"cshenk" wrote
"sighthounds & siberians" wrote

Follow up report after about 5 hours home with us. This is a visit trip and
she's back with her foster mom for now.

Next weekend, she stays all day or maybe all weekend.

1.) Apple is a bit of a chewer. So far, only things like bedroom
slippers.

Misdiagnosed age. She doesnt have all her teeth in yet and is teething.

2.) Apple has had some peeing incidents inside the house.

Apple is getting worse at the foster parents on this. It looks like an
older 14YO incontinent dog may be related. There were no incidents in our
house at all. She even whined at the back door just a tiney bit once she
knew that lead to the back yard and where to go pee. Took them both out and
yeah, peed then flopped down for a little sunny rest.

she can shred, but toys that are meant for chewing such as Nylabones.

She glommered on those. We had 2 from when Cash was in the last stages of
teething. We sent her favorite one back with the foster mom.

The process here locally is to have a few test visits and see how it goes.
Suprisingly, Daisy-cat came out 3 times to 'sniff the new dog'. Only once
was there a little hissing as if to say 'back off dog. I am the QUEEN CAT
here and you are invading my space'.

On Sun, 7 Mar 2010 19:48:14 -0500, "cshenk" wrote:

"cshenk" wrote


Follow up report after about 5 hours home with us. This is a visit trip and
she's back with her foster mom for now.

Next weekend, she stays all day or maybe all weekend.

Just curious - how come the 'visits' instead of just taking her home?

1.) Apple is a bit of a chewer. So far, only things like bedroom
slippers.

Misdiagnosed age. She doesnt have all her teeth in yet and is teething.

Well, that'll make her a chewer, no doubt about that.

Apple is getting worse at the foster parents on this. It looks like an
older 14YO incontinent dog may be related. There were no incidents in our
house at all. She even whined at the back door just a tiney bit once she
knew that lead to the back yard and where to go pee. Took them both out and
yeah, peed then flopped down for a little sunny rest.

Just another reason to get it done with and bring her home. She's
just developing bad habits at the foster home.

she can shred, but toys that are meant for chewing such as Nylabones.

She glommered on those. We had 2 from when Cash was in the last stages of
teething. We sent her favorite one back with the foster mom.

Get more. Nylabones has softer bones for puppies (this may be what
you have) as well as what looks like a big key ring (like the plastic
keys for babies). My big does liked those a lot, for some reason.

The process here locally is to have a few test visits and see how it goes.
Suprisingly, Daisy-cat came out 3 times to 'sniff the new dog'. Only once
was there a little hissing as if to say 'back off dog. I am the QUEEN CAT
here and you are invading my space'.

I really think that's a weird process. If there are going to be huge,
unsolveable problems with the animals not getting along, you're going
to know pretty quickly. This doesn't mean there won't be problems
later on, but they're often, if not usually, caused by owners not
handling things properrly. I know some rescue groups do
foster-to-adopt, or sort of a test run where the adoptive home takes
the dog home for 2 weeks, and I can kind of see the point in that
(although in my experience the new dog's personality doesn't really
start to emerge until after 2 weeks in the new home). But these
visits sound as if they're confusing animal adoption with human child
adoption. If things are going OK, what's the point of the dog going
back to the foster home? (I know you're not the one who made the
policies.)

"sighthounds & siberians" wrote
"cshenk" wrote

Follow up report after about 5 hours home with us. This is a visit trip
and
she's back with her foster mom for now.
Next weekend, she stays all day or maybe all weekend.

Just curious - how come the 'visits' instead of just taking her home?

Well, it turned out to be a good idea. Please realize I said at the start
that I am not an experienced dog person (I assume many here are but I'm with
the first one of my life and really *do* want to learn better).

My husband Don has had dogs all his life, even when in military was often a
dog handler for the military dogs when he couldn't have one of his own.
Since I can't 'report' and 'ask' as well as he can, I sometimes get things
wrong. This is lack of knowledge not being too dumb to learn. My own
background is cats, girly as it might be (grin).

1.) Apple is a bit of a chewer. So far, only things like bedroom
slippers.

Misdiagnosed age. She doesnt have all her teeth in yet and is teething.

Well, that'll make her a chewer, no doubt about that.

