RSS
Home
The right time but the wrong dog
Print
Email
RSS
Subscribe
.jpg)
Insert photo caption or credit here
In my last article I talked about the best times NOT to get a new dog. Now I want to address the distressing issue of getting a dog at the right time, but choosing the wrong dog. Unfortunately it’s a common scenario.
Like the older couple who have fond memories of their old German Shepherd, Prince, who lived to be 15 and “was absolutely perfect in every way.” He was quiet, respectful, obedient, and loyal to the very end. When they got Prince as a puppy these folks were in their mid 40s, with an active lifestyle, enjoying long walks at least twice a day, and games of fetch with Prince, in the backyard. Fast forward 20 years. After a career in the military, Mike has two bad knees and can barely walk to the mailbox and back. Sue recently had a back injury; if she has even minor trauma to her back now she could be paralyzed. Mike and Sue would really like to get another dog. Maybe a small dog would make more sense, but that Prince—he was such a wonderful dog. A trip to the local German Shepherd Rescue and it’s done, they’ve adopted a 90 pound, one year old German Shepherd named Loco. Loco has had two other homes that didn’t work out, for reasons that will soon become clear.
Loco is fearful. He’s afraid of men and vacuum cleaners. UPS trucks and other dogs. Loud noises, soft noises, even the sound of a cabinet closing gently. His response? He barks. This elicits a lot of soothing praise from Mike and Sue. It’s okay, honey, it’s just a door. With all this kind sympathy, Loco figures it must be GOOD to bark. So he keeps barking. Three years later, Mike and Sue are at their wits’ end. Loco barks endlessly and with great energy at every noise he hears. Mike and Sue are reluctant to have their friends over because Loco won’t stop barking at them. The cleaning ladies are afraid to come in. The kids avoid coming home to visit “because of that crazy dog.”
What has gone wrong? Mike and Sue, who clearly love Loco, have chosen the wrong dog. He’s a high energy dog in a lower energy household. His sheer size and strength are a poor match for two people with physical disabilities. It’s hard for the owners to provide consistent leadership. The dog is running the show.
The progression from here is predictable, if the behavior is not corrected. Since he gets away with barking, after a while he will begin to snap at people. If that isn’t stopped he will start to bite for real. The first time he bites someone he may be labeled a “dangerous dog.”
It’s a heart breaking situation that I see frequently. Owners love the dog but can’t control its behavior. Making sure the dog and prospective owner are a good match is something responsible breeders and rescues take to heart. High energy Border Collie goes to an active person who wants a dog to take on her daily run. Low energy Bassett hound goes to an older couple who like to stroll around the neighborhood. The one year old high strung Siberian Husky does not go to a person in a walker.
These mismatches are common. The best thing, obviously, is to avoid them. When it does happen it’s important to recognize it early and consider another placement for the dog. When the behavior is chronic and getting worse, owners have fewer choices for what to do with their dogs. It’s hard to place a dog in another home once it’s been labeled “dangerous,” and the alternatives are grim.
Next time you’re picking out a dog, be honest with yourself. Sure he’s beautiful, but is this a dog you will be able to handle now? 12 years from now? If you’re not sure or you doubt it, he’s probably the wrong dog for you. So pass this one by and keep looking for the right dog. There are plenty of them out there, and one of them will be waiting for you.
Susie Homire
Lead Your Pack
LeadYourPack.com
Related Articles:
Comments
.JPG)
