Thinking about adopting a shelter dog

[chrono]

I hate to say this but the level commitment and amount of time and work in taking care of a puppy is almost as though you have a newborn human baby at home. Are you prepared for this lifestyle change?

 

[SMC]

I have a 5 month old puppy that I've had since 9 weeks, DH was not on board so she is MY puppy (it's a joke between us because now he loves her lol).

I was lucky enough to take two weeks off work when I first got her, she is pad trained because we both work FT. I have an awesome play pen that she stays in all day. It fits her crate, food & pad. I'd feel bad not leaving a pad, she rarely uses it though.

I do come home at lunch every day to give her a 1/2hr out, but really she sleeps all. day. long. So I don't feel like she has had a lower quality of life at all with both of us working full time!

Thanks, this is reassuring! I've also seen working adults (single or coupled) who seem to manage to raise happy and healthy dogs, so I don't think that it is necessary that one of us has to be a stay-at-home parent.

 

[SMC]

Sortmon is smart. She'll make an educated decision. And I'm sure that if she decides to get the puppy or the dog, she'll do everything in her power to raise a happy, healthy dog.

People are starting to sound a bit lecturey... She's not going to make a rash decision.

Yup, true that - sorry to add to the hubbub Sortmon! If you adopt I'm confident you'll figure it out - pretty good bet that people who care enough to wonder if it's a good idea are going to make good pet parents if they decide to take the plunge

No worries, I was looking for advice and opinions and you gave me yours! I will think about it very long and very hard before I decide to get the puppy. I really do want a dog (either now or later), so I know that one is in my future!

 

[SMC]

I hate to say this but the level commitment and amount of time and work in taking care of a puppy is almost as though you have a newborn human baby at home. Are you prepared for this lifestyle change?

Definitely, and I'm ready for it! My bf and I want children at some point in the near future, so I figured that a puppy would be a good intro. If we can't handle a puppy, there is no way we'd handle a newborn.

That said, I'd probably take at least 3 mos to get myself accustomed a newborn, vs 2 weeks with a puppy. So we'll see - lots to think about!

 

[justginger]

I cringe to see people say that puppies and dogs can't be cared for by full time workers. Of course they can! If working couples chose not to have dogs, they'd be euthanized by the millions. With toys, music, more toys, and even a companion, dogs are more than capable of amusing themselves during the day - and the days I've been home sick are a testament to what percentage of they time they sleeping anyway, lol.

If you want a puppy, which it sounds like you really do, get a puppy. But know that no one is exaggerating the work involved. I was shell-shocked when we got our first foster puppy, Maisie, who needed full training. I'd come home after a long day spend 30 minutes cleaning up her area (thank goodness for tiled floors!), and then another 30 minutes-an hour on training. Every night. There is simply no down time in a puppy household. And DO make sure your partner understands that the commitment is forever, he's going to have to help (whether by actual help or by accepting the fact that you'll have less time for him).

One of my friends, who I thought was far too young and immature for a puppy, got one last year and has done a pretty excellent job with her. Her training isn't perfect, but hey - she saved that pup's life and the important part is she's never going to be homeless (the girl's parents adore the dog more than she does, so it really has two homes!), is happy, non-aggressive, and spoiled rotten. It might be hard, but if you want it and know you're committed, do it. I do recommend leaving her with her mom for an extra few weeks though, if your friend agrees.

 

[SMC]

I cringe to see people say that puppies and dogs can't be cared for by full time workers. Of course they can! If working couples chose not to have dogs, they'd be euthanized by the millions. With toys, music, more toys, and even a companion, dogs are more than capable of amusing themselves during the day - and the days I've been home sick are a testament to what percentage of they time they sleeping anyway, lol.

If you want a puppy, which it sounds like you really do, get a puppy. But know that no one is exaggerating the work involved. I was shell-shocked when we got our first foster puppy, Maisie, who needed full training. I'd come home after a long day spend 30 minutes cleaning up her area (thank goodness for tiled floors!), and then another 30 minutes-an hour on training. Every night. There is simply no down time in a puppy household. And DO make sure your partner understands that the commitment is forever, he's going to have to help (whether by actual help or by accepting the fact that you'll have less time for him).

