What is the best way to find a new home for a dog?

[npmommie]

How much money do you think I should be shelling out for this, seriously. I am on a budget as most of america is at the moment. My kids comes first. If you did not read my post about how much kids cost, take a look. It is not cheap. So what happens if I spend all this money and training (again) and it does not work? Then what?

Kristine

you may have missed my post, the library is full of self help dog training books, it takes time and effort and if the dog is important to you, you can try this self training method on your own for free.

I think you have already made up your mind that the dog needs to go.

what bothers me is the dog was fine for the past 6 years with your son. how does he feel about losing a member of the family?

are you and hubby extra stressed now? two kids two jobs etc etc?
the dog is probably pushed to the back burner, not made to feel welcome in his own home anymore?
maybe take a step back and look at the whole picture

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Agree all animals cost money. Even betta fish. If you are going to own a pet people need to understand this.

I haven't met a betta fish that cost $150 its whole life to raise let alone an hour to correct a behavioral issue.

Yes, all species cost money--but let's quit pretending that a betta fish is the same as owning a dog. Talk about apples and oranges.

 

[jrmasm]

She has stated it is an ongoing problem that they worked to resolved.

Where do we cross the line from "convenience" to necessity?

Ongoing? She says the last year. Who wasn't more tired with their 2nd pregnancy than their first? Then the baby was born. The dog's life has changed dramatically in the last year and the OP and her family have become more busy. He's not getting enough attention and he's not getting enough exercise.

I stand by my statement that at this point in their lives, the dog is inconvenient.

 

[monkeybug]

I didn't miss it, and that has no relevance to my questions.

I don't know much about Springer Spaniels (I was bitten by a Cocker Spaniel when I was little) but if they can get aggressive and are biters, perhaps they aren't the best kind of dog to get if you are planning on having children. Again, do your research! There are plenty of breeds that wouldn't have been a problem.

Some people get dogs long before they are even thinking of children. I got mine when I was 17. (and thank goodness my parents did the research and thought of the future for me) People change. Situations Change. Our plans change. I didn't think at 17 (or even 20) that I would be a Stay at Home mom, with two kids and one on the way when I grew up. That doesn't mean I'm not responsible, or don't deserve to have a pet. It means that I'm not any better at predicting the future than most people are.

 

[dansamy]

Springers are typically high-energy dogs. One that isn't being exercised enough can be bored, irritable and aggressive. (Note, I haven't read this whole thread. I do not know how much, how often or the quality of exercise this dog is receiving.)

However, I have had to re-home a lab that was an expert fence-climber. She wasn't safe anymore. I re-homed her to my BIL, who lived in an apartment and was a bachelor. She lived to a ripe old age and he took her frequently to the park to play ball. She died a happy, loved dog.

I have also adopted a re-homed Cocker. He is not aggressive, but he is sensitive to people picking him up. He will growl and "air-snap". This doesn't bother me, since I can identify the problem and take steps to correct it. He also digs in the trash and jumps up on the table. We rectify these by kenneling him when we are away from home. However, his former parents didn't disclose these "features", which I'm sure where factors in his re-homing.

For the OP, we got our cocker from craigslist. I recommend craigslist or petfinder. Perhaps charge a small adoption fee. Include the pet's food, toys and supplies.

Then, I would recommend a cat in the future. Dogs are a lot of work. They must be properly socialized and trained from an early age. This must be constantly reinforced.

My dogs are never allowed to eat or receive treats without performing an obedience skill. It is constantly reinforced to them that the pack hierarchy includes all of the humans in our home above them. Our children feed them and the dogs must sit and wait until the bowl is placed down and they are "released" to eat.

At the very least, I would not add another dog to the home until the youngest child is at least 6. Then I would do a lot of research into family-friendly breeds and proper training.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

pardon? She gave a general answer, I wanted specifics.

Did not see your question until you asked it and I quoted it.

But you already made your mind up prior to asking. So the specifics are irrelevant, don't you think? You've already chosen to ignore what she did post and formulate your opinion that she is evil and should never own pets again.

What exactly could she say that would make you change your mind.

There are people out there who believe pet owners to be the spawn of satan if they don't spend 6 figures to "fix" something with their dog. Why should she subject herself to more scrutiny so that you can weigh in on whether IYO she did enough?

 

[Christine]

But neither of these things is an option for us, ever. I was asking for advice on how else to find a pet a good home. Does that make sense?

Yep, makes perfect sense and I'm glad to hear it. It's hard to "get" exactly what people mean in one, initial post. So I am glad that you have clarifed your position on this.

