anyone want a beagle

[BadGirl]

Do you use a crate when you're unable to watch him? I asked before but don't think I got an answer. Any trainer will tell you it is much easier if you crate train. What training techniques have you tried with him? Also, since you are unable to train the dog why won't you consider a professional? Don't you use other professionals for things you're not proficiant at such as doctors, lawyers, electricians? It would be a great lesson to teach your daughter. That you don't give up on things that are difficult until you've exhausted every possibility.

I can't speak for the original poster, but if it were me, I would just cut my losses and let the dog go. A year has already been invested, and the dog still hadn't integrated itself into the household with appropriate behavior, and continues to tear stuff up and generally misbehave.

Maybe she doesn't want to exhaust every possibility. I know I wouldn't.

 

[Cowgirl]

I can't speak for the original poster, but if it were me, I would just cut my losses and let the dog go. A year has already been invested, and the dog still hadn't integrated itself into the household with appropriate behavior, and continues to tear stuff up and generally misbehave.

Maybe she doesn't want to exhaust every possibility. I know I wouldn't.

Sorry, but I'm going to disagree with this statement. Not just speaking of this situation, it's the owner's job (not the dog's) to integrate the *dog* into the *household*. The dog is going to do what is allowed, and it's up to the human to mold and shape the dog into what's allowed and acceptable for that particular household.

I'm not saying every dog is a perfect match for every family, but in many cases it's the lack of work, time, finding the right training methods, etc on the owner's part.

 

[BadGirl]

Sorry, but I'm going to disagree with this statement. Not just speaking of this situation, it's the owner's job (not the dog's) to integrate the *dog* into the *household*. The dog is going to do what is allowed, and it's up to the human to mold and shape the dog into what's allowed and acceptable for that particular household.

I'm not saying every dog is a perfect match for every family, but in many cases it's the lack of work, time, finding the right training methods, etc on the owner's part.

You're absolutely right on all accounts.

My point, however, is that if I am unwilling or unable to "exhaust ALL possible methods" to mold a dog that is a good match for my family and household, I'll gladly give the dog up.

I took a chance in adopting a dog, saving it from likely death, tried to make it work in my own limited way, found that it wasn't a good match, then decided to move on. Don't fault me for that.

Of course, we're talking about a hypothetical situation, since I'll likely never get another dog again.

 

[Cowgirl]

Of course, we're talking about a hypothetical situation, since I'll likely never get another dog again.

 

[BadGirl]

Re-reading that, it sounds like "damn, it IS a good thing that she doesn't get another dog....she'll likely end up turning it in for kill if it doesn't act right."

Truth be told, I took in an abandoned dog for 17 years, and in that time, she because one of my best friends, until her death last year. My current dog I've had for 7 years, and he was a stray. I've just had my fill of dogs for awhile, and will absolutely enjoy not being tied to the house because of dogsitting issues.

 

[libby]

Do you use a crate when you're unable to watch him? I asked before but don't think I got an answer. Any trainer will tell you it is much easier if you crate train. What training techniques have you tried with him? Also, since you are unable to train the dog why won't you consider a professional? Don't you use other professionals for things you're not proficiant at such as doctors, lawyers, electricians? It would be a great lesson to teach your daughter. That you don't give up on things that are difficult until you've exhausted every possibility.

He does go into a crate at night, which is really the only time I'm "unable" to watch him. I just can't keep up with him.
As for a professional, well if someone has those means then great, but I already pay for piano lessons, horse riding, math tutor, ballet and...let's see, oh yeah, Ryken tuition. We just don't have what it takes to go on endlessly trying to find a solution for this dog; although don't get me wrong, I appreciate where you are coming from.
I have to go with BadGirl here, I'm not willing to exhaust all resources hoping that something will work itself out.

 

[cattitude]

Re-reading that, it sounds like "damn, it IS a good thing that she doesn't get another dog....she'll likely end up turning it in for kill if it doesn't act right."

Truth be told, I took in an abandoned dog for 17 years, and in that time, she because one of my best friends, until her death last year. My current dog I've had for 7 years, and he was a stray. I've just had my fill of dogs for awhile, and will absolutely enjoy not being tied to the house because of dogsitting issues.

I'm amazed you've held onto Bob for so long.

