Comments on: THE POST IN WHICH I ADMIT WE ARE NOT DOG PEOPLE http://www.pediascribe.com/20080104/the-post-in-which-i-admit-we-are-not-dog-people/ Wed, 07 Jan 2009 12:18:56 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.2.1 By: Suzanne http://www.pediascribe.com/20080104/the-post-in-which-i-admit-we-are-not-dog-people/#comment-31479 Suzanne Sat, 05 Jan 2008 19:58:16 +0000 http://www.pediascribe.com/20080104/the-post-in-which-i-admit-we-are-not-dog-people/#comment-31479 I'm so sorry to hear about this painful episode. I have to wonder why the breeder bothered to do those "puppy tests" if she didn't intend to use the results to find the best match for the dog. Honestly, it sounds reckless....you did the right thing by giving back the dog before it injured your children. Now, I am definately a dog person. And a cat person. We have 2 dogs, 3 cats, and 2 children. I love all 'fuzzy children', but if I had an animal that snapped or acted dominant over my human children I'd get rid of it too. It would be irresponsible parenting to keep it. Just wanted to give you a little note of support from the dog-person side of the fence. I do second Christy's advice if you do decide to try again. A rescue organization will be much more careful to match the dog's personality with the needs of the family. You can even hire the PetSmart trainer to come with you and evaluate the dog before you adopt it....like getting a second opinion. I’m so sorry to hear about this painful episode. I have to wonder why the breeder bothered to do those “puppy tests” if she didn’t intend to use the results to find the best match for the dog. Honestly, it sounds reckless….you did the right thing by giving back the dog before it injured your children.
Now, I am definately a dog person. And a cat person. We have 2 dogs, 3 cats, and 2 children. I love all ‘fuzzy children’, but if I had an animal that snapped or acted dominant over my human children I’d get rid of it too. It would be irresponsible parenting to keep it.
Just wanted to give you a little note of support from the dog-person side of the fence. I do second Christy’s advice if you do decide to try again. A rescue organization will be much more careful to match the dog’s personality with the needs of the family. You can even hire the PetSmart trainer to come with you and evaluate the dog before you adopt it….like getting a second opinion.

]]> By: Mary http://www.pediascribe.com/20080104/the-post-in-which-i-admit-we-are-not-dog-people/#comment-31434 Mary Sat, 05 Jan 2008 07:38:51 +0000 http://www.pediascribe.com/20080104/the-post-in-which-i-admit-we-are-not-dog-people/#comment-31434 You poor guys... I went through the same thing a lttle over a year ago, only the breeder agreed to take her back then backed out and refused to take her back. She was very skiddish outside and very hyper inside and started to nip at my daughters and jumped up on them. My oldest was only 5 and she was terrified of the dog by the time I gave the beagle away to my husband's cousin. I was so sad and devastated, it was heartbreaking to see her go, but at least my daughters would be and feel safe. Later the cousin said he gave her away to someone else because Sasha (the name I gave her) refused to go potty outside, but in truth the cousin's brother told us that they actually just let her loose one day on purpose and she never came back. It's so sad! But she was raised as an outdoor dog and seemed very stubborn and wild... Now reading your post I wonder if she was maybe the alpha female too, and we just didn't know it. You poor guys… I went through the same thing a lttle over a year ago, only the breeder agreed to take her back then backed out and refused to take her back. She was very skiddish outside and very hyper inside and started to nip at my daughters and jumped up on them. My oldest was only 5 and she was terrified of the dog by the time I gave the beagle away to my husband’s cousin.

I was so sad and devastated, it was heartbreaking to see her go, but at least my daughters would be and feel safe. Later the cousin said he gave her away to someone else because Sasha (the name I gave her) refused to go potty outside, but in truth the cousin’s brother told us that they actually just let her loose one day on purpose and she never came back. It’s so sad! But she was raised as an outdoor dog and seemed very stubborn and wild… Now reading your post I wonder if she was maybe the alpha female too, and we just didn’t know it.

]]> By: shauna http://www.pediascribe.com/20080104/the-post-in-which-i-admit-we-are-not-dog-people/#comment-31417 shauna Sat, 05 Jan 2008 02:42:19 +0000 http://www.pediascribe.com/20080104/the-post-in-which-i-admit-we-are-not-dog-people/#comment-31417 I'm so glad I'm not the only non-dog person. We went through two dogs ourselves and felt horribly guilty each time we had to admit that it just wasn't going to work. I finally had to acknowledge that it had nothing to do with the dogs (be they hyper, rowdy, big, or loud) we're not dog people. Hi, my name is Shauna and I don't like living with dogs. *sigh* I’m so glad I’m not the only non-dog person. We went through two dogs ourselves and felt horribly guilty each time we had to admit that it just wasn’t going to work. I finally had to acknowledge that it had nothing to do with the dogs (be they hyper, rowdy, big, or loud) we’re not dog people.