One of my friends, who I thought was far too young and immature for a puppy, got one last year and has done a pretty excellent job with her. Her training isn't perfect, but hey - she saved that pup's life and the important part is she's never going to be homeless (the girl's parents adore the dog more than she does, so it really has two homes!), is happy, non-aggressive, and spoiled rotten. It might be hard, but if you want it and know you're committed, do it. I do recommend leaving her with her mom for an extra few weeks though, if your friend agrees.

Thank you for the reassurance, JG! I do want to get either dog or pup, but I really need my boyfriend to be 100% ok with it too before we go for it. What did you do to train you puppy?

 

[sonnyjane]

I hate to say this but the level commitment and amount of time and work in taking care of a puppy is almost as though you have a newborn human baby at home. Are you prepared for this lifestyle change?

Definitely, and I'm ready for it! My bf and I want children at some point in the near future, so I figured that a puppy would be a good intro. If we can't handle a puppy, there is no way we'd handle a newborn.

I often joke (and honestly I'm only half joking!) that a newborn would be better than a puppy. Obviously I know that sounds silly but there are a few valid points. The first is that you can take your baby with you when you travel/go shopping etc., but any places still don't allow dogs. The second is that a child will eventually grow to be self-sufficient. You will ALWAYS have to take your dog for a potty break lol! DH wants a dog but I know that we are nowhere near able to give a dog what it would need right now as far as commitment goes.

 

[SMC]

I often joke (and honestly I'm only half joking!) that a newborn would be better than a puppy. Obviously I know that sounds silly but there are a few valid points. The first is that you can take your baby with you when you travel/go shopping etc., but any places still don't allow dogs. The second is that a child will eventually grow to be self-sufficient. You will ALWAYS have to take your dog for a potty break lol! DH wants a dog but I know that we are nowhere near able to give a dog what it would need right now as far as commitment goes.

Thanks! I've had dogs before (though not children) so I'm aware of what you mentioned. There are also tons of reasons why dogs are easier to manage than children too. I think with either, there are major lifestyle changes which I'm prepared to make. Like I mentioned, just need to get an ok from the bf!

 

[minousbijoux]

You know, you are so thoughtful about this that I imagine you'll be a better puppy parent than many who just go for it on impulse alone.
I hope you do get one and love it up! Good luck.

 

[SMC]

You know, you are so thoughtful about this that I imagine you'll be a better puppy parent than many who just go for it on impulse alone.
I hope you do get one and love it up! Good luck.

Thank you! What a sweet compliment. We are going to visit the dogs again today!

 

[shihtzulover]

I've done both. I raised one of my dogs from puppyhood, and the other is a rescue. I love them both, and I enjoyed both experiences.

My first dog is my baby. I feel like his demeanor was partially shaped by our bonding when he was so young, and he is so sweet and loyal, yet playful, mischievous, and full of personality. I admit that he's spoiled though, so he knows how to get what he wants. He was such an adorable puppy and I loved raising him, but house training was difficult and so was his teething, etc.

My husband and I just adopted our second dog a couple of months ago (also a shih tzu). He is probably two or three years old, and he was already house trained when he we brought him home. He was a stray, and he was most likely abused in his first home.

Our second dog is also very sweet, and he doesn't act as spoiled. It was an easier transition since he was already trained and was no longer going through those annoying puppy stages, but I feel like we missed out a bit since we didn't watch him grow up.

 

[webdiva]

Most shelter dogs are not abused and are just surrendered due to moving, so let's take that out of the equation. We adopted our dog at 4 years old and he's super bonded to us, as is our other dog we adopted at 1 1/2, who went through two other homes. Base your decision on the dogs temperament, not their past. Dogs are very honest and don't lie - if the momma dog is sweet and well behaved, that is what she is. Dogs don't "turn" vicious because they remember their past. Dogs forgive and forget, and move on. I've seen this with hundreds of rescue dogs I've worked with.

