I might be fostering/adopting a 6 year old neutered male

[rhodesianridgebackd]

A lady is seeking to rehome her 6 yr old RR due to a family illness, and I'm considering fostering her dog for a week to see how it goes. What are your experiences with adopting a mature RR? Are there any important questions I need to ask besides aggression and health/diseases?

We are meeting one day next week at an open field to see how/if he bonds with Dex and I.

Your input would be much appreciated!

George

ps -- if it turns out that the RR is not a match for me, is it OK to post information about the RR on this site for a prospective owner? She's re-homing at no cost.

[rythmnrr]

George,
Sounds like you are doing the correct approach as far as introducing the dogs to see if they get along first. Of course,living together will be an adjustment for all but positive is that they both are RR's. I would ask her a lot of questions as far as his schedule,how socialized he is with people and dogs and his temperament etc.,the obvious stuff.    One good thing he is a male so there possibly could be less dominance issues. The girls usually end up running the house anyway. If you take him home I would separate them at feeding time.... food sometimes can bring out unwanted instincts. My male and female are best buds but I acquired my female from a shelter when she was only 6mo and not really mature yet. As she gets older she constantly pushes the envelope with him but he tends to be a push over. You will just have to establish pack order in your home if you plan to keep them together. If you have a good match two RR's are awesome! Just remember if you let them, they will take over your bed and couches!  My experience is the males tend to be more lovable/needy and the girls more independent. I am sure others will add to these comments, especially owners who have multiple dogs so you should get some good
advice. Also, you will now have two minds to stimulate and provide attention too instead of one dog. Hope all goes well!  This could be great if you could provide a suitable loving home for this boy.   Rene'

[rhodesianridgebackd]

Rene', thank you so much for your detailed info. You touched several areas I hadn't even given thought to. For instance, I forgot that feeding in close proximity could be a hazard lol. I guess I will feed my baby in her crate for a few weeks and the big boy outside the kennel if I decide to foster.

I asked about socialization, and she apprised me that this dog has not been around kids, and she also informed me that he hasn't been socialized much in the last couple of years due to family illness. I will have to figure a way to teach the 'old dog' new tricks lol.

Also, how do I establish pack order with this new dog? Do I just observe and see who assumes lead role btw both dogs? Currently, I allow Dex roam around the house at night while I sleep, but I am nervous about leaving her alone with a dog I don't know. Should I crate the new dog at night?

Sorry for the influx of questions. Nothing is set in stone anyway. We'll see how they get along first and if he doesn't bond immediately with one or both of us, I can't take a chance.

George

[melissap]

George,
I applaude your care and consideration in taking in this RR & helping the owner who is having health problems that no longer leave her able to provide for her beloved Ridgeback.

Noble deed and I hope the meeting with her boy, Dex and the owner go well.

I would ask her who the breeder was and contact rescue about this dog. Likely, they would be happy to help you if indeed this is not a suitable dog for you to keep and make a forever home for. If that is the case, I assume they would be happy to have you foster the dog while they seek his new loving family for a life time.

You should find out what the breeder's policy is about dogs that can not be cared for and offer the breeder the opportunity assist in locating potential puppy owners who may also be interested in adopting a mature dog.

Unfortunatley, IF you should not find the dog suitable for your lifestyle permanently - it can not be posted on the forum and should be handled Privately with the breeder's and rescues assistance.

Please keep in mind, this dog is likely very attached to the owner and may regress in certain areas due to the stress of rehoming and will need a lot of support.

Melissa

[rythmnrr]

George,
If the meeting goes well and you decide to take him on I would do things gradually. Like Melissa said he may be attached to his owner note RR sensitivity and perhaps rescue could help if things don't go as you like. As far as establishing pack order you are obviously the leader and he is coming into your and Dex's home. Behavior will need to be closely watched and I would feed him in his crate separate from Dex until they can be trusted. Two dogs tend to test each other all the time so you will have to stay on top of it. Maybe they will just hit off and it will end up a cake walk for you. I would definitely ask the owner about his temperament,schedule,exercise and eating habits.  Getting both the dogs on a schedule should make things easier. Work him on leash training for now until he can be trusted.....long walks with Dex.  Socializing may be trickier and take longer but like I said take things gradually. Let him stay in the crate at first if possible until he is settled with your routine. He may surprise you and not need to be crated at all. If he is a social boy with Dex you may find them cuddled on the couch with each other. RR's are very pack oriented and tend to gravitate towards each other. Furthermore, even if they perhaps do get along, a fight could still come up thats why watching their behavior and interaction is key knowing when to stop rough play from escalating into anything else.  Just remember you will have two dogs to stimulate now.    Hope the meeting goes well!
Rene'