I saw this. Even I could tell. We sent her back with a good 'plastic bone'
that Cash was never interested in that just fits her mouth. She was walking
around carrying it as if afraid she'd lose it. Although she licked Cash's
bone (Cash is amazingly tolerant) it was too big. Don checked and her
molars (or whatever they are for dogs, back teeth I guess) arent all in yet.

(peeing/deficating in house)
Apple is getting worse at the foster parents on this. It looks like an
older 14YO incontinent dog may be related. There were no incidents in our
house at all. She even whined at the back door just a tiney bit once she
knew that lead to the back yard and where to go pee. Took them both out
and
yeah, peed then flopped down for a little sunny rest.

Just another reason to get it done with and bring her home. She's
just developing bad habits at the foster home.

Thats true but there is more than I reported. I didnt know enough to see
signs of 'worry' per my husdnand.

The process here locally is to have a few test visits and see how it goes.
Suprisingly, Daisy-cat came out 3 times to 'sniff the new dog'. Only once
was there a little hissing as if to say 'back off dog. I am the QUEEN CAT
here and you are invading my space'.

I really think that's a weird process. If there are going to be huge,
unsolveable problems with the animals not getting along, you're going
to know pretty quickly. This doesn't mean there won't be problems

Thats the idea. There are several things I did not recognize (so not
accounted for in the message you replied to)

I am sorry. I said at the start that I am cat experienced but not dog
experieced. Please bear with me as I learn. Believe me, my dog experineced
husband had much to learn on cats as well. Integrating them together took
both our experience. You dont afterall just 'toss the kitty in with the
dog(s) and hope they make friends.

later on, but they're often, if not usually, caused by owners not
handling things properrly. I know some rescue groups do
foster-to-adopt, or sort of a test run where the adoptive home takes
the dog home for 2 weeks, and I can kind of see the point in that
(although in my experience the new dog's personality doesn't really
start to emerge until after 2 weeks in the new home). But these
visits sound as if they're confusing animal adoption with human child
adoption. If things are going OK, what's the point of the dog going
back to the foster home? (I know you're not the one who made the
policies.)

Ok, I'll show how dumb I was. Perhaps if will help another?

Here's what I didnt report because I failed to see it or didnt know to look
for it. If it helps, Don just looked thoughtful and said he wanted to think
a bit about Apple.

- All play was initiated by Cash-pup
- Although tails wagged on both dogs, there was no acceptance of play
offered by Cash-pup
- Apple came up to a resting Cash-pup laying on the rug and bit his ear (no
skin broken)
- Apple almost on entry in the door followed me and ignored everyone else
(although friendly to all 2 foots).
- Cash has had various friends of us drop off a dog for from for a few hours
and they didnt get 'alpha' in a one day visit. Sizes of visitors range from
Great dane to itty bitty and it's no different for a an afternoon. *Longer*
I guess is an issue but these are well socilaized sorts.

On the other hand, Don hasnt decided yet. He is still thinking. She *is*
'fixable' he thinks. He was thinking 'no' earlier today but now as of 5
mins ago, he wants to think more on it.

Don's thoughts eem to be 'we can ut with so many unwanted pets, do we want
*this specific one* that doesnt seem to match the house?

On Mon, 8 Mar 2010 20:19:23 -0500, "cshenk" wrote:

Thats the idea. There are several things I did not recognize (so not
accounted for in the message you replied to)

I am sorry. I said at the start that I am cat experienced but not dog
experieced. Please bear with me as I learn. Believe me, my dog experineced
husband had much to learn on cats as well. Integrating them together took
both our experience. You dont afterall just 'toss the kitty in with the
dog(s) and hope they make friends.

No, you sure don't. And don't apologize for not having dog experience
- there's nothing wrong with that.

Ok, I'll show how dumb I was. Perhaps if will help another?

Here's what I didnt report because I failed to see it or didnt know to look
for it. If it helps, Don just looked thoughtful and said he wanted to think
a bit about Apple.

- All play was initiated by Cash-pup
- Although tails wagged on both dogs, there was no acceptance of play
offered by Cash-pup
- Apple came up to a resting Cash-pup laying on the rug and bit his ear (no
skin broken)

Just bit his ear, no provocation? And this wasn't playing?

