Shelter dogs & kids - help asap, pls

Samajade · 11-08-2010, 01:55 AM

Just wanted to get some feedback from you guys as to whether you feel that a shelter GSD who came in a stray would be a safe chance to take when I have a 5 year old at home. Now I know that's impossible to answer without meeting the dog; I think I'm more asking for a general feeling as to whether taking an adult shepherd in, with an unknown background, into a house with a young child is something most of you feel is safe if the dog *seems* okay or if it's generally thought not to be worth the risk?

The background is that there's an adult (2 years-ish?) shepherd in a shelter who seems like a reasonably nice dog. She's attached to the kennel staff already, so didn't want very much to do with us (understandable!), but we did play ball with her in their yard and she was happy to chase the tennis ball for as many times as we'd throw it. She had no problem with me taking it right out of her mouth, fwiw. In the exercise yard, my 5 year old threw the ball for her a couple of times, then walked around on his own. At one point he ran past her and she turned to see what was moving, but then looked away again - basically completely uninterested in him. He pet her on her back and again, she turned to look at him, but then looked away again. That was the extent of the interaction. But of course, he wasn't running, screaming, crying, whatever else might incite a dog so inclined.

Again, fwiw, she did sit for me (most of the time) when asked. Not sure that she knew that command before she got there - I suspect it was taught by the shelter staff as they won't open the door to get her leash on until she sits.

Any thoughts here? I need to make a decision pretty quickly as I don't think she'll be there long. Don't want to miss out on her if it's a reasonably safe thing to do (my son's safety has to come first, of course), but I don't want to be forever badly regretting it, either, if it's not safe for him.

(In case it matters, I've much experience with GSDs and dogs in general, but have never dealt personally with bringing a big dog with an unknown background into a house with a child.)

Thanks!

CaseysGSD · 11-08-2010, 09:43 AM

Does the shelter have a trial period? It's a tough question, I have a 3 and 5 year as well but we went the puppy route. Maybe if you can try her at home for a week to ten days and make sure to NEVER leave them alone during that time and then do what you feel is right after seeing how it goes......

Emoore · 11-08-2010, 10:26 AM

I would bring the dog home. Obviously you won't leave her with your son unsupervised, but you shouldn't do that with any dog anyway. At first I would separate them when he's screaming/crying etc and slowly allow them to be together during those times as she earns your trust.

sit,stay · 11-08-2010, 10:47 AM

I fostered many large dogs who came into the shelter with unknown histories when my youngest son was just a little guy. Of course, any size dog can bite and some of the worst face bites on children that I have seen came from small dogs!

My iron clad rule was that if the dog and my son were both in the house, I was right there to supervise. if I had to leave the room, the dog went with me. The dog wore an attached leash and was under control. My son didn't wear a leash, but he was under control, too. I didn't want him squealing or darting around, so if he started to get amped up I would redirect him to settle down. I worked hard on controlling toys and treats when my son was around. I still gave the dog toys and treats. I wanted to get an idea of how the dog was with those resources, but I never put my son or the dog in a position where something could happen. The dog was leashed and my son was under control and I was focused. You just can't let your mind drift, because then your attention is lost and that is when things can go wrong.

It helped a lot to get my son hooked in as my training "helper", and he grew into a very dog savvy kid. I heard him tell his Dad once "Not "down" Dad, you say "off" when he jumps on you". I think he was 4 years old at the time.

I have never allowed either of my kids to climb on our dogs or to bother them when they were sleeping. The dog crates were sacrosanct and were respected as personal space. Same with the dog beds on the floor.

It meant constant supervision, but it has paid off in the end because I have been able to foster a lot of dogs, I have been able to live with dogs of my own and it has worked really well. Invest in a good, comfortable crate for your dog and then USE it.