[rhodesianridgebackd]

George,
I applaude your care and consideration in taking in this RR & helping the owner who is having health problems that no longer leave her able to provide for her beloved Ridgeback.

Noble deed and I hope the meeting with her boy, Dex and the owner go well.

I would ask her who the breeder was and contact rescue about this dog. Likely, they would be happy to help you if indeed this is not a suitable dog for you to keep and make a forever home for. If that is the case, I assume they would be happy to have you foster the dog while they seek his new loving family for a life time.

You should find out what the breeder's policy is about dogs that can not be cared for and offer the breeder the opportunity assist in locating potential puppy owners who may also be interested in adopting a mature dog.

Unfortunatley, IF you should not find the dog suitable for your lifestyle permanently - it can not be posted on the forum and should be handled Privately with the breeder's and rescues assistance.

Please keep in mind, this dog is likely very attached to the owner and may regress in certain areas due to the stress of rehoming and will need a lot of support.

Melissa

Melissa, thank you tons for the info. A 6 yr old dog that hasn't been socialized in the last couple of years could be a lawsuit waiting to happen. The doggy park that Dex and I frequent is sometimes littered  with kids (not an appropriate term, but thats how I feel when I see kids at a dog park). If I do foster him, I would only take him walks cause I fear he could attack anyone!

Thankfully, he is neutered but Dex isn't spayed (still waiting for first cycle). I do not want any humpy humpy or tie tie going on.

Also, I do not want to adopt for selfish reasons. I love the thought of a companion for Dex, but I know she will be unhappy if he's grumpy. I'm a pretty consistent/steady owner and I do not want to correct a mature dog that could attack me  .

 I'll call the owner tomorrow to inform that I will meet her at the open field and call later with a final decision to foster. He would have to show little to no aggression for me to adopt. If he's not for me, I'll link him up with some rescues.

George

[rhodesianridgebackd]

George,
If the meeting goes well and you decide to take him on I would do things gradually. Like Melissa said he may be attached to his owner note RR sensitivity and perhaps rescue could help if things don't go as you like. As far as establishing pack order you are obviously the leader and he is coming into your and Dex's home. Behavior will need to be closely watched and I would feed him in his crate separate from Dex until they can be trusted. Two dogs tend to test each other all the time so you will have to stay on top of it. Maybe they will just hit off and it will end up a cake walk for you. I would definitely ask the owner about his temperament,schedule,exercise and eating habits.  Getting both the dogs on a schedule should make things easier. Work him on leash training for now until he can be trusted.....long walks with Dex.  Socializing may be trickier and take longer but like I said take things gradually. Let him stay in the crate at first if possible until he is settled with your routine. He may surprise you and not need to be crated at all. If he is a social boy with Dex you may find them cuddled on the couch with each other. RR's are very pack oriented and tend to gravitate towards each other. Furthermore, even if they perhaps do get along, a fight could still come up thats why watching their behavior and interaction is key knowing when to stop rough play from escalating into anything else.  Just remember you will have two dogs to stimulate now.    Hope the meeting goes well!
Rene'

Thanks Rene'. I hope he's a laid back boy. I'll see how it all works out this week and give an update. Work early, so I better catch some zZZzzzzZZZzzz

[caro]

George, if he is neutered and provided he isn't an alpha male, you won't have a problem other than a few sniffs when Dex comes into heat. 
I think you need to check his character before making any decisions.  My dogs tend not to be very well socialized because of where I live and the lack of children in the neighborhood or in my family, but usually when confronted with a child they just want to be left alone and keep out of the way.  I make a point of telling all visiting children that they need to let the dog come to them and not run after the dog to give it attention.  That usually works.  Also, provided the dog is not afraid they usually just want to be left alone to do their own thing.  You might want to keep some Rescue Remedy close by for the first couple of days just in case he becomes anxious, but my guess is that unless he is (a) aggressive or (b) very timid, you won't have a problem.
Caroline

[melissap]

  I guess you will just have to see what he is like when you meet him.

