It's a sad day for our family

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Originally Posted by chocolatepuppy

Training a puppy into a good dog can be a lot of work. It can also be a lot of fun.Consistency,as others have mentioned, is important. Dogs want to learn, you just have to keep working with them. I hope things work out for Zoe and your family. :)

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ditto.

Lori, I sent you a private message :). I just thought I'd mention it here in case you don't usually check them. I think the classes will be a wonderful experience for all involved :)

My older children are primarily the ones who wanted to trade her in for a smaller dog. Now how do I get them to cooperate in Zoe's NEW lifestyle?

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Originally Posted by K9soul

Lori, I sent you a private message :). I just thought I'd mention it here in case you don't usually check them. I think the classes will be a wonderful experience for all involved :)

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I think you may be right.

I know this has been a very difficult decision for you and we don't want it to be any harder. It is always easy to tell others what they should be doing, but it is alot harder to actually do them. We don't really know how much trouble (or not) Zoe has been and we really can't judge. Of course, we hope that it all works out for Zoe because sometimes just a change in environment can make all the difference. (Zoe looks a little like a Beagle/mix) and Beagles love to roam and would probaby be happier in a country setting with someone who can take her out - off leash for walks and let her chase critters.

I see that your daughter has disabilities and you are hoping for a calmer companion. I hope this works out for you!!!

I hope the very best for Zoe and your new dog. But do please keep in mind that all dogs can be problematic and you may want to consider a full grown dog that is housetrained, sweet, etc.. Sometimes folks have to find new homes for these sweet ones as well when a family member dies, moves or simply cannot care for them anymore. Think about it! Good luck!!! :D

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Originally Posted by 4theloveofzoe

*sighs*

Okay... I've just called Petco, they do have a good trainer there, according to the person who answered the phone. It's $69.95 for 6 weeks. There is a Petco 48 miles from here. I am going to contact a friend to see if she can run us up there once a week. And another friend who lives about 22 miles from us to take us up there, when my other friend can't. Hopefully I'll be able to find another vehicle soon.

I called my best friend and told her the situation... She agrees that I should give Zoe this last shot. If the training doesn't work, then she agrees to take her.

The lady at Petco said that she recommends basic training. Which is what we'll start out with. Then we'll deal with the other problem issues.

*cross your fingers and hope that this works*

WHY is it so hard for me to want to give her up?

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WOW only $69.95 there?? The PetCo I worked at charged $89.95. Sometimes they would go on sale with the PALS card though.

In any case I am SO SO SO glad that you have decided to reconsider and are trying to get her training. I can assure you that this will work out for BOTH of you!

I did not read all the later posts and it seems as if you are going to give Zoe some more time and try some classes. Good 4 you. I hope this all helps and that things work out!!!! :D

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Originally Posted by IRescue452

I for one think you are doing the right thing. I think most of the people on here are speaking to quickly. A young lab just isn't right for your family. She'd be better off in a new home with lots of room to roam. A lot of those who posted are young though, the age to be able to chat on this forum is 13. You'll find a lot of the younger people on here have big hearts, but don't always act out of what's best. Yes she can be worked with through training, but it won't mean she will become the perfect dog for your needs. She is acting like a normal young lab, and you can't tell a dog not to act normal. I hope you find a good dog and I hope you stick around even if you don't get a new dog right away.

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I went back and read every single post over again... I can't see where any of the younger members (or anyone else for that matter) said anything other than support and suggestions?? I'm rather confused as to what anyone's age in this thread has to do with ANYTHING at all. :confused:

Good Luck with Zoe's training! I pray things work out for you. I thought, when I got my first dog, Cody, a yellow lab/golden retreiver mix, at age 40, that it would be a cinch to gain authority and train him myself! Duh. He was a maniac until I enrolled him in training and on graduation day, the trainer remarked that in all her years of training, Cody made the most progress of any dog she's met! And best of all, Cody really enjoyed it after a while. I think making it a family affair is a wonderful and fun idea! Whatever happens, whatever the outcome, may Zoe be blessed with a happy and healthy life.

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A lot of those who posted are young though, the age to be able to chat on this forum is 13.

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uh, you need to check back through the people who posted, and check their ages. ;) I agree with Kay, what does age have to do with knowing how to train a dog :confused:

I hope I didn't come across as being judgemental, if I did it wasn't my intent and I'm sorry. I'm glad that you are going to give Zoe another chance, though. I think that working with her in a class is going to make a big difference in her behavior. Also, some of her energy will certainly get less as she gets older. One of my dogs, Adele, was a very hyper puppy and we had some problems with her being desructive. Even after walks, and playing constantly with my other dog she would find time to dig holes and chew. But, I noticed a big change in her behavior about the time she turned 1 1/2, and this summer she will be 3, and is more like a "normal" dog, she just needed some extra exercise with all the energy! Anyway, I didn't mean to ramble- just wanted to wish you good luck with the classes! :p