Section 3: Once You Have a Dog...
- Help! My new dog is <insert bizarre or destructive behavior here>!
- What happens if the adoption doesn’t work out?
- Why do you require me to take my dog to training class?
- I’ve trained dogs before, so is it okay if I just train at home?
MAGSR Frequently Asked Questions
- Help! My new dog is <insert bizarre or destructive behavior here>!
When you adopt a rescue dog, allow several months before the dog fully relaxes and feels comfortable. Of course, this varies with the dog’s age and personality, but it doesn’t happen overnight. And remember, you don’t always know your dog’s past. For example, a dog who never had enough water may climb in your toilet the first time she sees it, which can be disconcerting to say the least. But it’s understandable.
Some dogs are little angels at first--almost like they’re auditioning for you. It’s not until they relax a few weeks later that they decide to show you how they can reach things on the kitchen counter and open the trash can.
Often your dog just doesn’t know that you don’t want him rolling beer cans around the house. That’s when the work of training starts!
If you’re having problems with your dog, please don’t wait until you hit your breaking point before calling. Once you adopt from us, you’re family--and you should feel free to call anytime. Whatever wacky thing your new dog’s doing, there’s one thing we can guarantee: someone in MAGSR has had a dog doing it before!
And if we can’t help you, we can recommend trainers, behaviorists, vets, and so on to help you and your dog work through the issue. In addition, there are some tremendous resources on the web. One of our favorite sites is www.doggiedoor.com.
- What happens if the adoption doesn’t work out?
Sometimes adoptions don’t work out, no matter how hard everyone tries. Should your adoption fail, you must return the dog to us.
- Why do you require me to take my dog to training class?
Several reasons. First, it’s an excellent way for you and your new dog to bond and clearly establish your relationship. Secondly, one of the most common reasons dogs end up in MAGSR or in shelters is that they haven’t been trained properly.
If you don’t know where to find a good training class, call us or ask your vet.
- I’ve trained dogs before, so is it okay if I just train at home?
We certainly want you to train your dog at home, but it’s not a substitute for training amid the distraction of other dogs and new surroundings. In addition, the socialization is critical for your dog.
Continue to Section 4: Surrendering