So I wouldn't tell you to not adopt this dog, but I will tell you that it takes a lot of supervision and control to make it work. I usually tell people with younger children to adopt from a foster home with kids, just so you can get an idea of what to expect...but even then you need to always supervise. Never assume that just because they have been golden together that you can relax on the supervision. Stuff happens, and it is up to you to make sure that the dog and your child are kept safe!
Sheilah

Rerun · 11-08-2010, 10:50 AM

Having a 3 mo old son, I can not imagine pulling an adult dog out of a shelter to keep as a family pet. There is too much of a risk of the unknown.

We will still foster with him, but he will have zero interaction with the adult dogs. We'll reaccess when he's old I'd imagine. Right now I'm just not comfortable with it.

I would personally adopt from a reputable rescue that has the dog currently in a foster home with children, if you are wanting to adopt.

When we were looking for a Mal, I looked at many rescues and just wasn't comfortable bringing in a dog like that as an adult, so we got a puppy and I am SO glad we did.

BowWowMeow · 11-08-2010, 10:59 AM

I think if you kid test the dog at the shelter (which you did) and you educate your child and exercise the types of precautions at home listed above then it's fine. I know a lot of people with young children who foster and/or have adopted dogs straight from shelters and it has been successful. I also know a lot of people who buy or adopt puppies and have huge problems with the puppies terrorizing their small children.

KZoppa · 11-08-2010, 11:13 AM

see if the shelter will allow a trial period. It sounds to me like the dog may be okay but without being in a normal setting, theres not really much that can honestly be said. Give it a shot. You'll always be supervising so everything should work out. Not to mention, that dog could very well become your child BFF.

FORRUGER · 11-08-2010, 11:24 AM

I've fostered many GSDs (as well as other breeds)for a variety of rescues for a number of years. . . I don't have kids myself but there are many of them in the neighborhood. As a rule of thumb if the dog drops it ears and wags it's tail as it approaches a child or the child approaches it, there's a good probablilty the dog has been raised with children and is child friendly. Some of the more quiet, less expressive dogs who outwardly don't show reaction but will approach the children for petting and stand beside the kids to be petted are ususally child friendly. Those who freeze up, stare and show no reaction in acceptance of a child approaching are usually the ones who I'm not going to allow the kids to pet.

I've had some really super friendly dogs who have shown aggression towards young kids approaching them to my surprise...I'd definately check the dog on lead in a more confined area to see how it reacts to your son... that would at least give you some insight into what the dog is 'thinking' when he's brought into closer contact with you son. And as everyone else has said, it's best to err on the side of safety!!

KZoppa · 11-08-2010, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FORRUGER

I've fostered many GSDs (as well as other breeds)for a variety of rescues for a number of years. . . I don't have kids myself but there are many of them in the neighborhood. As a rule of thumb if the dog drops it ears and wags it's tail as it approaches a child or the child approaches it, there's a good probablilty the dog has been raised with children and is child friendly. Some of the more quiet, less expressive dogs who outwardly don't show reaction but will approach the children for petting and stand beside the kids to be petted are ususally child friendly. Those who freeze up, stare and show no reaction in acceptance of a child approaching are usually the ones who I'm not going to allow the kids to pet.

I've had some really super friendly dogs who have shown aggression towards young kids approaching them to my surprise...I'd definately check the dog on lead in a more confined area to see how it reacts to your son... that would at least give you some insight into what the dog is 'thinking' when he's brought into closer contact with you son. And as everyone else has said, it's best to err on the side of safety!!

those are actually some really good signals. i always check for those signs myself. I guess i just forget because its a mode thing for me.

Samajade · 11-08-2010, 11:30 AM

Thanks so much everyone.

Okay - we'll head back there and see what she's like inside just hanging around. Outside she was just totally uninterested in him in any way - good or bad. But, there were adults with tennis balls, so...

She's a big girl, which is part of my hesitation I think.

Okay - another visit there today I guess!

