Should I take my dog back to the rescue.

4 years ago

Last week I adopted a dog, he is a 1-year-old Border Collie and Husky mix. He is so cute, very sweet dog. He has a lot of energy and always wants attention, I love that. However, he never leaves my side. He doesn't let me cook or eat, he jumps all over me begging for food while cooking. If I leave him in a room so I can eat he will pee on the floor. If I put him in his kennel he barks so loud it's pretty unbearable. He scratches at the door, eats up anything. I live in a 500 square foot apartment. I thought it would be fine. I don't have a yard that I can let him out in, there is a dog park nearby but the dogs that go seem to bully him, I try to take him when there arent any dogs there. I just don't know if this was the best decision for me and him, im embarrassed I had all my friends come over and meet him, I spent a stupid amount of money. I just don't know what to do.

Featured Answer

annztoo

4 years ago

Please don't feel embarrassed. You deserve a lot of credit for being honest about the situation and realizing this is not the best match for you. But, shame on the rescue for not guiding you toward a dog that better fit you and your living arrangement.

The 2 mixed breeds your dog has are high energy working dogs. They need training and they need a job. I'm sure your guy is a sweetheart but he needs continual training, room to burn off his energy and someone that can spend a lot of time outdoors with him.

The rescue should welcome him back since they'd much rather you bring him back to them than abandon him or drop him off at a shelter somewhere. I used to work for a rescue and it broke our hearts when we'd hear of adoptees that felt too ashamed to bring their adopted pet back to us. We would even have it written in the contract that any pet could be returned to us, but people would choose taking them to a vet for euthanasia than bring them back to the rescue. We would usually get this info from the vets since they always scan for chips, and when they realized it was one of our dogs they would contact us.

Please call them tomorrow and explain that the dog just isn't a good match. If they have another dog you think you'll like then visit it often and spend time with it before adopting. If they don't have any dogs that you feel a connection with then wait until they get other dogs, or feel free to visit other rescues.

Spend time researching breeds thoroughly and look into fostering if you've never owned a dog before. You may feel more comfortable fostering a puppy, but be prepared to take on the responsibility of teaching the puppy (or any dog) crate training and basic training. Both take time and patience. If that doesn't interest you, look into adopting an older dog. I've always adopted older dogs, but I would foster puppies. Puppies are more work! : )

Also keep in mind that it will take time....maybe as long as a year.....for you and a new dog to bond. One never knows what they've been thru and change of environment can be stressful for any pet.

As for your friends, just tell them you love the dog but you now realize he'll be happier in a home that can give him more time, training and exercise. You can still help another dog find the home it's looking for. And you may find you're perfectly happy with a small dog. :)

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Comments (12)

socks
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
What a beautiful boy. I can see why you selected him.

Your dog is a mix of two breeds which both need serious training and an enormous amount of exercise every day. Just think of it: border collies herd sheep and huskies pull sleds. These are working breeds. I don't think this is the best dog for you. At 1 year old, you could have this dog for 10 or more years. Are you able to return him in exchange for a dog which would be more appropriate? One needing a little less exercise, already "plays well with others," and suited to an apartment-sized home? I know, you love him already, but he will be a perfect dog for someone else.

Don't be embarrassed.
T T thanked socks
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pamghatten
4 years ago
Totally agree with the others, don't feel embarassed. If he's not a good fit, then you need to get a dog that is. Any update, did you call the rescue?
T T
Original Author
4 years ago
So I haven't called the rescue yet. I think im going to give them a call soon. I've been an emotional wreck this entire day. I have bonded with him, but I don't have enough knowledge to handle his behavioral issues. So just giving it a little time. Im going to be taking him back soon.
socks
4 years ago
I've been thinking about this, TT. I think his behavior at home is because he's not getting the exercise he needs. I see it with my own terrier who needs good exercise; when he's not getting it, he barks more, pesters the cat, stares at me a lot. Your dear pup would be better with someone who hikes, jogs, a large fenced area for ball play. A man in our neighborhood has 2 such dogs, and he rides roller blades and the dogs pull him. (I'm not suggesting this for you, ok?) I sympathize and understand your sadness. My friend just went through a similar experience after adopting an adult Great Pyrennes. She bonded with him, but it was just too much dog for her, and the rescue took him back. She was heartbroken and cried, but it was better for her and the dog both. Your friends will understand. When you've thought about it enough, call the rescue and talk to them for starters. Best wishes...
T T
Original Author
4 years ago
So I took him back. I cried an unbelievable amount. Im sure the desk workers were freaked out by the amount of tears falling from my eyes. I just can't believe I made such a big mistake. I thought I was ready and I wasn't, that is a huge disappointment for me. I thought this dog was going to be my companion for years to come. Im trying to clean up my apartment so I can donate what I have bought to the shelter. Im heartbroken and im not sure when I won't miss the little guy.
socks
4 years ago
Oh my, I'm so sorry you are suffering so. Don't be so quick to donate the dog supplies you have. Not all dogs have such high energy requirements. Dogs are wonderful, loving companions, and believe me, there is a dog out there for you, just waiting for you. Don't give up, please. My little terrier has brought so much happiness to me and joy to our family. You should have that experience too.
aviolet6
4 years ago
You did the best thing. I have been reading library books about border collies. They would never be happy in a small apartment with no yard and no tasks to do. And they can have separation anxiety and destructive behavior when you are not present. If you are a praying person you can pray he goes to someone who will give him what he needs. Hugs to you.
Michele
4 years ago
T T. Don’t put yourself down! You figured this out on your own. The shelter should have asked what the situation was. There are all different types of dogs for different types of people! Don’t give the stuff away yet. Take some time to recoup, but remember, there is a dog out there who needs a home just like yours! A dog that is not a young working dog. There are so many breeds that would be more suitable. Happy to lounge around and be happy to see you at the end of the day without jumping all over you!