- Apple almost on entry in the door followed me and ignored everyone else
(although friendly to all 2 foots).
- Cash has had various friends of us drop off a dog for from for a few hours
and they didnt get 'alpha' in a one day visit. Sizes of visitors range from
Great dane to itty bitty and it's no different for a an afternoon. *Longer*
I guess is an issue but these are well socilaized sorts.

On the other hand, Don hasnt decided yet. He is still thinking. She *is*
'fixable' he thinks. He was thinking 'no' earlier today but now as of 5
mins ago, he wants to think more on it.

First, a lot of people would have missed some or all of those signs.
Second, I think your husband is right to think about this more. Apple
may be fixable, but it might take a lot of work. Whether or not it
works in the end, your existing dog might get injured. Most of the
[many] dogs my husband and I have had have been special needs of one
type or another, but I won't knowingly take on a dog that has dog
aggression.

Don's thoughts eem to be 'we can ut with so many unwanted pets, do we want
*this specific one* that doesnt seem to match the house?

Exactly.

"sighthounds & siberians" wrote
"cshenk" wrote:

Thats the idea. There are several things I did not recognize (so not
accounted for in the message you replied to)

I am sorry. I said at the start that I am cat experienced but not dog
experieced. Please bear with me as I learn. Believe me, my dog
experineced
husband had much to learn on cats as well. Integrating them together took
both our experience. You dont afterall just 'toss the kitty in with the
dog(s) and hope they make friends.

No, you sure don't. And don't apologize for not having dog experience
- there's nothing wrong with that.

Thank you. Some folks get all upset if you make a mistake in wording
something because you just don't know better. I amy well word somthing
wrong because I don't know enough on how to phrase it.

Ok, I'll show how dumb I was. Perhaps if will help another?

Here's what I didnt report because I failed to see it or didnt know to
look
for it. If it helps, Don just looked thoughtful and said he wanted to
think
a bit about Apple.

- All play was initiated by Cash-pup
- Although tails wagged on both dogs, there was no acceptance of play
offered by Cash-pup
- Apple came up to a resting Cash-pup laying on the rug and bit his ear
(no
skin broken)

Just bit his ear, no provocation? And this wasn't playing?

No provocation. He was laying on the floor lookimg out the window after
watching her play with some of his toys and gently wagging his tail in what
seems to me to be 'happy you are having fun with the toys even if you do not
want to play with me'.

- Apple almost on entry in the door followed me and ignored everyone else
(although friendly to all 2 foots).
- Cash has had various friends of us drop off a dog for from for a few
hours
and they didnt get 'alpha' in a one day visit. Sizes of visitors range
from
Great dane to itty bitty and it's no different for a an afternoon.
*Longer*
I guess is an issue but these are well socilaized sorts.

On the other hand, Don hasnt decided yet. He is still thinking. She *is*
'fixable' he thinks. He was thinking 'no' earlier today but now as of 5
mins ago, he wants to think more on it.

First, a lot of people would have missed some or all of those signs.
Second, I think your husband is right to think about this more. Apple
may be fixable, but it might take a lot of work. Whether or not it
works in the end, your existing dog might get injured. Most of the
[many] dogs my husband and I have had have been special needs of one
type or another, but I won't knowingly take on a dog that has dog
aggression.

Thats is what we finally decided. Apple is a fine dog, but she's not going
to mix here. I sent the note back on that just a bit ago. I gave them
details so they can use them better to find her the right home. Don's delay
as our fear that she will end up with someone who wants a fighting dog who
will just chain her up in a yard. he K9 rescue does all that is possible to
place pets in responsible homes.

I have a sneaking suspicion the 'dog agression' is actually at least 50% the
fostermom place. Apple is the smallest and they seem to want to take her
toys away and snarl. (we saw her there first). Don wasnt with me for the
first trip to just preview and the other dogs were kept in the yard.

Don's thoughts eem to be 'we can ut with so many unwanted pets, do we want
*this specific one* that doesnt seem to match the house?

Exactly.

Yup. She'd have fit well if we didnt have Cash-pup. As it is, Cash-pup
enjoys his visiting 'doggie friends' every 3 weeks or so that range from
Chiwawa to Great Dane. No issues. Normally a few hours to over night. It
happens often enough he probably viewed her as 'just another friend visiting
for a few hours'.

