Rescue Dog Disaster
Discussion
Looking for some advice.
My father in law has shipped in a rescue dig from overseas (Greece). He's mid 70s. He did not meet the dog beforehand, and there was no vetting at all to see if it was a good fit, or if he would be up to the task. I warned him that this didn't sound good and that he needed a dog he could meet, one that has been trained and brought up well.
Anyway, the dog has arrived, and it is MENTAL. It's a lab, not a puppy as such, but young. He can't go anywhere or do anything, every day seems like crisis management. I am not sure of its history, neither is he. It has no social skills, other dogs are a major problem. It's is seriously excitable, very hard to calm down. It's also strong and he doesn't have the strength to run it enough everyday.
I'm so frustrated that this has happened. Even more so because I warned him. He's tried to get help from, but I don't think he has th skill, strength or aptitude.
It's also very unfair on the dog.
In my mind, the only option is that the dog needs a new home. But how?
I'd appreciate any help. Thanks.
My father in law has shipped in a rescue dig from overseas (Greece). He's mid 70s. He did not meet the dog beforehand, and there was no vetting at all to see if it was a good fit, or if he would be up to the task. I warned him that this didn't sound good and that he needed a dog he could meet, one that has been trained and brought up well.
Anyway, the dog has arrived, and it is MENTAL. It's a lab, not a puppy as such, but young. He can't go anywhere or do anything, every day seems like crisis management. I am not sure of its history, neither is he. It has no social skills, other dogs are a major problem. It's is seriously excitable, very hard to calm down. It's also strong and he doesn't have the strength to run it enough everyday.
I'm so frustrated that this has happened. Even more so because I warned him. He's tried to get help from, but I don't think he has th skill, strength or aptitude.
It's also very unfair on the dog.
In my mind, the only option is that the dog needs a new home. But how?
I'd appreciate any help. Thanks.
Edited by WinkleHoff on Sunday 21st September 13:20
WinkleHoff said:
Looking for some advice.
My father in law has shipped in a rescue dig from overseas (Greece). He's mid 70s. He did not meet the dog beforehand, and there was no vetting at all to see if it was a good fit, or of he would be up to the task. I warned him that this didn't sound good and theybhe needed a dog he could meet, one that has been trained and brought up well.
Anyway, the dog has arrived, and it is MENTAL. It's a lab, not a puppy as such, but young. He can't go anywhere or do anything, every day seems like crisis management. I am not sure of its history, neither is he. It has no social skills, other dogs are a major problem. It's is seriously excitable, very hard to calm down. It's also strong and he doesn't have the strength to run it enough everyday.
I'm so frustrated that this has happened. Even more so because I warned him. He's tried to get help from, but I don't think he has th skill, strength or aptitude.
It's also very unfair on the dog.
In my mind, the only option is that the dog needs a new home. But how?
I'd appreciate any help. Thanks.
First step should be to contact the organisation who homed the dog with him. If they are reputable, they should have back-up arrangements in place to facilitate the return of dogs. The fact that they rehomed a dog without any pre-checks isn't a good sign, though. I believe that some of these so-called 'rescues' don't have any back-up and expect UK rescues to pick up the pieces if things go wrong...My father in law has shipped in a rescue dig from overseas (Greece). He's mid 70s. He did not meet the dog beforehand, and there was no vetting at all to see if it was a good fit, or of he would be up to the task. I warned him that this didn't sound good and theybhe needed a dog he could meet, one that has been trained and brought up well.
Anyway, the dog has arrived, and it is MENTAL. It's a lab, not a puppy as such, but young. He can't go anywhere or do anything, every day seems like crisis management. I am not sure of its history, neither is he. It has no social skills, other dogs are a major problem. It's is seriously excitable, very hard to calm down. It's also strong and he doesn't have the strength to run it enough everyday.
I'm so frustrated that this has happened. Even more so because I warned him. He's tried to get help from, but I don't think he has th skill, strength or aptitude.
It's also very unfair on the dog.
In my mind, the only option is that the dog needs a new home. But how?
I'd appreciate any help. Thanks.
You MUST contact them in the first instance, though. Most of the dogs I've rehomed through UK rescues have had a requirement as part of their adoption that I contact them if I am no longer able to keep the dog.
Thanks. I don't believe its a legitimate charity/organisation whatsoever. Someone on Facebook who "finds homes for dogs". Pictures of dogs on favebook saying how adorable they are. I believe he was coerced by someone else in to taking the dog, but that's another long story.
