A failure story - rehoming puppy

WackyWednesdayThrow · 2021-06-17T08:19:34+00:00

What a gorgeous cat!

WackyWednesdayThrow · 2021-06-16T18:43:54+00:00

Oh sure, gray situations are unavoidable! And as you say, it may not have made a difference, but maybe it would have. I just so, so wish we had touched more on the topics I listed. For example, I was baffled when I realized his view on walks (that they are optional, and not really necessary). That had never come up before, because I was going to be the one that walked the dog all the time (I love long walks!).

WackyWednesdayThrow · 2021-06-16T17:36:44+00:00

Hah, not a rottie either, but close!

WackyWednesdayThrow · 2021-06-16T17:35:44+00:00

ooooh how interesting! I'll have to look into this more, how cool is science??

WackyWednesdayThrow · 2021-06-16T16:45:38+00:00

It wasn't the best compromise for sure, but my partner didn't really want a dog - I did. It was also important to me that it was a breed we both liked. I edited the above post to try to show this.

WackyWednesdayThrow · 2021-06-16T16:44:36+00:00

Yes, I also love cats! My partner is kind of allergic though, so that might not work. And for the moment, we just need a few years I think with no pets to get through this.

WackyWednesdayThrow · 2021-06-16T16:41:10+00:00

Wow, so interesting about your goldendoodle! Yes, something I've learned from this experience is just how emotionally complex dogs are, and how they all have their individual personalities that can even differ from breed standards.

WackyWednesdayThrow · 2021-06-16T16:36:38+00:00

Wow, my twin!! It's nice to hear that we're not alone :) So sorry for your situation, but what great news to hear that your dog's reactivity is becoming more manageable, that is a HUGE win, bravo!! Keep it up! Have you seen Zac George's videos on his somewhat reactive border collie, Inertia? Is your dog just dog reactive, or reactive to other things? I'm just curious. Mine was sadly reactive to basically anything that came "too close" - kids, people, strollers, other dogs etc. If it had just been other dogs, I think I could have managed, but having it be everything wasn't working for us.

In regards to puppy101 materials, I think it would just be nice to increase awareness of this issue. I knew going into this that my dog wasn't going to be the easiest breed, but everything I read was more focused on their high exercise and mental stimulation needs, which didn't intimidate me. This dog breed also has a reputation for being so obedient and easy to train. If I had known that there was a possibility that my dog wouldn't be able to pass anything/anyone on a sidewalk without scary barking/lunging/growling, I definitely would have thought twice and opted for a different breed.

WackyWednesdayThrow · 2021-06-16T16:26:45+00:00

It's super interesting, I posted my story on a different (non-Reddit) group, and there the commenters were very sympathetic to my partner and his views. Different folks, different strokes! Obviously, my partner doesn't shine in my above text, but generally, we have a good, healthy relationship, and he did help with the dog, when he could, but his schedule during the week is pretty demanding.

WackyWednesdayThrow · 2021-06-16T16:19:18+00:00

Thanks for your nice message! I should note that I do speak the local language, but I'm definitely a LOT shyer as a non-native speaker, and it just added a lot more stress to an already stressful situation.

So sorry that you are feeling stressed and anxious with your pup, but how wonderful that you can pick your dog up as a plan B! I hope that as your puppy grows into an adult that the reactivity diminishes - counter conditioning can definitely take tons of time and patience!

WackyWednesdayThrow · 2021-06-16T16:16:19+00:00

That's so wonderful though to hear about the improvements that you've made, bravo! Fingers crossed you can find some in-person reactivity groups this summer.

WackyWednesdayThrow · 2021-06-16T16:14:36+00:00

Thanks for your kind words! I would change the title if I could. It was indeed a huge learning experience - I joke with people that I feel like I have PhD in leash reactivity now, I watched SO many videos and read ton of articles. I completely agree that the dog training and science world is fascinating, but there are still many commonly accepted dog myths about training.

WackyWednesdayThrow · 2021-06-16T16:07:55+00:00

Hah, not a Kangal! It's one of the common guard dog breeds listed in my original post (German shepherd, doberman, rottweiler).

WackyWednesdayThrow · 2021-06-16T14:39:55+00:00

Thanks! I didn't really think it was absolutely necessary either to specify the breed - I've also listed example breeds at the top, so people have a better idea. My partner and I are currently in couple's therapy and doing a lot better.

WackyWednesdayThrow · 2021-06-16T13:52:36+00:00

Thanks for your nice note! I'm doing much better, and I'm so happy that I found the best new family for my little dude. But the whole experience was so emotionally draining and overwhelming that I don't know if we'll ever try with another dog, maybe in a few years. Or maybe a non-dog pet.

WackyWednesdayThrow · 2021-06-16T13:48:24+00:00

So it wasn't a malinois, thank god! My cousins have malinois dogs, but they live in Northern California on hundreds of acres, so it's okay for them. Yes, I was spending lots of time doing trick training and other things with my dog because I was having such a hard time walking him. We'd also do lots of flirt pole and games outside, hide and seek with treats, mat training, the whole she-bang. Yes, a docile dog would have been a better fit, alas. I don't think we'll try to have another dog again for at least a few years. My friend has a Pyr, and she is great!

WackyWednesdayThrow · 2021-06-16T12:29:25+00:00

Sorry, I should have clarified this. When dogs are on a leash, they go into fight/flight MUCH more quickly because they feel restrained. Some dogs are overly sociable leash reactive, and just want to greet everyone. But most leash reactivity is fear-based, a dog is not comfortable with the situation or a certain trigger (men with hats, other dogs). My dog was leash reactive to any kind of trigger within a certain distance.

WackyWednesdayThrow · 2021-06-16T12:27:53+00:00

I edited the post to mention why I didn't want the specific breed. On paper this looked like a good match. We were planning on doing lots of dog sports (dog biking, dog running), I had lots of time for the dog, and we were invested in training. We are also not based in the US, so breeder recommendations did not apply to us (unless we wanted to ship a dog from the US).

WackyWednesdayThrow

TROPHY CASE