Puppy recommendation for a 6 year old?

[Cowgirl]

Then, using the rationalization others are using, why didn't you let the guy have the dog? Maybe it just didn't like certain cats and would have liked this one just fine.

You're not following.

 

[krazd_kat]

Are you sure "it" is who you think it is? Sounds like Nutsack to me.

Actually Nucklesack is usually more intelligent although the arguments definitely sound like him...

 

[vraiblonde]

You're not following.

Someone turns in a dog and says it's aggressive with children. Rescuer takes it home and has no problem with the dog being around children. That doesn't necessarily mean the dog didn't have a problem with the other children, it just means that these kids are different for whatever reason.

Rescuer has a dog that isn't good with their cats. Guy comes to get the dog, rescuer says they can't have it because the dog isn't good with cats. Maybe if the guy took the dog home, it would be fine with his cat. Maybe it was just the rescuer's cats the dog didn't like for whatever reason.

Follow?

 

[cattitude]

Then, using the rationalization others are using, why didn't you let the guy have the dog? Maybe it just didn't like certain cats and would have liked this one just fine.

You know that's silly. If we know there is a definite problem, cats..kids..etc. and we have witnessed it first hand (as is the case here), we do not take a chance.

I agree with thatguy - if someone has turned in an animal because it was aggressive or wasn't good with kids, the shelter/rescue should disclose that information and let the adoptee decide for themselves if they want to take the chance. Because I'm telling you, if I got a dog from a rescue and they knew the dog was aggressive toward children and didn't tell me, then the dog bit one of my kids, there would be one hell of a lawsuit.

I don't understand why you (or anyone else) thinks an animal's issues are not told to potential adopters.

We DO tell them...at least the rescue that I am associated with does (which is the same rescue most of us in this thread are with). Tri County also gives a complete history. It is beneficial to everyone involved to know as much about the dog that is possible and have that information provided to potential adopters. That is why the lengthy forms and home checks, etc. are a NECESSITY. We do not want the dogs to come back which defeats the whole purpose of the rescue really. We strive to make a good match.

Sure, you can go to Tri County (A SHELTER) or perhaps another rescue that has an easier adoption process but you have no idea of what you are getting or what will happen when you get the pet home. People choose to ignore bad habits and think they can just take the animal home and all will be well. This is often not the case. Just like human relationships, not everyone is a match.

I don't want to sound snotty...but until you have actually worked with a rescue, shelter or had decent experience with dogs (particularly), you really don't understand.

 

[vraiblonde]

I think thatguy has been reserved and not insulting in his comments here. Yet now you all have taken to insulting *him*.

Interesting.

 

[frequentflier]

Then, using the rationalization others are using, why didn't you let the guy have the dog? Maybe it just didn't like certain cats and would have liked this one just fine.

I agree with thatguy - if someone has turned in an animal because it was aggressive or wasn't good with kids, the shelter/rescue should disclose that information and let the adoptee decide for themselves if they want to take the chance. Because I'm telling you, if I got a dog from a rescue and they knew the dog was aggressive toward children and didn't tell me, then the dog bit one of my kids, there would be one hell of a lawsuit.

Every rescue I have dealt with has been totally honest with potential adoptees regarding the animals. In the case of the dog I was talking about, there is no way the dog was going to be placed in a home with cats. Period. They believed it had the ability to physically harm a cat if given the chance. He said the dog could change. So if the rescue said OK, let's give it a try and the dog attacked his cat, how would this man have felt? He would have been angry and blaming the rescue.

 

[Cowgirl]

Someone turns in a dog and says it's aggressive with children. Rescuer takes it home and has no problem with the dog being around children. That doesn't necessarily mean the dog didn't have a problem with the other children, it just means that these kids are different for whatever reason.

Rescuer has a dog that isn't good with their cats. Guy comes to get the dog, rescuer says they can't have it because the dog isn't good with cats. Maybe if the guy took the dog home, it would be fine with his cat. Maybe it was just the rescuer's cats the dog didn't like for whatever reason.

Follow?

Sounds to me like FrequentFlier saw that the dog was not good with cats. If the rescue actually SEES the dog do what the owner said, the obviously they know it won't work in a cat home. Or, if the previous owner said the dog wasn't good with kids, but the rescue tests it with children and the dog shows no issues, then they will adopt it to a home with kids (perhaps older kids, not toddlers) and disclose the information.

Follow?

 

[Cowgirl]

I think Vrai should just butt out because she's not a dog owner. She obviously can't understand dogs when she doesn't own one.

