newly Adopted dog issues ?

[stsomewhere]

I worked with rescue for several years, and rescues like the one you dealt with are the ones that give the good ones a bad name.

We would have offered to take the dog back immediately if it showed that behavior -- not passed it off as anything normal or acceptable under the circumstances. Either the dog showed behavior like this while in rescue (in which case shame on them) or it didn't, but their reaction to hearing about it now is insanely accepting (in which case shame on them)

Dogs do sometimes take a while to warm up to a new environment -- this usually consists of being on their best behavior, and a little bit timid about taking liberties like getting on furniture... it doesn't mean there's any leeway when it comes to aggression, especially when it comes to aggression involving charging and snapping.

Unfortunately, there are "rescue" people out there that believe ALL dogs are salvageable, and if they just cross their fingers and pass them off, maybe things will all work out. That gets people (and children) bitten. And it makes saving the thousands of perfectly friendly/would never hurt a fly dogs all the more difficult.

This dog may or may not be able to be saved... but if they knew about this, they had no business placing it in your home. If this is new behavior, the moment they heard about it they should have come to get the dog and work out a plan with you.

They told me this is a new behavior. He usually hides around strangers.
To give him more time, he is still adjusting to his new home.

 

[simba928]

Thank you for all your support. I am torn with what to do.
After our walk this morning , I was hopefully.
I took the dog with me to pick up my son from school at 6pm.
He went crazy in the car. Barking and growling at the 1 other parent in the parking lot.

I forgot to mention last night was barking and growling, just all worked up at the closet door

He is charging the front door when people by now.

Part of my knows that it is for the best to take him back to the rescue, part of my hopes that it will work out. The other part of me is scared that once he is evaluated they will recommend putting him down.
If this would happen do I put him down or take him back to the rescue?
I would hate for this to happen to another family. Yet I would like to give him a chance.

I am so sorry you have to go through this...it really isn't fun at all. If you feel comfortable holding onto him, have the behaviorist come see him in his environment (your home). If not, call the rescue and explain that you are not comfortable keepin the dog in your home. You do have to look out for yourself, your family, and your other dog. It's not fair to anybody involved (both dogs included) to hold onto a dog that you do not feel safe/comfortable with. If you choose to give the behaviorist a shot and they reccommend euthanasia, call the rescue, tell them what the behaviorist said and get their opinion. At that point, it's up to you of if you want to keep him, return him to the rescue, or euthanize him. I really hope it doesn't come down to that, but having a "dangerous" dog is a liability to you (if he should get out and attack someone it all comes back to you) and, again, not fair to anybody involved.

The one thing I do need to tell you is please do not give up on rescues. There are some dogs that have gone through some traumas and have issues that need worked through, there are some dogs that just are not safe to place in a home, but ALOT of the dogs are great animals. Don't let one bad experience turn you off to the millions of animals in shelters.

 

[Luvchefmic]

Thank you for all your support. I am torn with what to do.
After our walk this morning , I was hopefully.
I took the dog with me to pick up my son from school at 6pm.
He went crazy in the car. Barking and growling at the 1 other parent in the parking lot.

I forgot to mention last night was barking and growling, just all worked up at the closet door

He is charging the front door when people by now.

Part of my knows that it is for the best to take him back to the rescue, part of my hopes that it will work out. The other part of me is scared that once he is evaluated they will recommend putting him down.
If this would happen do I put him down or take him back to the rescue?
I would hate for this to happen to another family. Yet I would like to give him a chance.

You know this makes me so sad for you and so angry at the rescue group...PLEASE contact them IMMEDIATELY...these decisions aren't fair to you and your family...I'm sure you didn't get this dog free...they need to do the right thing for you..tell them exactly what you have been going through and everything you have told us ..as far as euthanasia, its not fair to the dog ...yet..but its not always something that can be avoided...please contact them....now


Ruthie

 

[stsomewhere]

You know this makes me so sad for you and so angry at the rescue group...PLEASE contact them IMMEDIATELY...these decisions aren't fair to you and your family...I'm sure you didn't get this dog free...they need to do the right thing for you..tell them exactly what you have been going through and everything you have told us ..as far as euthanasia, its not fair to the dog ...yet..but its not always something that can be avoided...please contact them....now


Ruthie

I have contacted the rescue agency about my concerns. I told them about getting him evaluated.

