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Rescue Dogs

mcgrawfsu

Star Player
Jan 6, 2007
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We fostered a dog for a couple days after Irma went through since the Humane Society lost their power. The dog is a black mouth cur that came from Texas after Harvey. The dog was has good leash manners and knows to go to the bathroom outside. Overall, he is a really good dog from what I could tell.

The power came back yesterday and we returned the dog. After seeing how good of a dog he was, I'm considering adopting him. My concern is I have another dog (which they got along and played well together) and 2 cats. Does anyone have experience bringing a rescue dog into their house with other pets, specifically cats? I know cats are weird when it comes to stress and I wouldn't want them to start pissing all over the house because of the new dog.
 
If the dog already stayed with you, and you had no issues, why do you think you'd have issues if the dog stayed longer? Not like the animals know the difference between "its being fostered" and "it was adopted". <shrug>

We were at humane society and were looking at dogs last week. My kid saw a cat and expressed interest. I told her "I'd get you a herd of turtles before a cat". Now she keeps asking me when are we getting a turtle. I think she only wants a turtle so she can then get a cat.
 
How were the cats with the dog in the home during the hurricane? They certainly didn't know he was only visiting for a few days.
Up until a few hours before we brought him back, the dog was very scared and timid. Once he became comfortable he started exploring more and tried to play with the cats. The cats kept their distance as best they could.
 
There's always an adjustment period for bringing any new pet into the home. They'll get used to each other. Your cats are already used to living with a dog, so as long as the dog is not aggressive, everybody should get along just fine.
 
I should add that I've never owned a cat (nor wanted to), but have dogs and have fostered dogs in the past. So take my advice for what it's worth.
 
As long as the dog knows you are the alpha, you won't have any problems with him. The cats on the other hand don't give a **** what you think you are, so be weary.
 
Give it a whirl. What've you got to lose, unless it goes Pit on you and the cats! Give the boy a home.
 
Yes, but lo and behold it appears they are living together...
Cats are closed up in my daughters room during the day. Dogs are closed up in our bedroom at night. Never the twain shall meet.
 
Let them meet. You can call it Mixed Martial Arts and sell tickets. Put $5 on the dogs for me.

Do the cats have claws? Sometimes those bouts end differently than you might expect. Just depends on the combatants, of course.
 
Do the cats have claws? Sometimes those bouts end differently than you might expect. Just depends on the combatants, of course.

Claws or talons?

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Went ahead and adopted him. My son decided to name him Charlie right away. The rescue and my golden doodle (Winston) immediately began playing and chasing each other and have ended up in the pool. The cats seem to be just fine for now.
Awesome! :)
 
Went ahead and adopted him. My son decided to name him Charlie right away. The rescue and my golden doodle (Winston) immediately began playing and chasing each other and have ended up in the pool. The cats seem to be just fine for now.
Good stuff...
 
Let them meet. You can call it Mixed Martial Arts and sell tickets. Put $5 on the dogs for me.
On the rare occasion they get out at the same time, the cats are PISSED. The dogs are excited...and bloody.
 
We have two cats and two rescue dogs. One of our cats is very stressed out and getting the dogs did not help. We ended up having to get a gate to keep the dogs out of the room the cat stays in. However, this cat has always had issues and been very stressed out.
 
We have two cats and two rescue dogs. One of our cats is very stressed out and getting the dogs did not help. We ended up having to get a gate to keep the dogs out of the room the cat stays in. However, this cat has always had issues and been very stressed out.
What the hell does a cat have to be stressed about? I'd kill to have that lifestyle.
 
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We got a rescue cat a year ago. If there is a feline version version of American Psycho, this cat is it. I'm pretty sure this cat is planning to kill me, but hasn't figured a way yet to take me down.
 
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So the rescue dog has definitely had it rough. Loud noises, sudden movements, and even the slightest hint of anger or disappointment and he tucks his tail and tries to run and hide. He had diarrhea the first day and you could tell he thought something bad was going to happen to him even though we didn't show a negative response.

