Please be kind.
We have two dogs Dog1 was twelve months old when we met a six month old puppy who was in need of a home. She was cute, friendly and we figured that having two dogs wouldn't be much harder work then having one.
Unfortunately six months in I'm finding it very hard indeed. Dog1 has become quite reactive and I have to pay a lot of attention to her on walks, recently I've kept on the lead as she is too snappy with other dogs. This is slowly improving with the help of a great dog trainer, but it does mean that I need to be very focused on her all the time we are out.
Dog2 has suffered in that she isn't as well trained as she should be, her recall is quite good except where there's another dog around. It is getting better but I feel that I can't give her the attention she needs because I'm having to focus on Dog1. If I walk them together its very difficult Dog1 is on the lead if we cross paths with another dog she will react, at the same time Dog2 may run up to the approaching dog obviously there are times when she shouldn't do this so I attempt to call her back. Seventy percent of the time she doesn't come straight away. So Dog2 is doing to other dogs on lead exactly what I dread other dogs doing to Dog1.
If I do get them both on the lead And we pass another dog Dog1 then transfers her snapping onto Dog2.
For the last month I've walked them separately, that's four walks a day. I not enjoying this at all, walks feel stressful and I wake each day dreading what's to come.
It has been suggested that I rehome one of the dogs probably Dog2 as shed be easier to rehome. Initially I was horrified but I'm starting to think perhaps I need to. My DS was very upset at this idea too.
The dogs get on brilliantly and are good at home.
I just don't know what to do for the best, if this is how life is going to be for the next ten to fifteen years it looks very grim. I feel like I've failed the dogs.
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The doghouse
Taking the decision to rehome
18 replies
Whiteblackredblue · 10/02/2013 11:50
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