I believe if the dog stays with him, it will materially affect his and the dogs health.
I believe if the dog stays with him, it will materially affect his and the dogs health.
WinkleHoff said:
Thanks. I don't believe its a legitimate charity/organisation whatsoever. Someone on Facebook who "finds homes for dogs". Pictures of dogs on favebook saying how adorable they are. I believe he was coerced by someone else in to taking the dog, but that's another long story.
I believe if the dog stays with him, it will materially affect his and the dogs health.
Pfffftttt! Oh dear, not good!I believe if the dog stays with him, it will materially affect his and the dogs health.
Does he have all the relevant paperwork for the dog (I presume it would need a Pet Passport and microchip documentation)? The two we had that came from ROI (via a UK rescue) had this. It could be difficult without these I would think.
Ideally, I would think you'd still want something in writing confirming that the original 'custodian' can't/won't take the dog back, so your dad is able to rehome them legitimately. Or at least evidence that you have contacted them and given them a set time (a week, say) to indicate that they want the dog back and make arrangements to do so - and that if you don't hear from them within this time, you will assume they do not.
I hasten to add, I am no legal expert, I'm just thinking what I might do in this situation.
Beyond that, you're really in the same position as anyone else rehoming a dog; ie contact local (reputable) rescues, or rehome privately. Unfortunately, most rescues are bursting at the seams with dogs at the moment
Where in the country are you/your dad? People may have ideas of rescues you could try.
It might also be worth asking your local vet for advice.
Good luck, what a horrible situation.
Edited by moorx on Sunday 21st September 18:25
Labs are at least easy to train (Have had three to date) as they very reward driven...but you do have to be extremely consistent with them, which is where most people with unruly ones goes wrong.
Is he the sort of person who can be? If not, with an adolescent with bad habits, he's screwed.
Either way he needs a trainer to help him or try to get it rehomed.
ETA...if it's from Greece it'll likely be failed gun dog so bred for its energy which won't help.
Is he the sort of person who can be? If not, with an adolescent with bad habits, he's screwed.
Either way he needs a trainer to help him or try to get it rehomed.
ETA...if it's from Greece it'll likely be failed gun dog so bred for its energy which won't help.
Edited by TGCOTF-dewey on Sunday 21st September 20:49
That’s not the only option you pay someone to walk it and train it. We rescued one from Cyprus it had never been on a lead! Time and patience and it’s the best dog ever now ok it would still prefer to eat a pizza out of a bin than expensive dog food but he’s a great dog. They can be trained at any age.
Our last dog was a similar sounding lab from a UK rescue - had been owned by a young family who couldn't cope with it as it got bigger. It had no training or disciple and as a consequence was virtually uncontrollable when we got it at about 18 months. Chewed the furniture, lunged at passers by with shopping bags in the street, pulled like a mad thing on its lead and had no recall whatsoever.
It took some time, but with some structure and training it did eventually settle into a brilliant family dog, but you do need patience and consistency with them. As above, motivated almost exclusively by food, so that's the starting point.
Current dog is a 42kg Romanian rescue mountain dog with anxiety issues, so a completely different challenge
It took some time, but with some structure and training it did eventually settle into a brilliant family dog, but you do need patience and consistency with them. As above, motivated almost exclusively by food, so that's the starting point.
Current dog is a 42kg Romanian rescue mountain dog with anxiety issues, so a completely different challenge
smn159 said:
Our last dog was a similar sounding lab from a UK rescue - had been owned by a young family who couldn't cope with it as it got bigger. It had no training or disciple and as a consequence was virtually uncontrollable when we got it at about 18 months. Chewed the furniture, lunged at passers by with shopping bags in the street, pulled like a mad thing on its lead and had no recall whatsoever.
It took some time, but with some structure and training it did eventually settle into a brilliant family dog, but you do need patience and consistency with them. As above, motivated almost exclusively by food, so that's the starting point.
Current dog is a 42kg Romanian rescue mountain dog with anxiety issues, so a completely different challenge
Romanian dogs are totally different experience. We've had one for 3 years now...also has some mountain dog DNA in him.It took some time, but with some structure and training it did eventually settle into a brilliant family dog, but you do need patience and consistency with them. As above, motivated almost exclusively by food, so that's the starting point.