If he is a well behaved dog, like Caro mentioned - you will not have any problems; but it will take time and careful assessment before you know how he will act in certain situations. Just take it slow and work with him patiently and lovingly.

It sounds like you are unsure of wether you actually want to take on a 2nd dog in your life at this time. It is a big decision and has plusses if you are willing to make the committment and he is good natured.

None the less, if this is not a long term situation for you and him - and you decide to foster ONLY him for a short period of time, I would get rescue or the breeder (if available) involved in the beginning to help you evaluate him so they can begin looking for a forever home for him.

They may also have foster homes with experience who can begin evaluating him to see what kind of hiome he may need when being placed that can take him in.
Good luck,

Melissa

[rhodesianridgebackd]

Thanks Caro, Melissa and Rene'. I'm meeting them tomorrow. Will update.

George

[rhodesianridgebackd]

We couldn't meet today but it's a blessing in disguise. He isn't on heart worm preventative, not on frontline, and I'm sure he isn't up to date on rabies vaccination.

Too much risk here, so I'll pass.

Good news is I am meeting a well socialised 3 yr old ridgeback/greyhound mix tomorrow to see if he's a good fit to foster and maybe adopt. He has the coloring and head of a ridgeback and is as lean and fast as a greyhound.

[caro]

George, can you do something to get this dog into Rescue?  If he is heartworm positive he needs to have treatment and if he isn't up to date with rabies then he is a big danger to society and to himself.  Whoever has him is not acting responsibly and needs to make sure the dog ends up in hands where he can be properly taken care of.

Caroline

[rrbylexus]

Yeah, Rescue needs to be contacted about this boy if his current owners are too ill to care for him. 

Pam

[rhodesianridgebackd]

George, can you do something to get this dog into Rescue?  If he is heartworm positive he needs to have treatment and if he isn't up to date with rabies then he is a big danger to society and to himself.  Whoever has him is not acting responsibly and needs to make sure the dog ends up in hands where he can be properly taken care of.

Caroline

I called and left message for NC, SC and TN rescues (1 call per state) yesterday, but no one is answering nor returning my calls. Do you by chance have an active number I could use? You could inbox me if that's more appropriate. Thanks.

George

[melissap]

We couldn't meet today but it's a blessing in disguise. He isn't on heart worm preventative, not on frontline, and I'm sure he isn't up to date on rabies vaccination.

Too much risk here, so I'll pass.

Good news is I am meeting a well socialised 3 yr old ridgeback/greyhound mix tomorrow to see if he's a good fit to foster and maybe adopt. He has the coloring and head of a ridgeback and is as lean and fast as a greyhound.

May I ask, how are you being contacted by so many people who's dogs need to be rescued?

If you are interested in volunteering to foster and maybe adopt if the right dog comes along, why don't you just sign up to do so through rescue who can pre-screen some of the issues you have mentioned with the dog you initially asked us about?

They would be happy to have the help and be sure the dogs being taken in get the vaccines and care they need. They also, to a certain degree, protect you from the risk factors you seem concerned with.

2nd - many people only give 2-3 rounds of rabies in a dogs life time. Some even believe our dogs are over vaccinated and laws are now changing - many titer their dogs and recognises their dogs have sufficient antibodies, although not "up to date according to state law" may be easily tested and most likely not have rabbies, which makes updating a shot or titering a simple fix.

Heart worm meds - not the case, but until the dog is tested - you do not know if there is actually a "Risk" -  if the dog does not test positive, he just needs the pills preventing it moving forward.

Front line: fleas are easily detected on our breed....and again, can be checked for and given appropriate preventative.

Have you asked if the owner can contact the breeder directly? have they made any effort to contact rescue?

Phone calls: please keep in mind, while inconvenient, rescue people do not have an office and usually hold jobs and have families too. Their emails are on the web sites and they will get back to you, but may indeed be busy when you 1st call.

