[Weebles]

Hi everyone,

Since you've all been talking so much about rescues, I've been looking more into it. My dog right now was from a breeder, and I guess I didn't really know as much as I thought I did about rescues/shelters. But, since I've learned more about it, I've been looking on Petfinder and have fallen in love with a few dogs on there. My boyfriend and I have decided to get a brother or sister for Weebles sometime in the next 6 months or a year, but I have a few questions for someone who knows a little more about rescues.

First, how do you pick a good shelter or rescue? I know about our local ones, but I want another Silky Terrier and I've only seen them in rescues that I've never heard of. Therefore, it's not likely I could get references, and I don't want to have a bad experience.

Also, how do you ensure that a new dog will be a good fit for a current dog? Do rescues let you bring the dog to your house to see how the new dog would interact?

And finally, just a general question. Since I already have a little boy, would it be better to get another boy, a girl, or does it not really matter?

Sorry if these questions seem obvious or if people have already answered them. I'd just like more informatin.

[vanbum]

wow I didnt know Silky Terriers were so in need of rescue, I dont think ive ever seen one at a shelter.

But its so GREAT that you are thinking about getting one from a shelter.

Its hard to say if a rescue kennel is "good or bad" at first glance. You can visit a kennel's website and see if they require vet references and home checks and things like that, ya some of them will want to come to your house and see that your house and yard is safe for the dog.

At the last kennel I worked at, people would bring their current dog to the kennel and put the dog into an enclosed area to interact with the potential new dog, off leash because a dog on a leash is more likely to be protective of the person holding it.

The boy-girl thing, well, obviously male-female could produce puppies so I assume at least one of the 2 dogs would be spayed. Im not a Silky Terrier expert in any way, but to me it all depends on the dogs. Ive seen males geting along with other males and vice-versa and male-females getting along too.

I have 4 females and one male, if were to get another male, my current male would go nuts and a fight would be on, no doubt.

So it all depends on a lot of factors. Is your current Silky Terrier food aggressive?

Maybe someone who owns a few Silky Terriers can answer these questions better.

People I know always call those type of dogs "ankle biters" i dont know why

[poodleholic]

First, how do you pick a good shelter or rescue? I know about our local ones, but I want another Silky Terrier and I've only seen them in rescues that I've never heard of. Therefore, it's not likely I could get references, and I don't want to have a bad experience.

Well, you may only be able to deal with your local shelters or rescue organizations, unless they state a willingness to adopt to out-of-area homes (most will not). You would have to travel to them, should they consider your application. I have fostered for a Poodle rescue group, and can tell you that the group is only as good as the people in it. Sometimes background information on the dog is known and given to you, and sometimes the history is unknown, or sketchy, at best. There are cases where AKC registration papers are available for transfer, the previous owner having signed it upon surrender. That doesn't happen often. However, vet records are frequently available, so you may be able to get a lot of information about the dog from the dog's former vet.

Also, how do you ensure that a new dog will be a good fit for a current dog? Do rescues let you bring the dog to your house to see how the new dog would interact?

The best way is to arrange a meeting on neutral territory where they will be contained, because it's important to see how they do off leash (some dogs react negatively while on leash, but are fine off leash). Rescue organizations do thorough screenings on potential adopters, include reference checks with your vet, groomer, and other people. They will have someone do a home visit, as well, before accepting someone's application. Once your application has been approved, they will work with you to find the right dog. The whole object is a forever home for the rescues, and they want to do as much as they can to ensure it will work out - forever.

And finally, just a general question. Since I already have a little boy, would it be better to get another boy, a girl, or does it not really matter?

The choice is up to you, however, when I did home visits (as a foster home provider) prior to the adoption, I would observe the current dog, and, the interactions between that dog and the owner, as that often will give insight into the dog's personality, temperament, the owner's personality and knowlege (or lack thereof) of canine behavior, training skills, and so on. This helped me determine if the foster dog(s) in my care would, or would not, be a good fit in the home with the current dog. Two females can spell worse trouble than two males, so sometimes it's good to have one of each sex, as problems are less likely to occur, but, not a given. However, it really depends on the individual dogs, along with other issues that may factor in when making that decision. Resource guarding (or food aggression) isn't really a big deal if you're willing to separate them while eating, and when given treats, chewies, toys, etc., AND work on those issues with the dog who is displaying them. It's simply a question of management in the meantime.

Toy breeds often get a bad rep as being "ankle biters," as the poster above mentioned, or "yappers," and the list goes on. When you see bad behaviors like this, more often than not it's the fault of the owner (although temperament can enter in, i.e., poor breeding from a BYB, or a puppy mill). I foster all three varieties of the Poodle (Toy, Mini, & Standard), and just because a Toy is small, doesn't mean s/he can't learn house rules and manners. Some of the most intelligent, well-behaved, polite dogs I've met have been Toy Poodles, and I've met a couple who are awesome in agility and obedience trials.