How much money do you think I should be shelling out for this, seriously. I am on a budget as most of america is at the moment. My kids comes first. If you did not read my post about how much kids cost, take a look. It is not cheap. So what happens if I spend all this money and training (again) and it does not work? Then what?

I am a very debt-adverse person. I don't really carry credit cards or loans because I've had that happen before and I hate the feeling. In the past, I have spent a LOT of money on my dogs. One of my dogs had to have two ACL surgeries. This was back when my husband had just gotten out of the military and we were living with my parents and working very low paying, entry-level jobs. It was a few thousand dollars. But I had to do it because I couldn't just give up on the dog because of her messed up legs.

I don't believe a 6-week, one-on-course with an behaviorist/trainer is going to cost in the thousands. Hundreds maybe. Again, it's a personal preference but before I would give up my dog, I would probably try a few things, even if it caused some temporary debt. I would try 6 weeks of antidepressants and then some private training with a person who specializes in these types of behavior issues. If I had done that and STILL the dog was a problem, I would then feel more at peace with the decision I would have to make. Also, private time with the trainer may give you more insight into exactly why the dog is behaving in the manner. This person could write up a report for you that the rescue groups may be willing to accept.

I took my dog to one of these and we found out that her specific aggression problems were strong prey drive towards very small dogs that didn't "look" like dogs to her. It really was good to learn what the specific issue was with her.

 

[monkeybug]

Nothing you stated above is the case here. So please don't over-dramatize the situation by saying I have no compassion, that's ridiculous.

I've helped re-home animals before, I know why some people have to do it.

And I've also seen plenty of people just get rid of the animals without really trying to fix things and it makes me sad.

Yes! One of the stated above IS the case here. The OP FEELS the dog is a threat to her children (whom I'm sure she loves very much). We may all feel, as we sit in our living rooms that she is over dramatizing the situation, or there is more that she should do/could do, but we have NO way of knowing for sure. If she feels the dog is a danger to her loved ones (kids) than she has no other choice but to find it a new home.

 

[amg35]

Did not see your question until you asked it and I quoted it.

But you already made your mind up prior to asking. So the specifics are irrelevant, don't you think? You've already chosen to ignore what she did post and formulate your opinion that she is evil and should never own pets again.

What exactly could she say that would make you change your mind.

There are people out there who believe pet owners to be the spawn of satan if they don't spend 6 figures to "fix" something with their dog. Why should she subject herself to more scrutiny so that you can weigh in on whether IYO she did enough?

Nope, just making my opinion based on her posts. I can't help if they come across as someone who is giving up their dog when the problem can most likely be fixed.

And your last paragraph is just silly, I don't know anyone who has spent 6 figures on their pet.

And the age old.....if you don't want opinions, don't post it on a message board.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Some people get dogs long before they are even thinking of children. I got mine when I was 17. (and thank goodness my parents did the research and thought of the future for me) People change. Situations Change. Our plans change. I didn't think at 17 (or even 20) that I would be a Stay at Home mom, with two kids and one on the way when I grew up. That doesn't mean I'm not responsible, or don't deserve to have a pet. It means that I'm not any better at predicting the future than most people are.

By many standards--you are....eeeeeeeeeeeviiiiiiiiiiiiiiillllllllllll.

My smiley did not come through....so a so you can tell I am joking.

 

[DisneyKT]

I haven't met a betta fish that cost $150 its whole life to raise let alone an hour to correct a behavioral issue.

Yes, all species cost money--but let's quit pretending that a betta fish is the same as owning a dog. Talk about apples and oranges.

I not pretending anything. But animals cost money. I have had all sorts.

I have spent hundreds on cats. And a total hip replacement for one of my shepherds. My point is if you can't take care of a animal any animal you shouldn't have it.

If you have a animal you don't want. You just don't put it down. Period. That is unfair to a pet you have had for years.

 

[SundaeAfternoon]

Some people get dogs long before they are even thinking of children. I got mine when I was 17. (and thank goodness my parents did the research and thought of the future for me) People change. Situations Change. Our plans change. I didn't think at 17 (or even 20) that I would be a Stay at Home mom, with two kids and one on the way when I grew up. That doesn't mean I'm not responsible, or don't deserve to have a pet. It means that I'm not any better at predicting the future than most people are.

I got my dog at the age of 19. He is my primary focus right now, and I feel I owe him that.

Your bolded sentence demonstrates exactly what I'm trying to say. Do the research, and make decisions that will go along with your projected future plans.

 

[monkeybug]

By many standards--you are....eeeeeeeeeeeviiiiiiiiiiiiiiillllllllllll.

My smiley did not come through....so a so you can tell I am joking.