I received an email last night telling me that i need to bring him back so they can access him and determine what is the matter. It guess they finally took it seriously now. No mention of refund or working something out. My husband emailed back asking if the rescue was breaking our contract and what they were going to do about it. We paid $350 for him. My husband says its a matter of principal about the money. He would like to get at least some back.

Then this morning , I receive email from someone the rescue recommends for behavior training. They want me to drive 3 hours away and pay $60 for it.
She said " I can meet at 9:30 Wed.....I suppose." I do not trust the rescue or any one they recommend.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

It is the rescue's responsibility to take him back and decide on the best course of action. Nobody could expect you to take on a dog like this; it's not what either you or the rescue intended. I wouldn't worry too much about the money at this point (I mean, I'd still try to either get it back or get a credit, but I wouldn't let it delay the return of the dog). It will cost you a heck of a lot more if he hurts someone. You have a ticking time bomb living with you, unfortunately. You have nothing to feel guilty about at all.

 

[Luvchefmic]

I have contacted the rescue agency about my concerns. I told them about getting him evaluated.

I received an email last night telling me that i need to bring him back so they can access him and determine what is the matter. It guess they finally took it seriously now. No mention of refund or working something out. My husband emailed back asking if the rescue was breaking our contract and what they were going to do about it. We paid $350 for him. My husband says its a matter of principal about the money. He would like to get at least some back.

Then this morning , I receive email from someone the rescue recommends for behavior training. They want me to drive 3 hours away and pay $60 for it.
She said " I can meet at 9:30 Wed.....I suppose." I do not trust the rescue or any one they recommend.

I agree with what Pea N Me posted...but...$350.00 is alot of money, is there a phone number listed with this group to actually talk to someone...is this a 501C non-profit? I ask because they have to answer for their actions or lose their status....that if nothing else will be important to them...you need to make them understand that you are afraid & you are not spending another dime on someone they are recommending....geez louise !

 

[stsomewhere]

It is the rescue's responsibility to take him back and decide on the best course of action. Nobody could expect you to take on a dog like this; it's not what either you or the rescue intended. I wouldn't worry too much about the money at this point (I mean, I'd still try to either get it back or get a credit, but I wouldn't let it delay the return of the dog). It will cost you a heck of a lot more if he hurts someone. You have a ticking time bomb living with you, unfortunately. You have nothing to feel guilty about at all.

I told my husband we have lost the money. It is the safety of others that concern me.
I am waiting for the rescue to call me back so we can arrange a time to bring him back. The rescue is about 90 miles way. So, it is not a quick trip.

It just kills me because he is such a good dog with our family and other dog. But, we can not let anyone else into or house or take him anywhere because he could attack. them. It breaks my heart and is making me physically ill.

AS for a credit, I don't ever plan on adopting a dog from a rescue/ shelter again.

 

[Luvchefmic]

I told my husband we have lost the money. It is the safety of others that concern me.
I am waiting for the rescue to call me back so we can arrange a time to bring him back. The rescue is about 90 miles way. So, it is not a quick trip.

It just kills me because he is such a good dog with our family and other dog. But, we can not let anyone else into or house or take him anywhere because he could attack. them. It breaks my heart and is making me physically ill.

AS for a credit, I don't ever plan on adopting a dog from a rescue/ shelter again.

I'm sorry for your whole experience BUT read your contract and fight to get your money back...threaten a lawyer, whatever, document everything, take pics of the dog, keep all emails etc. Don't let this "group" turn you off to what can be a wonderful experience for your family...you can PM me if there is anything I can help with or recommendations for wonderful groups if/when you are past this....

Ruthie

 

[walden]

I have contacted the rescue agency about my concerns. I told them about getting him evaluated.

