Home visit with only dog?

skarupak

We are beginning the process of adopting a beagle from a local rescue, and have a 1 year old mini schnauzer currently. Our dog loves to play with other dogs. He played with dogs in puppy school, and visits my parents' and cousin's homes who have dogs once every month or so. Unfortunately they mostly have older dogs who have no interest in playing when our dog tries to get them to chase him. That said, he has never had another dog come into our home before and he barks at other dogs on walks (our trainer has diagnosed this as frustration at wanting to meet the other dogs, not necessarily aggression). We have a home visit this weekend where the volunteer is bringing their beagle to our house. I know our dog is friendly with other dogs but given his reaction at seeing dogs from a distance I am unsure what he will do when a new dog is in our house.  I requested that the volunteer come in first to greet our dog, who is very happy and excited when new people come, and then bring the dog in 5 minutes later so as not to overwhelm him. Our dog trainer is also bringing their dog over sometime this week to test how our dog does seeing another dog in his house. Any other suggestions? Anyone been in a similar situation? Is this something to be concerned about?

sgautschi

I'm actually confused as to why they'd be introducing a new dog to your current dog at your home.They normally do it at a neutral location, like a park. This is because it can make your current dog feel as if this new dog is trespassing or imposing. I would HIGHLY suggest having the dogs meet for the first time at least outside your house, then bring them inside if they seem to be doing okay. This will make the transition easier and reduce the initial shock.

 

Caz1221

It's usually recommended that dogs meet on neutral territory first rather than in a "charged" area like one dog's home.  When we took our first dog to meet a potential new dog, we had them meet outside the foster's home first, took them on a walk together, and then entered the foster's home.  Similarly, when we decided to adopt dog #2, we took both dogs on a walk in our neighborhood first and then entered our apartment all together (rather than having one dog already in there and another "intruding").  We had a very smooth transition with no issues. 

You can also work on your dog's leash reactivity (which you are probably already doing with your trainer).  I find the watch/look command very helpful - practice the command inside with no distractions until your dog looks at you every single time and then gradually increase the distractions (another dog will probably be the final step, as it sounds like that is the highest level trigger for your dog).  GL!

skarupak

My only worry about that is that we know our dog goes crazy when he sees another dog outside on a leash, and he will charge at the dog (not to attack, but to play). I don't know if the other dog will be ok with this, or if the owner will see this as a reason not to approve us. When we go into other peoples' houses with other dogs, he just runs up to them. They said they usually bring another dog in to see how the current dog will react.

skarupak

Caz1221:

It's usually recommended that dogs meet on neutral territory first rather than in a "charged" area like one dog's home.  When we took our first dog to meet a potential new dog, we had them meet outside the foster's home first, took them on a walk together, and then entered the foster's home.  Similarly, when we decided to adopt dog #2, we took both dogs on a walk in our neighborhood first and then entered our apartment all together (rather than having one dog already in there and another "intruding").  We had a very smooth transition with no issues. 

You can also work on your dog's leash reactivity (which you are probably already doing with your trainer).  I find the watch/look command very helpful - practice the command inside with no distractions until your dog looks at you every single time and then gradually increase the distractions (another dog will probably be the final step, as it sounds like that is the highest level trigger for your dog).  GL!

Thanks, we are working with our trainer on this. I just hope it isn't seen as a red flag for us as adopters, our pup is super lovable but I'm sure it doesn't look that way on a leash. 

 

cs026a

When we adopted our new guy, they brought him to our house to meet as well. They did ask if our current dog did well with other dogs in her house, first. They met outside first in the driveway, and spent an hour or so on our porch before we said yes to him  

 

If you have any trouble with your trainers dog, just request if you can meet the dog at a nearby park or something. I know she gets excited when she sees other dogs, but I don't know if you'll have a way around it in this case.   

Jennifer&Nate

The couple times I've taken a foster dog to meet a new potential brother/sister, I've gone to the potential adopter's house, but we always introduce them a little ways down the street. That way the first dog isn't threatened by the second dog's immediate invasion of his territory. You may be able to do that if you feel like the rescue will side eye asking to meet at a park or something.

sandollar1010

I could have wrote this a few months ago!  I have a one year old standard poodle and we were taking in a 4 year old standard.  We had our home visit and the person brought over another dog to make sure the resident pup did well.  My 1 yr old pooch was just like yours - frustration barking on walks, plays pretty rough, etc.  Anyway, they brought over a 12 year old dog!!  I thought, oh no - this poor old thing is going to be terrorized, and we won't be able to get the rescue!  She completely surprised me.... she tried to get the old girl to play a few times and sort of bounced around her, but as soon as she figured out she wasn't going to play - she just mimicked her movements and followed her around the yard.  I would suggest letting the leash drag.  Keeping the leash tight only leads to frustration - let them do their thing.  Dogs read body language really well.  Also, be very up front with the rescue, explain your pups personality.  If they say it isn't a good fit, go with it - the last thing you want is to take in a new dog and have it go south.  We were turned down twice, and we now have the perfect match for our home.  The two dogs couldn't be more opposite, but they really balance each other out.  Good luck, and don't stress!  Let us know how it goes.

kellbell1919

Based on this post alone, I would absolutely adopt to you.  You guys are conscious of your dog's issues and working hard on them and want to provide a safe and successful environment for everyone.  I have no doubt this will reflect well on you with the rescue  Don't be worried that they will judge you; I cannot begin to describe to you the crazy stuff a lot of people on here have seen on home visits. We're talking outdoor pets that weren't disclosed, far more people living in the house, etc.

Fosters meet with our dogs outside the house, in the yard.  I have a beagle mix who cries/bays when he sees a new dog out of excitement and will rush up to them.  He circles other dogs to sniff naturally, but you want to encourage that behavior by walking your dog in a circle. We own beagle mixes and they tend to be very chill/calm with other dogs.  They are often bred for and kept in hunting packs, so living with and interacting with other dogs often comes very naturally for them.  Most of the ones I have worked with have unconditional love and appreciation for all other dogs they meet and will put up with far more bad dog manners than your average dog.  I think some barking, excitement is fine.  Just look to make sure there is no excessive eye contact, both dogs are wagging, and their hackles aren't up.  I would also pick up all food/toys/treats inside the house so your dog isn't tempted to resource guard.  Whenever we get new fosters the dogs have to earn the toys back b.c. we don't want there to be any posturing over what belongs to who.

skarupak

Just wanted to come back and let you all know our dog did great with the visiting dog! He barked when the dog first came in and then they circled and sniffed as they should. He followed the other dog around our house, didn't really play because I think he was just so interested in the dog period. We were approved the same day! Unfortunately the two dogs we were interested in are now already spoken for, so w are waiting and hoping a match comes up soon.