[lennie]

Okay, I really didn't know how to title this post but I have to vent.... Maybe some of you have experienced this before:

One of my friends from work who has worked with me for 20+ years got a puppy in February 06. She wanted one from my litter, but I was too high priced so she went to a roadside breeder and bought a female choc lab. Her and her husband and boys are SUPER involved in their kids sports, playing travel hockey and Lacrosse etc. Needless to say, they had no time for this puppy. (They had previously owned a lab, albeit a very laid back one, before they had kids.) Anyway since day one, she tells me what a terrible puppy/dog it is, no manners, barks in the crate and outside...you know....anyway she has constantly asked for advice but of course, NEVER takes it. Every other week, she says she has to take the dog to the pound...they did take it to a trainer for two weeks, hoping he would make her a "super" dog but of course, did not follow through on any of the training. Now the dog keeps blowing the invisable fence and she is in trouble with the neighbors.......You know what's next....."I have to get rid of this dog!
Well I am SO THANKFUL...she did not buy one of my pups, although I would never have sold her one because I knew all this ahead of time... :evil: Anyway, today I couldn't take it anymore and I told her "Yes, I think you should get rid of the dog, but I don't want to know about it or talk to you about it anymore". She wasn't mad, but I sure am! I guess I am just disappointed because I thought she was smarter than your average "impulse buyer" but I guess not.
I think she wants me to take the dog, but I already have my limit (4). For the dogs sake, do you think I should help her find an appropriate home, or just turn my back and seeth?

 

[Josh Conrad]

most people I know like that, usually go out and get ANOTHER DOG. Thinking "the puppy will have someone to play with" :shock:

I always try to help and give small advice, but rairly is it taken.

 

[Buzz]

Sorry for your (and the pup's) situation. I cannot understand how someone can get a dog and not view it as much a part of the family as everyone else in the home. They should put as much effort into the dog as they would one of their children...

 

[Paula H]

Too many folks out here in suburbia think that the dog completes the family picture - they don't realize the work and effort it takes. Too many folks are strung out from buying ridiculous mortgages, both parents working full time to cover double car payments (gotta drive the latest and greatest), having it all but not having any time to enjoy anything.

I try to talk them out of it, then refer them to reputable breeders. The dog "costs too much" so they get one out of the paper and then call me when it has problems. Sigh. :roll:

 

[MDbaydog]

If at all possible have her keep the dog until you can find a home for it. She will probably take it to the dog pound and it very well might find a good home depending on the pound and supply of dogs available for adoption. It would be just as easy for you to turn your back on the whole deal and let her due what ever with the dog and no one could blame you for doing that either because it"s not your problem and you did not create it. In the long run I think you will feel better about it cause i think you are concerned about the final outcome and she will probably tell you about it whether you want to hear it or not.


___________

Flip

 

[Julie R.]

Can you steer her toward a local Lab rescue group? Many of them have owner-surrender programs where the greatful owner pays a fee to have them take the dog (sort of guilt money) and then the rescue group fosters it and rehomes it. At least the pup has a better chance at finding a home than being dropped off at a shelter and you might point that out to her (if you are still talking). Unfortunately the scenario you painted is all too common with all the retriever breeds.

 

[msdaisey]

I feel for you and understand COMPLETELY!!!!

I rarely offer advice (even when asked) any more about anything dog related.

A friend (well educated) wanted a yellow female, I trained with a yellow NAFC who was often bred, know plenty of other folks who breed wonderful yellow litters, gave her a ton of help, etc.

She bought an 'ACA registered' yellow from a pet store in a flea market. :roll:

There are many more stories along these lines.

Sondra

 

[ducksoup]

Some people just shouldn't own dogs!!!!

 

[Guest]

My first post and it's a rant. Sorry, but stories like these really get under my skin. I don't understand how people can make the commitment to take on a dog, not fulfill it's needs and then get frustrated when it starts acting out. Some people have no common sense when it comes to owning animals which is really too bad.

I say that for the sake of the dog, try to help and find it a suitable home.

 

[spaightlabs]

I think you'll feel beter about it if you can help her find a 'good' home - where the dog will get some stimulation, exercise and structure...