 

[krazd_kat]

Then, using the rationalization others are using, why didn't you let the guy have the dog? Maybe it just didn't like certain cats and would have liked this one just fine.

Most reputable groups DO NOT use that rationalization. We know our fosters and refuse to set them up for failure - so what that means is we usually get an earful because we are trying to keep their current pet safe and make sure we place our animals in the RIGHT HOME...

I agree with thatguy - if someone has turned in an animal because it was aggressive or wasn't good with kids, the shelter/rescue should disclose that information and let the adoptee decide for themselves if they want to take the chance. Because I'm telling you, if I got a dog from a rescue and they knew the dog was aggressive toward children and didn't tell me, then the dog bit one of my kids, there would be one hell of a lawsuit.

If you got that dog from a rescue and they intentionally DID NOT TELL YOU the dogs history, either what they have observed, or what they were told by the shelter or previous owner, the lawsuit will only make you feel good as they don't have anything to loose.

Those of us in rescue agree, everything that is known about an animal should be, and better be, disclosed to a potential adopter.

I have two cute ankle biters at my house, one was turned in as he "snapped" at kids, he was so covered in mats his feet didn't even touch the ground, it was mats, so... of course, I'm thinking his previous home life sucked due to neglect, when we take him to events he is great with kids, but I don't have kids so he isn't subjected to them all the time, so even though he might actually be okay with kids.... I WON'T adopt him to anyone with kids under 12. Yeah, I might be passing up some good homes, but I'm also guaranteeing that I won't get a call a week later telling me that he bit a kid...

The foster homes in our group, spend time with these dogs and KNOW them and because of that, we have a pretty good clue on where they should or shouldn't live. If we aren't comfortable with a situation in the potential home... well we always err on the side of caution by not adopting to them.

 

[happyappygirl]

I insist anyone i'm interviewing for a puppy brings the kids. if the kids are well behaved, the dog will be well managed. this is especially important in a working breed.

In doing it this way, I've only had to tell one family nope, no way no how.....the wife was mean to the kids AND the husband (right in front of ME) she was a screamer, the kids were all over the place. I couldn't WAIT for them to leave. She was was totally pizzed off because i told them i didn't think a Rott would do well in their home, they require consistent and FAIR discipline and socialization, which I didn't think they were prepared for, based on the way the kids were acting around my dogs. The guy contacted me a year later and thanked me for being so "blunt" he had dumped the wife.
Breeders can have an impact.

 

[remaxrealtor]

Most reputable groups DO NOT use that rationalization. We know our fosters and refuse to set them up for failure - so what that means is we usually get an earful because we are trying to keep their current pet safe and make sure we place our animals in the RIGHT HOME...

If you got that dog from a rescue and they intentionally DID NOT TELL YOU the dogs history, either what they have observed, or what they were told by the shelter or previous owner, the lawsuit will only make you feel good as they don't have anything to loose.

Those of us in rescue agree, everything that is known about an animal should be, and better be, disclosed to a potential adopter.

I have two cute ankle biters at my house, one was turned in as he "snapped" at kids, he was so covered in mats his feet didn't even touch the ground, it was mats, so... of course, I'm thinking his previous home life sucked due to neglect, when we take him to events he is great with kids, but I don't have kids so he isn't subjected to them all the time, so even though he might actually be okay with kids.... I WON'T adopt him to anyone with kids under 12. Yeah, I might be passing up some good homes, but I'm also guaranteeing that I won't get a call a week later telling me that he bit a kid...

The foster homes in our group, spend time with these dogs and KNOW them and because of that, we have a pretty good clue on where they should or shouldn't live. If we aren't comfortable with a situation in the potential home... well we always err on the side of caution by not adopting to them.

You guys do a fantastic job. Catt is right, if you haven't worked in this area, it is hard to understand. Believe me, the last thing they want to do is keep a foster in their home, denying that space for another animal that needs it.

 

[cattitude]

You guys do a fantastic job. Catt is right, if you haven't worked in this area, it is hard to understand. Believe me, the last thing they want to do is keep a foster in their home, denying that space for another animal that needs it.

And ANYONE who has ever taken one of my handraised kittens knows that I do not just place them with anyone. As good a friend that Vrai is, I grilled her over and over before I gave her one of my beloved kittens (Kiki).

 

[frequentflier]

Most reputable groups DO NOT use that rationalization. We know our fosters and refuse to set them up for failure - so what that means is we usually get an earful because we are trying to keep their current pet safe and make sure we place our animals in the RIGHT HOME...



