Rehoming/Adoption
WHY CHOOSE A BOLOGNESE?
Have you taken time to learn a little about this delightful breed before adopting one? Bolognese are rare but quite popular. They can be little demons with highly intelligent inquisitive minds
STILL KEEN?
STILL KEEN?
WHY DO YOU WANT A RESCUE BOLOGNESE?
Do you consider that a rescue Bolognese is the 'cheaper option'?If so please do think again. You may well encounter some behaviour problems with your new friend, at least for a while until he/she feels more secure in their new environment.
House soiling may be a problem for a while (although maybe previously out of character) – how would you react if it soiled the expensive carpet? Chewing or other destructive habits (used as a displacement activity by the dog to help it cope with the disruption in its life) could prove rather expensive. Then of course there may be vets' bills brought about by the stress it has to deal with which ultimately affects its health.
Behaviourists' fees, if necessary, don't come cheap either. All of this could add up to quite a tidy sum of money.
House soiling may be a problem for a while (although maybe previously out of character) – how would you react if it soiled the expensive carpet? Chewing or other destructive habits (used as a displacement activity by the dog to help it cope with the disruption in its life) could prove rather expensive. Then of course there may be vets' bills brought about by the stress it has to deal with which ultimately affects its health.
Behaviourists' fees, if necessary, don't come cheap either. All of this could add up to quite a tidy sum of money.
Are you bowing to pressure from the children?
The appeal and visual attraction of the Bolognese puts it towards the top of a child's list of wants. Before long however the novelty often begins to wear off. It is common for Bolognese to live to 14 or 15 which means a long term commitment. It is unusual for a child to commit to looking after the dog for its lifetime without leaning rather heavily on a parent or other adult. Of course, rescue dogs have often had a bad experience with children and may have come in as a result. No matter how well behaved the child may be, the dog could retain this distrust and could tend to be on the defensive.
The appeal and visual attraction of the Bolognese puts it towards the top of a child's list of wants. Before long however the novelty often begins to wear off. It is common for Bolognese to live to 14 or 15 which means a long term commitment. It is unusual for a child to commit to looking after the dog for its lifetime without leaning rather heavily on a parent or other adult. Of course, rescue dogs have often had a bad experience with children and may have come in as a result. No matter how well behaved the child may be, the dog could retain this distrust and could tend to be on the defensive.
Are you motivated by emotion?
Never adopt a dog for emotional reasons alone. There will then be a tendency to over-compensate for the dog's past and no dog likes to be smothered. It rarely happens that the dog will be forever grateful for its change in fate and will behave accordingly. A rescue dog needs respect and understanding, communicating in a way that it understands, with canine values. Any new situation may be difficult for a nervous or fearful dog to deal with, and cuddles and kisses will only make it feel more threatened and cause an adverse reaction.
Never adopt a dog for emotional reasons alone. There will then be a tendency to over-compensate for the dog's past and no dog likes to be smothered. It rarely happens that the dog will be forever grateful for its change in fate and will behave accordingly. A rescue dog needs respect and understanding, communicating in a way that it understands, with canine values. Any new situation may be difficult for a nervous or fearful dog to deal with, and cuddles and kisses will only make it feel more threatened and cause an adverse reaction.
YOUR 'IDEAL' DOG?
Bolognese Rehoming, like most other rescue centres, rarely has 'the perfect dog'. The majority of requests that we get are for one that is young, healthy, sociable, and good with children/cats/other dogs, is well behaved and friendly, not yappy, and can be left all day while the family is out at work/school. In fact, does everything but make the tea! If this is the kind of dog that you are looking for, then you are too idealistic, and you are certain to be disappointed. Please, never rule out taking on an older dog which can be far less demanding, an important consideration if you are older or less active yourself. Like people, some dogs act older than their years and some will act younger, but generally speaking a young Bolognese is not designed to be a 'couch potato' but needs appropriate levels of mental stimulation and exercise to avoid behavioural problems and to delay the onset of those illnesses related to a sedentary lifestyle. Doubtless you have heard of a Bolognese that co-habited in perfect harmony with one or more cats or even a pet rabbit, but be warned, they can represent a death threat to cats, rodents, rabbits or birds. You will have to consider that your first loyalty is to any existing pet and that it is unkind to introduce another pet that has the potential to attack and cause them harm.
BOLOGNESES AND YOUR CHILDREN We receive so many enquiries from families with children that we thought we should clarify our position.
Bolognese ReHoming does not have a blanket rejection policy on Rehoming where there are children. We prefer to consider each application and situation on its own merits.
Children and dogs can be taught mutual respect at a very early age and form a close bond, and occasionally we have a Bolognese that has lived with children and would miss exposure to them.
In this case, or where compatibility of the dog with children is uncertain we cannot take the risk of Rehoming where there is a young child. Therefore when considering Rehoming with children we must always take into account the temperaments and personalities of both the child and the dog.