Desperately Seeking Advise

[TAJ]

sorry, but what does it mean when someone's reply "...Has been Booed", or ...Has been Frosted" ? I've seen these comments throughout different chats.

I had every intention of working with this Puppy...we were signed up to go to socialization classes (starting next Wednesday), and then onto obedience training (part of the adoption agreement). This dane has so much potential and I have no doubt, that after some consistant training and socialization, he will be PERFECT! He's almost there. It's my 10 year old girl I have to think about. She's #1 right now and I can not take the chance that she will "come around" in two weeks or a month...what if she doesn't...?

I got word from the Rescue people last night and they agree that Zorro should be removed from our home due to Maggie's health. It's breaking my heart and I still have a glimmer of hope that Maggie will show some signs of improvement and acceptance...She is so distant and unresponsive to me and my husband right now....it's like she's telling us, "what have you done to me....bringing this beast into MY home"

[TAJ]

hi again...to answer your question, lovingpaws, I guess my 10 year old has always been a little dominant...she will put another dog in it's place if they get in her space...usually with a little growl, they will back down and know not to get too close. And then there are other dogs in the neighborhood (2 labs and a sheltie - all males) that she has no issues with...she gets so excited when we meet up on our walks...leaps and bounds. I think in this case, when she told him to 'back off" and he retaliatied, she was no longer in control of her domain...I really don't know what they think?

As for the biting, we have been alternating play/walk times so he hasn't been around Maggie...he will bite down on my arm to play...it's almost like a "boredom" thing...but when you tell him "NO" he gets more excited and that's when he shows his teeth or growls. He only came to the Rescue Shelter about 2 1/2 weeks ago and I'm sure they did some sort of behavoural study before placing him up for adoption...I'm sure they wouldn't adopt out an aggressive dog. As far as I know, the only dogs he's had any interaction with are the dogs in the foster homes...Prior to that he was kept in a small crate in the backyard or garage for all of his life.

[Marigold2]

I am so sorry to hear about the problems you have been having. What is it they say no good deed goes unpunished. I don't have any advice, just wanted you to know I think you are doing a good thing and which ever why you decide to go it is apperent your heart is in the right place. Best of luck.

[TAJ]

Thank you Merigold2...I do feel I am making the right decision, for everyone's sake. We will definitely get another dane, or two (puppies) once Maggie passes on.

Cyber-sibes, I'm sorry...I just read my reply back to you and I didn't mean to come across that I am "Glad you went through the same thing..." What I meant to say was that I'm glad that there is someone else out there who has experienced the same unfortunate situation as I have and making the decision to get rid of the new pup was a very difficult one.

Sorry if you misenterpreted it...I did!

Have a great day!

[Hugo]

When you rescue a large dog .
It is wise to know it's history as it could become a danger to you and other pets that you have in the house. You could use a trainner,but he or she will have a big job correcting bad habits that he may have aquired .If your dog is weak or (not well) a large dog by instinct will seek to harm her . so I might suggest that you take the dog back and wait to do your good deed of helping some poor maltreated animal when you can give it all your attention and even then it is a lot of work to correct the wrong that has been done to the poor animal . Only when with a litle guidance from a trainer or behavior specalist will you succeed. I hope this will help . Yours truly, Hugo ....

[TAJ]

Hugo, you have a very good point...I never even gave that any consideration. As for the background history on the rescued Dane, very little was provided, other than he was "Sweet", a 'real Gem" and great with other dogs and cats, but needed work in the obedience department. We really don't know if he was the alpha of the litter or had to fight for his food...no one knows!

We ended up bringing the Dane back to the foster home last Sunday...it was so hard and I was an emotional wreck. Even though we had him for only a week, I grew very attached to him. But I had to consider Maggie's health above anything else. it comforts me to know that he has gone to a foster home where someone will work on his "Issues". He will be well taken care of.

Maggie is starting to come around...She finally ate a full meal on Monday morning (after the dane was out of her house and her food dish put back in it's normal spot)...she is still a little unresponsive towards me, but I think she's still mad at me for bringing this beast into her house. They are creatures of habit!

We will consider rescueing another dog after Maggie passes on.

Thanks to all for your great advise and support....much appreciated! It made the decision to bring the dog back a little less difficult (I don't feel so guilty).

Have a great day!

[borzoimom]

I am sorry to hear that, but I do believe its for the best. Not only did you do what was right for you, but probably him too. Maybe he needs a no other dog type of him.

[pitc9]

I'm so sorry you had to take the Dane back... but it was for the best!

Hugs to you and please feel free to post pictures of Maggie!!

[Thandi]

I had to do the same with my rainbow Thandi, the rhodesian ridgeback. She had been with goldens as a youngster and so we adopted one, but with 10 hours I knew it was a huge mistake and took the golden back to the rescue people. After Thandi died we rescued first Mika, a boxer/lab/heinz and a year later Chloe, a shep/rottie/bc and they live soooo incredibly happily together. Sometimes the older dogs just can't give up half of their space. You did the right thing.