 

[Roxie04]

Amen! I've got to wonder if these people get as worked up over the "giving up"/ putting up for adoption babies that others do create because they had sex and didn't want to deal with the consequences. Or worse, do they think it's the "responsible" thing to do to rip the unborn baby out of it's mother's womb.
Come to think of it, can a pregnant dog or cat have an abortion? Why don't we hear animal rights activists screaming that that blessed procedure would take care of unwanted animals?I haven't looked into it, but somehow I get the feeling it's either illegal, or just not done.

They do want to take care of unwanted animals. It's called spaying and neutering. And yes, they do preach about it.

 

[frequentflier]

They do want to take care of unwanted animals. It's called spaying and neutering. And yes, they do preach about it.

As with humans, I do believe they can only do it safely up to a certain time in the animals pregnancy.

 

[itsbob]

I'm amazed you've held onto Bob for so long.

I made my donation to the youths in Asia like she told me too...

Anything to keep her happy!!

 

[Roxie04]

As with humans, I do believe they can only do it safely up to a certain time in the animals pregnancy.

It should be done before they ever get pregnant..........

 

[frequentflier]

It should be done before they ever get pregnant..........

I agree but in our case, we could not get ahold of her until after the seeds were planted.

 

[HouseCat]

:sigh:
this is why there are so many unwanted animals in shelters. Irresponsible people don't do research..then bail when an animal is doing what animals do. To commit to a pet and the abandon it is pretty low. I hope someone can take the dog before it ends up euthanized, another victim of human whim.

I get so sick of hearing this kind of crap from you self-righteous people who have NO idea what you're talking about.

You can do all the research you want on a breed, know everything, and still get a retarded, psychotic dog that doesn't behave as advertised or turns out to be some destructive, mutant chewer, or worse, Cujo. All spaniels are NOT the same. They don't come out of a mold!

Also, bad things happen to people where they can't take care of a pet. If they're taking measures to find the pet a home, you have NO right to say squat. It's none of your business in the first place HOW or WHY they fell on these circumstances. Either you can help, or not.. if not, MYOB.

Fact: You're not irresponsible if you get a dog and it doesn't work out. You are irresponsible if you leave the dog on the side of the road, or take it out to the woods and abandon it. THAT IS IRRESPONSIBILITY. Libby is taking measures to find the dog a home, KUDOS to her. Stop busting her and everyone else's chops. She's doing the right thing and shouldn't have to justify herself to anyone.

Fact #2: For you others, stop comparing your kids to pets. If you want to treat them like that, fine. Don't expect the rest of us to think like that. It digusts me that folks hold their pets a higher or equal priority to thier kids and try to push that train of thought on others. Sorry, but my dog is just that...a DOG. She gets fed, and loved, but she knows her rank. If for any reason, we fell on hard times and it came down to buying the dog a can of food, or my kid a sandwich...you'd better believe my kid would get fed first.
It doesn't mean I am insensitive or mean because I don't treat my dog as family. It just means I have different priorities than you, so deal with it.

Stop guilt tripping people into thinking that if they get a dog, they're supposed to keep it forever as if they were one of their kids. You speak about commitment as if she is marrying the dog!! Not everyone thinks like that and you're very shallow to expect this. How about showing a little diversity and accepting someone else's way of thinking for once? Or better yet...just agree to disagree and leave it at that. Calling someone irresponsible is stupid.

When you start guilt tripping people and attacking them because they are trying to find the dog a good home....you are doing something detrimental. People will be apt to abandon the dog, or leave it somewhere so they don't have to put up with the looks, and the whispering and the forum bashing. How about offering some encouragement, or help to find the dog a home instead of being negative!

Libby, I hope you don't let crap like this discourage you. Hold your ground.

 

[BadGirl]

I get so sick of hearing this kind of crap from you self-righteous people who have NO idea what you're talking about.

....

Libby, I hope you don't let crap like this discourage you. Hold your ground.

Amen, Sistah!

 

[cattitude]

I get so sick of hearing this kind of crap from you self-righteous people who have NO idea what you're talking about.

You can do all the research you want on a breed, know everything, and still get a retarded, psychotic dog that doesn't behave as advertised or turns out to be some destructive, mutant chewer, or worse, Cujo. All spaniels are NOT the same. They don't come out of a mold!

Also, bad things happen to people where they can't take care of a pet. If they're taking measures to find the pet a home, you have NO right to say squat. It's none of your business in the first place HOW or WHY they fell on these circumstances. Either you can help, or not.. if not, MYOB.

Fact: You're not irresponsible if you get a dog and it doesn't work out. You are irresponsible if you leave the dog on the side of the road, or take it out to the woods and abandon it. THAT IS IRRESPONSIBILITY. Libby is taking measures to find the dog a home, KUDOS to her. Stop busting her and everyone else's chops. She's doing the right thing and shouldn't have to justify herself to anyone.

