Has anyone ever got rid of a dog and then regretted it?

[AutismMum21]

PLEASE BE KIND.

I know these threads can bring out the worst in people so please don’t kick me when I’m down.

I have a 2 year old dog, had him since a pup. He was honestly the most well behaved puppy ever - crate trained from day one, no accidents inside unless unwell, never chewed or destroyed anything etc. However he has now regressed during his ‘teenage’ stage and is honestly a nightmare.

He doesn’t listen to a word you say, he is running out the front door into the road (he has a gate across the kitchen but has now started jumping this so pretty useless), he is lunging at every dog we see on walks to the point where I don’t want to walk him anymore, jumping all over the furniture, walls and guests whenever someone comes over.

He is a cross bread and a bit of a nightmare to train as of late because nothing motivates him anymore to actually listen to the command you’re giving him.

I’ve honestly got to the point where I’ve given up on him - I dread waking up to him every morning and it’s honestly the biggest shame because I used to absolutely adore that dog before this all started happening but he just triggers the entire household and it’s pushing me to breaking point, I feel mentally and physically unwell and drained.

Has anyone ever got rid of a dog and then later on regretted it?

I really am starting to consider it as one of my options because of the toll it’s taking not only on me but the whole house but my biggest worry is once everything has settled down it would be the biggest mistake of my life getting rid of him…

Maybe a week or so boarding togive you a break may help .clear your mind and decide what to do for the best. Difficult, if you can't cope then don't worry you won't be the first or the last! It would be upsetting of course,but you need to think of yourself too

You might want to look at some of the research about the impact of neutering on various breeds at various ages. Early neuter can cause issues.

I know numerous intact dogs that have never had (or sired) an accidental litter, because their owners look after them properly.

To be fair to OP we were told the same thing about neutering about our anxious, now 8 year old Cockapoo. He was tiny and anxious and we were told if we neuter him later on the testosterone would benefit him. So not to NOT neuter but to delay it.

we had him done when he was 2ish and it was definitely the right time.

I am however sick to the back teeth of people getting Cockapoos expecting them to be cute lap dogs. Or people getting a dog when they have little time/too much on their plate to begin with. People moan it’s so hard to get a rescue dog but the eligibility is strict for good reason. many people don’t want to admit their lives are actually incompatible with being a dog owner.

Just face the fact that if you give him to a shelter and he is deemed to have behavioural problems, the chances of him finding a good new home are minimal at best so he is very likely to be PTS.

Shelters just don't have space or resources.

Please persevere op. I normally criticise people on here who CBA to keep their dog but you genuinely do sound like you’ve tried everything. Please don’t give up though - you dog is still very young

No I have & never would ‘get rid’ of a dog. I think carefully before getting any pet and whether I can fully commit to their potentially 15 years of life. They get attached to us, rely on us & love us. They don’t choose to be with us but are reliant on us. No matter what, ‘til death do us part or I don’t get one.

Please do not ever get another pet.

I rehomed a dog once. Realised after six days I'd made a huge mistake and gave her back to the breeder. The relief in realising she had been immediately rehomed and that I hadn't ruined my life was immense! I'd done loads of research but I just hated everything about the reality of her and I will never even consider a dog again. My cat on the other hand I've had for over 10 years and adore. No guilt from me...better to right the wrong quickly, for all concerned.

Please speak to your vet. A change as radical as what u are saying could be due to your dog in some pain. Even if it isn’t vets are highly qualified to advise. Cockerpoos need stimulation. They are highly intelligent and sensitive and hate being left alone. I do hope you can work at out as most dogs become the greatest companions.

You'd be better off with a gun dog trainer than any of the ones you've used.

I've fostered dogs like yours and there is generally nothing wrong with the dog that consistent, patient training, time, lots of time, enough exercise and mental stimulation won't fix. Plus neutering.

Totally agree. Your dog sounds bored and frustrated. Have you said how much exercise, both physical and mental, he gets daily?

To be fair, we know that you had a well trained puppy that has become a difficult dog. That doesn’t just happen. It’s clearly a training issue. Consulting with a Trainer isn’t the same as working with a Trainer regulary over a period of time. That probably is a way forward for you because, based on what you’ve said, you are not really motivated to take the time and expense to really work through this.

The behaviour you describe sounds a bit hyper. Maybe he’s anxious generally. Doggie Daycare isn’t a positive experience for all dogs. Some enjoy it, but it’s actually unatural for dogs to be in a confined space with strange dogs for many hours and it can make an anxious dog worse.

