This is a while into the future but I'd love some first hand opinions. I have been researching good breeders for awhile now. A lot of them have very informative websites. I am flat out amazed at the amount of work some of these people put into making sure there puppies are healthy well socialized and in good homes. That being said I have also looked at rescue sites. Someday I hope to have one of each but at this time the thought of a young adult dog that I can run with adn is already potty trained has a lot of appeal. So if you have or have had rescue dogs what are some of the problems and issues that you would have avoided if you bought from a good breeder. I'm not going to be discouraged I just want to be informed
Looking for honest opinions from those who have experience with rescue dogs
- Thread starter anna84
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i have a couple questions first before i answer..have you owned a dog before..
and are you looking at dogs that come from a situation like my Jim had where he had cancer and knew he was going to die so he need a good home for Annie or garg..
or are you looking at a shelter type rescue like my Victor?
that is a big range but both are readily available for the right person.
and are you looking at dogs that come from a situation like my Jim had where he had cancer and knew he was going to die so he need a good home for Annie or garg..
or are you looking at a shelter type rescue like my Victor?
that is a big range but both are readily available for the right person.
I think a young adult rescue dog is a great start! Good for you. All my dogs are rescues. mav (the newf) we had from a puppy and he's pretty much perfect). The other two were young adults. Their history really makes them who they are and these two were both treated pretty badly. Nanook (husky/gsd) was so submissive. She would submissive pee and cower whenever we'd try to get her to do anythign. It was really sad. Mikey doesn't cower but he's very needy. I think he was neglected more than physically abused.
Not all rescues are right for everyone. Especially new owners. Look into young dogs that were give up for dumb reasons liek the owner was moving... most rescues just take time and patience and an adjustment period. I didn't really have expectations for my dogs when they first came. I didn't push them and they learn they can trust you.
try to find a rescue that is more than just a shelter. Good rescues will help match up the right owner with the right dog.
Ask tons of questions please!
Not all rescues are right for everyone. Especially new owners. Look into young dogs that were give up for dumb reasons liek the owner was moving... most rescues just take time and patience and an adjustment period. I didn't really have expectations for my dogs when they first came. I didn't push them and they learn they can trust you.
try to find a rescue that is more than just a shelter. Good rescues will help match up the right owner with the right dog.
Ask tons of questions please!
A little more info would help I guess. I go to school and hope to stay in an area with some really good rescue groups. I have had owned dogs but as part of my family never on my own. Seriously considering when Im ready to either adopting a young male german sheperd or getting a puppy from a breeder with working lines. My main concern in adopting a dog are health issues and socialization problems. On the other hand most of these groups foster and give a lot of information on the dogs personality. I guess I just want some personal experiences with people who rescued adn those who went to responsible breeders.
When you go through a breed rescue group, once you've been approved most give you a week window to return. These dogs have been tested and are up to date on everything. I personally would go first through rescue... the foster home has had the pup or dog for at least a week or more and can tell you of it's background and any issues. They want to place with the best home... shelters just want to place rather than kill. I'm not against shelters ... my next dog will either be rescue or shelter. This is from a breeder of goldens for over 40 years. I love them dearly , but since I can't continue my line.... I'll take any dog I can look into his heart and he into mine . ( or hers )
I've never had a breeder dog, but my current rescue and shelter dogs...the rescue I don't have a single problem with. I haven't had to deal with any phobias (other than seperation anxiety)...he's pretty much bomb-proof. I know nothing of his previous background, other than he and his sister were found as strays. I can't say that he would have turned out much different than if I'd had him as a puppy. I know that I missed the usual horrible Aussie chewing phase and he was housetrained within a week.
My shelter dog...if I had had her since a puppy, she probably wouldn't try to roam as much. And she would be ok with me handling her feet. Otherwise, she's a great little dog. She's also a random mix so I couldn't have gotten her from a breeder.
For first dogs I usually recommend a young (1-3 years) rescue...that way a lot of the 'bad' puppy stuff is over and they've had a full temperment test and at least the start of some obedience training.
My shelter dog...if I had had her since a puppy, she probably wouldn't try to roam as much. And she would be ok with me handling her feet. Otherwise, she's a great little dog. She's also a random mix so I couldn't have gotten her from a breeder.
