Considering adopting a dog

For the past year or so, we have tossed around the idea of adopting a dog. While I have never had a dog, my husband has, so we are aware that there is a lot of work involved. We are also adamant about adopting from a shelter or rescue, not buying from a breeder/pet store.

We have two cats and two kids. The kids are 2 and 5, the cats are 11 and 6.

We did go yesterday to our town shelter where we met a lovely american staffordshire terrier girl, about 2 years old. They found her on the streets, looked like she had been tossed aside shortly after birthing/weaning her pups. She was the sweetest thing! She let my 2 and 4 year old play with her, dropped the ball for them to throw, didn't jump on them etc. Perfect manners.

Unfortunately, she wasn't a good candidate for our home because she they mentioned she is aggressive towards cats. When I pushed the woman at the shelter about whether the aggression was a curiosity thing or if she saw them as prey, she told me that the dog most definitely viewed the ferals around the shelter as prey. So, that is definitely not going to work. The other issue is that she had problems with possible dog aggression.

I know that pit bulls are very misunderstood and it seems pit and pit mixes are the predominant breed in the shelter here. Since we border Bridgeport, I do have some concerns about adopting a dog who was previously used in dogfighting or abused.

For those of you involved in rescues or who have experience, I could use some guidance. We don't want to bring home a dog that is just too much for us to handle nor do we want to bring home a dog that isn't a good fit for our family. We know that adopting a pet is a lifelong commitment.

So what should we look for when we are meeting dogs? What questions should we be asking? Would we be wise to consider fostering a dog or two before we adopt one, or is fostering usually left for those who have more dog experience? And, are we crazy for even considering a rescued pit/pit mix?

Considering adopting a dog

I don't think you are crazy, pitbulls are very good with humans. Their problems lie with other animals and the fact that they are very athletic. I actually have a foster pitbull here who has been here for a month. She is living with my two cats and my twin toddler girls. I would suggest however that you look towards the rescue groups that have already pulled a death row dog/puppy and have the dog in the same situation you have. The rescuer and the foster will already know the temperament of the dog.

Your other option is to rescue a young puppy, raising her with your cats will make for an easier transition. I know of tons of puppies right now looking for homes. I think they are about 3 weeks right now so you'd have time to prepare. My rescue group who pulled my current foster from NYC animal control is S.N.A.R.R and they along with other rescue groups I know on facebook have probably about 30 puppies coming up. The benefit of adopting a puppy is that it will give your 2 year old time to age and grow bigger, so when the puppy is a year old and stronger, your toddler will be 3 and around the same weight. The down side is all the puppy training (housebreaking and obedience, chewing and all that goes along with a puppy). But you can start with a clean slate, especially with the cats. They might be able to temperament test the puppies and try to help pick one with a lower prey drive.

I would also very strongly suggest you only look at female dogs. They are typically a bit smaller, and more reliable with children. Statistically the dog most likely to bite is a male dog between the age of 1-3 years old.

If you are completely set on getting a pittie, then I would do a bunch of research on breed specific training. They need a good amount of exercise every day. If you are a jogger or like to hike, they make great companions. They are relatively calm and quiet dogs when they get enough exercise. They are also very smart and need leadership. It is not typically a beginner's breed of dog. They have a knack for escaping the yard and climbing small fences. If you do not have secure 6' fences around your home you might need to supervise her in the yard. They can also be prone to digging and tunneling their way out. Again, something that needs supervising.

What type of dog did your husband own before?

As far as fostering/ adopting goes, I really think you should put in some applications and talk to some folks. Let them do a home inspection and see if your home is a good fit for a pittie.

If you ever want to talk more, send me forum mail and I will send you my phone number.

Considering adopting a dog

Also, check out this site. I find it very useful with how to "do it right" when it comes to raising dogs in the bully breed.

http://www.badrap.org/what-expect

Re: Considering adopting a dog

Petfinder.com has many different breeds and you can search based on your zipcode.

The rescue group will/should really help you find a dog that fits your lifestyle. So- feel free to ask away!

Good luck and i hope you find a wonderful dog for your family!

Message edited 1/20/2013 9:09:58 PM.

