Zug Zug Posted April 3, 2011 Share Posted April 3, 2011 My sister has a close friend with a six year old son. His Dad has just bought him a puppy for his birthday - a Bull Mastiff. The idea is for the kid to train the dog. They are enrolled in puppy classes. Due to start in 3 weeks. Honestly I could not think of a worse choice. Massive strong dog. Young boy who has never had a dog before. Father who doesn't even live there! My sister has offered to help out with the training, but I really think they should return the pup while it is still cute and has a chance of a new home. The mother doesn't want the dog, but feels she needs to keep it because it was a birthday present. I have no idea who bred it. They obviously either didn't ask the right questions, or weren't given honest answers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stripedsocks Posted April 3, 2011 Share Posted April 3, 2011 My sister has a close friend with a six year old son. His Dad has just bought him a puppy for his birthday - a Bull Mastiff. The idea is for the kid to train the dog. They are enrolled in puppy classes. Due to start in 3 weeks. Honestly I could not think of a worse choice. Massive strong dog. Young boy who has never had a dog before. Father who doesn't even live there! My sister has offered to help out with the training, but I really think they should return the pup while it is still cute and has a chance of a new home. The mother doesn't want the dog, but feels she needs to keep it because it was a birthday present. I have no idea who bred it. They obviously either didn't ask the right questions, or weren't given honest answers. I feel terrible for that boy and that dog. Talk about setting up a dog to fail. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GoldenGirl85 Posted April 3, 2011 Share Posted April 3, 2011 Most dog clubs wont let a child under 10 or 12 be a dogs handler, perhaps they need to be told this because at this rate the dog will be 4 or 6 before its owner can actually take it to a class Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted April 3, 2011 Share Posted April 3, 2011 A 6 year old! Gosh .. in a short time teh dog will be large enough to knock him over , at the least Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aussielover Posted April 3, 2011 Share Posted April 3, 2011 My sister has a close friend with a six year old son. His Dad has just bought him a puppy for his birthday - a Bull Mastiff. The idea is for the kid to train the dog. They are enrolled in puppy classes. Due to start in 3 weeks. Honestly I could not think of a worse choice. Massive strong dog. Young boy who has never had a dog before. Father who doesn't even live there! My sister has offered to help out with the training, but I really think they should return the pup while it is still cute and has a chance of a new home. The mother doesn't want the dog, but feels she needs to keep it because it was a birthday present. I have no idea who bred it. They obviously either didn't ask the right questions, or weren't given honest answers. A six year old is not old enough or responsible enough to look after and train a dog by themselves- no matter what breed! They should be strongly urged to return the dog especially as the mother doesn't want it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dogsrawesome Posted April 3, 2011 Share Posted April 3, 2011 i'm 18 and my mum still wont let me get a dog. That is far to much dog for a six year old i would say return it if they dont god knows what will happen when he gets bigger. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poodlefan Posted April 3, 2011 Share Posted April 3, 2011 What a joke. No trainer I know would dream of attempting to teach that combination. Sounds like a Dad on an ego trip to me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zug Zug Posted April 3, 2011 Author Share Posted April 3, 2011 I teach dog obedience to beginners. I have made very clear to my sister that we would never let a 6 year old train a dog - they just can't wield the kind of authority that is required. We do have a few 12 year olds etc., but to be honest they rarely have the patience and persistence required to train a dog. I always talk a lot to the parents and remind them they will be heavily involved in the training. I don't know the mother. But yes I have said very clearly I think they should return it. But they're apparently wanting to see how it goes. I don't think it will go well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dogsrawesome Posted April 3, 2011 Share Posted April 3, 2011 What a joke. No trainer I know would dream of attempting to teach that combination. Sounds like a Dad on an ego trip to me. agree Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kissindra Posted April 3, 2011 Share Posted April 3, 2011 Mum needs to tell Dad to take the dog back - you cannot expect someone to take on a pet if they do not want to and you cannot expect a 6year old to be able to control a large dog. She need not feel guilty if her son is upset, she need only tell him she understands he loves his puppy but that puppy has needs which can't be met at their house and so because we love puppy we will find him a home which is able to meet his needs. If she thinks they might be a suitable home for some other breed of dog or some other pet then that is up for negotiation but no way in hell should they keep a dog if the primary person in charge does not want it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zug Zug Posted April 3, 2011 Author Share Posted April 3, 2011 Poodlefan I agree - I suspect the Dad really wanted the dog for himself. But he doesn't live with them, so even that theory doesn't really add up in my mind. Could we be trying to apply too much logic? Perhaps the Dad is just an idiot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poodlefan Posted April 3, 2011 Share Posted April 3, 2011 Poodlefan I agree - I suspect the Dad really wanted the dog for himself. But he doesn't live with them, so even that theory doesn't really add up in my mind.Could we be trying to apply too much logic? Perhaps the Dad is just an idiot. Dad doesn't live with them? I bet Mum is thrilled NOT I don't think this sounds like a recipe for longevity unless Mum steps up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dogsrawesome Posted April 3, 2011 Share Posted April 3, 2011 Poodlefan I agree - I suspect the Dad really wanted the dog for himself. But he doesn't live with them, so even that theory doesn't really add up in my mind.Could we be trying to apply too much logic? Perhaps the Dad is just an idiot. Yep Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swizzlestick Posted April 3, 2011 Share Posted April 3, 2011 Not much else to say except Poor Mum, poor dog and poor kid. All I see is this ending in tears. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red Fox Posted April 3, 2011 Share Posted April 3, 2011 If the mother doesn't want the dog it should be returned - regardless of breed. Who will pay for the basic living costs associated with the dog? Vet care and food are not cheap for large breeds. Can they afford it? Or will the dog end up being resented because they "don't have time for it" "cant walk/train/handle/afford it" or "never wanted it anyway". Has the father considered this? Dogs are for adults willing to put in the work, not children as far as I'm concerned. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bully Posted April 3, 2011 Share Posted April 3, 2011 WTF A recipe for disaster, the Dad is an idiot Return the dog!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandra777 Posted April 3, 2011 Share Posted April 3, 2011 You might be lucky and dad is a complete idiot and the pup is actually a Pug Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shortstep Posted April 3, 2011 Share Posted April 3, 2011 (edited) Start with mental health consults all round. Edited April 3, 2011 by shortstep Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Curlybert Posted April 3, 2011 Share Posted April 3, 2011 What a dopey dad. Perhaps you could mention that when you canvassed this issue with a wide range of acquaintances, all of whom have some knowledge of dogs, there was unanimous agreement that it was a foolish and inappropriate purchase and the dog should be returned to the breeder. I think the boy's mother shold take this initiative hersellf, regardless of the ex's views. The nerve of him. Very sad for the child but his father is clearly a short-sighted idiot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Ams Posted April 3, 2011 Share Posted April 3, 2011 Maybe Dad is hoping for an edge back into the family and by giving a dog which clearly will require him to assist in the training gives him the opening to spend more time back with the family. All wrong reasons still. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now