I just got a dog...

[monk3y]

He's a pretty 'young' dog, 3yrs old. I've been planning to get one for quite a while now and have been reading up on it for the past few weeks. Just wanted some tips from other dog owners here.

Has anyone else adopted an 'older' dog? How long does it take them to get used to you?

Any and all tips will be greatly appreciated.

 

[ElFenix]

mine was a year old, roundabouts... didn't take too long but then it was a yellow lab, friendly to begin with.

 

[monk3y]

Yeah this one's a White Shepherd mix. He's really friendly and he's a good runner.

 

[Childs]

My family adopted a 13 year old Chow. He lasted another 7 years, and during that time he was the friendliest of all the dogs I've had. Unfortunately a racoon/woverine messed him up (he was also going blind and deaf from old age) and he had to be put down.

Anyways, the previous owners used to hit him on the head with a 2X4 to get him to mind them, but with us he never gave anyone a problem, and got along with the other dogs. Chows are usually kinda mean but not this one. Just be friendly and they'll come around. Dogs wanna be your friends.

Cats on the other hand are a$$hats!

EDIT: And pics?

 

[monk3y]

Originally posted by: Childs
My family adopted a 13 year old Chow. He lasted another 7 years, and during that time he was the friendliest of all the dogs I've had. Unfortunately a racoon/woverine messed him up (he was also going blind and deaf from old age) and he had to be put down.

Anyways, the previous owners used to hit him on the head with a 2X4 to get him to mind them, but with us he never gave anyone a problem, and got along with the other dogs. Chows are usually kinda mean but not this one. Just be friendly and they'll come around. Dogs wanna be your friends.

Cats on the other hand are a$$hats!

EDIT: And pics?

I don't have a digi camera I'll try to get some from one of my friends or something real soon.

 

[Bistromath]

Go to a used bookstore and buy the training book from the Monks of New Skete. You don't have to follow them to the letter, but it gives the most complete overview of training a dog I have ever seen. It also helps you understand what they are "thinking" a little better.

 

[thedarkwolf]

Example pic
Just an excuse to post a pic of my white shepard

 

[AFB]

Dinner ?

 

[toant103]

pic

 

[flxnimprtmscl]

Originally posted by: thedarkwolf
Example pic
Just an excuse to post a pic of my white shepard

That's a very good looking dog. I've been thinking lately about getting another dog so the Shepherd mix I have now will have someone to play with and keep him company when I'm not around. I might look into a white Shepherd now

 

[Ready]

For some odd reason, I read the title " I just ate a dog"

 

[thedarkwolf]

Originally posted by: flxnimprtmscl

Originally posted by: thedarkwolf
Example pic
Just an excuse to post a pic of my white shepard

That's a very good looking dog. I've been thinking lately about getting another dog so the Shepherd mix I have now will have someone to play with and keep him company when I'm not around. I might look into a white Shepherd now

Good idea. 2 dogs are always better then one.

 

[monk3y]

Bump bump bump it up

 

[Gurck]

3 isn't old. Just keep in mind they're like children, but without the mean streak. So when he pisses you off, try not to be too hard on him Aside from the basics (regular vet checkups, food), get some treats, squeaky toys, a dog toothbrush, hair brush, leash, collar, and a doggy bed and you're all set.

 

[Ogg]

Just smoke a bowl with him and then he'll be happy just like you......:shocked:

 

Originally posted by: thedarkwolf

Originally posted by: flxnimprtmscl

Originally posted by: thedarkwolf
Example pic
Just an excuse to post a pic of my white shepard

That's a very good looking dog. I've been thinking lately about getting another dog so the Shepherd mix I have now will have someone to play with and keep him company when I'm not around. I might look into a white Shepherd now

Good idea. 2 dogs are always better then one.

Both your dogs look scared of you.

 

[notfred]

Since when is 3 a "pretty old dog"? 12 is a pretty old dog, 3 is a pretty young dog.

 

[lilFajita]

what kind of dog?

 

[Coquito]

Thank you for adopting a somewhat older dog that probably wouldn't of had a future if you hadn't otherwise. Too many people want puppies, without truly understanding that fully grown dogs are just as loving & faithful(somethimes more, because they aren't use to someone actually caring about them, hence why they're in a shelter).

 

[CrazyApe]

Originally posted by: InstincT
He's a pretty old dog, 3yrs old. I've been planning to get one for quite a while now and have been reading up on it for the past few weeks. Just wanted some tips from other dog owners here.

Has anyone else adopted an 'older' dog? How long does it take them to get used to you?

Any and all tips will be greatly appreciated.

The biggest thing to remember is that the dog has a personality and will come around when and if it wants to come around. You can't force the issue. Do you know any of the dog's history? Why was it up for adoption in the first place?

 

[monk3y]

Originally posted by: CrazyApe

Originally posted by: InstincT
He's a pretty old dog, 3yrs old. I've been planning to get one for quite a while now and have been reading up on it for the past few weeks. Just wanted some tips from other dog owners here.

Has anyone else adopted an 'older' dog? How long does it take them to get used to you?

Any and all tips will be greatly appreciated.

The biggest thing to remember is that the dog has a personality and will come around when and if it wants to come around. You can't force the issue. Do you know any of the dog's history? Why was it up for adoption in the first place?

He is apparently one of those dogs that look pretty scary and well he plays quite rough (play biting). His last owners didn't want him because they had a child around. The owner before that apparently beat him, he's been in a foster home for a few months and they said he's been a really good dog with no real problems. I had to leave him alone today when I went to work and he's been great. He didn't chew anything up that he wasn't supposed to and he held in everything until he was let outside. I think I'm just being impatient as far as waiting for him to show his personality.