Hi, my name is Shauna and I don’t like living with dogs. *sigh*

]]> By: Becka http://www.pediascribe.com/20080104/the-post-in-which-i-admit-we-are-not-dog-people/#comment-31407 Becka Fri, 04 Jan 2008 22:57:53 +0000 http://www.pediascribe.com/20080104/the-post-in-which-i-admit-we-are-not-dog-people/#comment-31407 Thanks!! I will remember this when my kids are begging for a dog. aka a fourth child!! I do want a dog, but ugh, lol, it WOULD be like having a 4th, or 5th, if you count my husband.... Thanks!! I will remember this when my kids are begging for a dog. aka a fourth child!! I do want a dog, but ugh, lol, it WOULD be like having a 4th, or 5th, if you count my husband….

]]> By: Tiffany http://www.pediascribe.com/20080104/the-post-in-which-i-admit-we-are-not-dog-people/#comment-31397 Tiffany Fri, 04 Jan 2008 19:30:43 +0000 http://www.pediascribe.com/20080104/the-post-in-which-i-admit-we-are-not-dog-people/#comment-31397 Both sad stories. We are very much puppy people here but I can relate to the snappy alpha dog. I don't think you should feel embarrased. You did the right thing, returning the pups, if it was not working out. Both sad stories.
We are very much puppy people here but I can relate to the snappy alpha dog.

I don’t think you should feel embarrased. You did the right thing, returning the pups, if it was not working out.

]]> By: Mary http://www.pediascribe.com/20080104/the-post-in-which-i-admit-we-are-not-dog-people/#comment-31396 Mary Fri, 04 Jan 2008 19:20:57 +0000 http://www.pediascribe.com/20080104/the-post-in-which-i-admit-we-are-not-dog-people/#comment-31396 Karen - I remember all the problems you had with Maggie and also how hard it was to give her up. You made the right decision and by sharing it hopefully you can help others from missing those important signs. Karen - I remember all the problems you had with Maggie and also how hard it was to give her up. You made the right decision and by sharing it hopefully you can help others from missing those important signs.

]]> By: reba http://www.pediascribe.com/20080104/the-post-in-which-i-admit-we-are-not-dog-people/#comment-31394 reba Fri, 04 Jan 2008 19:07:34 +0000 http://www.pediascribe.com/20080104/the-post-in-which-i-admit-we-are-not-dog-people/#comment-31394 you did the right thing. We are 2 not dog people who have a dog my husband "rescued" from his friend. I'm sure he would be happier with some other family who spent more quality time with him but we can't seem to give him up, now my 4 year old IS a dog person you did the right thing. We are 2 not dog people who have a dog my husband “rescued” from his friend. I’m sure he would be happier with some other family who spent more quality time with him but we can’t seem to give him up, now my 4 year old IS a dog person

]]> By: Deb - Mom of 3 Girls http://www.pediascribe.com/20080104/the-post-in-which-i-admit-we-are-not-dog-people/#comment-31391 Deb - Mom of 3 Girls Fri, 04 Jan 2008 18:30:03 +0000 http://www.pediascribe.com/20080104/the-post-in-which-i-admit-we-are-not-dog-people/#comment-31391 We always had dogs while I was growing up, but I can definitely say that Ron and I are not 'dog' people. I know we'll probably end up with one at some point since we have two 'doggie-crazy' little girls, but I'm hoping to put that off for quite a while. It was hard last year when the only thing that Hannah asked Santa for was a 'real' puppy, but we talked to her about why it's not a good idea for us right now, and she seemed to understand. There's just no way we could get a dog when there's nobody home all day - the poor thing would go nuts. When the time does come that we're maybe considering it, I plan to take your advice to heart and hope that we can find the right dog for us. I'm so sorry that you had such bad experiences - and I completely agree that the breeder should have definitely known better. For now we'll stay a 'cat only' family! :) We always had dogs while I was growing up, but I can definitely say that Ron and I are not ‘dog’ people. I know we’ll probably end up with one at some point since we have two ‘doggie-crazy’ little girls, but I’m hoping to put that off for quite a while. It was hard last year when the only thing that Hannah asked Santa for was a ‘real’ puppy, but we talked to her about why it’s not a good idea for us right now, and she seemed to understand. There’s just no way we could get a dog when there’s nobody home all day - the poor thing would go nuts.