You should feel proud of yourself. Hang in there!
Sharon Perkins
4 years ago
You did the right thing. The shelter did the wrong thing in letting you adopt a dog not suited to you. Most rescue groups today are VERY picky about placing dogs with high energy requirements. Many would have insisted that you have a fenced yard as well.

I have a 5 year old Chesapeake Bay Retriever mix. He's a great dog for what he is. But we assumed, and so did the rescue, that he was a lab, Golden or Duck Tolling retriever mix, not a Chessie. Chessies tend to be more standoffish and very protective of their owners. Our dog is very hyperalert and doesn't like new people coming into the house. If I'd realized he was a Cherssie I probably would have adopted the Chocolate Lab we originally were planning to adopt. Then we saw his face and made an emotional decision. Never a good idea with a pet!

I love my pup but he's really not the right dog for me. I needed a laid back, friendly dog. When I moved last year to a neighborhood which doesn't allow fences, my problem was compounded. Of course at this point I'd never let him go but he really does complicate my life in a way I hadn't foreseen.

The right dog for you is out there. But don't make an emotional decision based solely on a cute face. Read up on different breeds before you look again.
Paul MI
4 years ago
I would agree with the others .... you made the right choice. That took a lot of self honesty and strength to admit that.

Sounds like you have learned a valuable lesson. You made the same mistake that most people make -- you didn't do the research before settling on a dog. VERY common problem so you are not by any means alone on that account.

For example, many people get a puppy or kitten because they are so incredibly cute. But both are also a huge amount of work being extremely energetic and needing a LOT of attention and training.

Dogs, in some respects, have even higher research requirements that a prospective owner really needs to do because many breeds have been bred for certain tasks. As others have pointed out, yours had heritage from two breeds of dogs that were working animals. It is hardwired into them to be active and doing something. Not a good choice for anyone who is single and living in an apt. The fact that neither breed would be considered a small dog could well have become another issue down the road considering the confines of your space.

That being said, don't give up on being a dog owner. Just do your research this time around.
- Look into the size the animal will reach.
- How energetic will they be?
- How much attention do they need?
- What is their temperament like around other people or animals?
- What age will work best for you? Yes, puppies are adorable BUT, again, they require a LOT of attention and training. Older dogs may be a much better choice for you. No, they will not live as long, but they are usually far mellower and less hyper. Furthermore, there are often lots of older animals which could be loving companions in shelters because no one wants to adopt them. People want pups instead. Had friends of mine who adopted an older boxer from a foster home. He only lived about 5 years once they had him before dying of old age. My friends had no regrets. He was a friendly, loving animal that they were able to provide with a good home.
It is possible that some folks here might even be able -- with the proper information -- to help you in your research by recommending sites to check or even breeds to consider or to definitely NOT consider. For example, personally, I would NOT recommend you even consider a Jack Russell terrier. Amazing animals but they have LOTS of energy and require having things to do or they will demolish one's home while away at work.

Financially, this may not be feasible for you, but once you get a dog, you might consider a "doggy daycare." My sis's best friend got two dogs from a Humane Society. (Two, in part, so they could keep each other company while she was at work.) The one dog, in particular, was a mutt in which there was no real way to determine lineage, However, she could tell the dog was a high energy animal. So she sends them to a "doggy daycare" where they are able to run and play with other dogs as well as get some training while she is at work. When she picks them up, they are still overjoyed to see her and want to play or go for a long walk. But, having been active for much of the day, their energy levels are much more manageable.
rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
4 years ago
The dog doesn't have behavioral issues, he was behaving appropriately for his genetic makeup.

You need a calm, laid back breed who will be happy in apartment living.

Should I take my dog back to the rescue.

annztoo

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