little puppy. We have arranged a meet with the new pup on Friday, we want to see how they get along, he is in foster care with 2 labs and a golden retriever and he gets along well but they are all older and he has lots of energy. Dusty is good with puppies, he just plays with them and then he lays down and they climb all over him, he is such a gentle soul. When he was a puppy and graduated puppy kinder, he used to be asked back to help out with the boisterous puppies. dusty would play with them prior to class and wear them down so that the puppies could be trained. We are prepared for the extra vet bills and food and toys lol thank you once again for your comments, I really do appreciate your advice, I have lots of things to think about. I am so glad I found this forum
Re: Advice needed Please It sounds to me like you have things figured out already. I do hope that Friday's meeting goes well, the young pup will have landed right on his feet if he gets to come and live with you. And Dusty sounds like a dream Keep us all posted!!
Re: Advice needed Please Oh I hope to goes well,Dusty just sounds so lovely and you both sounds so caring x
Re: Advice needed Please All the very best.... please let us know how it goes. Dusty sounds like a dream dog - lovely boy!
Re: Advice needed Please You are really thinking it through carefully, and that's the important thing. I am sure Dusty will find the pup a bit of a nuisance at times - but usually a pup and older dog bond after a period of adjustment, and become firm friends. That is what happened with my dogs. If you do decide to take on this little puppy, then you will need to make sure Dusty has safe places where he can escape for peace and quiet. But he sounds like a chilled and friendly soul, who actually would do well with a puppy. It would just be the ED that would concern me - you would have to make sure he doesn't overdo the romping with the pup! On the positive side, seven years old is a good age to introduce another dog into the house. Old enough to be calm and sensible and a good role model, but young enough to be able to enjoy the puppy. You will make the right decision for yourselves and Dusty.
Re: Advice needed Please - Update Well the young puppy was supposed to come for the weekend, however last night we were informed that the Puppy had been given to some one else. the foster carer was very angry about this and we all just hope this young puppy has a good loving home. But it made Hubby and I realise that we are ready to take in a new dog, so I am signing up with the Labrador rescue group in Melbourne and we will add to our family and start with fostering labs. Every one thank you for your advice, it certainly was insightful and appreciated. Thank you ;D
Re: Advice needed Please Oh, that is a shame about the puppy.... but as you say it has prompted you to decide that you are ready for another dog, so that is good I'm sure Lab Rescue will really appreciate your help as a foster carer.
Re: Advice needed Please Ah you must be disappointed but like Rachael says,this experience has been beneficial in realising that you are ready to welcome a number 2. Let us know how you get on waiting for the lucky dog that's going to find it's way to you x
Re: Advice needed Please Shame about the puppy Good luck with the fostering, let's us know how it goes
