It's a sad day for our family

I'm sorry that you didn't get the reception you were looking for. I, personally, said that a dog (at least a puppy anyway) might not be the best idea for the household because it seems that training isn't something you're knowledgeable on, and, you've said there are no trainers to help you learn...that's the only reason I said that at all. And, a trained 10-month-old puppy is still going to need more training. I have been compassionate, but, realistic, and, not trying to bash you at all. If you saw my posts that way, it's unfortunate. But, honestly, I can understand why you don't want to come back. I wish you the best of luck.

You shouldn't leave they are just stating things that can probably work. I was reading and noone seemed judgemental. Sorry about that though. I'm glad your friend is going to adopt Zoe and you will still be able to see Zoe.

*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?

My paws are crossed! :D

I'm glad you've decided to give her another shot!

I really believe that she's just not getting the exercise that she needs, I have a yound Lab mix and he is absolutely CRAZY and destructive if he doesn't get a 2 mile bike ride a day, lol. Do you have a bike? You can get a Springer (or something similar) to attach to the bike and that would wear her out very quickly with no pulling while you try to walk her!

I hope the training goes well, and its nice to know that there is a family that will take her if it doesn't work out. I am SO glad that she won't be going back to the pound! (((Hugs)))

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Originally Posted by k9krazee

I'm glad you've decided to give her another shot!

I really believe that she's just not getting the exercise that she needs, I have a yound Lab mix and he is absolutely CRAZY and destructive if he doesn't get a 2 mile bike ride a day, lol. Do you have a bike? You can get a Springer (or something similar) to attach to the bike and that would wear her out very quickly with no pulling while you try to walk her!

I hope the training goes well, and its nice to know that there is a family that will take her if it doesn't work out. I am SO glad that she won't be going back to the pound! (((Hugs)))

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The animal shelter that I got her from is a no kill shelter, but still... The thought of her going back there.. :(

You know... WHY is it that animals especially dogs, cats, birds, etc touch our hearts so much? Even when they're naughtY

I'm so glad you are giving her a second chance! She deserves it, afterall, I do believe a majority of "problem" dogs CAN be perfectly sound companion animals if trained properly.

I apologize, and sincerely hope that my post didn't offend you. I certainly wasn't intended for it to sound like I was judging you, just offering advice and what I would do in a situation like your's.


I hope everythings works out the best for you, your kids, and especially Zoe. Will you be taking your children to classes with you? I'm wondering if that will help Zoe to respect them more as the alphas?


It is hard for you to give her up because you're human. Most humans have hearts and certainly you do. :)

It sounds like she'll be fine, either way. ;) Glad you are taking this extra step, I know it's a lot of work, but, it may be just what you guys need to make this last effort! Good luck, and, the only advice I have is stay consistent! Work with her a lot!

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. :)

I am hoping to take the kids with me to her training. Especially the twins who are 10, because she doesn't respect their authority at all. It's funny... because she's SOOOO gentle with Isabel, whose 2.

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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