Rescue Dog Disaster

[WinkleHoff]

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.

Edited by WinkleHoff on Sunday 21st September 13:20

[moorx]

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...

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.

[WinkleHoff]

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.

[Badda]

Sympathise with the situation but a predictable consequence. Tough lesson to learn though.

[WinkleHoff]

Totally. I predicted it, was dismissed, now need to find a solution to this mess.

[Huzzah]

Terrible situation.

I'd discuss with a professional trainer, or dogs trust with a view to rehoming.

[loskie]

How much money did they con him out of? There's a lot of these so called charities that aren't. I wish folks would have a bit of sense and realise.

[moorx]

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!

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

[TGCOTF-dewey]

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.

Edited by TGCOTF-dewey on Sunday 21st September 20:49