Handouts for Adopters and Prospectives?

[Kris P]

Hello!

After working with a number of adopters (some that worked well and some that didn't!), I've come to realize that there are things that many of us take for granted that adopters often learn the hard way. These include
-get a vinyl crate
-have energy burning activities (i.e. walk, walk, walk, and fill-and-freeze kongs)
-maybe feed in crate, to start,
-expect dog to change over 2-4 weeks and need some time to settle down
(etc).

I've started working on my own informational handouts for people THINKING of adopting a lab or other rescue dog; for people STARTING to adopt; and for people bringing home a new rescue dog.

Before I invested too much in inventing these wheels, I thought I'd see if someone has a version that they'd be willing to share. I'm happy to attribute as possible!

I appreciate any forms you have--as well as your thoughts on what should be in these forms!

Thank you!

[Secret]

I don't work for a rescue, but I've adopted two dogs from rescues. The link below has an exhaustive list of information that was very useful when we got started with our first dog and was provided in booklet form from our first rescue.

http://www.paw-rescue.org/dog_guide.php

There's a notice in there of copyright and that the information can't be copied without permission of the original author, but thought it could be helpful!

It's a really great idea to have a list of "do's" and "don'ts", especially for new dog owners.

[jachimama]

I think thats a great idea

[klcabe]

What's a vinyl crate???

[Rocky911]

why vinyl though? I have had great succcess using only metal crates (decent ones though).

There is alot of information. Hard to run by it in one sitting...

- trainign plan (if at all possible, i always HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend structured classes). Even if a dog has the basics down, taking a class is great for both (gets both dog and owner in the groove) and HUGE in creating a better bond
- first two weeks might be hard as the dog adjusts. I have seen a week of explosive diarhea more than once as a dog adjusts, as well as not sleeping well
- give abit more of a timeline on exercise. Some people thing a few extra hours on the weekend can compensate for a few days of nothing (or little to nothing) - which can also lead to injury ("weekend warriror" theory)
- if a puppy, adjust exercise plan to fit age (i.e. no running on leash until fully develloped)
- accidents can (and usually do) happen in the first day or so, normal and does not mean the dog is untrained.
- give them the name of food the dog is currently eating so they can at least pick up a bag of that (for the adjustment phase) - if they prefer to change, they can do so later.
- feeding scheduals (I prefer twice a day, avoid feeding close to high impact exercise periods) - and no free feeding

- again, labs are intelligent and active dogs, they need training/mental stimulation ad solid physical exercise (more than 15minutes) every day. Young labs are boisterous, though friendly they can overwhelm without patience, training adn exercise.

Alot of this i clear with applicants as a foster home. I make it clear what my foster dog needs but try to get them to admit it first. I doubt alot of people will read the ENTIRE flyer before completing the adoption (and alot of this info should be read/understood BEFORE they even consider bringing the dog home).

[Kris P]

those are extremely helpful!

Thank you!

maybe this is worth pulling together in a wikipedia way--
create drafts that can be used by all members AND modifications submitted by members, too!

(now I've just got to find the time to start that!)

keep writing!

thanks!

[Toby'sMom]

When I adopted my first rescued dog, who was abused, so of course we felt bad for him - I wish I had known about separation anxiety and giving too much attention, giving in to demands, etc.,....

Learned that lesson the hard way.

[txnative]

We give handouts on bloat, crate training, loose-leash walking, dog social behavior, the Purina body condition system where we point out a healthy lab (5/9) versus a normal lab (7/9), animal CPR, a flyer of volunteer opportunities, an Igive.com flyer, and then each foster parent fills out a form describing specifics about that dog (food, likes, dislikes, when last heartgard given, commands known, etc.)

[hughthedog]

Here are some of the forms that we offer.
http://sclrr.org/articles/

[mylabamber]

Here is what is available from our website:

http://www.brooklinelabrescue.org/training.html

http://www.brooklinelabrescue.org/resources.html

But I have so many more that I have for when a family is experiencing a certain issue. If anyone needs something specific, please let me know.