When the time does come that we’re maybe considering it, I plan to take your advice to heart and hope that we can find the right dog for us. I’m so sorry that you had such bad experiences - and I completely agree that the breeder should have definitely known better.

For now we’ll stay a ‘cat only’ family! :)

]]> By: jen http://www.pediascribe.com/20080104/the-post-in-which-i-admit-we-are-not-dog-people/#comment-31390 jen Fri, 04 Jan 2008 18:15:58 +0000 http://www.pediascribe.com/20080104/the-post-in-which-i-admit-we-are-not-dog-people/#comment-31390 This was a good thing for me to read right now. Tom and I figure at some point we're going to have "the dog issue." We can't have cats, I really enjoy that breathing thing, so cats are out. I keep thinking we should get a dog, but for so many reasons it isn't the right thing for our family. This was a good thing for me to read right now. Tom and I figure at some point we’re going to have “the dog issue.” We can’t have cats, I really enjoy that breathing thing, so cats are out. I keep thinking we should get a dog, but for so many reasons it isn’t the right thing for our family.

]]> By: Christy http://www.pediascribe.com/20080104/the-post-in-which-i-admit-we-are-not-dog-people/#comment-31389 Christy Fri, 04 Jan 2008 17:56:54 +0000 http://www.pediascribe.com/20080104/the-post-in-which-i-admit-we-are-not-dog-people/#comment-31389 Wow. What a set of stories! I am very frustrated that the flat-coat breeder treated you that way! Sounds like they just wanted money, and lots of it. They probably turned around and charged the new family for that dog. We were done wrong by our German Shepherd's breeder. She wasn't very up front about her breeding stock and I now realize that there were some HUGE red flags on her property when we visited. It's ok though. I can't imagine not having my Shepherd! I will say this, however. He is probably the last "pure bred" dog that we will purchase. I am a FIRM believer in dog rescue. We have one rescue pup and we have fostered 2 other puppies and I LOVE it. Yes, the fostering was hard to do, but it is all worth it when they go to their "forever homes" and make that family happy! Also, at most rescue facilities, you work with a "doggies social worker" to help place the best dog with your family. They don't just give you the cutest one there...they give you the one with the temprement that is best suited to your family. I HIGHLY recommend rescue programs for finding a new dog! Wow. What a set of stories! I am very frustrated that the flat-coat breeder treated you that way! Sounds like they just wanted money, and lots of it. They probably turned around and charged the new family for that dog.

We were done wrong by our German Shepherd’s breeder. She wasn’t very up front about her breeding stock and I now realize that there were some HUGE red flags on her property when we visited.

It’s ok though. I can’t imagine not having my Shepherd! I will say this, however. He is probably the last “pure bred” dog that we will purchase. I am a FIRM believer in dog rescue. We have one rescue pup and we have fostered 2 other puppies and I LOVE it. Yes, the fostering was hard to do, but it is all worth it when they go to their “forever homes” and make that family happy!

Also, at most rescue facilities, you work with a “doggies social worker” to help place the best dog with your family. They don’t just give you the cutest one there…they give you the one with the temprement that is best suited to your family. I HIGHLY recommend rescue programs for finding a new dog!

]]> By: ValleyGirl http://www.pediascribe.com/20080104/the-post-in-which-i-admit-we-are-not-dog-people/#comment-31385 ValleyGirl Fri, 04 Jan 2008 17:20:50 +0000 http://www.pediascribe.com/20080104/the-post-in-which-i-admit-we-are-not-dog-people/#comment-31385 Wow. We've gone through a lot of dogs, but have never dealt with nothing like that. Scary. And heart-breaking. I don't remember what show I was watching, but it was years and years ago and it was a breeder telling people what to look for in a puppy. The only thing I remember is that it should be cautiously curious, it should WANT attention, it should become playful once it receives positive attention, and most importantly, should deal well with being rolled over onto its back. I don't remember the psychology of it, but apparently you don't want a dog that flips out and gets angry or panics when it's on its back. I don't remember anything else, other than the importance of that one particular test. I've used that 'technique' each time we've picked up a dog (all mongrels either from the pound or private farm sales, including a shepherd-rottie cross and three purebred rottweilers), and we've sometimes ended up with really stupid dogs (those purebred rotties are dumb as stumps!), but they've always been gentle, friendly, and great with our two little girls. If you ever decide to try ONE MORE TIME, I hope it will be a good experience! Wow. We’ve gone through a lot of dogs, but have never dealt with nothing like that. Scary. And heart-breaking.