Fact #2: For you others, stop comparing your kids to pets. If you want to treat them like that, fine. Don't expect the rest of us to think like that. It digusts me that folks hold their pets a higher or equal priority to thier kids and try to push that train of thought on others. Sorry, but my dog is just that...a DOG. She gets fed, and loved, but she knows her rank. If for any reason, we fell on hard times and it came down to buying the dog a can of food, or my kid a sandwich...you'd better believe my kid would get fed first.
It doesn't mean I am insensitive or mean because I don't treat my dog as family. It just means I have different priorities than you, so deal with it.

Stop guilt tripping people into thinking that if they get a dog, they're supposed to keep it forever as if they were one of their kids. You speak about commitment as if she is marrying the dog!! Not everyone thinks like that and you're very shallow to expect this. How about showing a little diversity and accepting someone else's way of thinking for once? Or better yet...just agree to disagree and leave it at that. Calling someone irresponsible is stupid.

When you start guilt tripping people and attacking them because they are trying to find the dog a good home....you are doing something detrimental. People will be apt to abandon the dog, or leave it somewhere so they don't have to put up with the looks, and the whispering and the forum bashing. How about offering some encouragement, or help to find the dog a home instead of being negative!

Libby, I hope you don't let crap like this discourage you. Hold your ground.

Good Lord.

 

[Cowgirl]

I get so sick of hearing this kind of crap

 

[tes218]

Fact #2: For you others, stop comparing your kids to pets. If you want to treat them like that, fine. Don't expect the rest of us to think like that. It digusts me that folks hold their pets a higher or equal priority to thier kids and try to push that train of thought on others. Sorry, but my dog is just that...a DOG. She gets fed, and loved, but she knows her rank.

How did you teach your dog its rank? Wasn't it through training? Letting it know what was exceptable behavior in your home?

Proper training, setting boundaries, proper discipline, praise are all things that make both, children and pets, a pleasure to be around. Eliminate any of these and you will have your hands full and constant frustration. Ever watch Super Nanny? Perfect examples of parents who don't know how to set limits and boundaries with the proper attention and praise when things are done correctly. Sorry not much difference in a 2-3 year old child and a young animal. Both think the world was created for their enjoyment.

Proper training does not have to cost a lot of money but it does involve committment and time. Not unlike raising a child.

I asked Libby about the training the dog has gotten and the techniques used in an effort to be helpful and maybe suggest something she hasn't tried. Of course it would only work if she was willing to put in the effort. After 1 year of dealing with behavioral issues it's not surprising she now wants to get rid of the dog. It's a shame help wasn't sought earlier on before frustration set in.

 

[libertytyranny]

I get so sick of hearing this kind of crap from you self-righteous people who have NO idea what you're talking about.

You can do all the research you want on a breed, know everything, and still get a retarded, psychotic dog that doesn't behave as advertised or turns out to be some destructive, mutant chewer, or worse, Cujo. All spaniels are NOT the same. They don't come out of a mold!

Also, bad things happen to people where they can't take care of a pet. If they're taking measures to find the pet a home, you have NO right to say squat. It's none of your business in the first place HOW or WHY they fell on these circumstances. Either you can help, or not.. if not, MYOB.

Fact: You're not irresponsible if you get a dog and it doesn't work out. You are irresponsible if you leave the dog on the side of the road, or take it out to the woods and abandon it. THAT IS IRRESPONSIBILITY. Libby is taking measures to find the dog a home, KUDOS to her. Stop busting her and everyone else's chops. She's doing the right thing and shouldn't have to justify herself to anyone.

Fact #2: For you others, stop comparing your kids to pets. If you want to treat them like that, fine. Don't expect the rest of us to think like that. It digusts me that folks hold their pets a higher or equal priority to thier kids and try to push that train of thought on others. Sorry, but my dog is just that...a DOG. She gets fed, and loved, but she knows her rank. If for any reason, we fell on hard times and it came down to buying the dog a can of food, or my kid a sandwich...you'd better believe my kid would get fed first.
It doesn't mean I am insensitive or mean because I don't treat my dog as family. It just means I have different priorities than you, so deal with it.