For first dogs I usually recommend a young (1-3 years) rescue...that way a lot of the 'bad' puppy stuff is over and they've had a full temperment test and at least the start of some obedience training.
i have two dogs and they're both different.
i have lady who i got from a shelter. she was badly abused when i got her and she didn't trust people. i instantly clicked with her so i took her. she is very sweet and is completely reliable on and off leash. she doesn't know special tricks and always stays as close to me as possible if i take her somewhere. she is afraid of strangers ad strange objects. she has never been agressive but she is very fearful of people she doesn't know and will hide in her dog house. also when i got her back in sixth/seventh grade my parents wouldn't allow her in the house and made her an 'outside dog' i think she would have turned out a lot better if i would have been allowed to keep her in around me and all my friends during sleep overs and things like that when i had first gotten her. that was 8 years ago and is still fearful of any thing and everything she doesn't know. i go outside regularly and visit her and play with her although now all she really wants is a belly rub and for herself to be petted. i would never give her up because i worked so hard for her to trust me comletely like she does now.
and then i have yoshi. i got yoshi from the shelter. they were about to take her back and put her down because she had been there the full 14 days. the people were asking the people who where there if any of them would like to adopt the dog before it was put down. i remember one of the lady's saying 'no why would i want that ugly white dog?' ok at that moment my knowledge of what i wanted went out the window and i got her. she was an inside dog since i got her. she's a happy little girl who loves people. she gets excited when new people show up. but after a while she calms down. she does chase most things and if you throw something away or out she'll run and grab it and bring it back to you. she likes to chew but she knows what she can and can't chew. she is fearful of certain things like loud cracks, alarm clocks, and tall guys. she'll cower if a tall guy comes up to her and tries to pet her. she has never been agressive and is like a 45 lbs teddy bear.
they're both different adn there were a ton of things i had to work through when i got them. but i'd not give up either of them for anything in the world.
i have lady who i got from a shelter. she was badly abused when i got her and she didn't trust people. i instantly clicked with her so i took her. she is very sweet and is completely reliable on and off leash. she doesn't know special tricks and always stays as close to me as possible if i take her somewhere. she is afraid of strangers ad strange objects. she has never been agressive but she is very fearful of people she doesn't know and will hide in her dog house. also when i got her back in sixth/seventh grade my parents wouldn't allow her in the house and made her an 'outside dog' i think she would have turned out a lot better if i would have been allowed to keep her in around me and all my friends during sleep overs and things like that when i had first gotten her. that was 8 years ago and is still fearful of any thing and everything she doesn't know. i go outside regularly and visit her and play with her although now all she really wants is a belly rub and for herself to be petted. i would never give her up because i worked so hard for her to trust me comletely like she does now.
and then i have yoshi. i got yoshi from the shelter. they were about to take her back and put her down because she had been there the full 14 days. the people were asking the people who where there if any of them would like to adopt the dog before it was put down. i remember one of the lady's saying 'no why would i want that ugly white dog?' ok at that moment my knowledge of what i wanted went out the window and i got her. she was an inside dog since i got her. she's a happy little girl who loves people. she gets excited when new people show up. but after a while she calms down. she does chase most things and if you throw something away or out she'll run and grab it and bring it back to you. she likes to chew but she knows what she can and can't chew. she is fearful of certain things like loud cracks, alarm clocks, and tall guys. she'll cower if a tall guy comes up to her and tries to pet her. she has never been agressive and is like a 45 lbs teddy bear.
they're both different adn there were a ton of things i had to work through when i got them. but i'd not give up either of them for anything in the world.
I have had both and there is no way i could tell you that one was better then the other or easier or more important. The reason i asked is sometimes shelter rescue can be hard. I know one lady bless her heart that did everything she could think of to a doberman trying as she said to "bring her out of her shell". Victor was desperate for love so much that the first few months were flailing limbs and constant jumping. I believe that if you are wanting an already trained housedog you should check with a lot of different sources..like Jim many people that know they are not going to be there for their dogs and will post them way in advance trying to find the best home possible and peace of mind for themselves. IT really comes down to how much time you have, and whom you want to be there for. Victor was a pain in the patutty for the first few months and i wouldn't trade him for all the registration breeder forms in the world ..and he is still something else...
AT the same time i grew up with a LAbrador of the highest quality, exceptional to trainbrought home many a ribbon and silver cup..and he was a pain in the patuuty for the first 2 years
and like a fine wine ever after. Shelter dogs need you the most obviously. I think you will just find the one that speaks to your soul and know you have found what you were looking for.
AT the same time i grew up with a LAbrador of the highest quality, exceptional to trainbrought home many a ribbon and silver cup..and he was a pain in the patuuty for the first 2 years
and like a fine wine ever after. Shelter dogs need you the most obviously. I think you will just find the one that speaks to your soul and know you have found what you were looking for.
A resuce dog may have a 'past' - it may have been mistreated, unsocalised, chained, wild etc etc.... don’t expect too much too quickly. The shelter may not have the full story.
