Dog Rescue Stories: Tell Me the Good, the Bad and the Ugly

[Anonymous]

We just adopted a 2 year old dog from lucky dog about 10 days ago. On average it's going pretty well but every day has its frustrations. Our dog was rescued from a shelter in North Carolina, was definitely neglected, and has had no training. But she's as sweet as can be and seems to be a pretty quick study (we started training yesterday). But I feel like there are so many things that are stressing me out that probably shouldn't be, if only I heard from other new dog owners that this is normal. Like her crazy leash behavior, her need to chew, etc. etc. I know, this sounds stupid to people who are very familiar with dogs but to me this is kind of new. I've only had one other dog, also a rescue, but he was a lab who we rescued at the age of 5, and he was basically a couch on legs. Our new dog is an entirely different animal. Anyway, just like with a new baby, I'd love to hear others' stories and advice.

On a slightly different note, when we adopted her, the rescue said she was a lab/shepherd mix, but based on what the vet and multiple people at the dog park have told me, it's looking much more likely that she has a lot of Doberman and Rottweiler in her. She has sort of labby ears and expression, which is why I think the rescue thought she was a lab mix. I've been reading up on Doberman traits and it actually seems like they make for very good family dogs. i'm a little concerned about the Rottweiler though. We're going to get a DNA test to see what's really behind the mask, but hypothetically, would you be upset if a rescue told you you were getting a lab/shepherd and it turned out you had a Doberman/rottwieiler? Again, she's a sweetheart, we're committed to her, my kids have already bonded with her, so it's not like we'd give her back over this. It just makes me wonder...

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Crazy leash behavior and need to chew are not "dog rescue stories." They are dog behavior, period. All young dogs have these tendencies unless they are very well trained. Your dog needs training. Also, you have had your dog for 10 days and everything is new to you and the dog. The dog's route while you walk it; her neighborhood; her house; her toys.


Work with your dog. I really wouldn't stress about her breed. People get so caught up in this to the point of DNA testing. I don't get it.

As for our story, we adopted from Washington Animal Rescue, a beagle, 3 years ago. 1 year old. The first few weeks were difficult with housebreaking but she got it and hasn't had an accident in years. Still pulls on the leash but that's a beagle trait. We had to train her not to chew our stuff and she got it quickly. Very sweet, wonderful dog. Given up to the shelter due to "landlord issues." I can't imagine life without her.

[Anonymous]

I rescued a cockapoo from my mother. I was there for a visit and just ... could not leave the dog that way. So I took her. Called live in boyfriend from the road and said I'm bringing home a dog. He loved me a lot bc he promptly ran out for dog food and a leash and other supplies, then worked from home for two weeks so he could train her.

She used to be terribly behaved but was smart and eager to please us. She clearly knows she was rescued and even now eight years later gazes at my husband adoringly. It took her a month to stop chewing shoes snd learn which were her toys.

When my mom has visited she has been fearful of her. I'd never stolen a dog before, but it is the most rewarding thing I've ever done.

[Anonymous]

What was your mom doing?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Crazy leash behavior and need to chew are not "dog rescue stories." They are dog behavior, period. All young dogs have these tendencies unless they are very well trained. Your dog needs training. Also, you have had your dog for 10 days and everything is new to you and the dog. The dog's route while you walk it; her neighborhood; her house; her toys.


Work with your dog. I really wouldn't stress about her breed. People get so caught up in this to the point of DNA testing. I don't get it.

As for our story, we adopted from Washington Animal Rescue, a beagle, 3 years ago. 1 year old. The first few weeks were difficult with housebreaking but she got it and hasn't had an accident in years. Still pulls on the leash but that's a beagle trait. We had to train her not to chew our stuff and she got it quickly. Very sweet, wonderful dog. Given up to the shelter due to "landlord issues." I can't imagine life without her.

I agree with all of this, including the last sentence.

We adopted our rescue mutt when she was about 2yo. The first month or two were a bit challenging and when I think about it - why wouldn't they be? It is a new situation for everyone.

Work with your dog, OP. Enroll in a good dog-training class (we loved the ones at Your Dog's Friend - and avoid any that use negative reinforcement, shock or other negative-reinforcement collars, etc.) and treat your dog every time he does something good.

You will get there!

[Anonymous]

I rescued my dog from the humane society in DC and his profile said he was a four year old 40 pound boxer mix. He sounded perfect - old enough that I didn't have to worry about crazy puppy energy, small enough to fit in my apartment, a good breed that isn't banned from most apartment complexes, etc. I emailed his foster mom and after a few days and a TON of emails back and forth, I knew he was the guy for me (we emailed about my lifestyle, his needs, his past, etc.).

When I finally met him in person, he was 60 pounds and DEFINITELY more pit bull than boxer. Our vet also told me that he was closer to 1.5, 2 years old than 4, so I've definitely been dealing with that puppy energy. I have absolutely no regrets!! He definitely isn't the dog I was expecting but I love more than I thought I would.

