Honestly, taking him to the vet will probably give you a better insight as to how he is and possibly what he's been through. I would just take my time getting him used to your place and getting him used to you, the little guy (cutie btw) has been through a nervous enough time being rehomed, even if (hopefully <3) he hasn't had anything else awful happen to him. It really depends on how comfortable he is as to how long it might take for him to get used to you, and if he's already showing signs of having been in a home before and not acting out, you're already on your way to a good relationship. Vet is first thing, making him comfortable as well, making sure he has all his shots and is able to find a nice spot to be by himself if he needs to. Maybe give him a toy with familiar scents around you to get him comfortable as well. The vet will probably have more suggestions and even better ideas. He is a cutie though, and I'm so happy for all of you that he has found a home with you.

Might consider contacting someone who can investigate that shelter. I'm not sure where you are from but I'm probably not wrong in saying it's more than likely illegal in what they are doing. Hopefully they can be shut down and the pets can get to a proper shelter.

Otherwise I'd probably just spend a fair amount of time with him. Give him treats and get a toy he enjoys and play with him.

what a cutie ;o; Sounds like taking him to a vet is a good idea, they can do a proper checkup and vaccinate him. He should have a small space for himself where he can sleep and feel safe and observe the home life (a bed in the corner or under a desk might be good), since rehoming is very stressful business. Do spend a lot of time with him though, just don't invite family and friends over until the dog has settled a little.

That shelter sounds sketchy af and needs to be shut down, but if you can, you probably want to ask about his feeding schedules, and what food he was given, so that you can replicate that for a few days at least before introducing new items to his diet. (this might be something that causes the diarrhea, along with stress. )

Get him to know the area around your house / where you'll be taking him for walks, and just as an overall rule, be calm and patient with the new friend so that he can feel safe and at home. ❤️

What a darling! Getting a shelter pet can be stressful, but also rewarding. I brought my little Roxy home just about 16 months ago, and there was definitely an adjustment period. I agree that a vet visit is important, make sure he gets his shots and a checkup. I would suggest that maybe the diet the shelter gave him is what's causing his diarrhea, but a vet can do some more in depth research, and he should be fine on most any food until then. If it persits, might not be a bad idea to collect a stool sample. Try mixing a little water in with his dry food to help keep him hydrated and go easier on his digestion.

Toys, treats are good, but the latter in moderation, until more is known about his digestive health and dietary needs. A bed or two in social areas is great, and praise him for using them! Speak gently and let him know that he is welcome as a member of the family.

The last thing really is to give him a lot of patience. It's a complete life adjustment for him! New smells, new routine, new sounds, new places. But it sounds like he has every chance of settling into a happy new home with you. Best of luck, and don't be afraid to ask for advice any time you need it!

He hadn't been in the shelter for a long time (he arrived on the 16th). He is a big thin, but I'm not sure if he's small or okay for his age/breed ha ha? But he sleeps with us or on the floor (we made a makeshift bed for now). Overall, impressive lil dude!

Hi Brian. The shelter was linked to a lot of controversy back in 2014. They were shut down and brought back. In Canada, we have 2 types of shelters: Non-profit and with profit. The latter is more axed towards $$$ instead of animals.

They are legal, just .. frowned upon I guess? @blackwolf_2009

I'll be taking him and we will most likely neuter him because we don't want to deal with the heat and the consequence of certain type of diseases. We bought the same food that he was fed with, but I will see what the vet says.

Thank you very much. I'm checking the poop to make sure that there is no blood or worms. We are traning him to do his business on the balcony, but he's a keeper!

Aww what a cutie! Looks like you have gotten some good advice from everyone.. hopefully the vet visit is super helpful!

I wouldn't think putting them down without a vet around would be legal? Idk. It just irritates me seeing shelters doing that kind of thing.

He's gorgeous! That tail is fantastic :P He's very lucky to have you :) If he has diarrhoea still, make sure he always has access to water, it can make them very dehydrated. Try to avoid giving him rich foods or changing his diet too much from what he is used to until his stomach settles. I hope all goes well at the vets :)

He looks like a little pug/terrier thing, he's really cute and clearly in better hands with you guys than at that... 'shelter,' which just sounds horrible and shady as f.

I'd just be re-iterating any advice given, but getting him to a vet and getting him neutered would definitely be for the best. I'm sure he'll start warming up to you guys in no time! Walking and food are always ways into a dog's heart, haha!