Stop guilt tripping people into thinking that if they get a dog, they're supposed to keep it forever as if they were one of their kids. You speak about commitment as if she is marrying the dog!! Not everyone thinks like that and you're very shallow to expect this. How about showing a little diversity and accepting someone else's way of thinking for once? Or better yet...just agree to disagree and leave it at that. Calling someone irresponsible is stupid.

When you start guilt tripping people and attacking them because they are trying to find the dog a good home....you are doing something detrimental. People will be apt to abandon the dog, or leave it somewhere so they don't have to put up with the looks, and the whispering and the forum bashing. How about offering some encouragement, or help to find the dog a home instead of being negative!

Libby, I hope you don't let crap like this discourage you. Hold your ground.

Interesting. I have no interest in argueing with you, but for fun I have a couple of things to say.

First research goes beyond the breed. If you don't know the animal's history and you have strict requirements, you should look elsewhere. But those two particular breeds are KNOWN for the things described, so the research didn't need to go farther. BUt, if it did rescues often have foster situations..and foster parents can tell you ALL about an animal. I still maintain it is irresponsible to get a pet without knowing precisely what you are getting into. If you dont know what you are getting into, it is not the pet for you. I took my guinea pig speed dating for goodness sakes, to ensure they wouldnt fight and nessecitate my returning the new one. You cannot expect the dog to change to fit into your life, so you must actively seek out a dog that you can fit into your life. See the difference?

Yes, things don't always work out. Yes, finding it a home rather than dumping it is the right thing to do. And yet I continue to maintain that this is the reason shelters are overrun with animals. Not the OP specifically (nor was that comment aimed at her specifically rather a comment on the state of affairs, but whatever) , as she is trying to rehome it rather than take it to the shelter. But the lackadaisical attitude that you seem to be promoting about owning an animal. No they are not people and should not be treated as such...but they are your responsibility. They depend on you and your commitment. If you are not prepared to commit to caring for it until the end of it's life, you shouldn't have one. If you want a pet with very little commitment, get a goldfish. Until then that attitude will continue to fill up roads with dead animals and shelters with unwanted pets.

 

[HouseCat]

Interesting. I have no interest in argueing with you, but for fun I have a couple of things to say.

First research goes beyond the breed. If you don't know the animal's history and you have strict requirements, you should look elsewhere. But those two particular breeds are KNOWN for the things described, so the research didn't need to go farther. BUt, if it did rescues often have foster situations..and foster parents can tell you ALL about an animal. I still maintain it is irresponsible to get a pet without knowing precisely what you are getting into. If you dont know what you are getting into, it is not the pet for you. I took my guinea pig speed dating for goodness sakes, to ensure they wouldnt fight and nessecitate my returning the new one. You cannot expect the dog to change to fit into your life, so you must actively seek out a dog that you can fit into your life. See the difference?

Yes, things don't always work out. Yes, finding it a home rather than dumping it is the right thing to do. And yet I continue to maintain that this is the reason shelters are overrun with animals. Not the OP specifically (nor was that comment aimed at her specifically rather a comment on the state of affairs, but whatever) , as she is trying to rehome it rather than take it to the shelter. But the lackadaisical attitude that you seem to be promoting about owning an animal. No they are not people and should not be treated as such...but they are your responsibility. They depend on you and your commitment. If you are not prepared to commit to caring for it until the end of it's life, you shouldn't have one. If you want a pet with very little commitment, get a goldfish. Until then that attitude will continue to fill up roads with dead animals and shelters with unwanted pets.

Ok, we disagree. I don't see how a focus of priority can be interpreted as lackadasial. There's no reason anyone should have to be miserable because their pet is ruining their house and life. Regardless of the reason.

I agree, they should exhaust all means and make an effort, (And ensure the pet is treated well in the meantime of course!) but if it isn't working, something has to give and they shouldn't be crucified for it. I don't understand why people think like that.

A lot of times, people can't learn these things without trying them first. I think pet ownership is one of those things... No matter how much you read, or hear from others, and interact with other pets, you really don't know what its like until you have your own pet. Some people adapt...others are too overwhelmed. It happens, and I don't feel like they should be looked down upon for trying to remedy their situation.

 

[Roxie04]

I think to many people make snap decisions about getting a dog. Oh, i want a dog, let's go rescue one from the shelter. You have to research the breed..no matter what kind. I read everything i could get my hands on and talked to alot of people for a year about the breed of dog i have before i got it. I now and have 2 and they are very different from each other. What works for one does not work for the other. But that is my responsibility to train her the right way and make it work. The puppy has come a long way since we got her. But i put alot of time into her and it made a difference. I would not trade her for anything.