Would You Adopt A Dog From A Shelter If You Could Not Get A Purebred D

[Perry's Mum]

If the people producing these had nowhere to dump them, they might think again before letting another litter be born.

This isn't true. Before there were shelters - unwanted puppies were routinely drowned.

Perry's mum - I'm not sure I'm ready for a new puppy yet. I haven't got the mechanics and timing for training the dog I've got. When she reliably goes around the excellent course without stopping to say hi to the judge, and recalls more reliably then I will get a puppy. Tho one way of dealing with my dog not working - would be to train the puppy instead... But there is an Agility SA facebook page you could post a message there to see if anyone is interested. If the post is not ok - it will get removed.

Thank you for that.

[Her Majesty Dogmad]

I've had a "rescue" dog (not really a rescue, he was cared for but just part of a pack with not a lot of human one-on-one, farm dogs) for about 4 years now and I'm over it. He's timid, pack-bound (my horses are kept where I got him from so when I deal with them he would rather be with his 'pack' than with me ), scared of freaking everything, took ages to warm up to new people, is scared of non-border collies/kelpies - even scared of the Aussie shepherds he doesn't know! Luckily he's not aggressive and is good with little children (even when they fall on him!).

He's a bit of a pain to look after though. He barely eats enough even when I try to feed him twice a day and I'm not a sardine factory (he eats them no worries) so he's skinny (people love pointing that out). He will not be kept in a pen. He'll chew his way out. He'll jump huge fences or keep trying. He's even slipped a collar while tied up IN a yard then squeezed through a fence, the collar was stuck on the fence. So on holidays basically the only place we can leave him is where his pack is. *sigh*

Also a few weeks ago he ran off and eventually (after looking for him most of the morning) found him chasing sheep. Stupid dog actually managed to get the poor sheep down (puppy was following, but because it looked fun, definitely not the perpetrator, super pissed off that they ended up out of pens/off chains at the same time, but I hadn't emphasised it to the husband enough). Basically I'm at the stage where I'm over dealing with a dog that you have to be SO on top of it with management and everything. I've put so much time into this dog and he's still a total pain. The sheep thing was really the last straw for me.

TL;DR - not getting a 'rescue' or adult or 'rehomed' dog again because they have too many issues. But I voted that I'd get a dog from a breed rescue (that's what I read rescue group as?) but as young as possible. Or I'd just wait. And dream. And probably get rich

I don't want someone else's seconds.

The puppy is absolutely awesome. Hopefully he doesn't still think that chasing sheep is fun, I think I scared him heaps when I was going bonkers at them but other than that he's perfect. Great to handle, awesome tough temperament, looks gorgeous, socialised with other dogs, great with kids (brought up with little kids so LOVES them)....just a nice easy blank slate! Definitely going there again.

If you were having so much trouble with the first dog (who sounds like he needed some expertise), I'm not sure why you'd then get a puppy? It is bound to lead to double trouble.

As for looking on pound or rescue dogs as other people's "seconds", I hope you don't ever get divorced. :)

Edited December 31, 2013 by dogmad

[Steph M]

I quite love our sloppy seconds. She's work for sure, but worth it. Not everyone's cup of tea, which is lucky cause she ended up here :)

[BlaznHotAussies]

I've had a "rescue" dog (not really a rescue, he was cared for but just part of a pack with not a lot of human one-on-one, farm dogs) for about 4 years now and I'm over it. He's timid, pack-bound (my horses are kept where I got him from so when I deal with them he would rather be with his 'pack' than with me ), scared of freaking everything, took ages to warm up to new people, is scared of non-border collies/kelpies - even scared of the Aussie shepherds he doesn't know! Luckily he's not aggressive and is good with little children (even when they fall on him!).

He's a bit of a pain to look after though. He barely eats enough even when I try to feed him twice a day and I'm not a sardine factory (he eats them no worries) so he's skinny (people love pointing that out). He will not be kept in a pen. He'll chew his way out. He'll jump huge fences or keep trying. He's even slipped a collar while tied up IN a yard then squeezed through a fence, the collar was stuck on the fence. So on holidays basically the only place we can leave him is where his pack is. *sigh*

Also a few weeks ago he ran off and eventually (after looking for him most of the morning) found him chasing sheep. Stupid dog actually managed to get the poor sheep down (puppy was following, but because it looked fun, definitely not the perpetrator, super pissed off that they ended up out of pens/off chains at the same time, but I hadn't emphasised it to the husband enough). Basically I'm at the stage where I'm over dealing with a dog that you have to be SO on top of it with management and everything. I've put so much time into this dog and he's still a total pain. The sheep thing was really the last straw for me.