I call him Cash-PUP because he is as friendly as a puppy and this is the
first time we've had a negative interaction. I just didnt know enough to see
it right at first. Perpahs though my explaining what I saw and the
interpretation, if we are right, will help another who's not excactly the
'dog whisperer' level to make some wise choices.

Meantime, there are thousands of dogs in my local area looking for a home.
We cant rescue them all but we rescued 1 cat (semi-feral) and 1 dog (heart
issues, heartworm caused plus has spinal arthritis) and we will look for a
companion that fits.

Smile, wish us well. I'm looking at at 14 YO little lady who needs a final
home. Her 'daddy' died recently and there was no family to take her.

Eventually, we will find the right one and even if I am new to dogs, I am
not so stupid as to not want to help where I can if we can make it work.

cshenk wrote:

"sighthounds & siberians" wrote
"cshenk" wrote
snip

Ok, I'll show how dumb I was. Perhaps if will help another?

Here's what I didnt report because I failed to see it or didnt know to look
for it. If it helps, Don just looked thoughtful and said he wanted to think
a bit about Apple.

- All play was initiated by Cash-pup

Good. One is dog friendly.

- Although tails wagged on both dogs, there was no acceptance of play
offered by Cash-pup

How was the waging? Fast is usually good, very slow bad?

You are doing this at your house or yard right? Apple may view this as
Cash's territory. I would try to find an enclosed neutral territory with
no other dogs and test their reaction there. Keep a leash on each of
them so it is easier to intervene. Have both of you there, and keep a
close eye on them. Start with them well separated and walk past one
another at a distnce of more than two leash lengths and verify things
are starting off well. If things go well drop the leashes, but keep them
attached to the dogs in case their attitudes change. Pay close attention
to them. If one starts growing, moving the tail very slowly, or staring
hard at the other dogs face intervene. If they start playing remove the
leashes. As play is often play fighting a novice can misread play as
fighting. Your husband can probably judge this well, but tails wagging,
no hard stares, and no yelps are good signs.

- Apple came up to a resting Cash-pup laying on the rug and bit his ear (no
skin broken)

This probably means nothing. I would be more worried about a bite at the
neck, lower leg, or face that did not develope into play wrestling. How
did Cash react: did he yelp, growl in response, run away or show other
signs he was hurt?

- Apple almost on entry in the door followed me and ignored everyone else
(although friendly to all 2 foots).

Ignoring in many ways is good. The wrong kind of paying attention is
what is bad. Liking people is great. Try to avoid resource guarding. No
treats when both dogs are present, and growling when you turn your
attention to another dog is NOT ALLOWED.

- Cash has had various friends of us drop off a dog for from for a few hours
and they didnt get 'alpha' in a one day visit. Sizes of visitors range from
Great dane to itty bitty and it's no different for a an afternoon. *Longer*
I guess is an issue but these are well socilaized sorts.

Cash sounds great.

On the other hand, Don hasnt decided yet. He is still thinking. She *is*
'fixable' he thinks. He was thinking 'no' earlier today but now as of 5
mins ago, he wants to think more on it.

Don's thoughts eem to be 'we can ut with so many unwanted pets, do we want
*this specific one* that doesnt seem to match the house?
A sensible man.

--
Bill Clodius
los the lost and net the pet to email

On Tue, 9 Mar 2010 20:46:49 -0500, "cshenk" wrote:

Thank you. Some folks get all upset if you make a mistake in wording
something because you just don't know better. I amy well word somthing
wrong because I don't know enough on how to phrase it.

I'm certainly not going to claim that I'm above being snarky, because
I'm not, particularly after a long or bad day. But there's a
difference between not being knowledgeable and being stupid,
particularly if that stupidity shows a resistance to being educated,
and no there's nothing wrong with the former.

Just bit his ear, no provocation? And this wasn't playing?

No provocation. He was laying on the floor lookimg out the window after
watching her play with some of his toys and gently wagging his tail in what
seems to me to be 'happy you are having fun with the toys even if you do not
want to play with me'.

I'd have to have seen it to really have an opinion on the
significance. Good that there was no skin broken, of course. But in
my opinion, biting the ear of a dog you've just met is sort of missing
a few of the steps in the dance of dogs getting to know each other.

