Rescue Dog - What to do?

[AshleyFishy]

What I learned the hard way is don't get rescued anything. Alot of them come with issues, especially with rescued dogs and horses. I would return the dog and check around for a dog that is better adapted to your situation.

 

[Southern by choice]

Woodsie- as a trainer... fear biters are simply dangerous dogs. Regardless of size or breed. Unfortunately we are in a society that wants to rescue anything and everything. You have done a remarkable job especially with your male pyr... maybe not many here know his story but you really did! This is a different dog with a different set of issues. Nope not the dogs fault but truly that isn't the issue... ultimately the rescue society nor anyone else will be liable for his actions, but you will be. The environment IMO is not the most suitable given the situation and particularly his specific issues. Laws are getting very strict and much legislation is now incarcerating those that have dogs that main or kill. IMO there are way too many great dogs without mental issues that need good homes.

A particular dog I took in 25 years ago to "rehab" was an absolutely wonderful dog BUT was a man hater... for whatever reason... I was always with her and working on the issues.... one day a friend came to my house, the wooden heavy door was open and just the all glass storm door was closed. My MALE friend knocked on the door and she went through the glass door. Eventual progress was made, however she still needed to be in a home with excellent supervision with ALL strange males. The men in the family she was fine with.

 

[bonbean01]

Learned the hard way many years back when first hubby worked on weather tracking equipment in a remote fly in only Reservation....got a puppy since any puppies not taken were going to be killed...not the best move...even in my little fenced in area, males walking by thought taunting him and poking him with sticks was okay. Never got that fear of males out of him...he grew to be a large dog and with males, was very dangerous. He had to be put down when we moved back to civilization...not saying all Reserves are the same, but if your dog has come from one like the one I lived on for two extremely long years...this may be a permanent problem with your dog.

Your dog may be a huge liability to you...I would have to say...put the poor thing down...sounds cruel, but remember...a dog is an animal...not a human...and there are so many good dogs out there needing good homes. Our dog came close to attacking a little boy visiting my son...just not worth that risk!!!

 

[woodsie]

Well thanks guys, I really appreciate the support from people I respect. I am learning to be faithful to that little nagging voice that is telling you things are not okay but it sure helps when you have experienced input from others. Thank you.

A couple of things happened today that solified my decision... he was snarling and baring full face of teeth at my Pyrs through the fence, Pyrs were acting normal and not provoking anything, only thing I can think of is I was on the Pyr side of the fence. And then after I milked the cow and had the bucket on a bunch of haybales while I fed the pigs...Striker went around to jump up to get to the bucket (LOVES milk) and my husband waved his hands and said no which sent the dog into teeth, growls and cowering. Just too much work and risk for this mama.

We said our prayers for Striker, cried our tears and had a big family hug ....its certainly a hard decision but I definitely know it is the RIGHT one for us....and hubby said "no more rescues"

 

[Southern by choice]

 

[promiseacres]

U gave a good try.

 

[Pearce Pastures]

 

[Squirrelgirl88]

to you first.

BUT, please don't discount rescues, and rule all of them out. I just returned from the vet this very hour having my rescued lab put down. She was 13 years old and the best dog I've ever had. She came to us from a shelter that had adopted her out twice and she had been returned due to male issues and separation anxiety. The first week I had her she DESTROYED my house. My DH wanted to take her back and I told him no, someone had to love her.

DH learned to move slowly and talk to her before approaching, she learned he wasn't going to hurt her. She became our "guard dog". no one came in the house without her permission. She remained a little neurotic about being separated from me. I had to stop traveling for work, and no out of town trips. If I wasn't home every night she refused to eat and about had a nervous breakdown.

But rescuing her was the best thing we ever did. I love taking on the fight for the underdog. Your home may not have been the best place for this particular dog, but somewhere, someone could take them on and give them a good life.

I always believe a rescued animal is the best companion there is. They know what a gift you have given them.

Don't give up.

 

[Bossroo]

to you first.

BUT, please don't discount rescues, and rule all of them out. I just returned from the vet this very hour having my rescued lab put down. She was 13 years old and the best dog I've ever had. She came to us from a shelter that had adopted her out twice and she had been returned due to male issues and separation anxiety. The first week I had her she DESTROYED my house. My DH wanted to take her back and I told him no, someone had to love her.

DH learned to move slowly and talk to her before approaching, she learned he wasn't going to hurt her. She became our "guard dog". no one came in the house without her permission. She remained a little neurotic about being separated from me. I had to stop traveling for work, and no out of town trips. If I wasn't home every night she refused to eat and about had a nervous breakdown.

But rescuing her was the best thing we ever did. I love taking on the fight for the underdog. Your home may not have been the best place for this particular dog, but somewhere, someone could take them on and give them a good life.

I always believe a rescued animal is the best companion there is. They know what a gift you have given them.

Don't give up.

Just another example of a very expensive rescue situation ... $$$ to fix destroyed house, neurotic, severe limitation of adopter's movements, and going psyco. Why do these rescues allow a dog with serous issues be " adopted " out and NOT keep them and deal with the conseqenses themselves ? A type of mentality where they know what is best for "you" ( the collective you ), then let "you" pay for it. The new owner is often placed at great risk .

 

[AshleyFishy]

I lost 10 years of my life to the rescue I kept.

He couldn't be handled by anyone other than me or my hubby. We couldn't take vacations without worrying if we left out enough food and water. We couldn't take him anywhere without a muzzle. We couldn't have anyone over because he would go ballistic.

I'm not even counting all the money I lost with his medical bills over the years and training fees trying to fix him. Never again.

I'm not bending my life around an animal again.