11-08-2010, 01:55 AM	#1 (permalink)
Samajade Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 183	Shelter dogs & kids - help asap, pls Just wanted to get some feedback from you guys as to whether you feel that a shelter GSD who came in a stray would be a safe chance to take when I have a 5 year old at home. Now I know that's impossible to answer without meeting the dog; I think I'm more asking for a general feeling as to whether taking an adult shepherd in, with an unknown background, into a house with a young child is something most of you feel is safe if the dog seems okay or if it's generally thought not to be worth the risk? The background is that there's an adult (2 years-ish?) shepherd in a shelter who seems like a reasonably nice dog. She's attached to the kennel staff already, so didn't want very much to do with us (understandable!), but we did play ball with her in their yard and she was happy to chase the tennis ball for as many times as we'd throw it. She had no problem with me taking it right out of her mouth, fwiw. In the exercise yard, my 5 year old threw the ball for her a couple of times, then walked around on his own. At one point he ran past her and she turned to see what was moving, but then looked away again - basically completely uninterested in him. He pet her on her back and again, she turned to look at him, but then looked away again. That was the extent of the interaction. But of course, he wasn't running, screaming, crying, whatever else might incite a dog so inclined. Again, fwiw, she did sit for me (most of the time) when asked. Not sure that she knew that command before she got there - I suspect it was taught by the shelter staff as they won't open the door to get her leash on until she sits. Any thoughts here? I need to make a decision pretty quickly as I don't think she'll be there long. Don't want to miss out on her if it's a reasonably safe thing to do (my son's safety has to come first, of course), but I don't want to be forever badly regretting it, either, if it's not safe for him. (In case it matters, I've much experience with GSDs and dogs in general, but have never dealt personally with bringing a big dog with an unknown background into a house with a child.) Thanks!

11-08-2010, 10:26 AM	#3 (permalink)
Emoore Crowned Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: North DFW, TX Posts: 9,215	I would bring the dog home. Obviously you won't leave her with your son unsupervised, but you shouldn't do that with any dog anyway. At first I would separate them when he's screaming/crying etc and slowly allow them to be together during those times as she earns your trust. __________________ Rocky vom Backyard- 10 years young Kopper vom Felssclucht Bach - 17 months At the Bridge: Cash van der Animal Shelter 2006-2010

11-08-2010, 10:59 AM	#6 (permalink)
BowWowMeow Crowned Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Buffalo, NY Posts: 14,798	I think if you kid test the dog at the shelter (which you did) and you educate your child and exercise the types of precautions at home listed above then it's fine. I know a lot of people with young children who foster and/or have adopted dogs straight from shelters and it has been successful. I also know a lot of people who buy or adopt puppies and have huge problems with the puppies terrorizing their small children. __________________ Ruth & the 4 Legged Rescue Gang Rafi the malaroo http://www.dogster.com/dogs/693238 Gio & Varda, the krazy kittens ....In my heart: Cleo Kitty Chama Kai Basu Massie

11-08-2010, 11:13 AM	#7 (permalink)
KZoppa Crowned Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Maryland kinda missing CO Posts: 13,832	see if the shelter will allow a trial period. It sounds to me like the dog may be okay but without being in a normal setting, theres not really much that can honestly be said. Give it a shot. You'll always be supervising so everything should work out. Not to mention, that dog could very well become your child BFF. __________________ The more people I meet and talk to,the more I love my dogs and their intelligence. www.krystalscollarcreations.weebly.com Riley GSD/BC 1/10/05 Zena GSD 6/1/03 Shasta GSD 5/5/10

