Are these serious problems?
I have been researching potential dogs to adopt for some time and I finally came across a dog that I really liked. I can't really explain it...something just felt right about him. Anyway, I have cut and pasted some of the correspondence from the foster parent who has recommended that I not adopt this dog becuase of certain problems that he has. I was wondering how severe these problems are and if they could be overcome. The person responsible for this dog seems very knowledgable, nice and involved so I definitely respect her assessment but...I can't remember a male dog I have owned that hasn't humped something at one time or another and once a dog I owned dog got quarantined simply because we had a racoon in out yard so I don't know how serious these issues really are. Her is the link to his Petfinder profile. The cool thing is that someone posted a video of him online. He just seems so gentle... http://search.petfinder.com/petnote/dis ... id=6768114 Thoughts and comments appreciated. Thank you for your time! Here are some exerpts from our correspondence: __________ X just arrived at my home yesterday evening. He even came with red clay stains. He traveled very light -- only a collar. I do have the name of his vet so I will call on Monday to see if his shots are up to date and if he is neutered. (he is very fluffy and I didn't look) __________ Just a quick note. Today I learned X has been in a 10 day rabies quarantine this past May. I'm trying to get more details as to what actually happened. He will see my vet this Thursday and my groomer on Friday... __________ He is doing pretty well. He has conjuntivitus in one eye but that is easily fixed and he was professionally groomed yesterday. He tried to bite the groomer when she started to work on his ears. They were able to get a ball of hair out of each ear each about the size of a cotton ball. The past owner had written that he did not like his ears touched. That was no exaggeration! We can not find out any more details as to why he was quarantined. We can only assume that he bit someone so any one that adopts him will need to use utmost caution. Today he had a piece of rawhide and growled if another dog approached him. That will be the last rawhide he gets here. He is neutered so we are not sure why he is so "humpy" we know that humping can also be a sign of dominance so it is not permitted. As I learn more about him I am starting to think he may not be the dog for you -- not that you are a bad home. I believe he may need someone with more much more experience. |
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If you've never owned a sheepdog before these tasks may be daunting. Ear cleaning is essential and as I am learning daily it is hard with a sweet dog that doesn't pose a threat, much less a sweet dog who MIGHT pose a threat!  I can't remember if you have other dogs, but possesiveness isn't a fun thing to deal with! The choice of whether or not to pursue this adoption is up to you, but generally I trust the foster parent's instincts. They know the dog best and can usually tell a good fit when they see one. Obviously you are considered a good placement home, but your personality may not mesh with this dog. Good luck in weighing your options. |
| Ear cleaning isn't that fun with a dog with a good disposition! (Lol. I just read Emily's response, which said the same thing!).
I don't think individually any of those things isn't anything that couldn't be worked with but that's just it-- you'll have three different things to work on. Three pretty big things. Like Emily, said, ear cleaning is essential and it'll take awhile to get him used to that (though a lot of his response could be attributed to pain in his ears from the mats and/or infection). If you don't have another dog, the possessiveness may not be as big of a deal for you. Dominance can also mean attitude. Even if you think you can handle it, I guess a better question to ask yourself is: do you want to? It can be a long road. Another member here, Jil (floofdog) got her Bentley about a year ago and, correct me if I'm wrong, Jil, but Bentley had a lot of similar qualities when you got him, didn't he? Jil worked CRAZY hard with Bentley and he's awesome now-- the difference is like night and day but I know it wasn't easy. She'd be a great person to ask questions about this situation. (Sorry for volunteering your expertise, Jil!) |
| One of the people from Dixie OES Rescue is a member on this forum
I would pay a lot of attention to the opinion of the rescue folks. They know what they are doing. |
| It's been over a year and Bentley still won't let ME deal with his ears. The groomer & the vet can, but like everything else, Bentley still likes to think he's king of the castle.
I'm not trying to talk you out of this dog, but it has been a long road with lots of twists & turns and ups & downs. Boo's brought me to tears several times and it would take hands and feet to count the number of times I've wanted to throttle him. 