Thats is what we finally decided. Apple is a fine dog, but she's not going
to mix here. I sent the note back on that just a bit ago. I gave them
details so they can use them better to find her the right home. Don's delay
as our fear that she will end up with someone who wants a fighting dog who
will just chain her up in a yard. he K9 rescue does all that is possible to
place pets in responsible homes.

I think that's the right decision. Apple may be best as an only dog.
Do I remember that she's a pit bull? Pit bulls are great dogs, but
"best as an only dog" isn't unusual for them.

I have a sneaking suspicion the 'dog agression' is actually at least 50% the
fostermom place. Apple is the smallest and they seem to want to take her
toys away and snarl. (we saw her there first).

Well, maybe. Dog on dog aggression can be a result of experience - a
"the best defense is a good offense" reaction - but it's probably more
often a temperament thing. Human interference in the pack order of a
group of dogs that live together can increase tensions and make
incidents of aggression more likely to occur. But the behavior Apple
displayed in your home was that of a very confident dog, and while
confidence is OK, I like to see a little deference on the part of a
visiting dog in a situation like this. I don't subscribe to the
'every dog is out to take over the universe, and will dominate you if
you don't dominate him first' school of thought. That being said,
there are dominant dogs, there are dog-aggressive dogs, and there are
dogs that, after coming into a new home, decide they're going to be
the alpha if that means working their way up the pecking order. I've
seen it happen, and it's not a pretty sight.

I call him Cash-PUP because he is as friendly as a puppy and this is the
first time we've had a negative interaction. I just didnt know enough to see
it right at first. Perpahs though my explaining what I saw and the
interpretation, if we are right, will help another who's not excactly the
'dog whisperer' level to make some wise choices.

Meantime, there are thousands of dogs in my local area looking for a home.
We cant rescue them all but we rescued 1 cat (semi-feral) and 1 dog (heart
issues, heartworm caused plus has spinal arthritis) and we will look for a
companion that fits.

Smile, wish us well. I'm looking at at 14 YO little lady who needs a final
home. Her 'daddy' died recently and there was no family to take her.

Senior dogs are always difficult to place. You know that your first
responsibility is to your current dog and there is a dog out there
that will be happy to enjoy Cash's company and that will enhance his
quality of life.

"William Clodius" wrote
cshenk wrote:

Hey, I really appreciate your taking time to help me understand all this.
Thank you.

Ok, I'll show how dumb I was. Perhaps if will help another?

Here's what I didnt report because I failed to see it or didnt know to
look
for it. If it helps, Don just looked thoughtful and said he wanted to
think
a bit about Apple.

- All play was initiated by Cash-pup

Good. One is dog friendly.

Cash confused me on this one. Don who has almost 60 years experience with
dogs (compared to my 2) says this one wasnt easy overall to see. Like me
with 40 years cat experience, it can be hard to explain in advance. It's
more like 'don't do that' or later 'here is what happened'.

Too bad he doesnt do computers as he'd be so much better exoplaining it all.

- Although tails wagged on both dogs, there was no acceptance of play
offered by Cash-pup

How was the waging? Fast is usually good, very slow bad?

Cash was fast to normal. I didnt know to watch how fast but Apple's was
slower after the first intro.

You are doing this at your house or yard right? Apple may view this as
Cash's territory. I would try to find an enclosed neutral territory with
no other dogs and test their reaction there. Keep a leash on each of

At our house. The only other place was Apple's foster home with 4 other
dogs and 3 cats.

them so it is easier to intervene. Have both of you there, and keep a
close eye on them. Start with them well separated and walk past one
another at a distnce of more than two leash lengths and verify things
are starting off well. If things go well drop the leashes, but keep them
attached to the dogs in case their attitudes change. Pay close attention
to them. If one starts growing, moving the tail very slowly, or staring
hard at the other dogs face intervene. If they start playing remove the
leashes. As play is often play fighting a novice can misread play as
fighting. Your husband can probably judge this well, but tails wagging,
no hard stares, and no yelps are good signs.

Ok.

- Apple came up to a resting Cash-pup laying on the rug and bit his ear
(no
skin broken)

This probably means nothing. I would be more worried about a bite at the
neck, lower leg, or face that did not develope into play wrestling. How
did Cash react: did he yelp, growl in response, run away or show other
signs he was hurt?

Apple tried to bite his neck then circled and went for his hind paw. I did
not see this. Don did. To me, it was just a blur.