Re: Considering adopting a dog

you are def. not crazy for considering a pit mix-they get a bad rap. All of the people I know that own a pit-love and adore them. They are very misunderstood. Do you have Facebook? if so, check out the truth about pit bulls Facebook page. there are a lot of myths out there about them--one being that their jaws lock=false! def. read up on the breed-they are smart, athletic and not too large.

like people--there are good and bad in all!

you def. need to make sure whatever dog you get is good with small kids. kids tend to do things to dogs that they shouldn't because they don't understand etc. so you really need a good dog with a great temperament! even though you will teach your children how to behave around the dog--they are still going to do things to it that they shouldn't. i made sure that i poked 'pushed' touched all parts of my dog when they were puppies before having kids so that they would be ready for them as best as possible. i stuck my hand in their food bowls and still do occasionally to this day!

there are many rescues that you can contact---i know for certain pibbles n more have a lot of puppies that are ready to go now or shortly to their forever homes.
you can try:
posh pets rescue
reefuge rescue
zanies furry friends
pibbles n more (i really like this rescue! they save a lot of dogs including pregnant ones!)
there are breed specific rescues like
LI bulldog rescue
adopt a boxer
S.N.O.R.T- rescue--short nose dogs like pugs, boston terriers, french bullies
there are cocker spaniel and lab rescues as well
all of the above rescues have websites and Facebook pages

fostering might be a great idea for you to see if the dog fits in with your family first--you will def. have to fill out applications to adopt and foster--it can take some time, so i would start filling them out now!

even though a lot of the dogs in shelters are pit mixes---i would venture to say most have not been dog fighting dogs...if fighting dogs do end up in the shelter--it's mostly bc they weren't 'fighting' dogs, kwim? they didn't have what it takes to be in the 'ring' and you can see which are bait dogs bc they have scars a lot of times.
as for abused dogs, well unfortunately you see a lot of neglected dogs in shelters---skinny ones, ones left medically untreated, etc.

also, some dogs may show aggression towards one dog and not the other--they can be dog selective

i would also be cautious of shelter workers opinions of the dogs (not in all cases) if there are volunteers there-i would ask them the temperament of the dogs. some of the behavior tests they do in shelters are really inappropriate for the shelter-life setting....they will label a skinny, starved dog food aggressive! umm, hello i'd be food aggressive too if i were supposed to weigh 25 lbs. more!!

maybe volunteering at a shelter or for a rescue will help you find a dog because you will get to work w/multiple breeds/ages/etc.
good luck and if you have any questions-im here to help!

ETA:
there are 18 puppies that SNARR rescue just rescued!! they are just adorable!

Message edited 1/21/2013 8:14:26 AM.

Re: Considering adopting a dog

my bff is a foster and has gotten many dogs adopted. many potential adopters want to know the temperament from someone who is with the dog all the time, so they can better answer any questions you might have about a potential dog.

good luck and thank you for considering rescuing a pit bull. they are so stigmatized

Considering adopting a dog

Thanks everyone for the replies.

We aren't necessarily set on any particular breed. When we DO adopt a dog, be it next week, next month or next year, we just want a dog who fits in with our family, breed isn't a major part of that. We know that pits are misunderstood and there are SO MANY of them around the shelters up here that there is a strong possibility that the dog we would adopt would be at least part pit.

Strongisland: I did some reading this weekend about some of the "temperament" tests they do and my initial reaction was similar. Our local shelter is staffed by volunteers and the one we dealt with really seemed to love the dogs and want the best for them, so I don't think we were being misled.

We are definitely not in rush and we don't take this decision lightly, which thankfully gives us plenty of time to research all the links and information from you guys!

Thanks so very much

Re: Considering adopting a dog

Re: Considering adopting a dog

We recently adopted a 6 month puppy from North Shore animal shelter. They were absolutely wonderful there (and would definitely recommend) and we went a few times before we found him. We played with a few, and they all went through pre-screening so to speak to see if they're good with other animals, kids, etc. It was also great for us because we were so new to owning a dog to be able to spend some time with each one prior to.

Best of luck to you!