I think it's wonderful that you're open to adopting the breed of your choice through a shelter or rescue group! I obtained my female from a breeder, and my male was a re-home with behavioral issues and severe gastrointestinal problems. When I met him, I knew it would be ok to bring him home, despite the fact that he was allegedly dog aggressive. Knowing my female so well, I felt she could not only handle him, but help him. It's been four years - they love each other, and he is just as polite and gentlemanly as can be! He's healthy now, too.

Before adding another dog, it's a lot easier on you if your current dog is trained. If not, you'll have a lot more work on your hands! Not only will the new dog pick up things from the resident dog, the resident dog will pick up behaviors from the new dog (and NOT JUST the good ones)! LOL

Good luck!

[RobDar]

lets take the questions one at a time...

weebles said First, how do you pick a good shelter or rescue?

It is difficult sometimes to know exactly who you are dealing with. Being in rescue myself...even we get fooled sometimes. Rescue is a completely unregulated business. Any fool can start pulling dogs and call themselves a rescue...that does not mean they are qualified. There are a few RED FLAGS to look for...

1. If the rescue will not let you or does not want you to come to where the dog is...will not let you see their facility or how the dogs are housed...there is probably a reason.
2. Ask for references. Alot of people skip this step...but ask for reference from other rescues ( not shelters they usually do not know).
3. If the rescue seems bothered or touchy about you asking for references...I would think about finding another rescue.
4. Learn about the breed you are interested in BEFORE going to a rescue to meet one. This way you can make sure the rescue in knowledgable about the dogs they are serving!
5. If you go to meet a dog and you are uncomfortable with ANYTHING about the experience...GO WITH YOUR GUT!!!!
6. make sure the dog has all its paperwork and has had veterinary care.
7. ask about temperment testing and how the rescue performs its tests.

weebles said Do rescues let you bring the dog to your house to see how the new dog would interact?


I believe this should be handled one way and one way only. You should first meet the dog ( with or without your dog) at the rescue. As a second step...the rescue should be willing to bring the dog to your home for a second visit to make sure the dogs get on okay. If a rescue cannot do this small thing or is unwilling to do this small thing...or says well just take him/her and see how it goes and bring him/her back if it does not work...I question whether they actually have their dogs best interest in mind, or just getting an adoption in mind. (Please keep in mind though that the rescue may also be experienced enough to be pretty sure there will not be a problem. If a rescuer can offer you actual behavioral examples and clues as to WHY they feel you will not have a problem....I might go with their advice)
You will have a tough time getting a dog visit out of a shelter...but most shelter will let you bring your to meet the new dog at the shelter.

The boy girl thig is going to depend on the personality of the dogs.

One last thing...
If you are in Chicago like your profile says...The Chicago Anti Cruelty Society is top notch!

[Lorina]

You can ask people, like the techs at your vets, if they know anything about the rescue organization(s). People involved in rescue tend to know other people involved in rescue, and have heard both good and bad things about other groups.

When I was looking for a Peke, which rescue group was the best for me was pretty obvious. It was the one who seemed to place more dogs (some groups have the same dogs listed now as they did a full year ago when I was first looking!), the one that seemed to do a lot for the dogs (spay/neuter, vaccinations and microchip at the minimum, but also having special needs dogs), as well as being prompt about answering queries and emails.

I've also known many rescues that will adopt out of area. A friend of mine involved in Aussie rescue sometimes does home visits for other groups that might not have a volunteer or foster in our area. Some rescues accept photographs of the inside and outside of your home instead of home visits. Some do require you live within one to three hours of their main headquarters. All rescues should require vet and personal references, and should require your dogs to meet in a neutral environment.

[Amitiel]

would a breed rescue accessed from the AKC site be "recommended"? http://www.members.tripod.com/~silkyrescue/index.htm

[vanbum]

Any fool can start pulling dogs and call themselves a rescue

LOL that is soooo true.

[Weebles]

Originally Posted by Amitiel

would a breed rescue accessed from the AKC site be "recommended"? http://www.members.tripod.com/~silkyrescue/index.htm

I didn't get a good impression from that rescue. I've been looking at that one every once in a while for about 2 years, and they always seem to have the same few dogs. Also, it seems like several of them are not from a rescue, but people trying to get rid of their dogs for a few hundred dollars.

RobDar - Anti-Cruelty is great, but they don't have too many small dogs. I have a pretty small apartment, and cannot go above 20 lbs.

Also... my current Silky is not food aggressive at all (he is NOT an ankle biter; he is a sweet, quiet, little dog) but he can be a little possessive of his toys. He's in obedience training, and is doing well with that, plus he loves to play with other dogs. Is there other training/experiences that would be really helpful before bringing in a new dog? We are not planning on adding a new one for at least a few months.