What's &quot;Wrong&quot; With a Shelter or Rescued Dog?

Top 7. Mar 29, 2001 10:25 PM

» Tranquility - Re: Re: Hi Joan...

In response to message posted by pyrangel:

What a heartwarming story. You were definitely meant to give that big pooch a chance of a happy life. smile I think there was a lot of barking when we went because the majority of dogs in there were male. The few females that were in kennels weren't barking or growling. The males weren't neutered. I think Dante had given up, his head crouched down, so very depressed looking. People looked at him and then walked right by. Like you, the minute we came in contact with him, he was a totally different dog. We knew we wanted an older dog and it seemed that the older dogs were looked at weren't as "talkative." If we wanted to get a younger pooch, we probably wouldn't have noticed the barking as much. Some of the growls were quite mean, though, but then you have to take into account that they have been through a lot.

I look forward to reading more of your articles. Best Always.

-- posted by Tranquility

Top 8. Mar 30, 2001 3:55 PM

» eileenmin - Re: Re: Re: Hi Joan...

You have a point about the barking and the fact that the dogs are frightened. I have owned several shelter dogs myself, the last one being a mix I could never figure out of what, and she was the best dog. I had her ten years.

But today with so many pit bull mixes, rotties, and chows in city shelters, I would be very careful. I realize some of these would make good family pets, but I also know others with aggressive natures would not. One neighbor of mine adopted a chow mix puppy, and had to return the dog six months later after it bit her son in the face. The dog was food aggressive. She hired a trainer to come to her house, tried different tactics but the dog bit her son a second time.

You could say this is breed or training, or both. But why take a chance on a breed that doesn't do well with kids when there are so many other breeds (like Newfs) that love kids.

Eileen
Republican/Conservative Women
Related article: Presidential pets to ponder

-- posted by eileenmin

Top 9. Apr 1, 2001 7:59 AM

» mama_math - Rescue dogs are GREAT!

Although I have visited suite 101 many times, I have never ventured to this area. Now I shall check frequently.
In following your articles and chats it appears as if big breeds is an area of concern. I however, adopted a Pomeranian rescue dog, and she has been wonderful. I did however, research what we wanted, this was six years ago. Today it is even easier with the Internet.
Prior to this I had adopted a Catahoula and this was a learning experience. At the time, seven years ago, there was not a great deal available on the breed. It took a lot of interlibrary loans and research to find info. Although we love her, the catahoula is a high energy dog, and I had to learn a lot about this herding breed to train her. When my daughter wanted a smaller dog, we did our research well and came up with the Pomeranian. We now have two Pommies from Rescues. Smaller breeds, by the way, do not seem as available as the large breeds.
However, patience comes into play. Waiting for one to adopt does give you the time to think it through.
Good luck with your column and know that there are many of us behind you.

-- posted by mama_math

Top 10. Apr 1, 2001 6:48 PM

» pyrangel - Re: Rescue dogs are GREAT!

In response to message posted by mama_math:

Smaller dogs---such as Poms, Chi's, Maltese---are much easier to place than my Giants, and less likely to end up as strictly outside dogs. However, they can often come into rescue in multiples. (more likely to be gathered by "collectors".) However, ;-)
the only dog I ever found intimidating was a 16lb Cocker! LOL

I am very glad you opened your heart and home to your Rescued Furchildren--and grateful for your dedication in researching your breeds to better assist them in becoming family companions.
Pyr Hugs to your family!
Joan

-- posted by pyrangel

Top 11. Jul 24, 2002 9:58 PM

» LauraK58 - Shelter or Rescued Dogs

I have three dogs all of whom were rescued dogs. One is a pure bred and two are mixed breeds. Recently I hired a trainer to work with the newest addition, a puppy five months old. After only two sessions he sits and lays down on command. He also waits to be "released" from the sitting position. Just because a dog is given up by another owner does not mean it is a bad dog. I recommend to anyone considering a new pet to go to your local pet store when they are having an adoption event. These dogs have been in a foster home situation and the foster person is usually there. We knew before adopting the puppy that he was good with other animals and housebroken. You will have a much better idea of an adopted pets personality than that of one you purchase from a breeder or a pet store.