 

[Ganesha]

Like you, I reeeeeally wanted a puppy but my DH was adamant about adopting a young adult dog from a rescue. We ended up with the sweetest, most loving little 2-year old dog. It only took a week or so for him to adjust to 'going' outside in an urban environment (he wasn't a city dog before). Plus my DH works from home so he had a lot of supervision. That one week of occasionally finding messes in the house was enough to make me really grateful we weren't potty training a young pup!

Also, just wanted to say I think it's wonderful that you're considering a shelter dog. Somehow I think dogs that have lived through tough times recognize just how lucky they are to have found a loving forever family, and that gratitude makes for a very strong bond!

 

[SMC]

Like you, I reeeeeally wanted a puppy but my DH was adamant about adopting a young adult dog from a rescue. We ended up with the sweetest, most loving little 2-year old dog. It only took a week or so for him to adjust to 'going' outside in an urban environment (he wasn't a city dog before). Plus my DH works from home so he had a lot of supervision. That one week of occasionally finding messes in the house was enough to make me really grateful we weren't potty training a young pup!

Also, just wanted to say I think it's wonderful that you're considering a shelter dog. Somehow I think dogs that have lived through tough times recognize just how lucky they are to have found a loving forever family, and that gratitude makes for a very strong bond!

Wow, everyone is so positive about adopting shelter dogs! It's not very hard to adopt when they look like this:


We're still on the fence but we're inclined to take the leap. We talked about it and decided that I would come back during the day to walk her. We also live across the street from some dog play areas so it's actually quite convenient for us.

We went back and visited the puppies and we're conflicted about which one to adopt since they're all very sweet. I would be happy with any of them. Leaving it up to the bf to decide.

 

[TooPatient]

Be careful about using the dog play areas until you've gotten the vaccines done. Talk to your veterinarian to find out how many they need before being safe in that environment. We had some trouble in this area (Seattle & eastside) last summer as dogs were getting really sick. Vaccines will help protect your dog so they don't get sick.

If you are looking for a great vet in the area, I love our lady in Kirkland. She is wonderful to work with and does super good quality.

 

[webdiva]

Is there any way you can foster one of the pups for a few days to get a sense of how much work it is? At this age, mom is doing a lot of the hard work so your friends are probably not even getting the full puppy experience. A few poopy, sleepless nights may have you running to an adult dog. If not, then you know what you're in for - and more power to you! I love handling puppies for the rescues, but am pretty happy to come home to my well trained, adult dogs that fit into our lifestyle.

 

[SMC]

Is there any way you can foster one of the pups for a few days to get a sense of how much work it is? At this age, mom is doing a lot of the hard work so your friends are probably not even getting the full puppy experience. A few poopy, sleepless nights may have you running to an adult dog. If not, then you know what you're in for - and more power to you! I love handling puppies for the rescues, but am pretty happy to come home to my well trained, adult dogs that fit into our lifestyle.

The humane society allow short term fostering since we haven't gone through their training program yet. The pups have actually been separated and weaned from their mother for the past 2-3 weeks. The mom is also getting ready to be put up for adoption and they need her to "dry up" first so they can spay her. Anyway, I have until May 14th to decide if I want one, so there will be more talks with the bf. Thanks for your advice!

 

[audball]

Just another thought as someone who has done the puppy thing and an older dog thing...you've already been warned about the difficulties of having a puppy and I know you aren't underestimating the amount of work it would be.

My FI and I adopted a dog last year after many discussions on the puppy vs. older dog, etc thing. He had a dog growing up, but his parents were the ones responsible for caring for it. Same in my house. I did the puppy thing a few years ago with my ex (who got the dog in our split, long story), and there was tons of resentment between us because I did all the work, training, housebreaking, and compromising. The ex only did the fun stuff. Having a totally supportive partner, now, is a different story, but I still remembered how much work it was and even though my now FI (then BF) was totally on board with helping, we both had reservations about taking it on with our different schedules at the time.

