Frustrated

[Discussing Labradoodles & Goldendoodles]

Can someone please explain why there are so many beautiful doodles with wonderful temperaments that are turned over to IDOG and the DRC?  How is it that people "finally" realize after 3 or 4 years that their doodles are too energetic or require too much attention?  Are most of these dogs relinquished by first-time dog owners?

http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/16250140 

She sounds like an absolute angel as do all of the dogs listed.  Don't people realize that golden retrievers, lab (and poodles) are sporting dogs that have high-energy needs?  Sometimes I think people buy doodles because they want a dog that looks like a teddy bear, that doesn't shed and that does whatever you tell it to do... maybe they should buy a stuffed animal instead.  Sorry to rant, but it is so frustrating to see all of these wonderful dogs thrown out by their families.  Thank goodness for the DRC and all of the wonderful volunteers that can give these wonderful dogs a second chance.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I have told the son who would be in charge of finances about a sum of money to set aside for the dogs' care. There would be enough so that if he or his brother had to move, hire a dog walker, have day care, or pay for dog health issues it would be feasible. That said, it's weird to have "children" whom you hope to outlive. Thinking about it, which I do from time to time, makes me sad.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

In my case, Jack would simply stay here at home with my daughter & grandson, and there would be money to hire someone to walk him, etc., while she's at work. If I was fortunate enough to actually have an empty nest, lol, I would speak with one of my kids, or with a trusted friend or relative, about Jack's future if something should happen to me. Putting your wishes in writing also helps. Even if there is no one who would be able to take your dog(s) into their own homes, you can at least make sure that someone you completely trust knows that a responsible & legitimate rescue group must be contacted.

[Denise & Hunter!!!]

You know its something that really does need to be seriously thought about. I have a story that is a perfect example of why......

My ex-mother-in-law had a dog, cockapoo maybe? Lasapoo? Something like that, small dog. My daughters were 4-1/2 and 19 months at the time. Ex-MIL passed away somewhat unexpected, no one in the family wanted to take her dog. My husband (at the time) and I decided to do what we "thought" was the "right thing" and take her dog. Even though we knew it was a commitment we had wanted to wait on until our girls were older. We were trying to be responsible dog owners making sure we had the time, patience, etc. and now here she was. The dog "Chippy" didn't adjust well, it was a very territorial dog, we tried everything because we felt sorry for her being taken out of her home, etc. We had her for about 3 months, some days she was fine, some days she wasn't - never had she been nippy or bit. I always made sure that the girls were supervised around her because I didn't want Chippy getting defensive or territorial around them and that they didn't bother her. One day my youngest, Kelsey, was at her little kids table eating a chicken nugget, the dog jumped up right into her face bit face her trying to get it, Kelsey scared tried to push the dog away, just human reaction, the dog bit her in the face again and on her arm twice, growling and snarling. I was in the kitchen watching in terror and this was in the dinnette area attached to the kitchen. It was absolutely horrible and I have never felt hate before. I called my nextdoor neighbor first to watch my older daughter while I took Kelsey to the hospital, her husband came and took Chippy away for me.

To this day I don't know where Chippy ended up, its a sad story all the way around but it really drives home the reason for finding someone to trust our beloved dogs with, and that every dog isn't right for every family no matter how hard you try.

[Adina P]

Just yesterday I was speaking with a colleague who has a 2.5 year old boxer who she is hoping to rehome. Apparently her hubby just lets this dog poop and pee in the house while she's at work. He doesn't seem to care, but it's driving her mad. She'd love to keep him but her husband won't help with the housetraining. Sad!

[Melissa & Porter]

Hmm--I'd be tempted to rehome the hubby ;-)

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

I just said in a previous post I should have done that too!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

How does the dog get to be 2.5 years old without being housetrained? Or is she away from home more hours than the dog can hold it?
I'm tempted to say I'd rehome the husband too, but some of the blame should fall on the wife, unless there are details I don't know. Lots of single people work full-time and have dogs; you hire someone to take the dog out if all else fails. If she really loved the dog & wanted to keep him, she's find someone other than the husband to see that the dog has a potty break during the day.
Although anyone who would just sit there and let a full grown boxer eliminate in their home rather than take him out probably deserves to be dumped. I hope this colleague is not planning to leave her husband in charge of any babies.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

DH and I both work full time, but had Peri housebroken by 4 months. We still switch off going home during lunch and our dogs are very well behaved in my opinion. There is no excuse for a 2 1/2 year old to not be housetrained.

[Adina P]

No he is AT home and would rather clean up after the dog than take him out regularly.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

My guess is he is not cleaning up correctly and thus the reason the dog keeps eliminating in the house!

[Melissa & Porter]

They need to buy a litter box or two then! In Porter's puppy kindergarten, there was a woman with a teeny tiny dog that went in a litter box.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Okay, is there anyone here who does not think a person who would prefer to clean up poop or pee inside their home from a full-grown boxer rather than take the dog outdoors is mentally ill?