Dont get me wrong, I LOVE rescue dogs, had one of my own for many years and have worked with many outstanding rescue dogs. I woke this morning to an email from a client. Yet another rescue transported and placed a dog with serious fears. First meeting we worked on counter conditioning and desensitizing with the existing dog in the house. They are doing well. We also discussed what to do in the environment, helping her through fears of things outside. Well, they are at their hopeful retirement beach condo (they go every summer) and the dog is far worse than anyone knew. There is no fence so she has to walk the dog to potty - management is NOT an option because of this. Dogs fears towards things are bad. Wife is even afraid to leave her alone in the unit because she may carry on and disturb the neighbors. Once again, NO honesty with the rescue, NO evaluations that we can deduce, NOTHING. No way if the rescue had done anything that these behaviors would not be seen. UGH! Elderly couple and not sure if they will physically be able to do the work this dog needs. I am emailing them more info to refresh what we did and get them started again. Then it will be in the house with Sarah being a distraction and going from there. People talk about puppy mills and how bad they are - sick dogs, dogs with behavioral issues, etc. Yet they ignore that many rescuers are doing the same thing - but you add rescuer in the mix and in the minds of others it seems to absolve them or responsibility. Sorry, no matter who you are or what your motive is, you have NO business placing dogs with serious behavioral issues. NO BUSINESS! It is you responsibility to see what behaviors the dog may have and begin working them through BEFORE the dog is placed. THEN realize the dog will regress to some degree when placed to PROVIDE SUPPORT IN POSITIVE WAYS - YOU DO NOT PUNISH FEAR, SQUIRT THE DOG IN THE FACE WHEN HE IS SHOWING FEAR, ETC!!!! To all those rescues over the years I have sent letters to offering to teach clinics for your foster care providers, THIS IS WHY! If this dog should pull out of her owners grasp, there is a good chance someone could get hurt. When you are adopting a dog - IT IS YOUR RIGHT TO SAY NO. There were some red flags the foster care giver brushed off. As an adopter, if any issues are raised and they seem to be brushed off, downplayed, etc - WALK AWAY! There are so many good dogs in need of homes that you should not feel pressured to take on a dog you are concerned has behavioral issues. You could be looking at weeks, months, years of work to get any resolution depending on the seriousness of the behavior, how much work you are able to do, and the dog himself. If the situation is serious, resolution to the level you need may not happen. Potential adopters - IT IS OK TO SAY NO! Ask yourself: Would I buy a dog with these suspected or known behaviors from a breeder? If the answer is No then you should not adopt a dog with those suspected (or even known) behaviors from a rescue. If you are in doubt, ask if you can have a trainer independent of the rescue to evaluate the dog. If the rescue declines, you run.
Posted on: Mon, 01 Sep 2014 11:30:14 +0000
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