Posted: Tue Aug 18, 2009 7:38 pm Post subject: Any tips or words of wisdom for possible rehoming tomorrow
.....please
As some of you may know (as I keep going on about it) we are in the process of rehoming a black lab bitch
Tomorrow is answer day really
My family have met her with no problems (I have a 5 year old and 3 year old) and we know a little of her past history as she is a rehome, not a stray.
She had a litter of puppies between 6-7 weeks ago and is now separated from them.....she is being checked over by vet tomorrow then has to meet my 2 year old lab bitch tomorrow afternoon......we can take her straight away if all goes well with both the meet and the vet
I'm sure they will give me a bit of info to go away with, but I would appreciate some advice from people who have rehomed before
She has lived in a home before, but has obviously been in kennels for a while whilst she had her pups
We have a few baby gates up in our house already, but I've put one at the bottom of the stairs again, Bailey isn't allowed upstairs and I don't want the new dog to try and get up there
The kids have had a talking to, about being calm around her, and I intend to treat her a bit like when Bailey was a pup, giving both the kids and the dog space from each other
I haven't got the crate out to use though, as we crated bailey as a pup, just a new soft bed (and she will be allowed snuggles on the sofa).....but I have got the crate in the garage if we felt it was needed
On a practical note too, should I worm/flea her when I get her home? She needs a good brush & bath too
I'm feeling really nervous, I'm excited and want everything to go well but feel a little scared too.....I want to give her the best home she can have, and I don't want to rush anything although I dying to do so much with her (think I will not sleep tonight )
oh good luck Em, keep reading your other thread as was unsuer when D Day was. lol
Got everything crossed for you.
The only advice I would give to you is,
1. make sure your kids give her loads of space
2. ensure she has a safe place to go to if she feels she needs one
3. would seperate the dogs every now and then, so they have some time apart
4. would not give her a bath if possible for about a week, just so she can settle in first. she will have enough dramatic things going on adjusting to her new life with you.
5. let her take everything at her own pace
6. if she has been in kennels for a number of weeks, she may have a few accidents in the house, and possible needs house training again
sounds like you have everything under control though
lots and lots and lots of luck for tomorrow though. cant wait to hear how you all get on
I have to agree with Tammy's advice.
When we got Diesel we let him explore his new surroundings in his own time. We established where his food, water bowl and bed were and the garden.
We gave him a bone when he had calmed down and he just sat on his bed happily eating it. We took it very slowly with him. Although we took him out the first night we got him and let him off the lead. He was a star!
I have only had Molly my cocker a few months and she was an ex breeding bitch. The advice that Tammy gave above was good.
Giver her some space when she 1st gets home to explore her new surroundings and just take the 1st few days easy as she probally will be a little shell shocked. Enjoy every minute of it though. I personally have found adopting Molly nearly as rewarding as helping Jess grow up.
I am sure she will love her new home after all her recent events. Good luck and make sure you post some pics of her in her new home. xx
I have my camera batteries on charge ready for tomorrow
I'm looking forward to tomorrow evening, once the kids are in bed and there is just me, Bailey and our new girl.....I love this time with Bailey, she is snuggled next to me on the sofa as I type, whilst I'm on the laptop
I'm just hoping that it all goes to plan tomorrow.......I will update as soon as I find out
Congratulations Em and good on you for taking on a rescue - they are the best!!
I can only echo the advice given already, give her as much time and space as she needs, and save baths, worming and lots of new people for such time in the future that she is ready for them.
I know your dogs have already met, but as it will be different on home turf, treat it as a new introduction. I tend to shut my lot in the house and let the new dog loose in the garden to sniff around and get their scent, have a wee, take a deep breath and settle a little after the journey. I then introduce them one at a time, on or off lead depending on how I think it'll go, and I wouldn't step in unless there was a real problem (which there hasn't been so far thank goodness). Once everyone is getting along nicely in the garden, I open all the doors and let the dogs spill in and out of the house, so that the new dog doesn't feel trapped at any point and I make sure there are water bowls both outside and inside.
I think getting this initial introduction right is so important, as it can set the tone for future relationships between the dogs. I'd probably encourage the children to watch from the house if possible, just to start with.
Your friends will all want to meet her I'm sure, but try to stagger visits and not have a big noisy houseful of people for her to contend with!
Make sure she knows where her things are, bed, water, garden and something nice to chew and ...
No advice as have only ever got 1 rescue and he was a pup, wishing you loads of luck for tomorrow though and looking forward to seeing pics of your new girl
Oh just one thing, try not to push Bailey`s nose out of joint by giving all your attention to your new girl, I know you won`t mean to do that but it may happen
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