is it hard to adopt a rescue dog?

[DobieDober]

I'm getting my first doberman next week, and it won't be a rescue dog but I was wondering if its hard to adopt a rescue dog? I mean does it take a lot of work to get them used to you and feeling safe?

[Rich S]

I think it really depends on the history with the dog. The old saying you can't teach an old dog new tricks simply isn't true. Even if the dog came from a neglectful home, it is never to late to train a dog, especially a doberman.

My brother went through Boxer Rescue, and got himself a great dog. However he didn't start out as a great dog. Tie was badly abused and it took my brother months to start to earn his trust. I think all dogs really want is some love, as weird as that sounds. Once there is trust, the proper training can begin.

I think a rescue dog is a great choice. As I have mentioned in other posts, we will have a special link for Doberman Rescue. If anyone has any specific questions in the mean time, please message me.

[Tombo]

i don't know for sure how hard it is. but i know that the rescue people will go through a whole process to make sure u are fit to own the dog and if you are able to pay the vet bills....

Another thing is i hear that they will do surprise visits to your home:):)

[Alicia S]

Dog rescue organizations are, for the most part, run very well. As Tombo mentioned, they make sure you are ready for the responsibility of the dog.

Not everyone who applies for Doberman Rescue will get a dog. I think this is great because not everyone deserves to have a dog, especially a Doberman.

[roses]

Yes, it is hard to adopt a rescue dog. The new owner has to treat the dog the same way as it's former. The owner has to know the health condition and other details about that dog. It is quite simple as nowadays rescue work is done in a good procedure by non governmental organizations and blue cross. So don't worry about having a rescue dog.

[tomc]

Animal Compassion Network is a non-profit animal rescue organization located in Western North Carolina. Through the hard work of its volunteers and foster homes, ACN has found loving, permanent homes for more than 1,600 cats and dogs since 1999. So adopting a dog is like showing love toward a pet...

[Blitzter]

A lot of it depends on you and your living situation. Is your yard fenced in? Will the dog be left alone and if so for how long? Do you have the time to exercise your dog? Take him or her to training? Where will the dog sleep? Do you have small children?

There will be a home check by the rescue. All of this is done to make sure that you are ready for adopting a rescue and that you can provide a safe and secure home. Rescue Dobes are fostered by people helping with the rescues. If you are ready and do get the chance to adopt, these people can help match you up to a Dobe that would be best for you.

[lab1dobie]

It can be hard to do a rescue. Breed Rescues have stringent requirements and also some do in-home visits to make sure the dog's getting a good home with responsible owners.
As far as behavior, the rescue can give you some info but be prepared to work and I mean really be prepared to put in the time and effort to work with your dog and get into a training class as soon as possible. A good instructor can evaluate the dog and give you good information on what you will need to work on.
It sounds like a lot but the rewards are PRICELESS!!
We have rescued two labs and two dobes with success.
Our first lab was abused as was our first dobe. Our second lab was found on the side of the road at 8 weeks with the rest of the litter after their mother was killed by a car.
Our new dobe just started her intermediate class last week. She is a year old and we have had her 2 months. She is progressing nicely. We just have to get throughthat "puppy phase". But when she matures she will be a fine ambassador for the doberman breed.

[tidibole]

I personally feel that rescues go overboard. Having done resuce for the better part of 30 years both locally and on the West coast. I think that many rescues are asking too much of potential adopters,,i.e, staying at home with the dog, etc...I adopted my rescue from a shelter BECAUSE I was told that since I had a 10year old unaltered dog of a different breed that Unless HE were altered I could not adopt. I was looking to adopt a neutered male...that if I did not show there was NO reason not to alter...Either which way I am not a breeder and certainly not of the SAME sex!!!!!I adopted my wonderful Male Dobe thru a out of state shelter as posted in another thread and could not have been happier...

[Dobs4ever]

I am not sure I understood this statement that the new owner has to treat the dog the same as its former owner. What if the former owner was abusive? Dogs are quick learners and I feel it is important for the dog to adjust to the new home and rules not the other way around. Plus you just can't know everything and sometimes nothing about the past home.

