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…

@justaboutdonenow I looked into it after you posted. It's very interesting given how popular he is.

I think you should neuter him. Dogs have a hormone surge at around 2yo. Some are fine but others can be a massive PITA. I have two bitches that were intact - now both spayed, thank goodness - and they were hard work when they were hormonal. They would chase other dogs away snarling aggressively and I had to be careful to walk quiet places and put them on lead around other dogs. Also phases of being hyper and really agitated, v boisterous play, humping each other etc. They are much calmer now and generally ignore other dogs.

Also, I don’t think he’ll lose his confidence at this age, I think he’ll be more relaxed. I agree with you vet about not doing it early but at two he’s sexually mature and I honestly think he’ll be fine in that respect.

If the animal, or human remains in the anxiety provoking situation for long enough, the anxiety comes down. Repeated (how often varies) exposures like this lead to habituation (being relaxed with the previously anxiety provoking situation). To be done well, the exposure should be gradual, starting with ‘a bit of the anxiety provoking stimuli’, then moving on to more when the previous bit no longer illicits anxiety. Going full pelt into the situation is called Flooding. It also works, so long as the animal/person remains in the situation until the anxiety comes down (it always does). This method is no longer used by respectable therapists in human, as it is very unpleasent and the graded exposure method does the job.

I know what flooding is, thanks.

And flooding is exactly what he does as habituating animals gradually does not make good television.

No need to get shirty. The fact is flooding does work and the animal will feel comfortable and fine after it!

People who give up animals should be on a register and banned for life.
Don't ever get another pet