I received an email last night telling me that i need to bring him back so they can access him and determine what is the matter. It guess they finally took it seriously now. No mention of refund or working something out. My husband emailed back asking if the rescue was breaking our contract and what they were going to do about it. We paid $350 for him. My husband says its a matter of principal about the money. He would like to get at least some back.

Then this morning , I receive email from someone the rescue recommends for behavior training. They want me to drive 3 hours away and pay $60 for it.
She said " I can meet at 9:30 Wed.....I suppose." I do not trust the rescue or any one they recommend.

This is so sad. As others have said, please don't let this put you off all Rescue dogs or organizations. I'm sure there is a good dog out there in need of a home that is a much better match for you and your family.

I'm going to step out on a limb and say that I suspect this is fear aggression (he used to hide from strangers). It may very well escalate, and the rescue that I work with would never expect the average adopter to deal with it by themselves. (I'm not being rude calling you average, but this needs a very experienced person with a training background, IMO.) This organization is giving us all a bad name.

Yes, I think you should now return the dog. The *approved* trainer is too far for you to travel -- and frankly any decent dog trainer/behavioralist would want to see him in your home to assess him anyway. This in combination with the "protect his new family" thing, which is such (insert swear words of your choice) garbage .

Can you pull out the contract you signed and double check it? It may say the donation (adoption fee) is non-refundable, but I think you can and should negotiate a bit. As a good will gesture to you, they should take the dog back and offer to work with you to find another dog, or to refund all or part of the money. This is what we would do.

If this is not acceptable to you (and I don't blame you for losing faith in them) point out that they gave you a dog that was both dog and human aggressive, that you do not feel safe with it, that you thought the support offered was inadequate, etc. In consideration of the other animals in the shelter, you might want to settle for a percentage of the $350.

Again, please do not give up on all rescues given this bad experience. All my dogs have been rescues and have been wonderful. I used to have a link listing ways to identify a good rescue organization. I can't find it but I'll keep looking.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Recues aren't inherently bad. They are trying to do the best they know how. It's not always perfect. They may well have been fooled by this dog if he didn't show this type of behavior when he was with them, etc. I hope they do the right thing now.

 

[Magalex]

Just wishing you the best! We adopted an older dog 3 yrs ago and I have volunteered at the local humane society and I agree with many of the other posts. I am not sure this particular rescue made any safe evaluation of this dog's temperment. I think this dog should of been placed in a foster home first before placed in a forever home.

I also want to mention to anyone thinking about adopting an older dog, not all older dogs will have this reaction to their new homes and there are many successful adoption stories. I was told by a professional trainer that a dog may take up to 6-9 months to adjust to their new family and show their true personality. We had some behavior issues at the very beginning but all minor and changeable. Now it seems our dog has been with us for all his life.

 

[simba928]

AS for a credit, I don't ever plan on adopting a dog from a rescue/ shelter again.

Hearing this just breaks my heart. It's people like that (the people at the rescue, not the OP or anyone else posting here) that make my job a million times harder. About 6-8 million animals enter shelters every year. It sounds like you are a good pet parent and I hate to think that one of those animals misses out on an opportunity to have you because of one bad experience. I certainly don't blame you for not wanting to adopt from this particular rescue ever again, but there are a lot of great rescues and shelters that would love to place a wonderful homeless dog with you. Heck, come visit my shelter and I'll point out some really awesome dogs! Please please please don't let this one horrible experience turn you sour on rescues.

 

[samshane]

I am so sorry you are going through this

I agree with the others - please don't rule out all rescues. I have 3 dogs - 2 were rescues and one was from an unplanned litter. The 2 rescues are SO different - Buddy is a happy go lucky mix that we got when he was 3. He was found wondering the streets and no one ever claimed him. Quino is a rescue chihuahua we got when he was 3 - we have had him for 2yrs and it has been a tough go. When we first got him he was a wreck - had 2 previous adoptions fail, had been to 4 fosters because he was destructive... today he has overcome much of his issues. But it took a lot of time and patience - a LOT. And more than once I asked why I was even doing this... but he is an amazing dog.

