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.

[Frannie & Callie]

Can't imagine. Maybe the husband is pooping and peeing on the floor too, since he's OBVIOUSLY too lazy to walk all the way to the bathroom.

[Leslie and Halas]

Maybe it's all him, and he's just blaming the dog. I agree - there is something really wrong about someone who would rather live with that smell and mess inside instead of simply letting the dog outside.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Not I. I did have a thought the other day, and I think I saw something like this somewhere, of a toilet like device about the size of a small shower stall. The dog could go there and then the whole thing could be flushed clean. Probably would waste a lot of water though.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I really have to wonder if she and the husband ever even discussed ahead of time who was going to take responsibility for the dog. I think it's critically important that both partners are in agreement on who will do what before deciding to get a dog. That said, I'm thinking she might have bigger problems than just the husband not taking the dog out...this guy has some issues.

[2m42srv7vi6sq]

Here Here! I heartily agree!

[TrevorDoodle]

This past Saturday, I was at a PetSmart and a woman started talking to me about my doodle and commenting on how trained and cute he is. She went on to say that she wanted a goldendoodle for her next dog. Well, a
little further on in the conversation she said that she once had a mini poodle but had to put it down at 7 years old. She continued to tell me that after her son was born the dog became possessive of her and growled at her son. She said that she just couldn't give the dog away because if the dog bit someone later on she could be sued. (Whatever?) So she just had the dog put to sleep. Right after telling she killed her dog she said - "well, at least a got my baby out of it!" It's like once she had the baby - she didn't need/want the dog anymore - what a big jerk! UGH! I so wanted to tell her off - but really what was done was done - but I think she should not EVER be allowed to have another animal. How could she have killed a dog that lived with her for 7 YEARS! She could have trained it, gave it away, or sent it to a rescue group.

So, even though these people are surrendering the dogs IDOG and other groups at least they are giving the dogs a chance (unlike the woman above) to have a family that respects and appreciates that a dog is a living being with emotions. There are just way too many people who think dogs are disposable.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Wow - I don't get that at all. I could never live with myself.

[Leslie and Halas]

Some of the people that give up dogs are probably in the "just a dog" segment of the population. You know, people who hear about what we do with/for our doodles and then think or say, "Why do you do all of these things? He's just a dog." They are really missing out on the joys of having a dog. But thinking that it's just a dog must be what makes it possible for them to give the dogs up. But here's what I really don't get. Why would someone who thinks a dog is just a dog even get a dog to begin with? What's the point of having one if you're not going to welcome it into your home as a real part of the family? And do everything you possibly can to make sure it has the best life? I'm a little off the point here. I'm just irritated because someone I know is moving to a new house with lots of land, so they're talking about getting an outside dog. A dog to just live in the barn and hang out on the land. I asked why they even want a dog if that's what they're going to do with it. What's the point? OK. Sorry I got off-topic. Just needed to vent a little.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I would really like to hear the answer to your question, though, if you ever get one. I have been wondering about that since I first heard of "outside dogs", which was just within the last 2 or 3 years. I have never actually known anyone with an "outside dog", (I'm not talking about actual working dogs on working farms) and it is NOT a generational or cultural thing...my grandmother was born in 1895 in Europe, and when my mom was growing up, their dog lived in their house.

[Leslie and Halas]

I don't think I'll get an answer, but I really wanted her to think about it. I think it's good to ask yourself why you want a dog, just like we tell new DKers who are thinking about getting a doodle. Does she want it just so she can say they have a dog? Does she want it to do some kind of work on the land or with the horses? Does she want it just so the kids will stop asking for a dog? Or does she want it for the companionship and loyalty? I just don't think she wants a dog for the right reasons. Before I heard the part about keeping it outside, I told her to try breed-specific rescues if she had a breed in mind. But once I heard the outside thing, I said she wouldn't have much luck getting a dog from a good rescue if she said they were going to keep it outside. We'll see where it goes. I'm hoping she'll change her mind and won't even get a dog. OK.. Sorry - didn't mean to hijack the discussion. It's just that I hear her talking about it, and I just have a feeling that if they do get a dog, it will end up in rescue eventually, because they won't have carefully thought out what it means to have a dog. I guess that's why it kind of goes with this discussion. And it is frustrating, so it definitely goes with the title of this discussion.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Oh I think we could all get off on a tangent on this topic.

I have a friend (one of my best ones, actually) who has two dogs: a jack russell and a blue heeler, named Diece. Please don't ask me why she chose a heeler. Her DH did - he is the worst dog MAINLY because they never trained him. He is 2 years old and out of control. Now said friend is pregnant and they are transitioning him "outside" at night. I looked at her and told her she was crazy and that I didn't believe in "outside" dogs. I said "if you are that unhappy with them, you should contact a rescue organization who can find a family that can care for him". I made it known I don't agree with her....

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I hate it when I see those "outside" dogs. I don't see the point either. Either it is a member of the family and stays in the house or why bother getting a dog. Our neighbor has at least three beautiful dogs chained out in his yard all day and all night. I have called the Humane Shelter and they tell me he is within his rights because he provides shelter and food and water. I hate to drive by their house.