I heard Cash yelp then move away. She did dive in again, possibly for a
foreleg after he jumped up from being bit (no skin broken). It was hard for
me to tell. Cash knocked her with his shoulder (not hard enough to knock
her down and didnt look like he intended to do so) and all play attempts by
him ceased. He sat in the room and monitored for a bit while she played
with his toys, then apparenltly decided she was safe for us and wandered off
to take a nap.

- Apple almost on entry in the door followed me and ignored everyone else
(although friendly to all 2 foots).

Ignoring in many ways is good. The wrong kind of paying attention is
what is bad. Liking people is great. Try to avoid resource guarding. No
treats when both dogs are present, and growling when you turn your
attention to another dog is NOT ALLOWED.

Isnt it a problem though to have a family dog with one that is very much
'one man dog' seeming?

I completely do not understanbd why Apple glommered on me. It was almost
like Charlotte and Don didnt exist.

- Cash has had various friends of us drop off a dog for from for a few
hours
and they didnt get 'alpha' in a one day visit. Sizes of visitors range
from
Great dane to itty bitty and it's no different for a an afternoon.
*Longer*
I guess is an issue but these are well socilaized sorts.

Cash sounds great.

We lucked up (grin).

On the other hand, Don hasnt decided yet. He is still thinking. She
*is*
'fixable' he thinks. He was thinking 'no' earlier today but now as of 5
mins ago, he wants to think more on it.

Decision made last night. There are many pooches needing a home. We cant
take them all and are doing our share. We plan to be greedy and get one
that fits the existing house without re-work harder than the simple teaching
of a semi-feral cat to sleep with a dog (evil grin).

Don's thoughts eem to be 'we can ut with so many unwanted pets, do we
want
*this specific one* that doesnt seem to match the house?
A sensible man.

I agree. He generally is. Wee bit cat stupid still but he's learning.
Hehe Don did not catch that Daisy-cat cowed Apple first meeting and came
back twice to reinforce it. Apple can definately live safe with cats but
needs to be a strong minded 'you will WORSHIP MY CATNESS YOU DUMB DOG' sort
to make it work best.

I stilll don't get why she seemed to decide 'I' was the one to follow among
us 2 foots. She even turned lap-dog (as much as she could fit) for a
snooze.

Like most rescue dogs, little is known of their history. Cash can be
guessed at better than most. He's the sort commonly stolen and used by
hunters then abandoned. He responds to all hunter calls and can pick up a
living bird and bring it to you without hurting it (baby birds fallen from
back yard trees hand delivered to our hands. He eats the dead ones but will
bring any moving ones to us, 1 4lb crow and a 3 lb seagull in windstorms
with broken wings which we took to the local places who heal them). Cash
was probably used to hunt birds/ducks. That is however, just a guess. His
true history is as unknown as Apple's.

"sighthounds & siberians" wrote
"cshenk" wrote:

Thank you. Some folks get all upset if you make a mistake in wording
something because you just don't know better. I amy well word somthing
wrong because I don't know enough on how to phrase it.

I'm certainly not going to claim that I'm above being snarky, because
I'm not, particularly after a long or bad day. But there's a
difference between not being knowledgeable and being stupid,
particularly if that stupidity shows a resistance to being educated,
and no there's nothing wrong with the former.

Hehe gee, welcome fellow human! I get snarkey when idots tell me stuff like
floridated water causes cancer in cats then post 5-10 whacked out web sites
to 'prove it'.

Just bit his ear, no provocation? And this wasn't playing?

No provocation. He was laying on the floor lookimg out the window after
watching her play with some of his toys and gently wagging his tail in
what
seems to me to be 'happy you are having fun with the toys even if you do
not
want to play with me'.

I'd have to have seen it to really have an opinion on the
significance. Good that there was no skin broken, of course. But in
my opinion, biting the ear of a dog you've just met is sort of missing
a few of the steps in the dance of dogs getting to know each other.

I posted a bit more last message. Things that were just a blur to me.
Frankly I was distracted as the cat shocked me silly by comming out to see
the new visitor at the same time. (short version, Apple lost all alpha
battles to the cat with mostly just a STARE of 'OH NO YOU ARE NOT!!!" from
the cat.