TL;DR - not getting a 'rescue' or adult or 'rehomed' dog again because they have too many issues. But I voted that I'd get a dog from a breed rescue (that's what I read rescue group as?) but as young as possible. Or I'd just wait. And dream. And probably get rich

I don't want someone else's seconds.

The puppy is absolutely awesome. Hopefully he doesn't still think that chasing sheep is fun, I think I scared him heaps when I was going bonkers at them but other than that he's perfect. Great to handle, awesome tough temperament, looks gorgeous, socialised with other dogs, great with kids (brought up with little kids so LOVES them)....just a nice easy blank slate! Definitely going there again.

If you were having so much trouble with the first dog (who sounds like he needed some expertise), I'm not sure why you'd then get a puppy? It is bound to lead to double trouble.

As for looking on pound or rescue dogs as other people's "seconds", I hope you don't ever get divorced. :)

Well the puppy didn't come with issues. I'm keeping them separated as much as possible so the older dog can't teach him bad things. I have help from the breeder too (we live on the same farm). Puppy has his own pen, dog has a chain (because he gnawed/jumped out of the pen the puppy is in because he's just ridiculous). Yes there is a lot of resentment! Tis frustrating when you try do everything right and ask for help and nothing works.

Since having a dud for a 'rescue' dog well I really do consider him someone's seconds. Nobody else wanted him, and now I know why!! I'd probably rescue a small dog one day because I have a soft spot for the little ones.

[tdierikx]

So how many rescues have you had experience with Scootaloo? You can't seriously be advocating that ALL rescue dogs are "broken" just because you ended up with one that seems to be just that?

From my experience with literally hundreds of rescue dogs and pups, I can honestly say that there are a very small number of them that are "broken" in any way... and most reputable rescues won't rehome "broken" dogs...

T.

[BlaznHotAussies]

So how many rescues have you had experience with Scootaloo? You can't seriously be advocating that ALL rescue dogs are "broken" just because you ended up with one that seems to be just that?

From my experience with literally hundreds of rescue dogs and pups, I can honestly say that there are a very small number of them that are "broken" in any way... and most reputable rescues won't rehome "broken" dogs...

T.

He's the only one, but it's put me off getting any more. I'm not saying they're all broken, just that I personally wouldn't want to deal with it again. Just because I don't want to have another dog with escapist tendencies and timidness and other things. If it's not fun, there's no point.

I *might* go through somewhere that screens them carefully, but I prefer purebreds anyway that you can get as a puppy then you know it's parents are tested, make sure they have nice temperaments that you can get along with (i.e. before I even knew about my puppy I was playing around on the grass one afternoon with his mum and may have fallen in love with the breed), all the stuff that you can do to make sure you're going to love your dog.

It's just my opinion, I'm a bit of a breed snob perhaps, but really I love any well-behaved dog that's fun to play with and/or cuddly.

[tdierikx]

There are also well bred purebreeds in rescue... believe it or not... *grin*

Not all dogs become homeless due to issues they have developed...

It's like believing all the hype generated about purebreeds after watching that stupid "Purebreeds Exposed" thing... we all know that the examples shown in that video aren't representative of large numbers of the breeds portrayed, yes? Well, it's the same with rescues - the majority are really wonderful dogs that are the apple of their new family's eyes.

T.

[CHA]

I LOVE my rescue dogs and will only ever rescue from now on. Both came from the pound at separate times - they both took a bit of work to get them settled in but once settled have been wonderful dogs and I must say the dogs that have left their mark the most on our hearts.

I've had BYB - best dog in the whole world! Pet Shop - lovely boys but will never do it again, Registered Breeder - gorgeous but a bit mental, dog pound - bit of work but worth every minute.

[Trisven13]

You know what guys - whilst NOT all rescue dogs have issues, why is it so unbelievable that someone has one with issues??? And Nic B you were bloody rude, regardless of your personal opinion. :mad Disgraceful behaviour from someone I thought better of.

[tdierikx]

I'm not doubting that Scootaloo has a rescue dog with issues...

What I am defending is the fact that the MAJORITY of rescues are NOT "broken" in any way, shape, or form.

T.

