FAQ : Questions & Answers that may help

What happens after I contact Independent Tibetan Terrier Rescue?

The Officer will ask you about your experience with keeping dogs, your home & family, and any other relevant factors. Once approve, this means that if a suitable dog becomes available anywhere in the country, you will be considered as a potential new home. There is no need to contact every officer, we are all aware of all dogs in the system at any given time.


How long will I have to wait?

This is a question that we can’t really answer! The waiting list is not on a chronological basis, it is operated on a ‘best match’ basis, so dogs and owners can be matched up to their individual needs. As soon as a dog comes into the system we move as quickly as possible to get him into his new home, so you may wait a while and then find everything happening within a few days.


What if I change my mind, or find a dog elsewhere?

If you no longer wish to be considered for a dog, for any reason, please let us know. We will keep your details and will contact you if a suitable dog becomes available; it is always useful for us if you make contact on a regular basis in any case, so that we are aware of the homing options if a dog needs a home urgently.


Do you have a rescue centre where I can come and view the dogs available?

No, we don’t have a Centre for the dogs. A re-homed dog will usually come directly from its old home to the new one, via the Officer for your area.


Will I be able to see the dog before I get it?

If a suitable dog becomes available you will be contacted by the Officer who will usually have spoken to the previous owner and have all the details of the dog. It may be possible to provide you with a photo of the dog, but please remember that once a dog comes into the system it needs to be settled into its new home as quickly as possible.


What if we have problems with the dog?

Independent Tibetan Terrier Rescue Officers are experienced in matching the right dog with the right new home and will have checked the dog’s temperament and carried out a home check wherever possible. However, in the initial stages the dogs are obviously bewildered at the changes and it may take a while for them to settle in. We will aim to keep in touch with you during the first few weeks to give you advice and to help you through any problems that may arise. You may come back to us at any stage of the dog’s life for advice and information. We would never abandon a re-homed dog – we will always attempt to re-home him if you are sure that he isn’t the right one for you.


What if I turn down the first dog offered?

If for some reason you are unable to take the first dog that is offered to you, you can still remain in the system for another suitable dog, if one becomes available.


Will Independent Tibetan Terrier Rescue take the dog back if I change my mind?

We ask, please, that you be very sure that you really do want a dog before you request one from us, and that you are aware of the effect it will have on your home and family. It is very unsettling for the dog to be moved from home to home, but once he knows that you are now his family he will settle down and become a loving member of your family. But as mentioned before, we would never abandon a re-homed dog – we will always attempt to reallocate him if you are sure that he isn’t the right one for you.


Will I be able to ask questions of the previous owner?

We have found that it is preferable for contact between previous and new owner of the dog to be via our Officer, for many reasons.


The Officer asked if I am willing to make a donation. How much should that be?

We are always very grateful for donations if you are able to make one. Whilst the dog you take may well be healthy, we do sometimes have to take in a dog for some time and pay for costly veterinary treatments before he can be ready for his new owner. Anything you can give will go towards the costs of re-homing your dog, moving him between one home to another, calls between the Officer and both homes etc. Your local officer will discuss this with you - the health of the dog and your own circumstances will all be considered, so don't worry about this!

I have heard that Tibetan Terriers are anxious when left on their own?

This can be quite a common problem, particularly in the first few months until a dog is content that you will be returning home and haven’t abandoned him! If you are out all day every day, leaving a dog alone, you may need to think about whether having a dog is suitable for you. A Tibetan is a loving & affectionate dog who will be delighted when you returned and can be distraught when you leave. Some of our owners have solved this problem by having two dogs to keep each other company. A good place to look for help is www.acepet.co.uk. Acepet is a free on-line advice service & covers training information, behaviour, grooming etc.


Are Tibetan Terriers good in the car? With kids? With other Animals?

Each dog is different. Some just curl up in the car and go to sleep, others are really interested and try to look out of all the windows to see what is happening. Tibetan Terriers are generally very good with children and with other animals. They are pleasant friendly creatures who need a lot of love and affection – and they will do the same in return.


What about training?

All our re-homed dogs are different, depending on what type of home they have come from. Tibetan Terriers can be very responsive to training and they are very clean dogs. As a general rule your new dog will be house trained although he may need a little encouragement to know which spots he can use on your property.


Can we let him off the lead?

Tibetan Terriers can be notoriously cheeky when off the lead – you will need to keep an eye on him initially to determine what you can or can’t do with your new dog. Again, it may be helpful to refer to www.acepet.co.uk


Do Tibetan Terriers shed a lot of hair?

Tibetan Terriers don’t shed hair as such, so you won’t find loads of it on your furniture etc. However, they do have long hair that needs grooming to avoid it becoming matted, so you should take this into account. Even when clipped, a TT needs very regular grooming and the hair removing from his ear canal.