Rehoming a dog

[Pea-n-Me]

Yes, I feel that way about cats - which listen even less to humans and tend to be more independent, if not bonded to the human like a dog. (My previous cat was bonded to me and followed me around like a dog because I had gotten her as a kitten. I was even able to teach her tricks as she was young enough to learn and obey. I'm reticent about getting an older cat now, although I don't think I have the energy to handle a kitten with all it's curious energy. )

I have to wonder if the stipulation that the owner & dog take training classes isn't a red flag that the dog has behavioral issues that they are hoping the next owner will be able to correct. As others stated, corgis are extremely strong willed. Queen Elizabeth had a bunch of corgis and they were hard for her to handle - and she probably has a slew of the best trainers who worked with them.

Herding dogs are extremely intelligent and if they don't have a firm leader, they'll try to run the show themselves. That can mean a lot of things. But from the get-go with a herding breed dog, they need someone who knows what they're doing (ideally) and if not, a new person can still do what should've been done from the beginning because training creates a language that dogs can understand. This dog would likely thrive in the right home. I could probably spend a few days with her and she'd be amazing, because I know how to work with the breed and mold the dog into a happy, healthy little friend in a short amount of time. Obviously I wouldn't hurt the dog, but just a few minutes with me and she'd know I mean business (having had a lifetime of experience with herding dogs).

So say she was running at the door and going crazy barking when someone comes to the door. I would work on that issue on-leash immediately i.e. the very first time, and she would respect what I ask of her, which is to stop doing that and sit and wait, go over to the person when *I* say it's ok, not when she runs and jumps or drags me over, etc. And this happens every.single.time someone comes to the door. I wouldn't even care who was at the door, the dog and I would be working together until we got it right, even if the person at the door left, lol. (I'd yell out so they know, though, realistically.) Eventually it becomes the norm, even off leash - or by a look.

OP I was thinking this afternoon it would probably behoove you to just go over there and meet the dog. See what she's like, how she interacts with the owners, talk to them and see what their view is, what the problems, if any, might be, and why they need to rehome the dog, etc. Bring a tennis ball and plan to hang out with the dog for a while by yourself in their yard, I doubt they'll mind. See what you think and if it's something you can or care to take on. Realize she might be a little aloof with you, not understanding what's happening. I would also have my prices ready to have that discussion about what your out of pocket costs are going to be to get started with this dog. Consider being honest and saying you like the dog (if you do) but it's a lot considering all the costs involved. Just remember what they've put out already, though, too, including the initial cost of the dog (and I'd ask what that was), veterinary bills for routine care and spay/neuter surgery (mine cost about $900 four years ago, also in MA, COL is very high here), food, care items, etc.

The bottom line is if you think this dog would be a healthy and happy member of your household, then an additional $500 isn't going to make or break anything (given that all costs will be much, much higher when you add them up over the life of the dog) but it can be a matter of principle for people so you have to just do what feels right in your heart.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Who is getting the money? The breeder again?

A bit off topic but we have decided to try to find our first dog through rescues and I am a bit turned off by their contracts. Pretty much it seems they own the dog, do home visits after adoption, can come take it back if they deem necessary, and they also have requirements for training classes, fenced yards, not leaving the dog alone ever etc I'm guessing that's why people take their pets everywhere, lol. You have to tell them if you move, if the dog gets a splinter All of this fun for $400-500, plus spay/neuter and they are liable for nothing....don't guarantee health or temperament. You don't even get a trial period to determine if the dog is a good fit. I saw an application yesterday that wanted my dh's employer to call for a reference. ( he retired from the military after 25 years and works for the government now) Yeah, he said no way would that ever happen!

It's crazy town out here.

I think they are the ones putting money over the dog, more concerned with price than getting the dog a loving home. $1000 is the amount I would expect to pay for a puppy from a breeder, not a re-home.

I'm quite discouraged, and at this point it may be easier to just get another kid. Less restrictions!

