Advice on shelter puppy

[megan]

Our local shelter has a 5 month old cane corso puppy up for adoption. I've volunteered with them in the past and they've contacted me about adopting her as they don't want her to go to just anyone who thinks she's pretty. I've spent the last week researching the breed and visiting the puppy and I think I'm in love but I'm not sure it's a good idea.

I have experience with dominant breeds. I currently own a 10 year old chow/rott mix, the most stubborn, dominant, and amazing animal I've ever had, and a 9 year old GSD. Both are very balanced, obedient, and well trained. We've also fostered and trained Rotties and Pit Bulls and I grew up with a Bullmastiff.

My biggest concern with this puppy is that I don't know her history or genetics and I have a 15 month old daughter. The puppy is very sweet and friendly . Would it be safe to bring her around my dogs and child or is 5-6 months too late to begin socialization? If I do adopt her, how should I properly introduce her? Any advice is much appreciated!

 

[kguitarchic18]

I am not sure as far as the correct ways to introduce her, but maybe you could bring your daughter down there to see how the puppy reacts? I think if she is very sweet and friendly that she would make a great addition to your family. It would be just like any new puppy or dog, take your time with her and introduce her to new things slowly and let her accept them at her own pace, Training will help play a big role too.

 

[khplaw]

I would only suggest that you have a substantial crater (if you don;t already) so she has a place where she can feel "safe." Her personal space for sleep and/or time outs. I agree with k-18 above. Try taking your daughter to the shelter and see how she does around the child. My Sophie met my grandson when she was 4 months, and my grandson was just shy of 2 and it seems very true that animals instinctivly know an infant(baby) no matter what it is. Go slowly and make sure everybody is supervised when together.

You will get lots of good advice here. It sounds like you have all the groundwork and will manage nicely. I would however determine what the shelter's return policy just in case it doesn't work. Good luck1

 

[DennasMom]

Can you take her in as a foster?
See how she does on a temporary basis?

No idea at all on why she was surrendered??
Not that it would mean anything - We picked up our first dog from the local shelter - he was there at about 3 or 4 months of age because he was "too messy".... my guess is a child brought him home, and Mom said "no way". She may have recognized from the size of his paws that he'd be a big boy... he topped out at 190lbs... He was not "messy" at all! He had ONE accident in the house - ever.

With that much of a mix (dogs & kids) at your home for her to blend in with, I think you need to get her home and have at least a week to see how it all fits together. She might be a perfect fit, or she might be a "needs to be an only dog" dog... hard to say without really giving her time to show you who she is.

Dogs can be very different at the shelter versus at home, too... so if there's any way to take her for a weekend or, better yet, a week... see how it goes... I think that would be useful.

As for meeting... beyond any meet & greets at the shelter, I'd have a friend bring the puppy to meet you and your dogs in a neutral location a few blocks from home. See how that greeting goes. If that goes well, have her follow you home. Let your older dogs take the lead and put the puppy in the follower position. At 5 months, she should still be totally comfortable as a follower (if not... she may not be a good match for your uber-dominant chow/rott).

I don't think 5 months is too old at all... still very much a puppy, ready to soak up all sorts of love and goodness.

Let us know how it goes!!