Stray Dog

[Krauter]

Hi everyone!

Somewhat of a random post but I figured I'd post it nonetheless...

My roommates and I were coming back from a movie tonight when, as we were walking up the road, a dog came running at us. The dog, a Chocolate Lab we think, didn't bark or appear aggressive at all. It just wanted to play and followed us home when we started playing with the stick it was carrying in its mouth.

Figuring because it wasn't aggressive or anything that it belonged to someone, the road it had come running from lead to an area with a lot of houses, we decided to wait and see if anyone was going to come around and pick it up. After waiting for about an hour, and seeing no circling cars or anything, we figured we'd just bring it home with us and keep it until we saw any ads or what have you. Also, it did have a collar, but no tags. That and the fact its nails were recently trimmed tells us its probably a runaway.

The dog itself, is a male, we're not sure of its name yet but some interesting ones have come up () seems to be trained, at least a little. while walking it back to our apartment with a makeshift leash it walked right next to us (after forgetting about the sticks, lol). While playing with it, we figured out that it won't jump up on furniture or grab things off of the table, it will sit or lie down and hasn't barked, growled or displayed any aggressive behaviour since we've brought him home.

Anyways, the point of this post is to see what we should do with it, talking among my roommates we've decided we can't keep it here as we don't exactly have a schedule suitable to take care of an animal, nor do we have the space. However a friend of ours owns a duplex a few minutes walk away with a back yard a lot more space, not to mention time, then us. My only concern is that our friend wants to leave the dog outside during the night or when he isn't home. Something I wouldn't worry about except it's been getting colder and colder during the nights. Also, how much exercise should the dog get? We think it's around 2 years old, from what we've seen its very hyper, but is also a little overweight.

Anyways, thanks all! I'll see if I can post some pics sometime tomorrow.

Krauter

[Betonov]

I own a labrador and they need A LOT of exercise. They're greedy little pigs and will eat anything you give them. That's why they get overweight so fast.
And they need mind exercises too, give them some tasks, throw a stick so they won't see where it fell, hide something in the yard and if you don't own a yard I hope you live near a forrest. They know how to entertain themselves while walking in the woods.

Just for temporary solution, until the owner is found, a cardboard box wrapped in old blankets and shielded from rain and wind would protect the dog from cold. A wooden crate wouild be perfect though just dont forget to cut the entrance.

And thake him to the vet, if he has a chip the vet should have the owners adress

[Hottentot]

Originally Posted by Betonov

And thake him to the vet, if he has a chip the vet should have the owners adress

The best advice anyone can give here (though everything else was good too). It's not your dog, and the less you spend time with it, the less chances you have to unknowingly do something that might be bad for the dog. Not saying that you don't know how to take care of dogs, but simply that you don't know this dog and for example if it has allergies or is on some medication.

I'd add about feeding that be extra careful. Even if you're lucky and the dog isn't allergic to anything, you don't know what it normally eats. Changing the diet quickly easily causes the dog's stomach to go funny and can also be stressing for the dog itself. If you can assume that it won't stay with you for long, I'd go with something extra simple, such as boiled rice and spiceless chicken.

[Betonov]

Plus, it's in the owners (mental) health that the dog is returned as soon as possible. My dog went missing for one night a few years ago, I was never more stressed in my life. He came back in the morning, bloody mating season

I'd go with something extra simple, such as boiled rice and spiceless and boneless chicken

Had to add this one, chicken bones are dog killers

[Hottentot]

Originally Posted by Betonov

Had to add this one, chicken bones are dog killers

A good addition. It's always the obvious that eludes me.

Speaking of bones, and treats in general, they probably are also not worth it. Again, the risk is greater than the reward. Cowhide bones, if anything, but food and water should be more than enough for a short time.

Routines would help too, they bring sense of security for the dog. If you can, give food always at the same times, do the regular exercises always at the same times and so on. That way, if the dog stays for a longer period, the animal gets used to the new environment more quickly. It's an advantage if it really is a lab, as they are very flexible.

Sorry, Krauter, if I sound condescending. You may already know these basics, but I thought they might be worth saying.

[Jimbuna]

You might also want to consider contacting the local police and dog shelter...the dog may have been reported missing.