Thats is what we finally decided. Apple is a fine dog, but she's not
going
to mix here. I sent the note back on that just a bit ago. I gave them
details so they can use them better to find her the right home. Don's
delay
as our fear that she will end up with someone who wants a fighting dog who
will just chain her up in a yard. he K9 rescue does all that is possible
to
place pets in responsible homes.

I think that's the right decision. Apple may be best as an only dog.
Do I remember that she's a pit bull? Pit bulls are great dogs, but
"best as an only dog" isn't unusual for them.

She's part pit and from the looks, our 'guess' is other is boxer maybe.

I hope you don't mind but I think the general breed normally shows in what
you can expect most of them to have as a personality. LOADS of exceptions
of course but as a sort of general guideline, it's not too terrible.

Beagles and other 'scent hounds' tend to totally lose it if they smell a new
scent to track. I'm sure not all do but it's more common among them I bet.

I have a sneaking suspicion the 'dog agression' is actually at least 50%
the
fostermom place. Apple is the smallest and they seem to want to take her
toys away and snarl. (we saw her there first).

Well, maybe. Dog on dog aggression can be a result of experience - a
"the best defense is a good offense" reaction - but it's probably more
often a temperament thing.

I am guessing this one is a temperment being reinforced?

Human interference in the pack order of a
group of dogs that live together can increase tensions and make
incidents of aggression more likely to occur. But the behavior Apple
displayed in your home was that of a very confident dog, and while
confidence is OK, I like to see a little deference on the part of a
visiting dog in a situation like this. I don't subscribe to the
'every dog is out to take over the universe, and will dominate you if
you don't dominate him first' school of thought. That being said,
there are dominant dogs, there are dog-aggressive dogs, and there are
dogs that, after coming into a new home, decide they're going to be
the alpha if that means working their way up the pecking order. I've
seen it happen, and it's not a pretty sight.

I read that to Don. He agrees totally and says Hi.

I call him Cash-PUP because he is as friendly as a puppy and this is the
first time we've had a negative interaction. I just didnt know enough to
see
it right at first. Perpahs though my explaining what I saw and the
interpretation, if we are right, will help another who's not excactly the
'dog whisperer' level to make some wise choices.

Meantime, there are thousands of dogs in my local area looking for a home.
We cant rescue them all but we rescued 1 cat (semi-feral) and 1 dog (heart
issues, heartworm caused plus has spinal arthritis) and we will look for a
companion that fits.

Smile, wish us well. I'm looking at at 14 YO little lady who needs a
final
home. Her 'daddy' died recently and there was no family to take her.

Senior dogs are always difficult to place. You know that your first
responsibility is to your current dog and there is a dog out there
that will be happy to enjoy Cash's company and that will enhance his
quality of life.

Yes, and we are still looking. Although not rich, we are in the odd case
where we can afford a dog who needs 100$ a month in meds. Normally we look
to the ones who can never find a home due to that.

Minor rant: I really object to folks who take on pets thery cant afford
then abandon them or turn them into the spca etc.

Cash knocked her with his shoulder (not hard enough to knock
her down and didnt look like he intended to do so)

In my experience, dogs are very body-space aware. They may choose to
ignore your or another dog's personal space, but they know when they
are doing it. The hip-check and shoulder-check may look accidental,
but is all part of how the dog is taking and using that space, and at
times, controlling the body position of the other dog/human, or at
least asserting their right to do so. It can be playful, it can be
assertive, it can be aggressive, but it is rarely accidental.

Other things to watch for are the head fake, the air-nip, air-bite,
all signs that the dog is simply saying "I'm not gonna...this time,
but, you know, I could...if you push me". Again, it can be as much in
play as anything else. Then again, establishing pack order is part of
the play for them "hey, I'm having fun AND I know where I am in the
pack" (hip check, play bow, bark) "...chase me?"

It's the ones who go all the way to sinking in the teeth without
letting you know ahead of time that "hey, you're pushing my limits,
and I think you should know" that are especially worrying. Sometimes,
though, it's just a case of us dumb humans not paying close enough
attention and not knowing how to read the signs.

I notice it with my girl dog much more than with my older male, there
is a constant test to see if you're paying attention. I'm not sure if
that's a young dog thing, a girl-dog thing, or a lab thing, or just a
dog thing in general (I suspect, the rest probably just determines the
degree).
--Glenn Lyford