I feel it is important to move forward with the dog from where it is today. This will do more to help the dog overcome past issues rather than foster them. Unfortunatley most new owners do not know how to correct issues so end up in a poor situation or worse the dog ends back up in rescue again.

If I misunderstood the post please forgive.

Yes, it is hard to adopt a rescue dog. The new owner has to treat the dog the same way as it's former. The owner has to know the health condition and other details about that dog. It is quite simple as nowadays rescue work is done in a good procedure by non governmental organizations and blue cross. So don't worry about having a rescue dog.

[Big Dogs]

shelter dogs can make great pets and can become role models for others. You just have to do your home work when choosing. Taking into consideration your experience family, and other pets. Some of the smaller shelters due little or no pre adoption work, just as bad as doing to much and eliminating potentially good homes. You should always take a professional trainer with you to help evaluate the dog to help meet your needs and life style. It does help to know the dogs back ground if available to enable you to make the best choice possible. And work with a trainer if you have issues with the dog before you become frustrated its easier on the dog and you. The last thing you want is for you and your family to become attached to the dog and have to take it back its hard on the family and the dog.

[tidibole]

shelter dogs can make great pets and can become role models for others. You just have to do your home work when choosing. Taking into consideration your experience family, and other pets. Some of the smaller shelters due little or no pre adoption work, just as bad as doing to much and eliminating potentially good homes. You should always take a professional trainer with you to help evaluate the dog to help meet your needs and life style. It does help to know the dogs back ground if available to enable you to make the best choice possible. And work with a trainer if you have issues with the dog before you become frustrated its easier on the dog and you. The last thing you want is for you and your family to become attached to the dog and have to take it back its hard on the family and the dog.I have found that TOO MANY times, there is no commitment on the behalf of the potential owner. The boy that I recently lost was prime example of commitment for better or worse, he was adopted out of state, sight unseen other than a photo on PetFinder. Beautiful cropped 3 yr old male. the director met me halfway and home we went. That was when all my headaches started but the bonding was something I will never expereince again with ANY dog.. He would NOT allow being reprimanded in any shape form or way. Growled, threatened and intimidated. Period, But over the course of the next 7 years we pretty much became inseperable even though I had other dogs that were NOT rescue! My point is simply had he perhaps been with another person, who didn't want to or knew how to handle such a prey driven dog, he would of perhaps been put down or at least hurt someone. He became a Therapy dog and there was not a person or other dog he didn't like. However to the day he died, we had a mutual respect that included lines drawn and neither of us crossed them. A doberman must be treated with respect and dignity. I can only imagine if he had gone to a non breed specific rescue with all of the testing, etc, I doubt he would have ended up placeable.

[Big Dogs]

I have found that TOO MANY times, there is no commitment on the behalf of the potential owner. The boy that I recently lost was prime example of commitment for better or worse, he was adopted out of state, sight unseen other than a photo on PetFinder. Beautiful cropped 3 yr old male. the director met me halfway and home we went. That was when all my headaches started but the bonding was something I will never expereince again with ANY dog.. He would NOT allow being reprimanded in any shape form or way. Growled, threatened and intimidated. Period, But over the course of the next 7 years we pretty much became inseperable even though I had other dogs that were NOT rescue! My point is simply had he perhaps been with another person, who didn't want to or knew how to handle such a prey driven dog, he would of perhaps been put down or at least hurt someone. He became a Therapy dog and there was not a person or other dog he didn't like. However to the day he died, we had a mutual respect that included lines drawn and neither of us crossed them. A doberman must be treated with respect and dignity. I can only imagine if he had gone to a non breed specific rescue with all of the testing, etc, I doubt he would have ended up placeable.

I second that feeling when the dog respects you and you respect the dog the bond that is created with hard work and time is second to none. When people look at shelter dogs or rescue dogs you have to do your research on the breed seek professional assistance and be prepared that the likely hood of the dog having an issue is good!

