[lozachops]

Hi guys. I recently moved out of home and immediately missed having a dog around. My family has always owned a dog since I was a baby. All the breeds we have owned have been small to medium sized that havent been big shedders. (Maltese/poodle, lakeland terrier and english cocker spaniel.) I have been looking into dogs for the last few weeks planning to buy from a reputable breeder, until my friend told me of a dog who's owner has recently died leaving the dog to be fed by a neighbour while in his yard alone for two weeks. I decided today to give this dog a home as he won my heart. I have him in my home now. There are a couple of issues. One the size, he is a blue heeler/border collie, which while not large, is significantly bigger than dogs my parents bought in the past. He is shedding quite alot so my brother (also my room mate) has said he must be predominatly an out doors dog. By outdoors I mean he has a small room to him self as shelter with a warm bed and food and drink and access to the back garden. Is this ok for a dog? My previous dogs have always slept on my bed only going outside to go to the toilet. Right now I have the dog in the computer room with me as it is raining and I just cant help but have him in here while its wet and his first night. I will put him outside once I go to bed though. Also, we have no idea whether he has been getting the right injections and worming tablets etc as ghe neighbour was unaware. We also dont know his age or what he has been eating. He seems very healthy as his coat is shiny and his teeth are white. His eyes are bright also. However he seems quite placid for a mixture of border collie and blue heeler which I have heard are both extremely energetic breeds, this leads me to believe that he may be old even though he doesnt look it. Does any one have any general advice? I know this is long, sorry!

[RonE]

Here's a link to lozachops' other, identical post.

http://www.dogforums.com/19-first-ti...ue-advice.html (adult rescue advice)

It's going to be less confusing to everyone involved (especially me) if we consolidate responses to one area.

May the moderators can work their magic and merge the two posts.

[OC_Spirit]

He might be calm right now due to the fact that he just moved and might be a little stressed and unsure. Once he settles in his true personality will start to shine As for whether to keep him in or out, it is possible to have an outdoor dog but you gotta make sure he still gets one on one attention every day and just a couple hours isnt enough. he should also be allowed to come inside now and then too for bonding. Is the little room a part of the house or a shed?? Make sure he has something that is insulated. Tossing him out just because he sheds a little seems a bit sad to me in all honesty though....

[lozachops]

Thanks! I would never have a dog just outside on his own all the time, Im too soft haha. I think I'll let him inside while I am home (often being a uni student) just putting him in his 'room' when I go to bed. While nobody is home he will be outside. We have a large garden with lots of hedges and flowers, and parts to explore so I dont think he will be sad and bored while outside. The room is part of the house, it is a laundry room although attached it can oly be accessed by going out on to the back porch. Another question - we have a pool that has no fence. Will an adult dog be likely to be inquisative and decide to jump in for a swim while we are out? I dont want to come home toi a drowned dog! He hasnt seemed interested in it at all while I have been watching him.

[sheltiemom]

I'd take him to the vet and have him checked out, since you don't know what kind of care he had been recieving. If he's been mostly outside he could have parasites. The vet can also tell you about how old he may be. If you haven't already, giving him a bath and a good brushing will probably help with the shedding. Your set up sounds fine during the hours you are not home. Don't know about the pool though, don't have any experience with that.

[OC_Spirit]

Deffinately get a fence around the pool. all it takes is for him to be chasing something like a squirrel, not watch where he is going, and falling in.