rehoming a dog nobody would want

[wishesandkisses]

Yes it sounds totally harsh but honestly its the truth. He's completely in your face constantly, steals, pulls, chases sheep, pees from anxiety issues. Literally everywhere. But these aren't the reasons I am considering rehoming him. We both work full time jobs (nothing we intended when we bought him) and its becoming a point where it's unfair on him because we don't have time for him anymore and I feel he has no quality of life.

When I leave he has Kong's, treats his everywhere, 2 visits and a dog walker. And I still come home to a destroyed house, piss on the floor and sofa and an over excited dog. I feel we have no joy from each other anymore and it would be cruel to keep him like this forever.

But I don't want to give him to a rescue because I fear he will be there forever and he needs lots of love and cuddles which he won't get.

Please don't give me harsh critisms because its obvious that I should have thought ahead but I never expected that we would need 2 full time jobs to keep us afloat. He can't even go to family houses during the day because he pisses everywhere and ruins their furniture too. Is there a way out of this?

[ElsieMc]

I read a thread a short time back about someone considering a cocker x beagle pup and a number of posters said that they would avoid the mix as both breeds are quite hard work. It probably wasn't you op, but it does sound as though the advice given was right.

You dont say how old he is, but I would suggest you speak to the breeder as reputable breeders (although he is a cross breed) often take their dogs back or at the very least could offer you some advice.

I returned a dog for my dd to the breeder; she simply should never have bought him and I warned her off beforehand. Fortunately I knew the breeder as I already had one of his dogs (she is now 11) and he took him back. He was the third return from the litter and it just shows how much people underestimate the amount of work involved particularly when working dogs are involved. He went to a working environment where he has thrived.

If you really feel you have reached the end of the road, please do try the breeder first.

[horseygeorgie]

I have had working breed dogs for years. I don't shoot but I have an active life and they suit me! I currently have a springer spaniel 2 year old and a 10 year old terrier and will add another one in due course. Mine are both well balanced, well behaved dogs in the main, but I think that people massively underestimate the amount of exercise they need as we as strong leadership.

[wishesandkisses]

I'm in Huddersfield horseygeorgie. We used to go out for 2 hour walks a day. Now he gets an hour with the walker and half hour with me.

He's 18 months, he's gorgeous (could well have been me I've aired my frustrations out on here before rather than being upset with the dog). Took him to training classes when younger but I'm so embarrassed now that we don't go :(

[wishesandkisses]

He's always on the lead around sheep and I avoid them like the plague!

[Karatedoormat]

Elsie - The beagle X cocker was just before Xmas. The poster's partner had bought a surprise puppy. She was asking what she should name it.

[horseygeorgie]

Yes I could imagine that would be bad! Sheep worrying isn't taken lightly! He sounds lovely. What is your feeling? Do you want to move him on or do you want to try and work through it? I completely understand that it must be nigh on impossible if you are both working full time.

[wishesandkisses]

I don't know its such a hard decision. It needs to be to the right home to someone who is capable. I've always looked down on the idea of giving up a dog. That you should work through it but now, thinking for his prospective, im questioning myself. Which is hard. I love him to bits, will be hard not seeing him when I get home but on the same thought, I want him to be happy and I don't want to waste his life waiting for me to come home. Its just such a big decision :(

[horseygeorgie]

Only you can make it, no one can force you too. He is only young and given his breeding there is a good chance with some additional training he will come through the other side. His age is an awkward one! Do you have more than one dog?

[wishesandkisses]

Nope just him. Do you think that could help?!

[horseygeorgie]

Generally it can help providing they view the other dog as someone higher up in the hierarchy therefore will give the stability they need. A puppy won't work usually, an older dog could be a good move though. But then you could end up with two restless anxious dogs!

[wishesandkisses]

Can't have an older dog, I have a 2 year old. It wouldnt be safe :( he's bottom of the pack at my mums (who has 3). He's a wimp when it comes to other dogs

[horseygeorgie]

I'm going to PM you OP.

[Claraoswald36]

That's a shame op I was hoping you were down my way I was hoping we could help as my cocker needs dog company

[SaggingTits]

Have you properly looked into doggy daycare? Where I live a dog walker is £10 an hour, and daycare is about 25. I would consider putting him in that even 1 day a week if you can afford it.

I can sympathise as I have a dog with several issues that I would re-home if anyone would have.

[SaggingTits]

Didn't see that he is only 18months. He's still a puppy and they really do start to calm down around 3ish

[Veterinari]

IT sounds exactly like separation anxiety in which case there's no point rehiring him unless he's never going to be left alone ever. The process of rehoming a dog with separation anxiety only reinforces their anxiety about losing important relationships. I'd recommend that you seek help from an APBC accredited behaviourist a Google APBC pet behaviour. You can solve this and he can be happy despite you working but random internet advice it rehoming won't help this dog

[tabulahrasa]

If you found a rescue space, actually I don't think he would be there forever...none of those issues are untrainable, but the same applies if you want to keep him.

If it were me - I'd look at getting someone in to help sort the urination either way and at the same time the anxiety.

Then after that looking at whether you want to keep him or rehome him, if you're keeping him I think you need to find out about other forms of care during the day, and look at what you're doing with him while you are there, as in can you spend more time doing things that would tire him out mentally?

[knobblyknee]

If he is 18 months or less offer him to the military as a detection dog (sniffer dog). Theres no guarantee they'll accept him, but its probably the best chance he has of a good life.

[Claraoswald36]

Behaviourist is an excellent idea. My friend had one here for her bull terrier it was 2 sessions total 75 quid I think it worked wonders and was full of breed specific work.
Meanwhile sounds obvious but are you containing him in one room and leaving the radio on? Radio 4 works a treat with my cocker

[wishesandkisses]

He's in one room yes, our kitchen is tiny with no windows so he's in the living room (laminate floor thank god). Rugs lifted. Sofa cushions off.

[ChairRider4]

Talk to yappy ever after they are dog rescue /rehome and use foster places
Plus when they rehome him they provide lifetime support and will always take back

[IAmNoAngel]

Would you still want to rehome him if you could afford doggy daycare?