-- posted by LauraK58

Top 12. Sep 30, 2002 10:10 AM

» Maryann28 - Mixed Feelings about shelter dogs...now

I adopted my Shepherd/Sheltie mix Carlie from a shelter two years ago. After the initial work (training/behavior) etc... she was a complete joy to have around. My husband and I then returned to the shelter to find a male companion for Carlie (male because she seemed choosy with female dogs..but had loved every male dog she came in contact with) We found Max--a four year old shepherd mix who was neutered and friendly. the dogs played and got along well. We adopted him with happy hearts!!

Max was terrific for the first couple weeks.. he went through training great-- but as he got his strength back (he was extremely thin) he began to attack EVERYTHING except me and my husband. He chewed Carlie's tail almost completely off. Snapped at almost everyone. Started to go after his trainer. He broke a downstairs window to attack a child playing (which he luckily got stuck in) and then finally broke through our screen door and drew blood on our next door neighbor. He had hours of exercise a day. We loved him and paid attention to him.

Our Vet (and noted behavioralist) said the abuse in his past made him completely possesive of my husband and I because we were the first people to show him kindness. He reported our dog to the county--believeing he was a threat to our community. He was kept in isolation and then put to sleep.

Now I am leery of the pound. The whole incident with Max--has weighed on my conscience and put a big whole in my heart. I loved him. I ran with him. I walked him. I took him to the beach every weekend and let him and Carlie loose. He was taken to the dog park on a daily basis. I socialized him and I trained him. Now I am desperately sad for this dog I could not save.

Besides Max.. I was also very involved in animal rescue--now I am not even sure I want to continue. How do I know that the dog I swear is a good one will not bite the child of the person who adopts it.

Sorry to go on and on, but I am very confused.

-- posted by Maryann28

Top 13. Dec 24, 2002 12:49 PM

» antiqueBuck - Re: shelter dogs

In response to message posted by eileenmin:

It's sad that one would assume aggression in a dog simply based on the breed. This is old AKC thinking that is inherently wrong. I have a German Shepherd and Coyote mix who is one of the sweetest and smartest animals you could imagine. She's protective of the house and us (we know when someone comes up our walk or drives in the driveway) but she loves to meet new people and gets very excited over new people, especially children. She spends 90% of her time on my lap and laying next to me while I'm reading.

Our second dog is a chow/rotti mix. This is the most serene animal you could hope to find. He's cuddly and soft like a chow with Rotti features. He's also extremely loving and is very good with children... especially toddlers whom he allows to grab onto his fur to steady themselves and "walks" them around the house.

Our last rescue is a Sherpherd Chow mix who is loveable and sweet. We call him "Gabriel of a 1000 kisses" because he loves to sit on your lap and give you kisses. He had a touch of aggression when we first took him in, but once he discovered that we loved him and he would not go hungry or be abused he settled in and made himself at home. He's now an integral part of our family and our cat's favorite playmate.

Many of the animals you find in shelters are not there because they're "in jail" but because they had terrible owners. Abuse, Neglect, and mistreatment can land a dog in a shelter. Instead of cruising the net looking at pictures, I'd suggest that you drag yourself from behind your desk and go meet the dogs before passing judgment on them. You might be surprised.

-- posted by antiqueBuck

Top 14. Dec 26, 2002 7:44 PM

» pitbulluva - Re: Re: Re: Re: Hi Joan...

Why must you profile pit bull mixes or rotties?
I am just very courious.

-- posted by pitbulluva

Top 15. Apr 5, 2003 8:05 PM

» doveinpain - Re: Shelter or Rescued Dogs

In response to message posted by LauraK58:

yes, the only way i would buy a purebred collie from a breeder is, they have to be responsible
breeders. health, temperment, then looks. i don't care how pretty a collie looks, if it isn't healthy physically or mentally, it is a sad dog.

i prefer to rescue. rescue from breeders who rescue and take back their collies when the situation doesn't work. all forms of rescue is what i feel i was put here for.

i am not educated enough to breed (genetics and all), and i am not able to train and work show dogs. so i have been happlily loved and owned by so many rescued collies. they are the best. ;)
only way for me to go.

i feel there is nothing wrong with the rescued dogs except a bad breeder or a dumb buyer. all
my rescues have actually rescued me. they are so sensitive and smart, and loving and loyal, i am a happy rescuer.

JMHO
xoxoxoxo
wolfie's mom,
mel/CA

-- posted by doveinpain