[mojo mama]

Hello all!

My family and I currently have two dogs (Great Dane and a NSDTR) and we are in the process of adopting a Rough Collie from our local shelter. This sweet girl is seven years old and has had a rough time of it. She was basically used as a breeding machine, kept tied up in the yard. She has NEVER been inside a house. I want so much to do right by her and make her transition from her old life to new as smooth as possible. Does anyone have any advice or tips on how I can get her comfortable in the house?

I am a pretty experienced dog owner so I have my ducks in a row as far as vet care, crates, and all your basic stuff. However this is my first experience with a dog that has a history of neglect as our dogs were both brought into our home from reputable breeders as puppies.

Okay, I will stop babbling. Thank you SO much for your time. This is a wonderful forum and I am really looking forward to "talking" to all of you!

[blackgavotte]

My first thought is, don't rush her to become a house dog. She is accustomed to being outdoors, and though WE know that later on she will most likely love being inside, she needs time first to adapt to the new yard, new dogs and new people. If she is afraid to come inside, don't force it... give her time. It probably won't take long until when she sees the other two enjoying the house, she will give it a try. I would also start feeding just a few inches or a foot, closer to the house door each day, and even though the weather is just now not the perfect time, maybe you can leave the door to the house open for a bit while you sit or stand, just inside, let her slowly start to feel her own way. If you force her too much too soon, you will only frighten her more. Good luck. There is no sweeter dog than a collie as far as I am concerned. Its wonderful that you were willing to adopt a 7 year old.

[mojo mama]

Originally Posted by blackgavotte

Its wonderful that you were willing to adopt a 7 year old.

Thank you for your advice and kind words. I am hoping she is going to want to be in the house as Collies tend to like people, but I have as much patience as is necessary. Our dogs are also seven so it's a good fit. Puppies are really adorable, but that is their only redeeming feature. I mean that in the nicest way possible. Our dogs were cute little balls of trouble, but they are even better grown up. Give me an adult dog anyday!

[Curbside Prophet]

Yes, it takes a special character to adopt an older dog, and I personally wish you all the mojo needed for success. Let me state something you probably already know...the first intriduction to your home and dogs. The new dog should be taken for a long walk around your neighborhood, while a friend walks your other dogs. We want all the dogs to be tired when they first meet. And slowly towards the end of your walk everyone should group up to continue the walk. Then in a neutral area all the dogs should be allowed to rest a sniff eachother from a distance. I would recommend a few of these walks to learn about your trust level with them. And of course, at any sign of distress in the dogs, the experience should be terminated. I think getting a dog tired before meeting other dogs and before introducing them into a home is a great way of approaching this. Do others agree, or have anything else to add? Good luck?