You are clearly at the end of your tether and feeling very negative about your dog. Given that, you are probably giving him little, or no positive reinforcement and kindness in his good moments. It’s likely in the circumstances you describe that he only gets attention from you when he’s ’misbehaving’. Think about how that would affect a difficult child’s behaviour. Things being as they are though, it’s probably better for your dog for him to be out of this situation. I suggest you contact Blue Cross or Dogs Trust. Perhaps they can find him a good home.

I'm afraid that the Greek vets view is rather old fashioned and out of date then - but then, dogs wondering around the streets in a semi-feral state isn't as common for many European countries now. I'm sure that if you just use Google you'll find that the health disbenefits of neutering are clearly listed, and people should make informed choices rather than blindly following outmoded ideas. Making informed choices isn't a "luxury belief", but I do appreciate that in other countries irresponsible dog ownership can lead people to think that dogs are the problem rather than the people. Feral and straying dogs or unwanted pregnancy is a people problem, and the fact that the issue still persists in Greece and other countries proves that. Neutering dogs may be a legitimate choice, but it hasn't solved the problems with dogs.

In all honesty I find these threads - this one included - have a kind of double think to them.

The dog is always untrainable and the owners have always tried everything and loads of professional trainers to no avail, so want to rehome to someone who has more time or patience. Rather suggesting they think the dog IS trainable with more time or patience and undermining the claim they have tried everything. Otherwise, if you have genuinely tried everything in the world, what is a new home going to do differently to get a different result?

That said, if you don't want the dog you don't want it and it's a petty shitty life for a dog to be homed with someone who doesn't want it and won't make the time or patience for them that they need. Better rehomed at two years old than at four or six etc.

Kinder to let the dog try again now when they are young. Just do it responsibly - ideally back to the breeder (I can guess not) or to a well know rehoming charity such as Dogs Trust.

I don’t debate that. As I said - we found the dog a good new home with a family member who had a better setup and actively wanted a dog. Whereas our circumstances changed to the point that we had to modify our lives beyond what we deemed reasonable to keep the dog. I don’t feel ashamed as we did our best by the dog. He wasn’t put down or put in kennels.

I know I know - if you don’t completely give up your life for the pet you are a bad person on here. My friend gave up a pet as she would have been homeless otherwise As couldn’t find somewhere that accepted pets in time. I still believe that humans trump animals even though I know that loads of people love animals more than people.

How long are your walks? I don't have experience of a cockapoo but I do with spaniels and generally, they need a lot of exercise otherwise they do get naughty. I'd be walking two hour-long off-lead walks with lots of mental stimulation and ball throwing etc. a day.

If you're trudging round the block on a lead for 20 mins it probably isn't cutting it.

No to the ball throwing, very bad for joints and can create ball obsession. For spaniels scent work and search/find/retrieve is much more beneficial. Although they do need daily off lead exercise, spaniels were bred to work all day outside so they never "tire" with increased exercise. What they need is breed appropriate training to reduce anxiety and then taught to settle.

Well we used to throw a frisby rather than a ball and lose it in the hedge every time so I guess that's suitable.

My point was if op is just lead walking along a pavement and back then it's not enough.

If there was any reason I couldn't walk my dog, and it would have to be a big reason like she'd just had leg surgery, she'd get so so naughty at home.

My reaction is that having got herself as far as describing the situation in a post here amongst all the dog lovers OP has past the point of coping. For the sake of the humans connected with her and the dog she should remove the dog. Rehome or sell or pts.
That dog is not contributing any pleasure or benefit to that household. It is adding to stress and work.

No responsible vets will put a healthy dog down because its existence is an inconvenience to the owner. And rightly so. You take responsibility for the living creature that you have brought into the family. Rehome if you must. But killing it is not an acceptable answer.

Get rid? Waiting to die? Some disgusting attitudes on this thread. Yours included Op. Hiding it as I have no desire to be banned.

He will grow out of the puppy stage !

I knew it would be something like a cockapoo, they look like a little teddy bear so people go running out to buy them and are then shocked that it grows into a ridiculously high energy dog.

@Shannith Because the other person in the relationship doesn't die/end up locked in a kennel for years because you fall out of love with them.

Sadly that happens far too often when the dog is not rehomed - partly, I think, because of the judgement people experience when they want to rehome.

Rehome the dog cos you clearly do not want it. Poor baby :(

My thoughts exactly. Both my vet and recently retired groomer of some 40-years say they have many more issues than any other dogs. When people want something cute and woolly, that doesn’t shed, why not get an actual Poodle. They come in 3 sizes 🤷‍♀️

No a dog is for life