Again, all things that are advantages to fostering through rescue and there are lots of dogs in need ;-)

Melissa

[rhodesianridgebackd]

Melissa, I respond to ads seeking foster homes on "Pet community" section of craigslist. Its saturated with gorgeous pets looking for homes.

I haven't asked directly, but I believe the owner's daughter is the breeder. Out of respect for her, I will not go into details as to why I think he might be heart worm positive, and so on. She is a sweet lady and I hope to help her find a good rescue for her dog.

Maybe I will just forget this foster stuff and go back to my breeder for another RR pup. Fostering/adopting isn't easy and these animals require an owner with adult-dog training experience.
George

[melissap]

 Yes, it is a lot of sifting through less than ideal situations for you unless you are prepared to deal with some rather difficult issues & lots of heart ache.

I feel most badly for the dogs on lists like that. It is too bad their owners are having difficult times & can no longer care for them.

It is also a shame that more of these dogs are not able to find refuge at their breeders homes.
(just a reminder to all of us how important a good breeder is in the big picture world of dogs)

Your breeder may have suggestions about other breeders who have taken adults back home if you are looking for a companion for Dex and do not want a puppy. I would still get in touch with rescue - they do get some nice adults in who's owners have loved, trained and cared for them and hit hard times.

As for helping this woman, I think the best advice is to have her contact rescue and see if they can help her.

I still think it is great you tried to help, and I am sorry it has not worked out more simply and easily for you.

Melissa

[caro]

George, some Rescue organizations move faster than others.  I don't have a clue who covers NC, but if you see an RR on Craigs List or any community board, you should try to get in touch with somebody in rescue and let them take it from there.  I can't remember what the NC requirement is, but if it is like Virginia you better have a valid three year rabies tag or you are looking at a huge fine and if your dog bites somebody then chances are it will be euthanized, no questions asked.  Even with a valid tag, you have to keep your dog confined for three weeks and then report back to the Health Authority that the dog is not showing rabid signs.  I know because it happened to me several years back.  If the dog comes from near the coast, chances are it has heartworm if it hasn't been receiving profilactics.  I know some areas you can stop giving them for several months in the year, but not near the coast or in the lower areas.

If you are worried about this dog and the NC person hasn't gotten in touch with you I can give you the name of the lady who overseas Maryland and Virginia and they are very much on the ball. 

Fostering is difficult because you never really know the dog's true history and you could end up by being blindsided.  Certainly a lot easier to get a puppy from a reputable breeder, but often if you contact a breeder they will know of an older dog that has been returned and needs to be rehomed and might be a better playmate for Dex.

Just a thought, you've been in touch with Susan, why not give her a call and tell her about this dog.  She might be able to help.
Caroline

[rhodesianridgebackd]

Thanks for info., Melissa and Caro.

Yeh, I am actively looking for a companion for Dex, and one close to her size would be most appropriate.

Caro, please email me numbers of the rescues in Maryland and Virginia. Thank you!

I am now actively seeking a new RR puppy, but if a good natured and healthy adult dog crosses my path, I will adopt.

George

[Keeper]

George, if you're fostering, you might not want to bring a 3rd dog into the mix until you know how the foster will acclimate.  If you are seriously looking for a rescue there are several Rescue organizations on our forum.  You must contact them independently and fill out forms before they will take you seriously. 

Please understand that dogs come and go in Rescue...we all hope that they will eventually find the right home and family that will be the perfect match for all concerned...the Fur-Ever home.

[rhodesianridgebackd]

George, if you're fostering, you might not want to bring a 3rd dog into the mix until you know how the foster will acclimate.  If you are seriously looking for a rescue there are several Rescue organizations on our forum.  You must contact them independently and fill out forms before they will take you seriously. 

Please understand that dogs come and go in Rescue...we all hope that they will eventually find the right home and family that will be the perfect match for all concerned...the Fur-Ever home.

Sandra, I only intend to have 2 dogs total . So, it's either a foster OR rr pup (at this point seeking a RR pup or well behaved and healthy adult dog) not both. Dex needs just 1 companion.

George

[Keeper]

Thanks for clearing that up George.
and yes, most RRs love to have another 4 legged companion on premises.