Where is a devil smiley when you need one?

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

And your last paragraph is just silly, I don't know anyone who has spent 6 figures on their pet.

And the age old.....if you don't want opinions, don't post it on a message board.

I was being facecious--but there are people who do believe that you are an evil pet owner for not doing EVERYTHING for your pet.

If *I* (generally speaking) cannot afford a $3000 surgery for my pet, does that mean I should not own ANY pet?

To some--yes, that is exactly what that means.

I have a cat--who got an extremely uncommon injury in cats. If she were a dog, there would be no option but to have surgery. Due to the nature of the injuries...it would be maybe about $3000-$5000 to do them, not including anything post op that had to be done. If a dog, darn near mandatory b/c the dog could not live humanely with the injury to heal on its own.

Just b/c someone cannot afford $5000 for a surgery, doesn't mean they are incapable of being a pet owner at all.

And there are people who believe just that. Even though it is extremely rare for any domestic pet to need care to that extreme.

 

[SundaeAfternoon]

By many standards--you are....eeeeeeeeeeeviiiiiiiiiiiiiiillllllllllll.

Giving her dog another home isn't evil. It's a sad situation, but not evil.

What would be evil is having the dog put down without even trying to find out what's wrong or finding a new home for him/her. The comments that touched on that subject in the OP are what upsets me, and probably other posters as well.

 

[monkeybug]

I got my dog at the age of 19. He is my primary focus right now, and I feel I owe him that.

My dog was my baby for many years! When I was pregnant with my daughter I actually worried that I wouldn't love her as much as my dog. I couldn't imagine loving anything as much as my dog. Things change, even things you can't ever imagine would change.
I still love my dog, he is still my buddy and always will be. He is awesome, awesome, awesome, and I am soooo lucky to have had him this whole time (though at times it was really difficult!)
If I thought for even one second that he could harm my children, as much as it would break my heart to do it, he would have to go. If I thought I was selfishly putting him in a situation that was just no longer comfortable/tolerable to him, I would let him live with my parents. He deserves the best, and as hard as it is, there is always the possibility this home won't be the best forever.
He has always been there for me, and I of course owe him the same, but for some owners sometimes "being there" means letting go.

 

[Christine]

The comments that touched on that subject in the OP are what upsets me, and probably other posters as well.

Well, she has come back and stated that it was just something discussed between her and her husband. They would never do it, so I'm just going to let that part of it go.

She wants advice on how to find a good, new home for the dog and, while I feel sad for the dog and the stress it will cause him, it is a situation that might be best for all concerned.

I'm am just still a little troubled about what will happen if she can't find a home for him.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I not pretending anything. But animals cost money. I have had all sorts.

I have spent hundreds on cats. And a total hip replacement for one of my shepherds. My point is if you can't take care of a animal any animal you shouldn't have it.

If you have a animal you don't want. You just don't put it down. Period. That is unfair to a pet you have had for years.

I agree with your last statement.

But it is unfair to condemn a pet owner for not having the forsight of a large bank account to deal with any anomaly that comes along that will bring huge expense.

I mean really--can't afford a behavioral specialist for a dog that snarls and has become quite unpredictable....so she shouldn't even own a fish? Really?

BTW--she later clarified that putting the dog down isn't an option which is why they are avoiding the shelter route to begin with. It wasn't a consideration to put the dog down in its present state.

Lacking extended funding to handle an anomaly problem--doesn't mean one is unfit for pet ownership.

Not everyone can have the luxury of Barboro's owners' bank account (that horse that got injured and the owners spent nearly a year trying to nurse it back to health--I may have the name off)

 

[monkeybug]

Giving her dog another home isn't evil. It's a sad situation, but not evil.

What would be evil is having the dog put down without even trying to find out what's wrong or finding a new home for him/her. The comments that touched on that subject in the OP are what upsets me, and probably other posters as well.

I think some posters were actually saying that it would be cruel to re-home the dog.
I do agree that putting down a healthy 9 year old dog would be really harsh. The OP later explained that they would never consider putting the dog down.

 

[ElizK]

Wow. What a thread. OP, I understand where you're coming from. If you can't trust the dog to be around your kids, the dog needs a new home that doesn't have children.

I have 3 dogs, have always had at least one dog (we ALWAYS had Springers when I was a kid. Usually they are great family dogs). But, as much as I love them, they are dogs. It's not a child. My kids will always come first.

I don't have any advice to offer. Just wanted to give you a

(I probably shouldn't mention on this thread with so many judgemental people that my 13 year old beagle has a torn ACL that is not being surgically repaired. )