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advice for adopting a "retired" bitch

4K views 4 replies 3 participants last post by  Goldie57 
#1 ·
Maybe the breeders can give a little advice, my friend (by my recommedation) has taken on a retired bitch from the breeder
I got Lucy from. She has two young children and has always wanted
a dog so this is her first, which is why I recommended an older dog.
This way she doesn't have to go through all that "puppy" stuff and
can just enjoy having a dog that's already "calm". Anyway, is there any advice that would make the transition eaiser for both the dog and owner?
She's a very submissive girl ,not skidish per say, just unsure about
her new surroundings. She sweet as could be and LOVES attention.
 
#2 ·
No advice to offer, but my Tia is a former 'breeder dog' at a puppy mill. I adopted her when she was 7, and she fit into our family perfectly. It's like she knew she was home at last. Her eyes lit up when she saw all the toys and balls in the house and yard. She needed a bit of a refresher in housetraining, and she is afraid of the strangest things (sprinklers, paper, plastic). But she is the sweetest, happiest girl, and she lives to retriever her balls or kong. The only suggestion I have is to take it easy with the dog, give her lots of time to adjust to her new family and home. Don't force too much on her too quickly; let her set the pace. With young kids excited about a new dog, it's easy to overwhelm her with too much attention and activity all at once. Thank your friend for giving this girl a good home.
 
#3 ·
Thanks, I'll tell her. I also told her she HAS (LOL) to join the forum for all the great help everyone has here!! Ella is such a sweet girl but as you said such everyday [normal] things to us seem so strange to her like steps, wet grass and toys, she doesn't really take much interest with toys but it's only been 2 days. She really brightens up when Lucy comes to see her, then she gets some bounce in her step. Anyone else with their experiences??
 
#4 ·
Just to add she is 5 yrs. old and has a bit of an ear problem.
She's going to the vet today to get a "once over" and get the ears checked. Only time she's been in a car is when we picked her
up Sat. and now it'll be twice in as many days.
Hope it doesn't stress her too much but her ears really need looked at. Also, she is Lucy's aunt.
That's of no importance just a "sidebar", lol.
 
#5 ·
I think it's wonderful when an older dog can be welcomed into a new, loving home. Sure, she'll have some "baggage" since she's not a puppy with a clean slate (but unique personality). But your friend will get to know her just as she would a puppy.

She's not "old" anyway--just older than a puppy! Five is barely even middle-aged, so she's calmer (as you mentioned), but needs to adjust slowly to a family situation. Best wishes on a successful transition for your friend and her new Golden!
 
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