This has been my experience, too, unfortunately. I understand why they do it, and that most are volunteers, but it's very hard to try to find the right dog for your family when calls go unanswered, emails unreturned, applications ignored, and if you're lucky enough to get a response, the dog is usually gone by then. Sometimes there are rules about adopting from out of state. And with many, you can't even inquire about a dog without submitting a full application, which can take an hour or more to fill out. We've had our home inspected two or three times, I've lost count. I've probably filled out 30 applications most recently and still don't have a dog in hand, when there were many that I thought would've worked with our family. It's frustrating. If people want to walk into a shelter and pick a dog out and aren't concerned with type or history, then it might be easier. But if you're trying to find a certain type of dog with a particular personality, then it can be more difficult. DS and I took a four hour road trip to go see a dog at a shelter a couple of months ago. I left two messages on the phone hours before asking about the dog and if she was still available. When nobody called me back or answered the phone after they opened, we had no choice but to take a ride there. Already adopted out the day before. I have also volunteered to foster with at least three agencies and I didn't hear back from any of them. One I called, as I had offerered to foster an elderly GSD in their care to get her out of the shelter environment, and the manager said no, they didn't think she'd be there long. (I've been in that shelter and it is a nightmare for dogs, super loud and scary to a dog who's been in a home its whole life but was surrendered due to a home fire.) Another group I saw was begging for foster homes after I'd submitted an application weeks before, which I mentioned. The response I got was please forgive us, we're volunteers, but that was the last I heard from her, too. I'm not sure what you have to do or who you have to know to break the barrier here with some of these people.

 

[DISNEYSQUIRRELS]

If it's really a "re-homing" because the current owners are no longer able to take care of the dog, they should be paying YOU to take it, or at least should be offering it for free since they're setting conditions.

I would have preferred that the current owners or the breeder asked me to make a verifiable donation to a pet shelter of their choosing.
I can understand the current owners wanting to charge for her. The breeder already collected her fee when the dog was sold as a puppy. I am unclear of who’s pocket the $1000 is going into & unsure if it’s any of my business to ask.

 

[Pooh2]

We got a pure bred collie for free because his owners did not have time for him.
Cannot imagine handing over a $1,000 for taking in a dog that was no longer wanted. You are doing them a favor.

 

[Domo]

I am sure other posters have said it, but I'm very impressed you are giving this dog a new lease on life No dog should be without an owner! We took our Harry on after he was abandoned and cared for him immensely... he was so full of love

 

[DISNEYSQUIRRELS]

Herding dogs are extremely intelligent and if they don't have a firm leader, they'll try to run the show themselves. That can mean a lot of things. But from the get-go with a herding breed dog, they need someone who knows what they're doing (ideally) and if not, a new person can still do what should've been done from the beginning because training creates a language that dogs can understand. This dog would likely thrive in the right home. I could probably spend a few days with her and she'd be amazing, because I know how to work with the breed and mold the dog into a happy, healthy little friend in a short amount of time. Obviously I wouldn't hurt the dog, but just a few minutes with me and she'd know I mean business (having had a lifetime of experience with herding dogs).

So say she was running at the door and going crazy barking when someone comes to the door. I would work on that issue on-leash immediately i.e. the very first time, and she would respect what I ask of her, which is to stop doing that and sit and wait, go over to the person when *I* say it's ok, not when she runs and jumps or drags me over, etc. And this happens every.single.time someone comes to the door. I wouldn't even care who was at the door, the dog and I would be working together until we got it right, even if the person at the door left, lol. (I'd yell out so they know, though, realistically.) Eventually it becomes the norm, even off leash - or by a look.