Like PP said, don't get caught up in DNA testing. It's a waste of money and really, who cares? You have a mutt. I have a mutt. Tons of people have mutts. If you are so caught up in lineage you should look at a purebred (there are plenty of purebreds in shelters, don't go to a breeder!).

Like another PP said, these are dog behaviors and not restricted to rescue dogs. My advice is to take a training class or two - we signed our dog up for a manners class and a treiball level I class and the results have been amazing. He is much better behaved and we have a much better relationship with him.

Bottom line: stop worrying. Put work and time into bonding with/training your dog and the bad behaviors will stop. Stop thinking about her DNA.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I rescued my dog from the humane society in DC and his profile said he was a four year old 40 pound boxer mix. He sounded perfect - old enough that I didn't have to worry about crazy puppy energy, small enough to fit in my apartment, a good breed that isn't banned from most apartment complexes, etc. I emailed his foster mom and after a few days and a TON of emails back and forth, I knew he was the guy for me (we emailed about my lifestyle, his needs, his past, etc.).

When I finally met him in person, he was 60 pounds and DEFINITELY more pit bull than boxer. Our vet also told me that he was closer to 1.5, 2 years old than 4, so I've definitely been dealing with that puppy energy. I have absolutely no regrets!! He definitely isn't the dog I was expecting but I love more than I thought I would.

Like PP said, don't get caught up in DNA testing. It's a waste of money and really, who cares? You have a mutt. I have a mutt. Tons of people have mutts. If you are so caught up in lineage you should look at a purebred (there are plenty of purebreds in shelters, don't go to a breeder!).

Like another PP said, these are dog behaviors and not restricted to rescue dogs. My advice is to take a training class or two - we signed our dog up for a manners class and a treiball level I class and the results have been amazing. He is much better behaved and we have a much better relationship with him.

Bottom line: stop worrying. Put work and time into bonding with/training your dog and the bad behaviors will stop. Stop thinking about her DNA.

OP here. Thanks for all the responses. I wanted to clarify something about the DNA testing. I'm interested in doing it to see if there's anything I can learn about her, based on her DNA, that might help us understand her behaviors better and help guide us in training. It's not like we're going to give her back, I promise. We have no interest in purebred dogs, we really want a rescue. Her training is going really well and we're being very consistent about it because we want her to succeed. I guess what I was looking for are just reassurances from folks that things do settle down and get a little easier.

[Anonymous]

OP here again. Does anyone have any advice for this specific problem? My dog very much likes to chew, but everything I buy her to chew on (kong rawhides, rope toy, antler, etc) she desperately wants to bury in the backyard. She whines at the backdoor begging to be let out to bury whatever it is I give her. The first few days l let her bc I wanted her to feel comfortable which was probably a mistake. Honestly the first time it happened it never occurred to me that she would actually bury the toy. I thought that was a dog cliche. . Anyway, I want her to chew on this stuff, instead of my socks. Any thoughts? As I type this she has given up trying to bury her antler in the backyard and is digginng into my sofa to bury under the cushions. Luckily she hasn't torn anything yet. Help?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I rescued my dog from the humane society in DC and his profile said he was a four year old 40 pound boxer mix. He sounded perfect - old enough that I didn't have to worry about crazy puppy energy, small enough to fit in my apartment, a good breed that isn't banned from most apartment complexes, etc. I emailed his foster mom and after a few days and a TON of emails back and forth, I knew he was the guy for me (we emailed about my lifestyle, his needs, his past, etc.).

When I finally met him in person, he was 60 pounds and DEFINITELY more pit bull than boxer. Our vet also told me that he was closer to 1.5, 2 years old than 4, so I've definitely been dealing with that puppy energy. I have absolutely no regrets!! He definitely isn't the dog I was expecting but I love more than I thought I would.

Like PP said, don't get caught up in DNA testing. It's a waste of money and really, who cares? You have a mutt. I have a mutt. Tons of people have mutts. If you are so caught up in lineage you should look at a purebred (there are plenty of purebreds in shelters, don't go to a breeder!).

Like another PP said, these are dog behaviors and not restricted to rescue dogs. My advice is to take a training class or two - we signed our dog up for a manners class and a treiball level I class and the results have been amazing. He is much better behaved and we have a much better relationship with him.

Bottom line: stop worrying. Put work and time into bonding with/training your dog and the bad behaviors will stop. Stop thinking about her DNA.

Genetics and dog behavior: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2253978/#bib62

Of course people get rescues and love their furry friends. But to expect the "furbaby" to act like a similar size well bred Lab is silly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I rescued my dog from the humane society in DC and his profile said he was a four year old 40 pound boxer mix. He sounded perfect - old enough that I didn't have to worry about crazy puppy energy, small enough to fit in my apartment, a good breed that isn't banned from most apartment complexes, etc. I emailed his foster mom and after a few days and a TON of emails back and forth, I knew he was the guy for me (we emailed about my lifestyle, his needs, his past, etc.).

