It's a sad day for our family

[Jessika]

*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?

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!

[BOBS DAD]

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!!!!

[Kfamr]

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.

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.

[K9karen]

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.

[chocolatepuppy]

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

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

[Pembroke_Corgi]

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!