It's a sad day for our family

[wolf_Q]

First off, please note that I am not in any way trying to bash you or your decision. You seemed genuinely concerned for Zoe and your family. I'm just trying to maybe help you see some things that could be helped...

Zoe continues to have behavioral problems. Soiling in the house. (Although she has gotten better.) She bites and playfully attacks my 10 year old daughters, when Zoe was meant as a companion animal for my 10 year old, Marissa who has disabilities.

How old is she? This sounds like normal puppy/adolescent behavior to me. Dogs play with their mouths; they have to be taught that this is not acceptable behavior. What do you do when she playfully bites somebody?

When the younger girls try to take her for a walk, she pulls hard. So they refuse to walk her. ANd has PULLED me hard enough to cause damage to my already injured arm (carpal tunnel syndrome).

I know (having a husky, a known puller) that teaching a dog to walk nicely on a leash is not easy. I also know some people on here do not agree with using these, but I think it could be worth a try.....have you thought about a halti or a prong collar? Though I rarely use them, I have tried both and both helped *significantly* with the pulling.

She dug HUGE holes in our yard, that made us got a warning from our landlord, that our lease was going to be cancelled. Which would cause us to become homeless and have no where to go.

Do you leave her outside unsupervised for long periods of time? Dogs usually dig because they are bored...I would think if she was only outside long enough to go potty or if somebody was out there playing with her and watching there wouldn't be a problem. I've also heard of getting a kiddie pool filled with dirt and teaching the dog to dig there instead of the yard (haven't tried it, my dogs don't dig).

I just think that we made a mistake about adopting a medium sized dog.

I personally don't think the size is the issue. It's her age and lack of training. The only issue that I think size could matter is walking on a leash...but let me tell you, my 17 lb schnauzer can pull harder than my 60 lb siberian husky...

I emailed the animal shelter that we got her from, and am waiting to hear about returning her. I tried calling before and no one returned my phone calls. Anyways... We just don't think it's fair to her to be cooped up all the time, because everyone's afraid to walk her because she pulls so hard.

I hope the shelter is not a kill shelter? Black dogs are usually the hardest to adopt out. If you are insistent on finding her a new home maybe you could try contacting some local rescue groups instead.

I've tried training her since we got her, and nothing has worked with her. She needs a professional, and where we live there are no professionals.

Have you contacted all of the local vets, pet stores, etc? There may be one that you just are not aware of.

We are looking at adopting a 10 month old small breed dog. He's already trained, and won't be a problem as far as walking him, etc.

I hope you know that training is a lifetime thing. You have to continue to work with the dog throughout its life to continue the training and good behaviors. Small dogs can have the same behavior problems that large dogs can have.

Whatever you decide to do, I wish you, your family, and Zoe the best of luck.

[jesse_3]

I am so sorry that your decision on adopting Zoe was not the right one. I wish you all the best of luck, and I hope that everything works out!

Steph and Jes

[finn's mom]

Not to say that she's not receiving well-intentioned, good advice, because she is...but, just my opinion...this appears to be a dead horse. At least as far as Zoe's future is concerned, it looks like a made decision. The most we can do at this point without causing more hurt is to give sound advice about the new dog once it's home. I personally don't think a dog is a good idea for the household at all, but, hopefully, this time around will be handled better.

I still wish the best of luck to the family in their search and to Zoe in hers.

I just had to put my two cents.

[Vela]

I personally don't think a dog is a good idea for the household at all, but, hopefully, this time around will be handled better.

I still wish the best of luck to the family in their search and to Zoe in hers.

I agree. Also I was wondering if the shelter is a no kill shelter?? The reason I ask is because if you return her to a kill shelter due to "problems" chances are she will be put down when in reality those problems could be fixed with proper training. If it's a no kill shelter than she should be safe because her "problems" arean't actually problems at all, rather a lack of proper training, so they will work with her. Kill shelters most of the time won't work with a dog that is returned for behavioral problems because they tend to be considered less adoptable and are often on the top of the kill list. A smaller pet of sorts might be the best option for your family at this time. But that's just my opinion.

[4theloveofzoe]

May I ask why you think that a dog isn't good for our household? You don't know us.

I'm simply stating that we don't have a trainer nearby . I don't have a vehicle to get her where she needs to go to get trained.

I was asking for support not to be bashed that our household doesn't need a dog.

[4theloveofzoe]

By the way... for those of you that posted with compassion, I just wanted to let you know that my best friend, Andrea, who has OLDER children (14 and up) is coming to adopt her today. They have a house out in the country where she can run free, and act like a lab should be able to act, not be cooped up in our apartment.

SO we'll still get to come and see her whenever we want.

[4theloveofzoe]

PS... Don't look for me to return here. Too many judgemental people.

[BOBS DAD]

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!!!

[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