We decided to adopt an older dog. The breed we adopted typically lives in the 15 year range, some a bit older. Can be as young as 12 when they pass if they have health problems. We adopted Mimi (a miniature schnauzer) at 9.5. (Our cat was 10 when we got her). We liked the idea of having pets of similar ages/remaining life expediencies. Some people think it's morbid to think about, but we were unsure of whether we'd want to have the responsibility of pets when we decide to start a family. Pets are a lot of work and money and so are infants/toddlers/young kids. I see so many of our friends and family who have started having children and their poor pets usually get neglected, some even get given up because nobody has (or makes) time for them. I find it incredibly sad and didn't want to be in that position. We don't plan to start a family for many years and are fairly certain our furbabies will have crossed the Rainbow Bridge when that time comes.

You even said that senior dogs have a much harder time getting adopted. Let me tell you, it's so worth it, though. They are so loving, gentle, and relaxed. They are usually completely trained, housebroken, and as a previous poster said, they know you rescued them and they will be forever grateful.

Adopting a senior dog would give you and your BF the opportunity to have a dog in your life for a few years, save one who quite likely wouldn't have been saved otherwise, and see if living life with a dog is worth it for you. For some people, the sacrifice isn't worth it. For many, it is. And if, in a few years, your senior rescue passes, you may be up for the challenge of a puppy and in a position where you both can handle it after having some dog caring experience under your belts.

I really commend you for taking the time to seriously think through how it will all work and how it will affect your lives. Puppies are so so cute and they really have a way of captivating people. It's just so unfortunate when people don't take the time to realize what a lifelong commitment it is to bring a pet into your home.

 

[Kelli]

Just wanted to cast another vote for the mama. I've got four of my own that were all shelter/street dogs. Rescued ones are so sweet and so grateful

 

[SMC]

I wanted to give everyone an update. We ended up adopting the blonde puppy a month ago and renamed her Phinney Seven - "Phinney" after our neighborhood and "Seven" because she's the 7th puppy (out of in her litter. Her mom and the rest of her litter got adopted within hours of being put on the adoption floor. We know one of the couples who adopted her brother so we'll get to see how he turns out too!

I know everyone on this thread has told me that it's a lot of work - and I knew it would be - but you aren't ever really cognizant until you're thrown into the situation. The first week, we averaged 4 hours of sleep per night, and for the first time in my life, I fell asleep watching "Game of Thrones" (and if you know how much I love the show, you'd know that this is completely out of character for me). Having a puppy who is mobile and energetic yet naive basically means a pair of eyes needs to be on her 24/7. Hard for me to admit, but I totally cried the first weekend I had a puppy because I just could not handle how tired I was and how messy everything became.

During the workweek, we have a dogwalker come in twice a day to feed and walk her. We also walk her two times before work and three times after work (and sometimes once in the middle of the night if she whines). We're hoping to slow the frequency of her walks once she can hold it for more than a few hours. The upside of the frequent walks is that she's been very quick at potty-training - she's only had a few #1s in the house (and almost always in her pen) and she's never had any #2s. She does not walk well on a leash so we're still working on that. She's also extremely outgoing and wants to say hi to everyone so we're working on sitting while she greets.

She's growing like a weed and our vet estimated she'll be 35-50+ lbs (the range is huge because we have no idea who daddy is). She loves running and putting every random thing she can find on her walks into her mouth. Despite the major life changes, I'm really glad she is part of my life. I look forward to being with her.

I had to put her in a board and train program while we were away for 2 weeks, and am picking her up Friday. I miss her so much and can't wait to see her again!

Thanks to everyone for the input!

 

[Deactivated member 42515]

I'm soooo glad that you got her!!! Gah!!!! She looks adorable!!!! Congrats on becoming a mommy!!!

 

[Dee*Jay]

Absolutely adorable! Phinney is lucky to be a part of a loving family!