Tonight he was laying on my lap (58lbs) when my 90 lb golden doodle wanted to play ball and dropped it next to me. There was a slight growl by the newcomer, then a crazy snap bark/growl/bite and I had to grab him and throw him down. Now the normally fun but aggressive doodle is acting like a little beyotch (even though I think he'd whoop the orphan), and the orphan is super scared

On a positive, he's taken well to my 12yo son and I'm pretty sure he'd kill someone to protect him.
 
Went ahead and adopted him. My son decided to name him Charlie right away. The rescue and my golden doodle (Winston) immediately began playing and chasing each other and have ended up in the pool. The cats seem to be just fine for now.
Good for you guys.
 
So the rescue dog has definitely had it rough. Loud noises, sudden movements, and even the slightest hint of anger or disappointment and he tucks his tail and tries to run and hide. He had diarrhea the first day and you could tell he thought something bad was going to happen to him even though we didn't show a negative response.

Tonight he was laying on my lap (58lbs) when my 90 lb golden doodle wanted to play ball and dropped it next to me. There was a slight growl by the newcomer, then a crazy snap bark/growl/bite and I had to grab him and throw him down. Now the normally fun but aggressive doodle is acting like a little beyotch (even though I think he'd whoop the orphan), and the orphan is super scared

On a positive, he's taken well to my 12yo son and I'm pretty sure he'd kill someone to protect him.
I am sure it has been said, but take is slow with the new dogs socializing. Do some reading and/or consult a professional. An ounce of prevention or a pound of cure, where the cure is you likely getting rid of the rescue if something negative happens.
 
So after 4 months we had to take the rescue dog back. He was doing very well the first 3 months and slowly building confidence and trust. Then, out of nowhere, he started resource guarding and going into these rages where he thought I was the devil. Then, 5 minutes later he would be very affectionate and wouldn't leave my side. About 3 weeks ago, I didn't notice him showing the signs he was in his angry state and he lunged at me and bit my arm.

I called in a trainer and she gave us some very specific things to implement right away and that the dog is in serious need of rehab. We had to completely adjust our living style inside the house. After 3 weeks, we went 2 days in a row with no growls or signs of anger. Then yesterday I calmly told him he wasn't allowed to eat my sandwich and he lost his s***. Slipped out of his collar and latched on to my wrist/arm/hand. Then, after I pried him off he grabbed the other arm and I was finally able to subdue him without harming him.

We brought him back to the Humane Society and they are hoping a dog rescue facility will take him in and try to rehabilitate him. I offered to sponsor or pay for it, but I guess it isn't a money thing and more of whether or not they think they can rehab him. I'm hoping for the best. When he isn't attached to my arm trying to thrash me, he is a really good dog.
 
So after 4 months we had to take the rescue dog back. He was doing very well the first 3 months and slowly building confidence and trust. Then, out of nowhere, he started resource guarding and going into these rages where he thought I was the devil. Then, 5 minutes later he would be very affectionate and wouldn't leave my side. About 3 weeks ago, I didn't notice him showing the signs he was in his angry state and he lunged at me and bit my arm.

I called in a trainer and she gave us some very specific things to implement right away and that the dog is in serious need of rehab. We had to completely adjust our living style inside the house. After 3 weeks, we went 2 days in a row with no growls or signs of anger. Then yesterday I calmly told him he wasn't allowed to eat my sandwich and he lost his s***. Slipped out of his collar and latched on to my wrist/arm/hand. Then, after I pried him off he grabbed the other arm and I was finally able to subdue him without harming him.

We brought him back to the Humane Society and they are hoping a dog rescue facility will take him in and try to rehabilitate him. I offered to sponsor or pay for it, but I guess it isn't a money thing and more of whether or not they think they can rehab him. I'm hoping for the best. When he isn't attached to my arm trying to thrash me, he is a really good dog.

#shopdontadopt
 
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Sounds like you aren't quite alpha enough.

Just kidding, sorry to hear that. But that's like having a ticking time bomb in your house.
 
Sounds like you aren't quite alpha enough.

Just kidding, sorry to hear that. But that's like having a ticking time bomb in your house.

It pretty much was. He had to be on the leash or in the crate at all times. I wouldn't let my son near him unless I had full control. It's clear he was treated very poorly in his previous home. Unfortunately, they trainer thinks rehabbing him may not be possible without professional help. She said if they had any info on his previous living conditions, they likely would not have let him be adopted before being rehabbed.
 
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