So we are pretty sure we will be approved to adopt our little Dublin, 4 yo yellow lab. She's at a foster right now. I feel overwhelmed. HA imagine how I'd be with a puppy! There's just so much, it seems, to be aware of...don't do this when you play tug-of-war, but do that....don't do this when crate training, but MAKE SURE you do that...just stuff like that. Anyone have some reassuring words for a newbie dog owner? AH!
Think about all of the lovely things you will do together. You will have a friend for her life. Just take it day to day and come on here with any questions you like; you'll soon bond if you dedicate time to her. As the Beatles say: "Love is all you need" oh, and a sense of humour. Be excited, it's ok!!
Don't worry, you're not alone. It shows you're taking the responsibility seriously, and it is a big responsibility. But, with that comes a lot of fun and love and, of course, fabulous Labrador cuddles and licks. You may need some patience with her at first while she settles in; it will be a big transition for you all, so make sure she has somewhere safe she can go to be alone if she wants to. Do you know anything about her history? Good luck!
Taking on a rescue dog is a wonderful thing to do - but it comes with challenges and from the experiences of people on the forum who have done it, it's not always an easy ride. I'm sure people who have rescues will be along in a while and can talk from their own experiences (I've never taken on a rescue dog, although would like to do so in the future). I think a lot of love, understanding and patience is required. Hopefully though, that will be paid back to you in buckets by this lovely girl who needs a home, and you will have many happy years together. We are always here to help, or just listen during the rocky moments! Best of luck with it.
Even rescues with "issues" have so much to give. Good for you. Sounds like you are going to make a great Mom. You are thinking and planning. Someone is always here to help, commiserate, laugh, compare notes, and advise. Rescues don't always work out, but what a sad world if we didn't try. Be excited. And enjoy. Good luck.
You guys are the best! Love you all, thank you! I know I just need to relax and enjoy...story of my life I'm a laid back person, but somewhat of a perfectionist too. (Though you wouldn't know it by looking around my house lol). I'm so glad I have you all here for me. You make me feel so supported. I'm hoping you don't have to be a "perfect" pet owner, but mostly one who LOVES...I've got plenty of that for her
You are going to be just fine, I think we all probably felt the same when we were bringing our pups home for the first time or taking a rescue dog into the family. I haven't got anything much to add but would encourage consistency in everything you do to help Dublin settle in and then in your training.
However prepared you think you are, you won't be! So just enjoy it. So what if you get some things wrong? You will get most of it right, and you'll be doing better than 99% of new dog owners. You'll get it wrong, then you'll come onto this forum and we'll all give you tons and tons of advice and support, and you know what? Dublin is going to love you anyway. The biggest gift you are giving him is love and security. And you may need to add in a rather huge amount of patience to begin with! You're doing a brilliant thing.
You'll find that your instincts kick in and you will, more often than not, just know what to do My advice is - anything you don't want a 27Kg Lab with huge teeth to do, don't let your puppy do. The way they played when pups they want to carry on. I made the mistake with Tatze of playing with her with the broom and mop, also with the towel as I dried my hair. Big mistake - I can't count how many towels and brooms she has ruined when grabbing them in her excitement to play like she did as a puppy! Also, if your instinct is 'this pup is not well' then get to the vet, don't hesitate - they are there to help and reassure you.
I fostered a boy a few months ago with the possibility of adopting. Unfortunately we couldn't keep him due to personal reasons. He was so loving, adoreable and fun. He had had a hard time so was reactive to all other dogs except mine. Sometimes rescues do have issues around food so you need to be patient and not allow people to take food off him. I spent a lot of time training with him and he was so responsive it was great. Leaving him alone was a bit of an issue at first - he ended sleeping upstairs with us as he hated being alone. He also didn't like the crate - I think it was because he had been in kennels for a while and wasn't happy there. The family he went to keep in touch and he has come on leaps and bounds being an only dog in the house. It is so rewarding. You will have good days and bad days. Everyone on here was so supportive during this time to me and I am 100% certain that we will all do the same for you. The rest of it you will muddle through and find your own way to deal with things . I'm sure she will love having a family to be hers. Good luck x
She looks beautiful! We have fostered a couple of labradors, and had a few fosters here for just the weekend, we currently have a new foster, a gorgeous working black cocker cross. Generally though a rescue comes with baggage of some kind. It can take time for some quirks, or even issues to arise. We apply the 3 day, 3 week and 3 month rule...these are the 3 main stages of change that the adopted dog goes through, whilst they try to adapt to a very different environment, routine, people etc.. The most important thing in the first few days is keep the dog safe and quiet, keep interactions to an absolute minimum, meaning although it is soooo tempting, try and avoid lots of cuddles, this is what is known as "lovebombing" and can be a little distressing and confusing to a newly adopted dog who is trying to process a very different environment. Secondly, a crate is great...but training an adult dog takes a HUGE amount of time and care, but really worthwhile, some take longer than others, and in some cases you have to dissemble the crate and gradually build it back up! I have lots of information I can send you, just drop a PM and I can send it to you. Good luck! Relax and enjoy! x
thanks beanwood and naya! i think dublin is ok with food issues because she lives with other dogs at her foster's house, but you never know. I'm so glad to have all of your support here. it means a lot. i like the 3 day, 3 week, 3 month rule. it makes sense. I have heard that...not to lovebomb But im glad you reminded me. that will be hard lol but its a good idea. Yes, i really hope she will use the crate eventually. someone is lending us one so that is good i dont have to invest in one at first. we have cats which is kind of throwing a wrench into the works but im coming up (or trying to come up) with plans. for instance i put the cat bowls and a second litter box in my husband's office (HA he'll love that!) and im going to get a gate to put up in front of the door with a space at the bottom so the cats can go in and out. (My husband only uses the office on the weekends and it's more of a "man cave" type of thing ) So the cats and the dog getting along has me on edge, but im trying very hard to just relax. I get stressed easily but i dont want dublin (or the cats for that matter) to pick up on that....inhale i will PM you bean
Hi Meg,big congratulations on welcoming Dublin into your home,when does she arrive? We've got Dexter,he's our first dog so I have no adoption/ fostering advice but I'm good for moral support and cheerleading!I've been lucky enough to have been able to share in some of the other members adoption stories so always shout out if you need a hand with anything and if I can help in that way I will Bye for now Angela x
meg I sprayed feliway around to help my cats when we brought Juno home. I got through around a bottle in a couple of weeks but seemed to help the cats settle with the family member. While they are not best buddies and curl up together they all get on OK with no fighting, spitting etc. Main thing is for the cats to be able to get away from Dublin to somewhere safe if they are not sure, oh and to make sure that Dublin can't reach their food