Considering adopting a dog

Northshore is very nice, they are a great resource for lower cost veterinary care too. My sister had her pug's bladder stone surgery there, it was half of what I paid and he did fabulous.

Considering adopting a dog

We adopted a pit mix as a puppy from North Shore. We got a puppy because we knew we could train him and expose him to kids and other animals.

We now have DS and they are wonderful together. never once has Rocky even growled at our DS. DS pulls at him and all Rocky does is walk away.

For me getting a puppy was kind of like getting a clean slate....believe me he is not perfect and is very strange but in a fun loveable cute way.

Would you consider a puppy?

Considering adopting a dog

You're not crazy at all! We adopted our dog Casey when she was about 5 years old. When you look at her she looks like a mean dog, but that was because someone cut her ears. She is the sweetest dog you will ever meet. She was so nice the rescue group did not have room in their dog kennel she had to sleep with the cats! Her best friend is our cat and when we had our baby she sleeps next to her, gives he kisses. If you are looking for a bull breed that is cat friendly try Brooklyn Animal Foster Network (thats where we got Casey) and I can ask around for you too if you are looking for a cat and baby friendly dog.

I agree with Strongisland, you should foster to make sure everyone gets along.

Message edited 1/22/2013 2:20:17 PM.

Re: Considering adopting a dog

good with cats, dogs and kids!! just thought i would share! pure bred havanese!!
he is 1 1/2 and with unwanted NYC pets rescue! :) what a doll!

Message edited 1/22/2013 7:25:00 PM.

Considering adopting a dog

WOW!! thats a Havanese! They are fabulous dogs. They were one of my top favorite breeds when I was a dog walker. Super smart, friendly and just all around wonderful dogs. If you let their hair grow they look so gorgeous running around the yard. When people ask me for suggestions for that size dog I always say a havanese or a cavalier king charles spaniel. Havanese are expensive... in the $1,800 range. Whoever adopts that dog is getting the deal of the century :O)

Considering adopting a dog

Oh he is freaking adorable!

We are still discussing things here, but we may lean towards a foster situation or two first.

I have NEVER had a dog. I know nothing about training, housebreaking, normal/abnormal behaviors etc. and I would be the primary person caring for the dog.

My husband has had exactly one dog, he was a mutt maybe part lab?, for a short time before him and his ex broke up (she took the dog, then eventually rehomed him never even contacted DH to see if we would take him. So spiteful).

So we are leaning towards the foster end to have not only the support but to really test this to see if this is actually the right move for us. With two kids and two cats, I want to make sure it is the best fit for all of us, doggie included!

SO we aren't rushing things :)

Considering adopting a dog

Usually if a dog is up for adoption you can ask the rescue group if you can do a foster to adopt and they will usually let you do that.

Sometimes adult dogs are a better choice for people with a lot of juggle because they are usually already house broken and have some training. Just be upfront with what you are looking for in a dog and the rescue group will help you find your perfect pet.

Re: Considering adopting a dog

Re: Considering adopting a dog

We adopted an adult dog. We went to many shelters and told them our needs (two young children - they were 10 months at the time, and three cats.) Most told us they didn't have any dogs that were good with both kids and cats. We wound up going to Bide-a-wee and they had a dog that was a great fit for our family. He was around 4-5 years old at the time, we didn't have to do any training or deal with any of the puppy-stage stuff.
He does have some anxiety issues, but other than that, is a great dog.

Considering adopting a dog

Hi. We just adopted a dog this weekend and have the same issue with both cats and kids, and wanting to rescue vs buy from breeder. We had gone to our local shelter in stamford and like you found that many are pit mixes and the shelter was worried about the dogs being with cats, and in sime cases kids. We looked thru pet finder and found many more options thru rescue organizations over shelters, where dogs are currently in foster care as opposed to kennels. We found a great dog with tails of courage, and they were able to confidently tell us he was great with cats and kids before we met him. It was love at first pet/lick when we did meet him and he's doing great adjusting. Dh and I think that by being in a foster home, he's had an easier adjustment and his temperment was better predicted...not sure how you can really tell a temperment when a dog is in a cage most of the day and then tested around other animals for a short while. Good luck! Keep looking and you'll find your perfect match.