If you got that dog from a rescue and they intentionally DID NOT TELL YOU the dogs history, either what they have observed, or what they were told by the shelter or previous owner, the lawsuit will only make you feel good as they don't have anything to loose.

Those of us in rescue agree, everything that is known about an animal should be, and better be, disclosed to a potential adopter.

I have two cute ankle biters at my house, one was turned in as he "snapped" at kids, he was so covered in mats his feet didn't even touch the ground, it was mats, so... of course, I'm thinking his previous home life sucked due to neglect, when we take him to events he is great with kids, but I don't have kids so he isn't subjected to them all the time, so even though he might actually be okay with kids.... I WON'T adopt him to anyone with kids under 12. Yeah, I might be passing up some good homes, but I'm also guaranteeing that I won't get a call a week later telling me that he bit a kid...

The foster homes in our group, spend time with these dogs and KNOW them and because of that, we have a pretty good clue on where they should or shouldn't live. If we aren't comfortable with a situation in the potential home... well we always err on the side of caution by not adopting to them.

Our Pepper was one huge mat when she found me. It took over 2 hours to shave her 30 lb body. The mats HURT. Having witnessed her dematting, I think a less experienced groomer would have been torn up by Pepper. Elke was gentle as could be and kept stopping to give Pepper a break.
My point being- that if I were a matted dog, I would probably take the hand off someone trying to touch me!

 

[vraiblonde]

And ANYONE who has ever taken one of my handraised kittens knows that I do not just place them with anyone. As good a friend that Vrai is, I grilled her over and over before I gave her one of my beloved kittens (Kiki).

And for all your worrywarting, Ms. Stinkertoes is perfectly fine. Even though I am deathly allergic to her, but that's not something that either of us would have anticipated.

However, you have placed cats with people who had to return them for whatever reason. (Which is why, frankly, I was at you for giving me the third degree when you let that effing kook Mousebaby just have Pugsley/Rascal.)

 

[thatguy]

You are such an intentional idiot. So since you are being so obtuse, please let us all know how many dogs you have, since you are claiming such extensive knowledge.

currently 3. one from a rescue, one from the pound, and a puppy i actually bought. The one from the ruscue(a local independant rescue) was represented as not having any issues, yet he bites every man he meets if he is not held back on a leash, and is aggresive towards other dogs not in his "pack"- we are working on that. The one from the pound was represented as having no problems, but she is a skeered aggressive, separation anxiety, and likes to bite people if they run by, again working on it, but these are things she has had her entire life and she is old. and the puppy, so far no real issues.


so you can see, i have some experience, and these aren't my first dogs. Addiditonally i understand that not all dogs are saints, and its not always 100% their fault when something happens. it has usually been mine for not paying close enough attention or being lazy.

that being said, i am bitter that neither the rescue (who had the dog for about a year and absolutely knew of the problems) didn't say anything, and find myself amazed when people who represent themselves as reponsible rescuers on here dismiss or justify aggressive behavior in dogs they have taken in and intend on releasing on the community.

 

[SouthernMdRocks]

currently 3. one from a rescue, one from the pound, and a puppy i actually bought. The one from the ruscue(a local independant rescue) was represented as not having any issues, yet he bites every man he meets if he is not held back on a leash, and is aggresive towards other dogs not in his "pack"- we are working on that. The one from the pound was represented as having no problems, but she is a skeered aggressive, separation anxiety, and likes to bite people if they run by, again working on it, but these are things she has had her entire life and she is old. and the puppy, so far no real issues.


so you can see, i have some experience, and these aren't my first dogs. Addiditonally i understand that not all dogs are saints, and its not always 100% their fault when something happens. it has usually been mine for not paying close enough attention or being lazy.

that being said, i am bitter that neither the rescue (who had the dog for about a year and absolutely knew of the problems) didn't say anything, and find myself amazed when people who represent themselves as reponsible rescuers on here dismiss or justify aggressive behavior in dogs they have taken in and intend on releasing on the community.

You are bitter..

 

[thatguy]

You are bitter..

thats right, and i am not afraid to confront people about them doing the same irresponsible thing that made me bitter, and has probably put plenty of folks, their children and their pets at unnecessary risk.

 

[SoMDGirl42]

thats right, and i am not afraid to confront people about them doing the same irresponsible thing that made me bitter, and has probably put plenty of folks, their children and their pets at unnecessary risk.

ever consider the fact the problem could be you? I'm just asking.

 

[krazd_kat]

currently 3. one from a rescue, one from the pound, and a puppy i actually bought. The one from the ruscue(a local independant rescue) was represented as not having any issues, yet he bites every man he meets if he is not held back on a leash, and is aggresive towards other dogs not in his "pack"- we are working on that. The one from the pound was represented as having no problems, but she is a skeered aggressive, separation anxiety, and likes to bite people if they run by, again working on it, but these are things she has had her entire life and she is old. and the puppy, so far no real issues.

Just remember it's not fair to lump all rescues into one group, especially if this was an independent rescuer - did you try to return the dog when you realized these were serious issues? Shelter dogs get evaluated, but that evaluation is ONLY a snap shot in time about how that dog behaves/reacts at that precise moment. They do not redo their testing unless someone specifically requests it and pushes for it. And depending on where/what shelter you got the dog from, not all shelters even do temperment testing due to lack of manpower and $$.

so you can see, i have some experience, and these aren't my first dogs. Addiditonally i understand that not all dogs are saints, and its not always 100% their fault when something happens. it has usually been mine for not paying close enough attention or being lazy.

At least you are honest enough to admit that, many people refuse to admit that they are the problem and if they do find out they are the problem, they refuse to take the time needed to readdress and retrain both the animal and themselves.

that being said, i am bitter that neither the rescue (who had the dog for about a year and absolutely knew of the problems) didn't say anything, and find myself amazed when people who represent themselves as reponsible rescuers on here dismiss or justify aggressive behavior in dogs they have taken in and intend on releasing on the community.

I will admit that when someone talks to me about an agressive dog that I will take it w/a grain of salt, until I can evaluate it. Too often the dog's issue is a people problem. IF I can save a dogs life by working with it and placing it in an appropriate home (breed knowledge, training knowledge), I will. But you can trust me that when I bring a dog into my home I push every button I can find to see where it's breaking point is if there is one. If there is a breaking point then it is unadoptable and if I can handle it, it will live it's life with me, otherwise I will humanely release it from it's demons.

You can look at our site and we have many different breeds of dogs both large and small but our group came together as we are all lovers of the dogs that most other groups don't want to help or can't. None of us believe a dog should die only because it happened to be born a certain breed.

Please don't judge every group because of a bad experience. Our group is hard to adopt from (many people have found that out on here...) and I will not apologize for that but our success rate is quite high and what few dogs have come back it isn't their problem, rather the adopter decided after a few days or weeks that THEY weren't ready for the responsibility.

 

[thatguy]

Just remember it's not fair to lump all rescues into one group, especially if this was an independent rescuer - did you try to return the dog when you realized these were serious issues? Shelter dogs get evaluated, but that evaluation is ONLY a snap shot in time about how that dog behaves/reacts at that precise moment. They do not redo their testing unless someone specifically requests it and pushes for it. And depending on where/what shelter you got the dog from, not all shelters even do temperment testing due to lack of manpower and $$.



At least you are honest enough to admit that, many people refuse to admit that they are the problem and if they do find out they are the problem, they refuse to take the time needed to readdress and retrain both the animal and themselves.



I will admit that when someone talks to me about an agressive dog that I will take it w/a grain of salt, until I can evaluate it. Too often the dog's issue is a people problem. IF I can save a dogs life by working with it and placing it in an appropriate home (breed knowledge, training knowledge), I will. But you can trust me that when I bring a dog into my home I push every button I can find to see where it's breaking point is if there is one. If there is a breaking point then it is unadoptable and if I can handle it, it will live it's life with me, otherwise I will humanely release it from it's demons.

You can look at our site and we have many different breeds of dogs both large and small but our group came together as we are all lovers of the dogs that most other groups don't want to help or can't. None of us believe a dog should die only because it happened to be born a certain breed.

Please don't judge every group because of a bad experience. Our group is hard to adopt from (many people have found that out on here...) and I will not apologize for that but our success rate is quite high and what few dogs have come back it isn't their problem, rather the adopter decided after a few days or weeks that THEY weren't ready for the responsibility.

i dont judge every group on my experience with one. but i do judge those on here who claim to be responsible rescuers and then defend a dogs aggression or shift the blame to the owner when a problem is disclosed.

and i have kept my pets because i fell capable of handling them. additionally neither of the "problem dogs" are of a size or temperment to do anyone any real harm. If i happen to be wrong i am ready to be completely responsible. It doesn't sound like some here are when they say "yeah if you sue you will not get anything cuz i am broke".

and i can tell you i gave up exactly 1 dog in my time. A really sweet staffordshire that i was given (long story) that would go from sweetest dog ever to killing anything other than me in about half a second. It was a tough decision, but i hope some niave rescuer didn't take her from the pound thinking i had exaggerated her temperment only to have one or more of their pets killed.