[Simply Grand]

You know what guys - whilst NOT all rescue dogs have issues, why is it so unbelievable that someone has one with issues??? And Nic B you were bloody rude, regardless of your personal opinion. :mad Disgraceful behaviour from someone I thought better of.

Your kidding?! Who said rescue dogs are perfect, humans are not perfect.

Have you read the post? I am sick of idiots and trolls.

Agree with Tris, there are some dogs out there that are really difficult and unpleasant to live with. That's why responsible shelters and rescues sometimes have to make the decision to euthanase for the good of the community AND the dog at the end of the day. The dog in question is clearly not having a happy, settled and secure life.

I don't like that blame is focused on the dog as it is not the dog's fault at all, it's the people who have made decisions that don't seem to be in his best interest, but really, your comment was pretty horrible.

Edited December 31, 2013 by Simply Grand

[Nic.B]

You know what guys - whilst NOT all rescue dogs have issues, why is it so unbelievable that someone has one with issues??? And Nic B you were bloody rude, regardless of your personal opinion. :mad Disgraceful behaviour from someone I thought better of.

Your kidding?! Who said rescue dogs are perfect, humans are not perfect.

Have you read the post? I am sick of idiots and trolls.

Agree with Tris, there are some dogs out there that are really difficult and unpleasant to live with. That's why responsible shelters and rescues sometimes have to make the decision to euthanase for the good of the community AND the dog at the end of the day. The dog in question is clearly not having a happy, settled and secure life.

I don't like that blame is focused on the dog as it is not the dog's fault at all, it's the people who have made decisions that don't seem to be in his best interest, but really, your comment was pretty horrible.

The "dog" in question has not had another soul look at him let alone an experinced trainer/ behaviourist, why would you even consider pts?

Edited December 31, 2013 by Nic.B

[Simply Grand]

Why is dog in " "?

And I didn't actually say this dog should be pts, I said sometimes shelters and rescues have to make that tough decision.

Also, in this case the dog appears to have not been socialised with anything other than his own pack of dogs during critical periods as a puppy and youngster, which can be very hard to overcome, and has now spent 4 years in a home where his issues have not improved.

Of course I would not say the dog should be pts without a knowledgable assessment but I don't think it's unreasonable to consider the possibility that pts may be in the best interest of the dog -THIS IS NOT ADVICE, JUST AN OPINION BASED ON LIMITED INFORMATION.

And btw, the point of my post was actually how rude you were, whatever your opinions that's not justified.

Edited December 31, 2013 by Simply Grand

[cali]

rescues certainly do have issues sometimes, Gypsy had social issues outdoors because our shelter has a ridiculous rule that puppies under 6 months are not allowed outdoors..ever. I adopted her at 6 months so she spent critical periods never being exposed to anything outdoors.as such she was a wonderful friendly dog...inside...and an aggressive biter outside. she's good now tho. Paisley had been abused, when she entered the rescue she collpased and pee'd everytime anyone looked at her the "wrong" way. she is also doing extremely well now. I am fine working with issuesm that said, I cant stand breeder puppies being called "blank slates" if a puppy was a blank slate then breed and breeder would be of no importance, we all know that isn't true! doesn't matter how you raise a puppy, if the genetics behind it are not in line with your goals your still gonna have issues.

[Her Majesty Dogmad]

I'm not doubting that Scootaloo has a rescue dog with issues...

What I am defending is the fact that the MAJORITY of rescues are NOT "broken" in any way, shape, or form.

T.

Amen to this. However, if you get a dog that does have some issues, from what Scootaloo has written, nothing constructive has been done to help the dog behave better.

I met someone at a party on Boxing Day who told me that the best way of sorting out a dog that was badly behaved was to chain it up for a day. I said I am really the wrong person to tell that too - he said that's what we did on the farm, they soon learned ...

What I'd like to think Scootaloo was going to do was as Nic B stated, call in a behaviouralist or expert that can assess the dog.

It sounds to me like the dog is really in the wrong home - as can happen, I don't deny it but it sounds like the poor creature got out of the frying pan into the fire and nothing is being done to fix it - it leaves everyone unhappy then, dog AND owner(s).