May shelters will help with these issues but you must be prepared to help recondition ... unless you find a case where due to circumstances (illness, moving or something) you find a well trained obidient healthy dog who has been handed-in from a good home.
My experience with Bonnie - she's really come out of her shell over the past year, only having known a shelter and goodness knows what as a young pup - she was cast-out and wild for a time.
There were frustrations - although (thanks her sighthound/gsd mix I think) she is clean and clever, but when new she was easily spooked (silly things like alarm clocks!) and had no idea at all how to play. Wide open spaces would send her scatty (I guess due to being penned up for so long) - couple that with a strong 30mph+ dog not so hot on recall and stunned by the new outside world... and... patience and nerve needed!
Investing patience and time has brought me such a super companion - that I'll be back to the shelter for my next dog. But be prepared to work with them, understand they have a past.
Good luck with whatever you decide to do
May shelters will help with these issues but you must be prepared to help recondition ... unless you find a case where due to circumstances (illness, moving or something) you find a well trained obidient healthy dog who has been handed-in from a good home.
My experience with Bonnie - she's really come out of her shell over the past year, only having known a shelter and goodness knows what as a young pup - she was cast-out and wild for a time.
There were frustrations - although (thanks her sighthound/gsd mix I think) she is clean and clever, but when new she was easily spooked (silly things like alarm clocks!) and had no idea at all how to play. Wide open spaces would send her scatty (I guess due to being penned up for so long) - couple that with a strong 30mph+ dog not so hot on recall and stunned by the new outside world... and... patience and nerve needed!
Investing patience and time has brought me such a super companion - that I'll be back to the shelter for my next dog. But be prepared to work with them, understand they have a past.
Good luck with whatever you decide to do
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I really admire all of you for the time you put into these animals thanks for being honest about some of the problems you had at first. If I do decide to rescue which I am leaning towards it wont be through a shelter. I just don't know if I could deal with taking on an animal that has no health or temperment information. I am seriously considering purebred resue groups that foster their dogs first even do some preliminary training and who health test. It seems like the best of both worlds to me. Lol I think dealing all winter break with my sisters new puppy has definetely put appeal on a young adult Theres nothing quite like taking a puppy out for her final bathroom break while it's about 30 degrees out. And of course she had to snuffle around for 10 minutes before she found a spot she liked
Theres nothing quite like taking a puppy out for her final bathroom break while it's about 30 degrees out. And of course she had to snuffle around for 10 minutes before she found a spot she likedI think as far as rescue dogs go it also depends on the severity of the situation the dog was in. Alot of dogs just have to take so much that they are beyond saving. My Heeler/lab, Dixie was rescued from the actual owner. She had to endure alot at her previous home. We found her posted at a pet store. I was appalled when I saw her, and the lady handed her over and drove off like a demon. Dixie had puncture marks all over her, she had also ran herself through a barbed wire fence, this I was told by the lady that owned her. When we got her home she had many issues. She would cower and shake, had submissive urination, and not to mention all her wounds. She did not appreciate the leash, she had a ring around her neck, from what I am assuming was a chain of some kind.
Today she is no longer submissive, actually far from it, but if she gets overly excited she may have an accident right there at your feet. She is doing well on leash, although she would much rather run loose. She does not like little yappy dogs that make alot of noise. It truly takes alot of patience, and you just have to remember what kind of background they are coming from. At present time our newest addition Addison is teaching Dixie patience all over again. In the long run Dixie has overcome alot of obstacles, and there are still some issues, but she has come a long way.
Today she is no longer submissive, actually far from it, but if she gets overly excited she may have an accident right there at your feet. She is doing well on leash, although she would much rather run loose. She does not like little yappy dogs that make alot of noise. It truly takes alot of patience, and you just have to remember what kind of background they are coming from. At present time our newest addition Addison is teaching Dixie patience all over again. In the long run Dixie has overcome alot of obstacles, and there are still some issues, but she has come a long way.
Anna -- good for you for doing your homework! Please keep in mind that shelter dogs are also evaluated and socialized (at least for the most part) and sometimes even fostered before going to their forever homes. I've had all of the above: Purebred puppy from breeder; rescue that was in foster; and shelter dog that had been a stray. All were work, that's for sure. The puppy is like having a baby. You have to teach them EVERYTHING from the start and their little baby brains are developing as they go as an infant, into toddlerhood, into childhood, into teenage years, into adulthood. A rescue has already had some background, and are sometimes even easier because they are already adults for the most part. I had two TOTALLY untrained rogues that were total freaks. Within a month of training, bonding, teaching, learning, they were wonderful dogs. I'm just letting you know what my experience was, and not all are alike.
