I just rescued a dog (2-year-old golden retriever) who has been fostered in 2 homes. Is he going to be ok?

Question

I wonder what kind of stress that caused him and if he'll have behavioral problems. He's been an angel so far - three days into it.

Answer 1

I rescued a golden about the same age who had been abused. He had behavior problems from the beginning. Good obedience training and a stable home life solved those problems in time and he was a great dog for the rest of his life.

The fact that you aren't having problems is a great sign. Goldens are sweet and very resilient dogs. I'd suggest obedience training as a way for you to learn to handle him and for the both of you to work as a team. That and love him like crazy. He'll do great.

Answer 2

Well the first few days are always the hardest. Seems like you are off to a great start. He may have a hard time getting attached because people do not stay around long. The best medicine is love and patience. There are a few common things that you should watch out for.

How he reacts to other dogs, he might not be ok with other animals. So just be cautious the first few times you have him on a walk or at the park. If he was fostered there were probably other animals around but better safe than sorry.

Food aggression - sometimes if dogs come from a situation where they were not fed properly they might be food aggressive. So be careful when you feed him, do not let children near his food dish until you have carefully tested it out and are sure he does not have any issues.

Fear of wheels, chasing cars. barking at bikes ect...

Even if you come across these problems they are all easy enough to correct with some time and care.

I think it is great you rescued a dog, the poor baby deserves a forever home! Good luck!

Answer 3

First calm down. These beautiful dogs can sense stress in people and may react to it. If he is acting normally then just count your lucky stars. You will need to be patient with him and look into a good training program near you. Golden's are breed to please their owners. If he is not trained in the basics then start slowly with him. A dog like this needs tons of praise, but also needs his limits. Do not baby him at all. This can only lead to insecurity on his part.
You could ask the rescue operation where you got him from what his quirks are but I'm sure you will find out in short order.

Have fun with him let him know you are there for him but always remember you are the pack leader, he is to follow you not the other way around.

Thanks for the rescue! You are an Angel in my book:)

Answer 4

first and for most i commend you for rescuing a stray dog, i have two dogs and two cats, (not strays), and i don't know what i would do if i ever lost them, i would hope if found,, someone kind will take care of them

we now have a very tiny white cat who shows up on our door step and thinks she lives here, she arrived a month or two ago, walks in, eats, uses the litter and was really accepted to my surprise by our dogs and cats, she is quite playful, she has a collar so i know she belongs to someone, but who, but she has adapted to the house and fit right in, it took about a week and all was fine, cats are a lot more cautious then dogs,

i know many people who had to give their older dog away to someone else, for one reason or another, depending on the dogs personality, its takes about a week or two and all will be fine,

lots of love and attention and making the dog feel at home will help speed up the process

Answer 5

If he makes it through the first 2 weeks with you without incident, he'll be fine. (It usually takes dogs about 2 weeks in a new environment to relax enough to show you what they're really like).

Thank you for rescuing this guy!

Answer 6

I too have a female golden retriever (4years old) which had given birth to 10 puppies. All were given out to friends except the youngest.

Coming to your question, what they want is maximum attention, play and most of all "LOVE & CARE" !!! He did not get and so if you can give these to your newly acquired pet, he will be fine.

Answer 7

My dog had 4 homes and he's an angel! He will be fine. Good luck with the pup!

Answer 8

If you can call the other foster homes to see how he behaved. I'm sure he will be fine once he gets the hang of you and your routine.

Good luck! and congrats on your new puppy.

Answer 9

It depends on how he is treated. He may need more patience in learning what is a proper behaviour as he has had different rules.

You're a great person for rescuing him!

Answer 10

Dogs get passed their past fast. You will hold on to it longer tan he will. Watch Dog Whisperer, great tips on behavior problems and treatment to your new pet.