[mixeduppup]

The pedigree dog I own here, bred by a very well known and respected kelpie stud has way more issues than my rescue dogs. She has had them since she first arrived (8 weeks old) and even though they've gotten better they've definitely not gone away. I believe it's the individual dog and not whether it is a rescue or not (a lot of the time anyway)

[BlaznHotAussies]

Whoops, shouldn't have posted and left this... Thanks Simply Grand and Trisven and tdierikx for being more understanding

Ok, in my post I was frustrated with him because I'm at the end of my rope, even the guy who bred him admits the dog is difficult and that I've done a good job with him despite this. There has been progress, such as me actually socialising him as a 3yo by taking him to football in town and going places in the car with me and things like that. He was super timid when I first got him, wouldn't even come up to visitors. Now he'll go up to people and is pretty affectionate and goes up to most people.

I've had help from experienced people, not actual certified professional behaviourists, but one has worked in rescue and has owned many different breeds of dogs and has been helping me and I've also had help from the actual 'breeder' of the dog (well he was bred on the farm. Another thing, the rest of his litter was put down because they had terrible temperaments too.).

Basically I've told my husband that he's his dog now, because he doesn't want to rehome or pts and I think we might look into a boundary collar so he doesn't have to be tied up a fair bit of the time.

I think the biggest thing I've done wrong is get a dog that has a temperament that doesn't suit me. I think when I get frustrated it makes him retreat a lot, but even though I try not to show it most of the time he can tell, or guess. I don't know. He's either really dumb or waaaayyy too smart and either way, it's not a fun personality mix.

Cali I just saw your comment. I think what my version of blank slate is, is basically a dog that's had the early stuff done and is ready for the owner to get it used to new house rules. I don't really know any more. I just call it that because if it hasn't had crappy socialisation and crappy breeding it's usually already on the right track.

Anyway. I think I've gotten off on the wrong foot here and probably shouldn't even post this because it's probably just more ammo. Oh well.

Oh. Again. I wasn't trying to say that all rescues are broken, it's just I'd rather go with a puppy so that I have more input/knowledge of it's parents, upbringing, breeding, etc. I know there are purebreds in rescue but even then I prefer having a dog from a puppy. I don't know why that opinion is so completely unpopular. Maybe I'd get a rescue dog with no issues. But I'd want to make absolutely sure it has no issues.

Also I think people have funny ideas about farms. The livestock are really what comes first, that's where the money comes from and there are not many places money comes from. The dogs also are very important because they look after the livestock, so as you can imagine, if a dog is going and chasing livestock it's not exactly going to be very popular or desired, and that's where I'm coming from a fair bit also.

Dogmad, I'm a bit sad that you think nothing constructive has been done to help the dog. I've spent a lot of time on this dog just taking him places and going on walks when we were in the city and training and taking him around the farm with me when I can because I want the company and enjoy taking the dog around. I've done my absolute best. It's a bit of a kick in the guts when you've done so much for a dog and taken it everywhere you possibly can and trained it and it ditches you as soon as you take your eyes off it and there's a distraction. He'll even run away and if I call him (or whistle for him), he'll look back at me and run away faster. It's just a wtf moment because you don't know where it's come from.

Edited December 31, 2013 by Scootaloo

[BlaznHotAussies]

The pedigree dog I own here, bred by a very well known and respected kelpie stud has way more issues than my rescue dogs. She has had them since she first arrived (8 weeks old) and even though they've gotten better they've definitely not gone away. I believe it's the individual dog and not whether it is a rescue or not (a lot of the time anyway)

That's a good point :) thanks for the perspective.

[Rosetta]

Behaviourists can't always fix things - they are not some magical solution. I have spent plenty of money on behaviourists - which many (actually most) people would not do and the problem has not been improved. I think some understanding that some adopted dogs can't be fixed would be more realistic. I know quite a few people with adopted dogs and many have some sort of problem. Not saying I would not do it again but definitely would go through a rescue with the dog in a foster home and a trial period.

[cali]

scootaloo I totally respect your opinion and obviously your entitled to your choices! my main point is just that you can never be "absolutely sure" you won't have issues, all you can do is try to stack the deck in your favor and hope for the best. personally I recommend not limiting yourself artificially, you could be missing out! certainly look for what you want, but if something comes up that doesn't fit your "mold" dont turn a blind eye because it doesn't fit, not saying you would, just a general thing lol. had I turned away Paisley because she is not the small black and white border collie I was looking for, I would have been seriously missing out! iv never had any desire for an Aussie, I have never even liked them, but when she was "inserted" into my BC search it was just to perfect to dismiss based on artificial limitations, the rest of my family was wary too, she was not what anyone wanted...but she could not be more perfect for us. I dont think hard and fast limitations are ever the answer!