Bringing Home Another Dog

So, our neighbor decided to get rid of their seven month old beagle rottweiler mix. I knew that if the dog went to the shelter that he probably wouldn't come back out. I knew that bringing home another dog would be difficult, but we decided to take him in and introduce him to our other five dogs. They've been smelling each other through the fence for a while, so we thought it would go well....

Tyson - the new dog - did great with our four females (all spayed/neutered), but had some difficulties with our male. They had to establish a pack order, and of course Tyson didn't want to be at the bottom of the pack. We had to keep a watchful eye and determine what was just a quick incident and what could be a brawl. Here are some things to look for

Establishing pack order

• A quick show of teeth
• intermittent growling
• a quick nip
• rigid leg stance from old dog

A potential Fight

• deep continuous growling
• long stares
• teeth showing with growling
• hair raised on back of either dog

Bringing home another dog can be confusing to everyone. Ensure that you still spend plenty of time with the resident dogs. If your dogs get too aggressive, place both dogs in separate crates to give them a time out, or cool off period. When they have settled down, let them back out and try again.

For more detailed information about bringing home another dog, visit my hubpage

Shelter Dog Behavior

Owning a pet has it's challenges, but owning a shelter dog is a unique experience. Many of these dogs have been abused or abandoned and are untrusting and skittish. That doesn't mean that shelter dogs aren't good pets, they are wonderful pets. It just means that you will need to be a little more patient during your training sessions.

Shelter dogs are wonderful dogs and they make great pets. They did not asked to be dumped or surrendered at a shelter. For whatever reason they are there looking for their forever home, and you can provide that. It just takes patience and practice.

Not all shelter dogs are challenging. Occasionally you will come across one that is completely trained, housebroken, and happy. Then you can adjust a little quicker than shelter dogs that are a little more challenging.

For more information on shelter dog behavior on hubpages:
http://hubpages.com/hub/Shelter-Dog-The-Challenges-and-Behaviors?done

Adopt a Shelter Dog

To often animals are thrown away like trash, for no other reason then for being an animal. Sure there are excuses:

• Not enough Money
• Don't have enough Time
• We're moving
• Divorce
• Birth of a Child
• Not Housebroken
• Behavior Issues

The list goes in. In reality, it doesn't matter the reason a pet was dumped at a shelter or rescue, or even the side of the road. The reality is that for most of these animals it is a death sentence. The majority of pets that walk into an animal shelter will never walk back out. For those that are released into the outside, they may get hurt, attacked by other animals, tormented by people, run over, or worse.

It is so important that those who are looking for a new pet consider all of the responsibilities that come with owning one. A pet is not a thing to be cast off at a whim. He or she is your best friend who will provide unconditional love. If you are ready to provide a forever home to a pet, then look at your local animal shelters and rescue to find one that will be a good fit with you and your family. Take your time and make sure that he or she is going to work with your schedule and lifestyle. Remember, once you adopt a pet, he is yours to keep forever. Why not save a life and adopt a shelter dog?