OP I was thinking this afternoon it would probably behoove you to just go over there and meet the dog. See what she's like, how she interacts with the owners, talk to them and see what their view is, what the problems, if any, might be, and why they need to rehome the dog, etc. Bring a tennis ball and plan to hang out with the dog for a while by yourself in their yard, I doubt they'll mind. See what you think and if it's something you can or care to take on. Realize she might be a little aloof with you, not understanding what's happening. I would also have my prices ready to have that discussion about what your out of pocket costs are going to be to get started with this dog. Consider being honest and saying you like the dog (if you do) but it's a lot considering all the costs involved. Just remember what they've put out already, though, too, including the initial cost of the dog (and I'd ask what that was), veterinary bills for routine care and spay/neuter surgery (mine cost about $900 four years ago, also in MA, COL is very high here), food, care items, etc.

The bottom line is if you think this dog would be a healthy and happy member of your household, then an additional $500 isn't going to make or break anything (given that all costs will be much, much higher when you add them up over the life of the dog) but it can be a matter of principle for people so you have to just do what feels right in your heart.

Thanks so much for your post, it’s awesome & if this all happens @Pea-n-Me I may seem to reach out to you in a PM.
You are knowledgeable.
I do have corgi experience & I wouldn’t consider bringing a dog home that me & my daughters haven’t met. It needs to be a fit for all involved.
I was thinking just the same too, add up my costs for the fencing, training & see if they’ll meet me part of the way, perhaps so my “all in” cost would be $1000.
She is being rehomed because the owners are older with health problems & are not able to give her the time & attention she needs.

 

[DISNEYSQUIRRELS]

What if they tell me a dog is not aggressive, but it turns out it really is? A week or even a weekend to try out how everyone gets along seems to be reasonable to me before I pay the fee. I can't make a lifetime decision based on a 10 minute meet with a dog. It is forever for me, so I need to be sure of who I am bringing into my house with my family. I don't have a problem with paying for a dog. But I think I should own the dog at that point.

I will be meeting her before any decision is made to bring her home.This breeder has told me she will come home on a 1 week trial with me, so I’m not sure if I pay for her before or after that week is done.

 

[mummabear]

Thank you.
She is 2, spayed, shots up to date & well cared for. Her current owners are older & having health issues. Her original breeder is helping to facilitate all of this.
I have answered a lengthy questionnaire. I totally understand her people & the breeder wanting to ensure she gets into a good home.
They are asking $1000 which I feel is high. I am used to seeing rehoming fees between $250-$500, maybe up to $600.
I don’t want to seem cheap or ungrateful, but $1000 feels high.
Is it lousy to bargain over a living creature?

That seems very high.
We just paid $1500 for a pure breed Goldie, will be 6-8 weeks when we bring him home.

No, it's not lousy, people will rip people off in all sorts of circumstances.

 

[jrmasm]

I find the fee absurd. Owners need the pet cared for, dog needs a new home. And you need to pay them $1000 for the privledge of helping them? No way!

 

[mummabear]

Just remember what they've put out already, though, too, including the initial cost of the dog (and I'd ask what that was), veterinary bills for routine care and spay/neuter surgery (mine cost about $900 four years ago, also in MA, COL is very high here), food, care items, etc.

So, they chose to get a dog, they committed to those costs.
They now need help, since they need a new home for their dog, it shouldn't be about them recouping costs.

 

[DISNEYSQUIRRELS]

That seems very high.
We just paid $1500 for a pure breed Goldie, will be 6-8 weeks when we bring him home.

No, it's not lousy, people will rip people off in all sorts of circumstances.

True.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

So, they chose to get a dog, they committed to those costs.
They now need help, since they need a new home for their dog, it shouldn't be about them recouping costs.

It's one consideration of many here.

 

[mjkacmom]

That seems very high.
We just paid $1500 for a pure breed Goldie, will be 6-8 weeks when we bring him home.

No, it's not lousy, people will rip people off in all sorts of circumstances.

6 weeks is too young, puppies learn a lot from Mom from 6 - 9 weeks.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

This is why it's too much for the current owners,

http://mycorgi.com/forum/topics/so-you-think-you-want-a-corgi

 

[Imzadi]

So, they chose to get a dog, they committed to those costs.
They now need help, since they need a new home for their dog, it shouldn't be about them recouping costs.

