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bakerman
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bakerman is offline
Mexico
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bakerman is male  bakerman has posted at least 25 times and has been a member for 3 months or more 
 
15-09-2018, 10:41 PM
1

Getting new dog. need advice

In October, I'm going to the Mexican dog pound and I'm going to look for a dog. BUT, I do not know how to tell the age. Is there some easy general way to know ? I would not want to get a dog that I thought was 2 years old and have it turn out to be 12 years old.
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Mups
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15-09-2018, 10:55 PM
2

Re: Getting new dog. need advice

Difficult to be accurate once they have got their adult teeth, unless they are getting an obvious grey muzzle.

Personally, with your health, I would go for something more middle aged because some 2 year olds are still like delinquents.

Something else to bear in mind is if it has lived in kennels very long, you may well find it is not housetrained as it will have got in the habit of peeing where it wants to.

Some questions to ask if it's any help:

1. How many homes has it had?

2. Why is being rehomed now?

3. Has it any ongoing health problems?

4. Has it any ongoing behaviour problems?

5. Has it been tested around kids and other animals?

6. Is he used to a car?

7. Is he housetrained?

8. Is he microchipped?

9. Do you know his age?

10. Is he vaccinated?

Also walk him and see if he drags you along or walks reasonably well.

Just a few things for you to consider and look into!
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bakerman
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15-09-2018, 11:18 PM
3

Re: Getting new dog. need advice

My goodness. A lot to be aware of. Half of them I'd never have thought of.
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15-09-2018, 11:26 PM
4

Re: Getting new dog. need advice

Originally Posted by bakerman ->
My goodness. A lot to be aware of. Half of them I'd never have thought of.


There you go then .

Like I said earlier, a lot to consider - for both parties sakes.
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16-09-2018, 02:23 AM
5

Re: Getting new dog. need advice

First off, congratulations Bakerman. I think you both will be happy. I wouldn’t want to live without a dog and think that’s its smart to think of these things before you go looking for one.
You want to be as prepared as can be.

Mups contribution is excellent. Here are some other things you may want to consider.


1/.Has the dog been spayed or neutered?
Most dogs are if you are getting a rescue

2/. Does the dog need grooming?
This can be costly and something to consider.

3/. Are you allergic to pet hair or dander?
Since you are having breathing difficulties now, you may want to think this over.

4/. Does the dog still have it’s dew claws ?
These can get caught on things plus a groomer should know.

5/. How is the dog with other dogs?
Some dogs are aggressive with other dogs which can present problems with socializing at the dog park.

6/. Size? Is the dog going to be suitable to your living space?

7/. If the dog was sick, would you be able to lift it?

8/. Is the dog an excessive barker?
You don’t want your neighbours complaining.

9/. Will the dog get along with your cat?
Most dogs do but it’s something to consider?

10/. How active is this dog?
You want a dog that’s compatible with your activity level?

11/. If you die, who will care for your dog?
Not many think of this but it’s an important thing to consider.

I was going to write down the breeds recommended for old folks but I think your heart will tell you which one it’s going to be. Please remember to be extremely patient with your dog and never ever hit it while training. It’s the worst thing for ruining trust and trust is the most important thing you want in a relationship besides love.

Good luck.
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16-09-2018, 10:58 AM
6

Re: Getting new dog. need advice

Two excellent replies so not a lot more I can add other than I hope you soon meet your new friend and well done for looking to rehome a rescue dog x
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16-09-2018, 11:40 AM
7

Re: Getting new dog. need advice

As against going to a dog pound, is there any breed rescue centres near you?

Here in the UK they generally know the background to the dog and why it was placed in a rescue centre, Dog pound mainly don't know, it may be because the dog has bitten someone- is stolen and dumped etc. Dog pound generally ask for a donation not selling you one direct, so don't expect a bill of sale because you won't get one
Here in the UK that means they avoid any goods(in this case dogs) for sale act, or not fit for purpose claim.

far better to go to a recommend breeder where you have more rights over ownership, you don't own a dog from a pound outright
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16-09-2018, 12:41 PM
8

Re: Getting new dog. need advice

The best person to ask about how to tell a dogs age is a vet.
Perhaps a puppy would be best, then you'd know for sure.
It's lovely to adopt a rescued dog, good luck!
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wild blueberry
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16-09-2018, 01:57 PM
9

Re: Getting new dog. need advice

Gee, I didn't realize it was so complicated. A lot to consider!
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bakerman
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Mexico
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16-09-2018, 03:20 PM
10

Re: Getting new dog. need advice

As I will be getting my dog from a pound it is unlikely that they will know anything about the wee beast, most especially from a Mexican pound.

The dog I hope to end up with will be medium sized, at most. Perhaps smaller than medium sized. But by no means a chihuahua. To me, they look like large rats.

If the pound knows little or nothing about the dog, for better or worse, I'll have to go by "instinct".

One thing I know for sure, is that I don't want a "hyper" dog or an excessive barker. Jeez, can a barker be trained to mellow out ? if so, how?

Thank you.
 
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