Member

Posts: 75
From:
Registered: Jun 2003

posted 10-26-2003 03:36 PM         

---

I know you can never be 100% sure about the temperament of a dog - but if you have any advice I'd sure appreciate it.

We're thinking of adopting a senior dog because the local shelter is really eager to find these poor dogs loving families. (The shelter will pay even pay for age related vet care.) All their dogs were taken off death row at the local pound.

But, I've got young kids and I want to make sure I'm getting the right dog for us. We met the 8 yr. old German Shep. mix they recommended for us and he seemed like a total sweetheart. He let even my youngest kids walk him - he didn't pull at the leash - he came when we called him. But, he didn't wag his tail or really respond when we stroked him. (Such a switch from our puppy.) He doesn't seem the least bit aggressive, though. I'm just wondering if there are any key things to look for when judging a dog's temperament.

Thanks so much for any thoughts!

IP: Logged

Member

Posts: 34
From:warren,ohio,usa
Registered: Oct 2003

posted 10-26-2003 04:13 PM         

---

From what you said he seems like a really good dog. Don't judge his temperment by him not wagging his tail. He is probably really depressed by living in a shelter. The best way to judge his temperment that I can think of is to roll him on the ground, see how long he will tolerate you or your kids gently pinning him there. See how he reacts around strange noices, startling one, or fast movements, see if he is food aggressive and see how he reacts to fast movements toward him. I am not saying strike the dog but see if he snarls, growls, cowers or just sits there if you bring your hand quickly near him. The shelter should have already put him through these tests. Ask them. If not ask them lots of questions about feeding time, and how he reacted to the vet check-up and how he is on a day to day basis. But really from what you mentioned about him he sounds quite calm and well mannered.

IP: Logged

Moderator

Posts: 449
From:Harrisburg,PA USA
Registered: Feb 2003

posted 10-26-2003 04:44 PM         

---

I agree with all the advice just given except for rolling him on his back aka the alpha roll. I dont agree with doing that to dogs. You can make fast movements in front of him, see how he is around food, water, and toys. Try things with him that your kids would do with him ie hug him, pet him how your kids would, etc. But remember dogs in shelters are usually scared and timid or can jsut have a totally different attitude. You will never truly know till you get him home and see how he is after he settles in. Good luck!

IP: Logged

Member

Posts: 75
From:
Registered: Jun 2003

posted 10-26-2003 04:49 PM         

---

Thanks for the input! The only other thing I'm worried about is that the dog isn't neutered yet and I was told they'd send him to the vet and I could pick him up after surgery straight from the vet.

I guess I'm worried about how he'll react to a new environmnet while he is still recovering and sort of woozy. Would you recommend keeping him separated from my other dog for the first couple of days?

IP: Logged

Member

Posts: 34
From:warren,ohio,usa
Registered: Oct 2003

posted 10-26-2003 06:57 PM         

---

male dogs do pretty well after getting "snipped". I would keep him separated from the other dog at first, but let them get used to each others smells, let them see each other, but no alone time. It might be that they do good from day one, but remember that it could take time. Don't get discouraged.

IP: Logged

Member

Posts: 839
From:,Calif. U.S.A.
Registered: Dec 2002

posted 10-27-2003 05:24 PM         

---

One other thing is when you do have the new dog meet your current dog, have them meet off of your property. The current dog won't feel he has to protect his home. It is always wise to do this.

------------------

IP: Logged

Member

Posts: 75
From:
Registered: Jun 2003

posted 10-27-2003 06:17 PM         

---

Good idea! Maybe I'll have them meet just up the street first. I also just talked to a dog trainer who said she'll do a full behavioral evaluation for me - in my home. I think that'll be money well spent.

By the way, I just found a great site about adopting Senior dogs!
http://www.srdogs.com/

(I'm not sure if this will come up as a link - but it's worth looking at!)

IP: Logged

Member

Posts: 353
From:
Registered: Mar 2003

posted 10-27-2003 07:08 PM         

---

In addition to what's already been said, I just wanted to add that depending on his history, he may either be depressed as well from being left by the only home he's ever known all these years; or from being shuffled from home to home for the past ? (who knows how many) years. He may be reluctant to "make friends", since in all his doggy wisdom, friends just leave him after a while anyway. He will probably brighten up a lot once he's in a "real" home, and knows he's not going to be left again.

IP: Logged

Member

Posts: 353
From:
Registered: Mar 2003

posted 10-27-2003 07:09 PM         

---

Also, good on you for adopting an older dog

IP: Logged

Member

Posts: 116
From:New York, USA
Registered: Aug 2003

posted 10-28-2003 10:46 AM         

---

Lucky, I'm not sure if I'm too late but I wanted to ask if you brought your current dog in to meet the new dog before deciding to adopt. Our shelter insists that you do this if they know you have a second dog at home. They shouldn't have any problem with you bringing in your current dog to see how they get along and it can only help you and the dogs in the long run.

IP: Logged

Member

Posts: 75
From:
Registered: Jun 2003

posted 10-28-2003 04:39 PM         

---

Hi!

I thought about bringing my little dog to meet him, but she gets so carsick that the 1.5 hour drive seemed like too much.

I don't get the new dog until Sat. and I'll just have to find a good neutral spot for them to make friends before I bring the old guy home.

I really hope this works out. The problem with telling people that you are going to get a new dog is that everyone has advice/horror stories. It's just like when you tell people you're pregnant! You get to hear every "...and I almost died..." story about childbirth!!!! So, some people think I'm nuts to bring an old german shepherd into a busy, active house. Still...the lady at the shelter thinks he'll do fine. Sigh. I'll keep ya'll posted.

IP: Logged

Member

Posts: 585
From:Portland, Oregon US
Registered: Sep 2003

posted 10-28-2003 05:02 PM         

---

LOL at the horror stories...I ended up crying at my own baby shower, was pretty near to hysteria because everyone was telling horror stories, I declared I was changing my mind!(didn't get me anywhere of course)

Listen to your own feelings, and all will be fine.

IP: Logged

All times are ET (US)