We have a neighbor like that - they're dog is very nice field bred golden. Poor thing never gets out on walks, no OB ever, just gets left in the back yard. their kids come over and play with our dogs and they always remark how they wish their dog was more like ours...

I wish I was skinny, but just wishin' isn't gonna make it happen...

 

[CO Retriever]

I second what Spaight said, and if that doesn't work get her in touch with a retriever rescue. My wife and I work with the local retriever rescue here in Denver, CO and I will tell you that I think most new pet owners are like this. My wife has an in home training business and it's the same thing. 90% of her training is training the owner, and 10% is training the dog. The funny thing about these people are that a lot of them will pay a professional for their services and then never follow the advice. I work with a gal who is very similar, and she wants a (they had one that was to much to handle when her daughter was 2) dog for her daughter. I told her that I would be more than happy to let her daughter play with our puppy under my supervision, but after seeing what happened with their last dog, they don't need another one.

Having foster dogs from the rescue really puts things in perspective because we come into contact with these retrievers and 95% of these dogs are wonderful and you can't understand why someone would get rid of them. I think that it boils down to some people are responsible pet owners and some are not, and if you are in the first group and you can help a dog that is in the care of a person in that latter group do what you can.

 

[Miriam Wade]

I've been walking my neighbor's 5 month old YLF & doing some obedience with her, but...

..unless she gets consistency from her family it's all for naught. These folks are much better than what you describe-the pup goes to work with Mom a couple days a week, but instead of being trained or walked-when everyone has had a long day-off to the crate she goes. She's getting pudgy with no muscle tone & while she started out bright & bold as brass-because of a lack of socialization-she isn't maturing the way she should into a confident young dog.

I loaned them the Sound Beginnings (they want a pet, not a field dog, but it still has great tips) & the kids love the DVD, but don't seem to do any more than run around the yard & let the pup jump at & bite at them. I'm going to go over twice a week & show them how to do the things on the DVD & hopefully they'll have fun & want to do it on their own.

Again-they are leaps and bounds above the folks who want to "get rid of" their dog, but it's a shame to see such a nice dog (stellar breeding) not get what she needs to be a happy dog.

At least they let me take her and I think they can be convinced down the road to take an obedience class.

As for your "friend's" dog-I think if you can (as has been suggested) help them find a Lab rescue group or another good home-it would help the pup not end up in a similar situation.

M

 

[rjouben]

... I don't understand how people can make the commitment to take on a dog, not fulfill it's needs and then get frustrated when it starts acting out. Some people have no common sense when it comes to owning animals which is really too bad ...

10:1 they have the same problem with their kids.

 

[Troopers Mom]

I would definitely find the dog another home and emphasize to the owner that you are doing it for the dog's sake only. I would also advise her emphatically not to make the same mistake again; that being, getting another dog.

Arleen

 

[dreamer2385]

I know too many people like this. i would take the dog and re-home it. the shelters in many areas are full , and there are always many lab, and lab mixes .. i know of so many dogs that are tied out to trees, and never see the inside of the house, or get off the darn chain, maria

 

[Gina]

Boy do I know this story! I fostered a nice chocolate lab bitch a few years ago that a young girl got rid of because her boyfriend got it for her and they broke up. (sigh! I don't know if she was mad at him or the dog just reminded her of the guy?!?!) The dog now spends her weekends as the mascot for a white water rafting outfit in WV. I've taken in a few dogs over the years and I have been amazed when people relinquish a dog to me they bring a crate leash food bowls but not a single toy. These dogs have had no input whatsoever.

Try to help her locate a rescue or a home, then don't talk to her anymore. Lest you hit her with a stapler or something! :twisted:

 

[Losthwy]

Help them find a good home for the dog's sake and tell them to get a CAT!

 

[Lisa S.]

While training yesterday, met a lady from lab rescue. Her daughter had a gorgeous yellow lab pup (12wks) that was turned in to their rescue because "the kids didn't like her".
She also mentioned that a 10 week old chocolate lab had been turned in WITH papers. The reason? "Their older dog didn't like him." :roll:

Give your friend the rescue phone number.