When I finally met him in person, he was 60 pounds and DEFINITELY more pit bull than boxer. Our vet also told me that he was closer to 1.5, 2 years old than 4, so I've definitely been dealing with that puppy energy. I have absolutely no regrets!! He definitely isn't the dog I was expecting but I love more than I thought I would.

Like PP said, don't get caught up in DNA testing. It's a waste of money and really, who cares? You have a mutt. I have a mutt. Tons of people have mutts. If you are so caught up in lineage you should look at a purebred (there are plenty of purebreds in shelters, don't go to a breeder!).

Like another PP said, these are dog behaviors and not restricted to rescue dogs. My advice is to take a training class or two - we signed our dog up for a manners class and a treiball level I class and the results have been amazing. He is much better behaved and we have a much better relationship with him.

Bottom line: stop worrying. Put work and time into bonding with/training your dog and the bad behaviors will stop. Stop thinking about her DNA.

Genetics and dog behavior: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2253978/#bib62

Of course people get rescues and love their furry friends. But to expect the "furbaby" to act like a similar size well bred Lab is silly.

OP again. I'm not expecting my new dog to act like my old lab. I'm just saying that that's my only experience with dogs so any advice would be helpful.

[Anonymous]

I understand that. Read the research. Bottom line is on aggression and somehow genetic issues have become not politically correct to discuss. There are reasons the rescue/shelter misled you on potential breeds. Just like my herding breed ...Google Eugene Smith from Frederick MD.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I understand that. Read the research. Bottom line is on aggression and somehow genetic issues have become not politically correct to discuss. There are reasons the rescue/shelter misled you on potential breeds. Just like my herding breed ...Google Eugene Smith from Frederick MD.

I hadn't heard that story. So sad.

I agree with you too about the rescue and being honest about mixes.

[Anonymous]

Shelters and rescues tell you all the time that dogs are lab mixes because that's what's popular and "safe". However, don't let people scare you about your possible Rottie. I have a rescue Rottweiler. There was no disguising the fact that she's a Rottie, and the only smart thing the dingbats at the rescue organization (they really were bad) did was to give her to someone who had experience with Rottweilers. Read up on the breed, they're great family dogs. (I was actually looking for a completely different dog, they called me because I had previous Rotties listed on my application). Anyway. She was purchased from an Amish puppy mill by a couple who changed their minds about her when she was 16 weeks old. "Too aggressive" Uh, well....no. She was actually scared and acting out.

Do a lot of training, they're working dogs and really enjoy it. No tricks, just sit, stay, down, come, give, off, heel, etc. Very trainable and eager to please--there is a reason that they're often police dogs (at least in Germany, where I'm from). Firm and loving. Give her chew toys and redirect. Crate train. Lots of walks. A tired dog is a happy dog. (All of this applies to Dobermans, too.) My boys love her, and she takes commands from the whole family, even the 8 yr old. Everyone should work with your dog on the training--it just gives the dog that much more training/work.

It just takes time for any dog to learn and adjust, even when you get them as puppies. You'll be fine, as will your dog.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Shelters and rescues tell you all the time that dogs are lab mixes because that's what's popular and "safe". However, don't let people scare you about your possible Rottie. I have a rescue Rottweiler. There was no disguising the fact that she's a Rottie, and the only smart thing the dingbats at the rescue organization (they really were bad) did was to give her to someone who had experience with Rottweilers. Read up on the breed, they're great family dogs. (I was actually looking for a completely different dog, they called me because I had previous Rotties listed on my application). Anyway. She was purchased from an Amish puppy mill by a couple who changed their minds about her when she was 16 weeks old. "Too aggressive" Uh, well....no. She was actually scared and acting out.

Do a lot of training, they're working dogs and really enjoy it. No tricks, just sit, stay, down, come, give, off, heel, etc. Very trainable and eager to please--there is a reason that they're often police dogs (at least in Germany, where I'm from). Firm and loving. Give her chew toys and redirect. Crate train. Lots of walks. A tired dog is a happy dog. (All of this applies to Dobermans, too.) My boys love her, and she takes commands from the whole family, even the 8 yr old. Everyone should work with your dog on the training--it just gives the dog that much more training/work.

It just takes time for any dog to learn and adjust, even when you get them as puppies. You'll be fine, as will your dog.

PS. Rotties think they're lap dogs, so watch out for that--and they headbutt you for attention and scratches. I currently have 90 lbs laying across my lap as I type--my fault as I'm sitting on the floor to accommodate her. She's warm, what can I say?

[Anonymous]

Agree - Rotties do think they are lap dogs. I would be happier to find out that I had a Rottie mix than a lab mix. Labs can be crazy as a young dogs.

All rescue dogs (I have two currently) need time to adjust and learn the rules. What you have to remember is that you are the rule giver. Bones do not get buried in the yard, so that it a NO. There are plenty of YES times to go around. Just be consistent and keep your voice low.