Kudos to you for trying everything - sometimes the fit is not right though. Just please don't think all rescues and shelters are bad - I would never adopt a dog or cat any other way.

 

[Luvchefmic]

I have contacted the rescue agency about my concerns. I told them about getting him evaluated.

I received an email last night telling me that i need to bring him back so they can access him and determine what is the matter. It guess they finally took it seriously now. No mention of refund or working something out. My husband emailed back asking if the rescue was breaking our contract and what they were going to do about it. We paid $350 for him. My husband says its a matter of principal about the money. He would like to get at least some back.

Then this morning , I receive email from someone the rescue recommends for behavior training. They want me to drive 3 hours away and pay $60 for it.
She said " I can meet at 9:30 Wed.....I suppose." I do not trust the rescue or any one they recommend.

I wish the OP would update us I just sent her a PM hope she comes back

 

[stsomewhere]

Things are going better. We are giving it some more time.
After our visit to the vets, I feel much better.

He did not growl or bark at anyone in the vet's office. He did not go after any other dogs.

He had a double ear infection and a fever. I had noticed that he was holding his 1 ear down since we got him but, he had no drainage or black discharge in it. We thought that was just how he was.Our older dog use to get ear infections all the time. She would always have a black discharge and a foul odor in her ear.

He has been on meds and I am cleaning his ears regularly. He is much happier/friendlier. The rescue asked us why he had an ear infection because he never had one there. Who knows how long he has had it.

I took him to visit both of my grandmas at their houses. He was fine with both and laid quietly on the floor or on their laps while we visited.

I have taken him to the park again with my other dog. He did fine. He met the other 4 dogs in our play group. He did not growl at the owners a few even petted him. He did a lot of sniffing and licking.

He is getting use to the noises around our house.barking at everyone who comes be. He is calming down and not I have been working on commands with him. He came sit, come, and go to bed. If he is barking, I tell him to leave it or stop and he is listening.


After talking with my neighbor, she reassured me that he is acting like a normal dog. She reminded my our older dog did not like strangers either. She would growl and bark at them. It was the year or so before she died (age 12) that she calmed down. She also reminded me of all the training and socializing I have done with the younger dog. Not to compare the adopted dog to her or our other neighbors dogs.(she ha 2 seeing eye dogs- 1 retired, other in service)

 

[mamamary]

Just wanted to post something about ear infections. My dog has allergies and gets ear infections all the time. After seeking treatment with a vet who specializes in allergies we were told NOT to keep cleaning his ears. Sometimes it is the cleaner itself that causes ear infections (or to make the infection worse). Just wanted to let you know that.

Hoping for continued success with your dog.

 

[stsomewhere]

Just wanted to post something about ear infections. My dog has allergies and gets ear infections all the time. After seeking treatment with a vet who specializes in allergies we were told NOT to keep cleaning his ears. Sometimes it is the cleaner itself that causes ear infections (or to make the infection worse). Just wanted to let you know that.

Hoping for continued success with your dog.

Thanks for the advice. I just have to clean his ears while he is on meds. The vet wants to make sure the meds can get down the ear canal.

 

[Magalex]

Great to hear the news. All along he could of been in pain. I am happy for you & your family that maybe he can adjust and be a happy pet.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

The rescue asked us why he had an ear infection because he never had one there.

Good Lord, who are they letting answer the phone in this place.

What a great update. Glad things are going better.

 

[Luvchefmic]

First thank you for reading your PM and getting back to your thread to inform all your supporters we may be names behind a screen but we do care. I'm sorry your dog has the problem with the ear but so glad you found out about it.most likely a big part of his problem, I know how I feel & act when I feel like crap...as far as the "rescue group" I'm sure the remark to make you feel as if the ear infection somehow is "your fault" was their way of fending off the possible return of the dog and your adoption fee. Stay strong, keep doing your best, and if you can post pics of your "fur babies" or want to I'm sure I speak for the other posters we would love to see them

Ruthie