Current dog is a 42kg Romanian rescue mountain dog with anxiety issues, so a completely different challenge
It's been a very very tricky journey.
He doesn't know how to play really beyond chase and nip at our lap...which TBF he thinks is great as it's like watching a WW2 dog fight. The lab out turns the Romanian but is slightly faster in a straight line. The lab generally turns it into a turning battle.
He certainly doesn't know how to play with toys or people.
His recall is questionable.
He's like the sand people, but doesn't return in greater numbers.
If you hold out food in your hand for a treat, 20 percent of the time he thinks you're going to murder him.
If you go to stroke him, 20 percent of the time he thinks you're going to murder him. Yet if you're sat on the sofa, he'll happy come up to you for a tickle or cuddle.
You can't give him food that's a big lump of something as he'll carry it off to eat somewhere you really wouldn't want him to.
Curious to hear your experiences with yours.
Oh...and his head is too small for his body
Here's ours, we've had him 3 1/2 years now. Apparently he was abandoned in a forest as a puppy and was very small and underweight when he came over; had never been on a lead or lived inside and was extremely anxious around new people and other dogs
Despite that he was quick to adapt and has settled into home life and is a brilliant dog to have around. He is extremely protective - I can't even walk past the playground equipment in the local park as he considers it far too dangerous and pushes me away if I get too close. Barks if anyone comes within 400 yards of the house, which is a nightmare on bin day.
He's got excellent recall and has slowly become better socialised with other dogs off his lead - although he needs to be introduced slowly and won't tolerate his treats being given to anyone else until he is completely comfortable with the dog.
Get's very anxious and barks a lot if we stop for a coffee sometimes and there are other dogs around.
Extremely affectionate / emotional and happiest with a routine. Very fussy eater and will sometimes not eat for a day if he doesn't fancy it. Tried loads of stuff before settling on a raw food diet for him.
Luck of the draw with a foreign rescue but overall he's been brilliant.
Just re-read your comments about not knowing how to play - yes, same with ours.
Will happily chase a ball but will then destroy it / guard it with his life.
Looks on in bewilderment if I try and play tug with his rope toy - thinks I'm trying to steal one of his most prized possessions
Warns anyone off who tries to pick up a toy in his vicinity.
All resource guarding traits I suppose and a legacy of his time on his own
Will happily chase a ball but will then destroy it / guard it with his life.
Looks on in bewilderment if I try and play tug with his rope toy - thinks I'm trying to steal one of his most prized possessions
Warns anyone off who tries to pick up a toy in his vicinity.
All resource guarding traits I suppose and a legacy of his time on his own
smn159 said:
What a great looking dog - looks a real character!
Thanks. Yours too. Has a bearded collie look to him.Yours looks Mioritic...we *think* Ghost (name he came with) gets his colouring from the Carpathian rather than Mioritic shepherd.
He was picked up next to an Army base with his mum.
smn159 said:
Just re-read your comments about not knowing how to play - yes, same with ours.
Will happily chase a ball but will then destroy it / guard it with his life.
Looks on in bewilderment if I try and play tug with his rope toy - thinks I'm trying to steal one of his most prized possessions
Warns anyone off who tries to pick up a toy in his vicinity.
All resource guarding traits I suppose and a legacy of his time on his own
We have that. Give him a treat don’t you dare go anywhere near him when he’s eating it he’s like a Gremlin as soon as he’s eaten it he will be cuddling up on your lap like nothing has happened lol Will happily chase a ball but will then destroy it / guard it with his life.
Looks on in bewilderment if I try and play tug with his rope toy - thinks I'm trying to steal one of his most prized possessions
Warns anyone off who tries to pick up a toy in his vicinity.
All resource guarding traits I suppose and a legacy of his time on his own
We did actually get a DNA test done - typical street dog with nothing much of anything!
16% Segugio Italiano
10% Estrela Mountain Dog
9% Great Dane
8% Chihuahua
8% Fijian Street Dog
Plus loads of other stuff from just about every breed you can think of.
On the plus side he doesn't shed and needs clipping every few months once he starts looking like a cross between Gandalf and Chewbacca
16% Segugio Italiano
10% Estrela Mountain Dog
9% Great Dane
8% Chihuahua
8% Fijian Street Dog
Plus loads of other stuff from just about every breed you can think of.
On the plus side he doesn't shed and needs clipping every few months once he starts looking like a cross between Gandalf and Chewbacca
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