I don’t remember what show I was watching, but it was years and years ago and it was a breeder telling people what to look for in a puppy. The only thing I remember is that it should be cautiously curious, it should WANT attention, it should become playful once it receives positive attention, and most importantly, should deal well with being rolled over onto its back. I don’t remember the psychology of it, but apparently you don’t want a dog that flips out and gets angry or panics when it’s on its back. I don’t remember anything else, other than the importance of that one particular test.

I’ve used that ‘technique’ each time we’ve picked up a dog (all mongrels either from the pound or private farm sales, including a shepherd-rottie cross and three purebred rottweilers), and we’ve sometimes ended up with really stupid dogs (those purebred rotties are dumb as stumps!), but they’ve always been gentle, friendly, and great with our two little girls.

If you ever decide to try ONE MORE TIME, I hope it will be a good experience!

]]> By: Jennifer http://www.pediascribe.com/20080104/the-post-in-which-i-admit-we-are-not-dog-people/#comment-31380 Jennifer Fri, 04 Jan 2008 17:09:25 +0000 http://www.pediascribe.com/20080104/the-post-in-which-i-admit-we-are-not-dog-people/#comment-31380 Thanks for the comment on my new site. I love reading yours and also love listening to PediaCast. Hope you enjoy reading mine, it's been fun so far...with my two posts and all! I must also say, my husband and I are also NOT dog people. But it didn't take getting a dog for us to figure that out. We know what work they require and know we don't want to put forth that effort. So, we have a cat! Glad you are now able to put that all behind you and proudly join the Not Dog People Club. Thanks for the comment on my new site. I love reading yours and also love listening to PediaCast. Hope you enjoy reading mine, it’s been fun so far…with my two posts and all! I must also say, my husband and I are also NOT dog people. But it didn’t take getting a dog for us to figure that out. We know what work they require and know we don’t want to put forth that effort. So, we have a cat! Glad you are now able to put that all behind you and proudly join the Not Dog People Club.

]]> By: Midsummer Night http://www.pediascribe.com/20080104/the-post-in-which-i-admit-we-are-not-dog-people/#comment-31379 Midsummer Night Fri, 04 Jan 2008 17:09:13 +0000 http://www.pediascribe.com/20080104/the-post-in-which-i-admit-we-are-not-dog-people/#comment-31379 Very very good reminder to people who are thinking of getting a dog. And I would reserve a chunk of the blame for the breeder as well. Part of their job is making sure the puppy they are selling will fit that family. Be it a single person or someone with small kids. We had to give our dog to a friend too. I was, and still am sad and miss him lots. Oscar was a good dog, just very very very needy. When we brought him home P had just had his hip surgery so he was able to be home with Oscar for 2 whole months. After P went back to work Oscar never handled it well. We had him for almost 4 years I think and after Aiden was born it just became too much. Oscar needed my full attention, and while he never did anything to the kids I could see he just wasn't happy. We gave him to my friends mom who is single and works only 4 hours a week. He now sleeps on her bed and is carried everywhere. She loves him to pieces and gives him attention 24/7. I am glad he is happy now, but I still miss him. Dogs are just hard. Very very good reminder to people who are thinking of getting a dog. And I would reserve a chunk of the blame for the breeder as well. Part of their job is making sure the puppy they are selling will fit that family. Be it a single person or someone with small kids.

We had to give our dog to a friend too. I was, and still am sad and miss him lots. Oscar was a good dog, just very very very needy. When we brought him home P had just had his hip surgery so he was able to be home with Oscar for 2 whole months. After P went back to work Oscar never handled it well. We had him for almost 4 years I think and after Aiden was born it just became too much. Oscar needed my full attention, and while he never did anything to the kids I could see he just wasn’t happy. We gave him to my friends mom who is single and works only 4 hours a week. He now sleeps on her bed and is carried everywhere. She loves him to pieces and gives him attention 24/7. I am glad he is happy now, but I still miss him. Dogs are just hard.

]]> By: Awesome Mom http://www.pediascribe.com/20080104/the-post-in-which-i-admit-we-are-not-dog-people/#comment-31376 Awesome Mom Fri, 04 Jan 2008 16:32:56 +0000 http://www.pediascribe.com/20080104/the-post-in-which-i-admit-we-are-not-dog-people/#comment-31376 I had a friend that got a golden puppy when she also had a toddler and I knew that it would end badly. The puppy had to be given away for all the same reasons that you gave away your first one. Dogs are hard, so much harder than cats. I think you did the right thing in realizing that you can't have a dog and have not gotten another one. I had a friend that got a golden puppy when she also had a toddler and I knew that it would end badly. The puppy had to be given away for all the same reasons that you gave away your first one. Dogs are hard, so much harder than cats. I think you did the right thing in realizing that you can’t have a dog and have not gotten another one.

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