When he first came home, he was so matted that he wouldn't stand for his ears to be touched. Shaving him down helped that issued, but it still took a couple months to be able to play with his ears. Grooming is just now becoming a mild issue, as opposed to a big one. It's only been a month now that I've been able to brush him without him squiriming all over the place. The worst of his behavior was his attitude - he was SURE he was the "adult" and I was the child. He would jump on my back and hook his paws over my shoulders and hang on. He would bite at me if he didn't get his way. Nothing worked - ANY sort of reaction from me just escalated his dominating behavior. Thankfully, we've gotten through that stage, but now he's showing signs of food aggression. (LOL, I think he LIKES being hand fed!) I guess my point is that 13 months later, keeping his attitude in check is still a daily "battle". It's tremendously improved, but I don't consider him to be 100% reformed. When I adopted him, I knew he was going to be a lot of work, but I didn't realize what I'd gotten myself into. While I don't regret it (couldn't really say that 6-7 months ago) I don't know if I'd want to do it again. Don't tell Boo that though.  |
| Hi,
Panda was pretty much the same way when I got him too. He had massive ear infections in both ears and one of them even had a hematoma on the ear flap. Forget about touching his ears! Meant complete sedation at the vets as we once tried to muzzle him.. myself, the assistant and the vet, unbelievably the three of us could not hold him down. She finally suggested I come back for full sedation as that was the only way we'd even get close to his ears which must have been pretty painful. As a result I had him sedated three times. Not to take it lightly either, so I had the "works done" while he was under each time. Each treatment for the "works" cost me aprox 4- 500 each time. Grooming was another one of his "issues". Panda was and is a sweetheart too and was very much loved by a woman I met at the dog park whom was also a groomer. We saw her daily and started hanging out together at my house too. She once talked me into allowing taking Panda to her grooming school. My gut instinct told me he would freak out when being restrained. Sure enough ..she called me and informed me the instructor and all the students were astonished at the change from the gentle boy whom greeted everyone with kisses to a raging beast. That was over a year ago and I haven't attempted it since..preferring the complete sedation or myself brushing him daily to desensitize him. Panda had never been in a house before either. It meant sleeping on a futon for three months in the computer room with him so I'd always be able to immediately stop any destructive behavior. Eventually he was allowed access to the other rooms but always in my presence. Now he has full access to the house and not once have I ever experienced his destructive behavior such as shredding everything in sight. The change in Panda is incredible but it's also been a long 2 and 1/2 years..I honestly feel like I put my life on hold for the first 1 and 1/2 due to his "issues". I literally spent all my spare time working with him.You wouldn't recognize the same dog now, but I was willing to pay the price with my time and energy. Speaking of his past issues he sounds like a monster and in some ways he was, yet he displayed a gentleness at the same time. He reacted with certain triggers and even now I never let my guard down with everyone he comes into contact with. He no longer reacts when anyone rubs his ears..but I constantly watch his body stance and facial expressions to make sure he's not stressed. It took a year of daily touching his ears from a few seconds to finally longer periods to desensitize him. Now after 2 1/2 years I no longer worry but continue to watch. The only reason I still continue to watch even tho I trust him 99% of the time is, I never know if someone will unknowingly do something that may trigger a reaction from him. Grabbing the side of his face for example. I suspect he may react but have never been far away from his side to ever allow that to happen. I love him too much to allow anything harm to come to him. He recently was visited by his original owners parents and although he didn't seem to mind them touching the sides of his head I did have to ask them to please be careful not to hold on, as dogs view this as a challenge in some cases. When he first arrived,I was fortunate that I only worked a few blocks from home and only for a couple hours each day. However it meant racing home at lunch and eating in my car for the first six months to check on Panda. Looking back at it now..his rehabilitation was successful and I've never regretted taking him. Just last week my sister and I went to look at property and Panda was covered with hundreds of those seed head thingies that stuck to his coat. A little aprehensive about pulling them out..I have been doing that for days and yipiiiii no reaction from him at all! I still continue to watch his face for signs when I do anything like that. With these dogs ..sometimes for every step forward it's a step backwards in some cases. I would still encourage people whom are willing to put the work in to take a rescue providing they knew fully what they are getting themselves into. It takes dedication, hardwork and a sense of humor! Panda is now a loving well behaved dog and even tho I knew he was when he arrived, some of his behaviors didn't emerge right away. As time passed and I got to know him better I could recognize what we needed to work on. I know he definately would not have done well in a home with children around as the situation could have been too overwhelming and potentially dangerous. Both Jil (Bentley's mom) and myself could dedicate our complete attention to our rescues without distractions. I understand too where you are coming from as I went through the same thing many years ago. A woman turned me down as a mom for her sheepie thinking I didn't have the right qualifications for her boy at the time. Looking back on it now I realize she was probably right, although I was miffed at the time. I felt I was dog savy back then but also now realize in no way would I have been ready to put in the time and effort when my children were small. I did get Shaggy but her issues were not as overwhelming as the other dog. Rescues are great as they really do try to match up the perfect dog for the right family. It's hard, but be patient and I'm sure the right one will come along. Best Wishes Marianne and the boys |
| Thanks for all the stories and tips! I certainly appreciate the advice! I seem to be going through the "I have been looking for a dog all summer and I finally found, what I thought, was the perfect one and then I was informed he has issues." doldrums.
But I will keep looking. Thanks again! |
| Hi Again,
That's the spirit..just keeping thinking positive thoughts. I know when I logged on this forum over 3 years ago looking for a rescue and what I thought was a good home to offer...no bites...nada.. I became impatient and ended up purchasing a puppy, (Merlin) A few months later Panda came into my life. I ended up seeing or hearing about so many sheepies needing a good home since I first joined. I felt a bit guilty getting a puppy instead of a rescue. Even now I'm tempted, but sadly there is always a need for good homes. Even if it takes a few months I know you'll find the right one that is perfect for you. Best wishes! Marianne and the boys |
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