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.

[Amanda and Quinn]

I was just looking at him on Petfinder yesterday! He is SO cute. Can't wait to hear more about how things go.

[Deb, Connor & Simon]

So glad this doodle is with you Karen.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Off line for a few hours and you're off picking up a doodle. Lucky boy. I just don't get how easily people give up or never even try. Why get a dog to begin with if you're not willing to do a little work. Glad things are looking good so far! This one may be a keeper, I know you'll say no but.....

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I'll tell you, if there was ever one that I would keep, this would be him. I've been feeling the way I felt the first time I saw Jack sitting in his cage at the shelter. But I'm not keeping him. This is completely the wrong place for him.
I already have a wonderful preapproved home in line for him, lol.

[Carole (*Koda*Monty*Bindi)]

That's wonderful Karen....so glad he has a family waiting for him.

[Donna K & Quincy]

I'm so glad this puppy found his way to you and JD. My heart just melted when I saw the pictures of Mackie, he is the same age as Quincy and could be his twin. DH even asked where he was and if we could fly him to Newfoundland. I was trying to figure a way to doodletrain to us. I am so glad you have a home waiting for him so now I can stop fretting about him. I know DRC doesn't adopt outside the US so maybe I'll have to move. :>)

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I'm not sure we don't adopt outside the U.S. I'll have to check on that.
There are a few people who would like me to put this guy in air cargo. Sure. He isn't confused enough, lol. After 7 weeks in that kennel, we are going to keep his paws on the ground for awhile.

[Donna K & Quincy]

I totally understand not wanting to put this precious baby on a plane, but I would certainly be interested in knowing if DRC does adopt outside the US. The reason I am thinking they don't is that most of the Petfinder posts state that they don't adopt outside the US, maybe this doesn't apply to DRC. I will have to check this out. I would imagine it is because they want to meet the adoptive families in person. I am looking forward to hearing more about this little boy. He is a very lucky doodle to have you for a foster mom.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Isn't Canada considered almost the United states? And some rules are meant to be broken. Seems to me that if the right dog came along near the border....well, dogs don't recognize borders do they?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Many private rescues will not adopt outside of their area, because they do require a home visit. The DRC does adopt out-of-state, and I feel fairly certain we would adopt to a Canadian home. We have gotten many applications from homes in Canda. I actually had an applicant for my foster Molly who was in Nova Scotia and wanted to fly to Portland and then drive here to Chicago...she had a big plan, lol. The problem is usually the distance, and of course we wnt to put these dogs through as few changes as possible. Given a choice between two equally good homes, one involving a half hour drive for the dog and one involving a long journey by bus or plane, most of us would choose the option that puts the least amount of stress on the dog. But we have flown dogs, when there was no suitable applicant in their area, and there is transport available in certain parts of the country as well.
But unless there is some legal issue with bringing a dog across the border in your car, I'm pretty sure Canadian applicants are considered.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I know the breeders ship across the border and people need only rabies certificates I think for older dogs. People do drive dogs across the border, too.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

GOOD MORNING KAREN!

Updates, please, maybe, if you have time ( oh geesh it is going to be busy for a few days), just seeing how things are this morning with Doodle and JD, and The Vet etc