Anna, I admire you for considering a rescue dog! I agree with you about the difference between shelter and rescue, a shelter dog as first dog might be a bit overwhelming if you are unlucky, as you don't really know what you're going to get.
I agree also about the puppy stage being a pain in the butt. Boris drove me nuts, it was horrible. Tips was much better because he was taking example on Boris (not too many bad things to get except the jumping but he got that also unfortunately). He was a very shy rescue, we got him at 2 months, he didn't dare getting out of his crate the first time, had his tail between his legs, was very skinny, and once he was in your arms he wouldn't move except to lick your face. I can say he went a long way (he still does lick-attacks on your face though), but he's lost if he doesn't have Boris to show him what to do when we meet people etc. I guess that without Boris he would have been very shy all his life.
So anyway, my experience is different as I got a puppy from a rescue, but as much as I love puppies, my next dog will most certainly be an adult, puppies are just too much work, and the idea of getting a calmer, less chewy, possibly housetrained dog is extremely appealing.
Just a note if you decide to get a dog from a breeder (someone had to say it, lol), make sure you read this thread, so you know how to distinguish a good breeder from a bad one. You might already know all that, but lots of people don't so it doesn't hurt to let you know.
Either way, keep us posted on your decision!
I agree also about the puppy stage being a pain in the butt. Boris drove me nuts, it was horrible. Tips was much better because he was taking example on Boris (not too many bad things to get except the jumping but he got that also unfortunately). He was a very shy rescue, we got him at 2 months, he didn't dare getting out of his crate the first time, had his tail between his legs, was very skinny, and once he was in your arms he wouldn't move except to lick your face. I can say he went a long way (he still does lick-attacks on your face though), but he's lost if he doesn't have Boris to show him what to do when we meet people etc. I guess that without Boris he would have been very shy all his life.
So anyway, my experience is different as I got a puppy from a rescue, but as much as I love puppies, my next dog will most certainly be an adult, puppies are just too much work, and the idea of getting a calmer, less chewy, possibly housetrained dog is extremely appealing.
Just a note if you decide to get a dog from a breeder (someone had to say it, lol), make sure you read this thread, so you know how to distinguish a good breeder from a bad one. You might already know all that, but lots of people don't so it doesn't hurt to let you know.
Either way, keep us posted on your decision!
Most of mine have literally been from the pound, or like Bimmer, were abandoned and taken in by someone until homes were found. They've all been German Shepherds or GSD mixes, and I've usually adopted adults. Bear was the one who should have been the most trouble. He was probably about five years old, was a GSD/Akita mix, and had just been allowed to make his own way out in the world ever since he was a pup. He'd been in the pound three times, and the owners just didn't bother to come get him the last time. He was two weeks overdue to be put down, but the staff kept putting it off - they knew there was something special about him.
I expected him to be wild and need all sorts of training. I couldn't have been more wrong. When I went to meet him, he stood up on his hind legs, balanced one paw on my shoulders, and we looked at each other long and hard. We both decided he should come home with me. Bear was a perfect gentleman from the word go. Never a problem in the house, never pulled at the leash, perfect recall, I talked to him just as I would anothe person and he responded like another person. He even passed muster and became a certified therapy dog!
Bimmer was about 3 to 4 months old when I got him. He'd never been inside for any appreciable length of time, never ridden in a car (after that first fateful ride when someone dumped him and his three siblings out in a ditch on a farm). He rode quietly in the car 125 miles home with me, never whimpered, fidgetted or moved other than to nestle his little head closer to me. He never once had an accident in the house, needed no housetraining at all, as a matter of fact, and is really just about perfect. Who am I kidding, he is perfect, lol! He's been in charge of teaching the pups how to act, how to obey, hunt, you name it . . .
I expected him to be wild and need all sorts of training. I couldn't have been more wrong. When I went to meet him, he stood up on his hind legs, balanced one paw on my shoulders, and we looked at each other long and hard. We both decided he should come home with me. Bear was a perfect gentleman from the word go. Never a problem in the house, never pulled at the leash, perfect recall, I talked to him just as I would anothe person and he responded like another person. He even passed muster and became a certified therapy dog!
Bimmer was about 3 to 4 months old when I got him. He'd never been inside for any appreciable length of time, never ridden in a car (after that first fateful ride when someone dumped him and his three siblings out in a ditch on a farm). He rode quietly in the car 125 miles home with me, never whimpered, fidgetted or moved other than to nestle his little head closer to me. He never once had an accident in the house, needed no housetraining at all, as a matter of fact, and is really just about perfect. Who am I kidding, he is perfect, lol! He's been in charge of teaching the pups how to act, how to obey, hunt, you name it . . .