Yes, when one buys a used, (non-living) product on eBay, or even a used car, one doesn't factor in the costs the original owner paid. Yes, things like fancy details addedon, amount used, are factored in. But, ultimately, it's about what the item is worth NOW - to the new owner. Some items will never recoup close to their original cost. It's called sunk costs.

This is a 2 yr old dog. And if the original owners were too old to keep up the training and maintaining being the strong Alphas of this dog, the dog may have developed bad habits and have some issues.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Yes, when one buys a used, (non-living) product on eBay, or even a used car, one doesn't factor in the costs the original owner paid. Yes, things like fancy details addedon, amount used, are factored in. But, ultimately, it's about what the item is worth NOW - to the new owner. Some items will never recoup close to their original cost. It's called sunk costs.

This is a 2 yr old dog. And if the original owners were too old to keep up the training and maintaining being the strong Alphas of this dog, the dog may have developed bad habits and have some issues.

Sure they do! Let's use a car, for example. Someone is asking, let's say, $30,000 for two year old car. If the car originally cost, and the owner paid, $45,000, and it's still in relatively good condition with relatively low mileage, then that's a fair asking price. Saying you only want to pay $15,000 for that car might not get you very far, and rightfully so. Who would really let a car go for half its value, unless it's to family or something? That would apply to almost anything. (Of course we're talking about a living being so other factors and lots of emotion are involved, too.)

Replacement value is also how property is replaced when lost. Of course, none of us know what the going rate is, or what the original owner paid, for these dogs from this breeder. Some might actually look at it as a boon to be past the puppy stage and almost into the maturity stage just as they'd look at someone eating the depreciation costs of a relatively new used car. Many young dogs may have some bad habits if they're not trained properly (and some dogs have much worse), but generally if it's a well cared for, intelligent dog, an owner who knows the breed and knows how to work with the dog will be able to work toward better behavior within the context of the breed itself without too much difficulty. Dogs can be pretty resilient.

I do agree that it's always up to the buyer to decide what anything is worth to them.

 

[mummabear]

6 weeks is too young, puppies learn a lot from Mom from 6 - 9 weeks.

I cant remember from our breeder when we took our last one home, but it was definitely either 6 or 8 weeks

 

[GreatLakes]

We rescue and I would never pay a breeder for a dog. In a situation like this I don't think asking for the fence to be complete is too much to ask since even some rescues I work with won't adopt out some breeds without a fenced yard but that is the end of what I would do. I would not, under any circumstances, pay $1,000 for a dog. I would go find a rescue and pay the small adoption fee first.

YMMV.

 

[HopperFan]

This sounds like they are selling you the dog at that rate, not re-homing.

I have:
- Rescued a dog from a rescue group. PUPPY that needed full training but she had been fixed and had all her shots. We paid $250 which covered all that had been done plus her first doctor's appointment. Expected for a brand new puppy. Now 8.5.
- Re-homed a 7 year old dog. Family had a baby addition and didn't have time for him. Wanted $50 - to try to insure someone was getting him for right reason. After answering all the questions and meeting us, they took no money. He's my shadow
- Re-homed a young dog (less than 1). Said they had too many dogs, wanted $50. DD paid them, they took off. Paperwork checked out and he was fixed and up to date. But wild. Took two years and classes to calm him down. Clearly he came from bad situation who kept him locked in cage. He is happy boy now.

This is not a re-home, you are purchasing a young dog. You have lost out on the years of training that is necessary ... are you even sure the dog is house and otherwise trained. If the fence is a big issue it sounds like maybe it runs away or that the old owners would just leave the dog outside.

Given they are asking you to build fencing and take classes ... I think $1000 is unreasonable given you have missed critical years.

 

[CdnCarrie]

I once adopted a dog that needed rehomed. As the first family said "I could never take money for my family member".
I'm SHOCKED they are SELLING the dog. You don't sell family members.