Okay so the basics, a few days ago we were officially approved to adopt a Bloodhound/Cur mix that my parents were actually fostering. We met her at their house and honestly, I immediately thought she was wonderful. Her age has been guessed around 7 or 8 so she's very laid back, calm, and so far extremely gentle. It honestly seems like we hit the rescue jackpot with her! House trained, walks wonderfully, a friend to everyone (even my cats), knows most commands, etc. She does have an injured eye (that she can only see shadows out of) but otherwise she's healthy for her age.
The problem? I'm used to having a dog whose history I know. Our last dog was a boxer who passed away at the age of fourteen but I'd known him since the day he was born. I trusted that dog wholeheartedly. If he had something he wasn't supposed to have in his mouth, I trusted I could remove it. I could clip his nails, I could do all the things a lot of dogs dislike and trusted his temperament. Don't get me wrong, I plan on taking things slow with her anyway because I'm sure she's as unsure of me as well but when does a certain level of trust and comfort happen?
I honestly have no idea why I find myself being nervous about our new addition, she's given me no reason feel this way (and the rescue and my parents who fostered only have good things to say), but it's there all the same. My inlaws do have a history of very aggressive dogs so perhaps that's where this comes from? They aren't shy about filling my head with stories of their crazy, cat-eating, snapping, growling dogs.
Don't get me wrong, I cuddle her, love her, etc but I guess there's always this nagging worry in the back of my head that something bad could happen? Is this normal? How long does it take to feel comfortable around an adult dog you aren't familiar with or know very well? Will it ever feel the way it does with a dog you'd known since puppyhood?
I apologize if this is posted in the wrong section and if the question is also crazy. :redface:
The problem? I'm used to having a dog whose history I know. Our last dog was a boxer who passed away at the age of fourteen but I'd known him since the day he was born. I trusted that dog wholeheartedly. If he had something he wasn't supposed to have in his mouth, I trusted I could remove it. I could clip his nails, I could do all the things a lot of dogs dislike and trusted his temperament. Don't get me wrong, I plan on taking things slow with her anyway because I'm sure she's as unsure of me as well but when does a certain level of trust and comfort happen?
I honestly have no idea why I find myself being nervous about our new addition, she's given me no reason feel this way (and the rescue and my parents who fostered only have good things to say), but it's there all the same. My inlaws do have a history of very aggressive dogs so perhaps that's where this comes from? They aren't shy about filling my head with stories of their crazy, cat-eating, snapping, growling dogs.
I apologize if this is posted in the wrong section and if the question is also crazy. :redface: