Need a Solution for My Dog Situation

Updated on May 02, 2008
L.M. asks from Aurora, IL
4 answers

Let me start out by saying I take the responsibility of owning a pet very seriously. Having said that, I believe I have no other options. I have a 10 month old Golden Retriever/Yellow Lab. She is beautiful. I have had dogs my whole life and our Golden of 9 years passed away last year. The hole in my heart was so great that my husband easily convinced me 3 months after giving birth to our 3rd child that we should adopt! It was great at first. We put her in a very good training program. She responded wonderfully, except for the jumping up on people. She is very energetic! I am home all day with 6-8 kids and during nap time I sit with her and play everyday. She has a fenced in backyard she runs around in circles and loves it!
She has recently become increasingly difficult. She won't obey, all the training has gone out the window. The families I deal with are becoming very tired of the situation. The kids can't play in the backyard without being scratched or jumped on. She is not happy, we cannot live like this anymore. Our trainer believes the environment is too much for her and we sadly agree. My husband and I have decided to find a new home for her. We won't put her in a kennel, she is a wonderful dog, but she is too big for little kids and she needs more attention. I am afraid she will be passed from family to family. She deserves a good home where she will be loved.
Sorry to make this so long but this is such a hard decision that we have had sleepless nights thinking of our options.
My question, do any of you have any ideas on how we can find a good home for her? We have tried word of mouth with all our friends and I won't drop her off at a kennel. Any ideas would be appreciated.
I do agree I haven't given her the time to become a dog, she is still a puppy. But, I just don't have the time to give her, I am stretched too thin. I agree she will be a GREAT dog in a couple years but I am going crazy in the meantime. I can't keep up with the training with 8 little kids needing my attention also. It was a very bad decision to adopt and I am angry with myself and heartbroken to have to do this, especially since I KNOW 2 years from now she will be a wonderful pet!

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W.S.

answers from Chicago on

L.,

I feel for you. Have you tried enclosing part of your yard just for your dog? Like a big dog run area with a dog house and toys etc that your daycare children cannot access? And then let her out after your work day is through.

I had a border collie mix who was so energetic she would literally jump up to look in the kitchen window when she was in the backyard (and much more). Anyway I also did daycare at the time, and this worked for her since she felt like she had her own 'safe' place to be while the daycare kids were there but she could still see what was going on while they were outside playing, etc.

She mellowed into a wonderful dog after 2 years (you're right about that) and ended up being a great dog with the daycare children as well - she just needed to grow up a bit.

Anyway, please don't feel guilty if you find the right place for her and give her up - you can only take care of so many 'kids' ;-) And just think how badly you would feel if she got too excited and bit someone.

hugs,

W.

1 mom found this helpful
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C.

answers from Chicago on

You mentioned that you adopted the dog. You may have signed a contract that requires you to return the dog back to the group that you adopted it from so they can find another home for the dog. I would check with your local humane society or other adoption agencies. They may be able to help you find a good home for the dog. You can check petfinder.com to find a list of local agencies.

I think you are doing the right thing. I know it is hard to give up a dog but this does not sound like the right dog for your family.

1 mom found this helpful
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J.R.

answers from Chicago on

L.,

I think looking thru your vet is a great idea.

However, the mix of breeds your dog is, is typically WONDERFUL with kids.

I am sorry, I don't necessarily agree that you've given it time for the dog to become a 'dog' - she's still a puppy... persistent training will work, but she needs to grow up a little. I would take your dog in a heartbeat, but my husband is allergic. :'( I'm so sorry you will be getting rid of her. Good luck.

1 mom found this helpful
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S.M.

answers from Chicago on

Hi, I have been through this too with a large energetic dog and having 3 small children knocked around and scratched up. I went to the Pet Rescue for his breed and they were very nice people. In the end, though, our vet ended up finding him a new home. Good luck to you.

1 mom found this helpful
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