11-08-2010, 11:24 AM	#8 (permalink)
FORRUGER Master Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: WV Posts: 870	I've fostered many GSDs (as well as other breeds)for a variety of rescues for a number of years. . . I don't have kids myself but there are many of them in the neighborhood. As a rule of thumb if the dog drops it ears and wags it's tail as it approaches a child or the child approaches it, there's a good probablilty the dog has been raised with children and is child friendly. Some of the more quiet, less expressive dogs who outwardly don't show reaction but will approach the children for petting and stand beside the kids to be petted are ususally child friendly. Those who freeze up, stare and show no reaction in acceptance of a child approaching are usually the ones who I'm not going to allow the kids to pet. I've had some really super friendly dogs who have shown aggression towards young kids approaching them to my surprise...I'd definately check the dog on lead in a more confined area to see how it reacts to your son... that would at least give you some insight into what the dog is 'thinking' when he's brought into closer contact with you son. And as everyone else has said, it's best to err on the side of safety!! __________________ Jetta Vom Alpenhof CDX RE CGC BH TT HIC Ch Donka's Sharp Dressed Man(Dre)CD RE CGC TC Donka's Girls Night Out (Nina) Donka's Supersport(Chevelle)RN,CGC {10/19/98 - 5/29/11 RIP princess,we miss you}

11-08-2010, 09:43 AM	#2 (permalink)
CaseysGSD Master Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 806	Does the shelter have a trial period? It's a tough question, I have a 3 and 5 year as well but we went the puppy route. Maybe if you can try her at home for a week to ten days and make sure to NEVER leave them alone during that time and then do what you feel is right after seeing how it goes......

11-08-2010, 10:47 AM	#4 (permalink)
sit,stay Knighted Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Idaho Posts: 2,056	I fostered many large dogs who came into the shelter with unknown histories when my youngest son was just a little guy. Of course, any size dog can bite and some of the worst face bites on children that I have seen came from small dogs! My iron clad rule was that if the dog and my son were both in the house, I was right there to supervise. if I had to leave the room, the dog went with me. The dog wore an attached leash and was under control. My son didn't wear a leash, but he was under control, too. I didn't want him squealing or darting around, so if he started to get amped up I would redirect him to settle down. I worked hard on controlling toys and treats when my son was around. I still gave the dog toys and treats. I wanted to get an idea of how the dog was with those resources, but I never put my son or the dog in a position where something could happen. The dog was leashed and my son was under control and I was focused. You just can't let your mind drift, because then your attention is lost and that is when things can go wrong. It helped a lot to get my son hooked in as my training "helper", and he grew into a very dog savvy kid. I heard him tell his Dad once "Not "down" Dad, you say "off" when he jumps on you". I think he was 4 years old at the time. I have never allowed either of my kids to climb on our dogs or to bother them when they were sleeping. The dog crates were sacrosanct and were respected as personal space. Same with the dog beds on the floor. It meant constant supervision, but it has paid off in the end because I have been able to foster a lot of dogs, I have been able to live with dogs of my own and it has worked really well. Invest in a good, comfortable crate for your dog and then USE it. So I wouldn't tell you to not adopt this dog, but I will tell you that it takes a lot of supervision and control to make it work. I usually tell people with younger children to adopt from a foster home with kids, just so you can get an idea of what to expect...but even then you need to always supervise. Never assume that just because they have been golden together that you can relax on the supervision. Stuff happens, and it is up to you to make sure that the dog and your child are kept safe! Sheilah

11-08-2010, 10:50 AM	#5 (permalink)
Rerun Crowned Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Indiana Posts: 5,608	Having a 3 mo old son, I can not imagine pulling an adult dog out of a shelter to keep as a family pet. There is too much of a risk of the unknown. We will still foster with him, but he will have zero interaction with the adult dogs. We'll reaccess when he's old I'd imagine. Right now I'm just not comfortable with it. I would personally adopt from a reputable rescue that has the dog currently in a foster home with children, if you are wanting to adopt. When we were looking for a Mal, I looked at many rescues and just wasn't comfortable bringing in a dog like that as an adult, so we got a puppy and I am SO glad we did.

11-08-2010, 11:30 AM	#10 (permalink)
Samajade Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 183	Thanks so much everyone. Okay - we'll head back there and see what she's like inside just hanging around. Outside she was just totally uninterested in him in any way - good or bad. But, there were adults with tennis balls, so... She's a big girl, which is part of my hesitation I think. Okay - another visit there today I guess!

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