Pretzel Posted March 12, 2021 Share Posted March 12, 2021 Hi all! Would love some advice please on which location to receive my rescue dog coming from overseas due to arrive in a couple of weeks! I am fostering (with the view to adopt) and I had my home-check already and I told the shelter that I don't have direct garden access, I live in a flat and I only have a communal garden, they were fine with that, and said they have re-homed into flats before - I do have a small balcony I could lay out some turf for toilet training, and the dog I chose is one of the more confident ones that are friendly with people so they didn't anticipate lead training to be too challenging. Nonetheless I have had some anxiety over the adjustment period, and I have since found out that my neighbour (3 roads over) has sold his garden flat, and he is looking to rent it out for very cheap until the sale completes (he can guarantee until at least the end of April, which would be one month from when my dog arrives). I went and checked it out and it's perfect for a dog - he actually has a dog himself too so he's made it completely pet friendly, all hardwood floors, a medium sized garden that has high (8 feet fencing) all around. He's happy to rent it to me for a very reasonable / cheap rent for the month of April and I'm very tempted to take it, but I also have some worries: What if the dog likes it so much that he would be sad if we left after a month? What if he gets used to having a garden flat and then finds it hard to adjust and cope without a garden and feels too cooped up when we move to my permanent home? I guess I could introduce him onto my permanent home slowly (as it's only 3 roads over) and gradually get him used to it so we can transition there smoothly, by visiting several times first, spending some hours there and keep increasing the time - but I do just still worry about the dog going from having a nice garden to not having one. Would it be easier for the dog to be at my own flat from day 1? All thoughts and advice are so appreciated, thank you! Link to comment
Rose Mosse Posted March 12, 2021 Share Posted March 12, 2021 No, just take the dog to your own home and give him at least a full week or two to adjust. He'll be disoriented but dogs adapt very fast. Give him lots of love and affection but don't push. I'm getting the feeling you feel slightly guilty that you don't have a garden and have a balcony? Let go of this.. Animals can read emotions and respond to guilt or any neuroses their owner has. If you overcompensate for this they will also know this about you. Don't worry so much about the garden or no garden. Take him out for walks at least 2-3 times a day. It's the exercise that counts. They'll love you to the moon and back going on walks. Congrats on the new pet. Very happy for you. Link to comment
Wiseman2 Posted March 12, 2021 Share Posted March 12, 2021 Is the international rescue organization paying you or are you paying them? What fees costs and requirements are there for quarantine, vet fees,etc.? How much do you know about this dog and it's history? Have you spoken to your building management? Do your neighbors have dogs? Who will care for the dog while you are working? What exactly is fostering v adopting a dog? Is there a reason you didn't go to a local shelter for a pet? Link to comment
Hollyj Posted March 12, 2021 Share Posted March 12, 2021 Keep your dog at your own home. I think that this would be very confusing for the animal, especially after making a long trip. I think you are over thinking. I live in a big city and none of my friends have balconies, they simply take their dogs out for walks. Link to comment
DancingFool Posted March 12, 2021 Share Posted March 12, 2021 Is the dog you are adopting not house broke? Be sure that you verify that with the adoption agency so you know for real and don't just assume. Other than that, if he is or isn't, the key is regular feeding and walking routine. It makes no difference to your dog if you live in an apartment or a house with a big back yard. What the dogs NEEDS from you is regular, consistent exercise and mental stimulation. That means regular daily walks, play time, and training. If you are not sure, feel anxious, or don't know how, please please please work a good quality trainer. That's money way better spent than renting another apartment which will just confuse the dog more. Most importantly keep in mind that anxious people create anxious aggressive dogs. Dogs do not understand or handle YOUR emotions very well at all and tend to react poorly to emotional behaviors from people. So again, if you feel anxious and unsure find a good trainer and work with them instead of trying to go it solo. It's the best you can ever do for you and your doggo. Link to comment
Cherylyn Posted March 12, 2021 Share Posted March 12, 2021 Having grown up with dogs and owning several dogs during my (current) marriage, from my experience as a dog owner, I've learned that dogs are highly adaptable. They are fast learners with wherever you choose to raise them as long as they grow accustomed to daily, repetitive routines such as walks, letting the dog out several times a day, bonding time, etc. They will follow your lead as you both survive together in tandem. Do whatever is convenient for your living situation and you will accommodate your dog's needs. Consistently teach your dog with obedience training because no one enjoys an unruly dog. Give lots of affection so your dog feels secure and loved. Give the dog high quality food. I even gave homemade dog food at least once a day and it was high quality dry kibble dog food in the morning. Homemade food was at dinner time. I made large quantities and froze servings in plastic bags. High quality food makes the dog live longer than average. You will do fine. Treat the dog as if he or she is your child. They need lots of care. They're worth it though because what they give you in return is their unconditional love and priceless loyalty. I admire you for rescuing an animal. You have a big heart. ❤️ From one dog lover to another . . . 🐾 🐕🦮🐕🦺🐶❤️ Link to comment
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