[Cotto]

I rescued a Dobe from Chicago area Dobe rescue last November. He was a 2 year old male, ears not cropped. All I know of his past was that his owner (Tennessee) turned him over to a pound because "he got too big." He was picked up from the pound by the rescue and placed in a foster home. They tried to adopt him to a home with two Dachsunds and, after warning one them several times not to jump in his face, he severely bit one in the neck. Before the adoption, they performed a background check with my Vet to ensure I had taken proper care of my cat. They called references and performed an in home visit with the dog along with an interview. I have a yard but it's not fenced in. I live alone and work nights. They allowed me to adopt him. We attended Basic Obedience and he excelled. He was initially skiddish around other dogs and chased the cat but the rules were set and enforced from day one. He was socialized by going to pet friendly pet stores and parks. He walks in a perfect heel, knows and obeys sit, down, leave it, stay and come. He passed the CGC and the Therapy Dog test. He is now very affectionate, obedient, great with kids and babies, gets along fine with other dogs and the cat. Any Dobe can be trained if you are firm and put the time in. Firm does not mean cruel. Dobes respond to discipline but not physical punishment. Simple corrections with the proper leash/collar suffice. He is a wonderful dog that I can take anywhere with no fear of him misbehaving, biting, jumping etc. He is crated when I'm not home but will soon be ready to stay out alone. The key is training, understanding the breed and consistency. You must establish who the boss is and everything will fall into place. Also, Dobes must be exercised or they will get bored and into trouble. he is walked twice a day for 30 min each time. He is fed high quality food ( I prefer Hund-n-Flakn by Solid Gold). He is the best dog I have ever owned. I have taken him on road trips, to dog parks and I let anyone who asks pet him inclusing small children. What more could you ask for?

[RKCM]

Most rescues, like good breeders want the dog to have a forever home, so thet do look for certain criteria. I am sure they will check you out and talk with you about why they wouldn't place a dog with you. Sometimes that information will give you advice that is best for the dog. What would be hard is to rehome the dog again.

[Dobs4ever]

I believe rescues come with a certain set of requirements that do require extensive interviews. Cotto it is so fortunate that you and Tidibole made a permenent committment. That is awesome - but you also realized that it would require work. Whether it is a rescue or new puppy it requires training. I always think of the dogs that get adopted from shelters or rescue and then go on to have a great career in obedience, TDI, agility etc. It really points out once again that the problem is the person NOT THE DOG!!!

[Fritz]

I adopted Fritz from his former family directly, from an ad on Craigslist.
I knew why he was being given up, and I have his first mom's phone number if anything arises that I need to know about.
She had to return to work, and was heartbroken to give him up, but she had no time for him, and re-homed him out of love.

The official rescues all wanted an affidavit from our homeowner's insurance stating that the breed was allowed according to their policy.

Now, *that* wasn't going to happen, I had told our ins. co. that I kept mixed breeds when I signed up 7 years ago, but I have never had any of mine run at large nor had they ever bitten a single soul in their entire lives.
And of course, at the time, I had 3 adult Rotties. :)

NO homeowner's ins. will allow what they consider "dangerous breeds", let alone on a policy written on a B&B, but I would never allow any of my dogs to get in trouble by running at large or contacting people without my supervision so I knew this was not ever going to be an issue.

Yes, I lied to my homeowner's ins. agent.
So what?
I hate dog breed bigots.

[Big Dogs]

Fritz we are lucky here in Pennsylvania our legislators said that it was illegal for the insurance companies to put breed specific limits on our insurance policies. They told the insurance companies if you are going to sell any insurance in Pa even if it's car there homeowner policies in Pa will not have breed specific policies.

[SnuzerDog]

Well, as I have posted numerous times about my rescue Deano, it's a challenge for which you need to be both prepared and informed.

I am almost through my first year with my first rescue, and it has been very rewarding, and a learning experience every day!
I would agree that the long-term committment is paramount, the respect for the animal follows right after that. Having SO's, family members, friends all on the same page with care, exercise, handling is next. Knowing that no matter how much you think you know about what you are about to do, you will need to be flexible and improvise daily for the animal's benefit would be right up there as well.

Hard? Hard is a word for things that I find unpleasant that cause me a lot of work. To me, my first rescue has been anything but hard. :o