Need Opinions On A Behavior

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Today I went to see an 18-month-old goldendoodle who has been sitting in a boarding/training facility for more than five weeks. He growled and snapped at some children while he was tethered in his home and at a soccer game, and the owner decided she couldn't take a chance on him biting a child, so she left him with the person who trained him when she first got him and has decided not to bring him home. I don't want to get into that too much, I have a specific question about a behavior I saw when I visited him today.

These trainers mainly work with pitbulls and other dogs with aggression issues, and they seem to fashion themselves after Cesar. They are all young and look very tough, with all kinds of piercings, etc. I know their appearance doesn't have anything to do with their training ability, but...when I have tried to talk to them about the dog's issues and how he would do with another dog in a home, I get things like "Well, my pack keeps him in line", and "any dog will try to establish himself as pack leader", that kind of thing.

Anyway, I was very surprised to see a dog who seemed somewhat fearful around the trainer. They let him out of his cage (it really was a cage) and he came right to me, very friendly. He was a big mush with me, kissing, very excited, very affectionate, a little mouthy but nothing at all resembling aggression. I was sitting on the floor with him when the trainer walked in. The dog moved very close to me. Then the trainer held out a prong collar attached to a leash and called the dog to him. The dog half climbed into my lap and peed on my leg...not much, more like submissive urination. I commented that I thought the dog had peed because he was afraid and the trainer and co-worker said, "Oh no, he does that all the time. He just gets excited."

I have talked to the owner twice and the trainer three times, and no one mentioned submissive peeing before. My question is, do you think this was a response to that trainer and the fact that he was trying to put a collar and leash on him, so the dog thinks he is going to have a training session, or do you believe this is just the way the dog is? My gut says these guys have been using some pretty harsh methods on this dog. That dog clearly did not want to go to this guy. Jack is always thrilled when he sees his leash. I know it's hard to tell from this, but if this is just something the dog does, a prospective owner would need to be told that.

I appreciate any thoughts any of you may have on this.

[Jacque Reynolds]

I just want to cry! Thank you, Karen, for your gentle heart. This baby will thrive in a good home.

[Leslie and Halas]

At least he's got a good life ahead of him now, thanks to you. Jackdoodle will have to show him the ropes, and help him learn how to live in a house again. Even his previous experience of living in a house, however brief, wasn't as good as he deserves. I'm sure he's going to feel so much better just getting the vet care he needed.

[Elizabeth & Cosmo]

Thank you, Karen, for your kindness! I am so happy for this doodle, because now he has you in his life!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Here's the sweet boy you've all helped by advising me.

[Jacque Reynolds]

He is GORGEOUS!!! Oh, I am so happy that he will now know love and gentleness...

[GBK]

Congratulations Karen, what an adorable, sweet boy you have adopted! Good luck with the introductions, can't wait to read of JD's first impressions :) You did the right thing and I am happy for all of you.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Oh, I'm not adopting him, lol. I'm fostering him. JD is still an only doodle!

[Carole (*Koda*Monty*Bindi)]

Karen is is beautiful! He reminds my husband and I so much of our Gaston. I can't wait to hear how he blossoms under your care. What a sweet boy.

[Linda and Murphy]

He is beautiful, Karen. So glad he is with you and JD.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

In his "sleeping" picture he looks like Murphy...only smaller. He really is a beautiful, perfect Dood. I just can't wait until tomorrow when he comes to his "temporary home" with you and Jack. He'll know what it's like to feel love and be safe. I'm anticipating some "heavy duty spoiling"...and that's exactly what he deserves. Give him lots of kisses and hugs from his "Aunt Jane" and his buddies Guinness & Murph. I'll be waiting for stories when you get him home tomorrow (JD may have a few stories of his own when he sees this "interloper"). I'm so happy that there's a "forever family" also waiting in the wings....this guy's bad times are OVER! Thank you Karen....you can sleep well tonight. You saved another one.

[Camilla and Darwin]

Oh my gosh, he is sooo adorable! That first picture just makes me want to cuddle him. Thank heavens he is with you and Jackdoodle now, I think it's obvious to everyone that situation was not a good one!

[Kyoko]

What a beautiful puppy..... So glad that he will be OK and will be well taken care of.....