Need opinon on adoption choice

AnimalLover

Hello all,

We recently had to put down one of our dogs. We decided that our other dog needed a companion and began searching the local rescue orgs. for a dog to adopt. We were looking for a dog similar in age to ours to keep her company, one that would get along with her and our cat, and one that would interact well with kids as we play to start a family in the next couple of months.

After meeting a couple of dogs at a local rescue, we took one home for the weekend to see how she would do with our dog. She was a little more hyper that what we had originally wanted, but it seemed like she and our dog got along.

It has become apparant that this dog is too hyper for us and our family. She has knocked me over, climbed over everything in the house, bit me a couple of times (not in an agressive way, just because she is excited), chased the dog and the cat all over the house, etc.

I think that she is a great dog, but just not for us in this stage of our life. I don't think that a dog with this high of an energy level would be ideal when you are going to have a newborn and eventually a toddler running around. The dog is 4ys old and already spayed, so her hyperness will come down a little as she ages, but I don't thinks soon enough for us.

So here is the problem. When we called the rescue org to tell them that it hasn't been a good fit, and they are giving us the guilt trip. Saying that if we just work with the dog and give her plenty of exercise that she will calm down. I know that they are overwhelmed, but I think that we know what is best for us and what we will be able to provide for the dog. Am I wrong? They will take her back no matter what, but I don't think that the pressure from them was necessary?

Brittany

Well I agree that the dog probably just needs more exercise and play time. If you are able to return the dog to the shelter I wouldn't recommend adopting another dog right now if you are planning to have a baby. There is no way to tell the true temperament of a dog in just a few short days. But that is just my opinion. Are you ready to just give the pup up or are you here for suggestions on how to calm him down?

AnimalLover

Thanks for your reply.

We have talked to the foster who has had her for almost a year. This is how she is 24/7. They walk her twice a day for 45 mins, plus all the play time that she has with their 5 dogs. They said that she seems to have an unlimited supply of energy.

We thought that we would see what we could do to wear her out. We spent 2 hours at a dog park on Thursday where all she did was chase dogs around, and then took her on a 45 minute walk in the evening. She was still out of control.

I guess I don't know what I was looking for with my post.....I feel bad sending her back to the foster, but I would also feel bad keeping her here if we don't have the time to dedicate to her, or if someone/pet gets hurt becuase of her hyperness.

MySoulmateEmmy

to be honest I don't understand, is this is something like a trial that your shelter allows you to see if the dog fits before the final decision and now they don't want to allow her back? Also, when you met the dog, why didn't the shelter or foster warn you this dog was this way before you took her home and advise a more sedate dog, if that is what you were looking for? that sounds funny to me. don't mean to sound abrupt or anything, I am just confused I guess. Also, I agree with Brittany, if you are starting a family, you can see about working with the dog, and her activity level, but the truth is I can see you are ALREADY overwhelmed and while it isn't my place to make a decision for you, you need to do what you think is best for the safety of your family, even if you think she is a good dog. Also, maybe get an older dog possibly? Usually they are more calm and likely to do better around kids, but every dog is unique of course. I mean my dog is 7 and she still has the energy of a 2-3 yrs old most of the time :P

Tell us what you decide and good luck with your decision AL

~MSE

TashaHope

To be honest, if she really is that hyper (and you plan to start a family) I wouldn't reccomend keeping her. With a baby I doubt you'll have that much time to calm her down everyday. I mean, what happens the day you just don't have time to walk her... will she be so off the walls she could hurt the baby?

That's just my opinon... I don't know what your schedule is like or she may even calm down...

Brittany

Oh I just wanted to add. Kimber is 10 months old and he is a TON of energy. It does not matter how much physical exercise he gets he is still bouncing off the walls. But what tires him is training. 15 minutes of training and he is pooped. He loves it but when he has to think that is what gets him tired.

kmes

A lot of people tend to ignore mental stimulation for their dog.
I have been through many training classes with my dogs and they are always pooped afterwards. And I can't begin to tell you how many high energy breed dogs get worn out even part of the way through a class. I would definitely suggest finding a good trainer and taking some obedience classes if you do keep the dog! You might find some dog activities such as agility, flyball, or rally that you really enjoy!

My min pin, Penny, goes absolutely bonkers with out the right combination of exercise and training! The first few days after she came to us, I came home to garbage all over the floor, kitchen cupboards open with food all over, plants knocked off of windowsills. I'm talking a total disaster. I can't crate her because of severe confinement issues, not to mention the fact that she can also get out of her crate.

I've found that she does great with a quick paced 1 &1/2 mile walk in the morning (no sniffing- just pure walking) and gets breakfast in a treat dispensing toy. In the evening she goes for a second walk that I combine with training. Her dinner is also given to her in 1 of 2 ways. I'll either give her a few pieces of kibble for completing various commands or I'll have her sit and wait while I hide her food so that she'll have to search the house for it.
She'll still get into things (mainly food) if I accidentally leave it out, but with the right mental and physical exercises she has become a really well behaved girl.