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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Original poster

Rehoming my puppy - I'm nervous

68 replies

GoodbyeDoggy · 14/04/2016 18:07

I'm going to meet a potential new owner of my puppy tomorrow but I'm so nervous and my mind has gone blank on what to ask.

She sounds great on paper, self employed and works from home a lot, no children, very eager to meet puppy. He's a very high energy dog though and I'm worried that I won't know if she'll be able to handle him. How will I know? Any ideas on what I should be asking?

OP posts:
DropYourSword · 14/04/2016 18:52

I don't really see the OP getting flamed WellErrr

Newes · 14/04/2016 18:56

Oh right, ok so the Blue Cross have done the initial basic checks?
musicposy's questions above are a good starting point. Do tell her your reservations about off lead time, but if she is used to dogs and those breeds in particular she may well handle that the right way.

thestarryeyedsurprise · 14/04/2016 18:56

I'm not sure why OP is getting a lot of stick here. Her husband made a big mistake 1 - getting a dog and 2 - from a puppy farm but she is doing the responsible thing trying to find a suitable home for him? Isn't it better this puppy goes to a home with love and attention rather than staying in a home where the owner doesn't have time for him?! Geeezz.

DropYourSword · 14/04/2016 18:58

Of course it is, but where is the OP getting stick? She's receiving measured sensible advice!

RudeElf · 14/04/2016 18:59

Where is this stick and flaming? Confused

Newes · 14/04/2016 19:01

Why don't you stop trying to whip up a storm of outrage about things no one has said and just give some advice or reassurance if you have it? Geeezzzz.

Original poster
GoodbyeDoggy · 14/04/2016 19:02

I think the flaming was before the backstory was red. I don't feel too burnt anyway Smile

I think the main thing is finding out what sort of dog she had before. If it was a little bichon or similar I think she'd be in the same position as me and be out of her depth. Although tbh it's hard to tell if he's a high needs puppy or is just reacting to a loud home and an owner that can't put everything in to him.

I'm going to write a list of questions to ask her, thank you all for your advice. Keep your fingers crossed she is the one!

OP posts:
Floralnomad · 14/04/2016 19:02

No offence OP but this lady sounds way more suitable an option for this pup than you are so provided she comes across as a nice person I'd just get on with it and let him go .

Original poster
GoodbyeDoggy · 14/04/2016 19:09

No offence taken but it's not about her being more suitable than me, it's about finding a home my puppy will be happy in.

OP posts:
Newes · 14/04/2016 19:10

Her approaching the Blue Cross and going through the initial process is a good sign. She knows what sort of puppy you have, she could have passed by if she didn't think it was a suitable match. And this is in no way meant to be a dig, but she has probably given it a lot more thought than your DH!
I hope she makes a good impression, loves to meet your pup and answers all your questions. You can move on, knowing you did your best by him and made a responsible decision about his future.

musicposy · 14/04/2016 20:08

I think finding out what breed she's had before is a good idea. It sounds as though your puppy may well be less high needs with a calmer one person home and plenty of exercise, as you say. But I wouldn't beat yourself up too much - neither of those breeds are particularly easy. If she's had a beagle/ spaniel or even terrier before (we have a Jack Russell/ spaniel cross and she's lovely but hugely hard work) she should have some idea of what she's letting herself in for!

Good luck and update us Smile

Veterinari · 14/04/2016 20:18

Hey OP - I think I read your original thread about the surprise Christmas puppy - weren't you asking what to call him?
Well done for rehoming responsibly through the blue cross, it must be hard as I'm sure you got attached to him, but if you're the poster I'm thinking of then this outcome was pretty inevitable Sad I think you have the right attitude here - you want a forever home, not a 'better for now' home

Def ask about exercise and training - is she planning on puppy classes etc? I think I said before that that is one of the most difficult crosses - 2 high maintenance breeds so lots of positive reinforcement training and mental stimulation is key.

I still think your husband is a DICK btw

LetThereBeCupcakes · 14/04/2016 20:27

Do you know what Blue Cross have already checked? We have just adopted a 9 month old that was still living with his owner, but she rehome through a rescue. We were very thoroughly vetted by the rescue - everything from checking our house to finding out how we planned to train him. The owner just had to tell the rescue her "gut feeling", really.

When we met the owner we really just chatted, she asked about routines etc to see if they would suit her dog. We asked what training she'd done so far and a few other things.

Best of luck OP. You shouldn't have been put in this position.

SavoyCabbage · 14/04/2016 20:37

We had an rspca homecheck a few weeks ago.

He looked at the garden to make sure it was enclosed.

He asked us...
if we had looked at food and insurance costs.
Who was going to walk her.
Where she would sleep.

MsAdorabelleDearheartVonLipwig · 14/04/2016 21:18

I remember your original thread Op. I'm glad you've managed to get it resolved. No further advice to add but just wanted to say well done.

BombadierFritz · 14/04/2016 21:23

Oh i remember your original thread. Its a shame you werent able to rehome immediately. The bluecross rehoming scheme sounds really good. Good luck tmrw

ExConstance · 15/04/2016 13:29

I wouldn't worry too much about what breeds the new owner has had before, we had owned a dachshund, collie cross, and PBGV before we got our first rescue Staffie, the Staffie ( and his successor) were far easier to deal with than any of the others. Hounds just want to follow their noses, collies are far to clever for their own good but Staffies are keen to learn what you want, respectful of boundaries and very affectionate. Even so some rescues only want "experienced" Staffie owners.

Original poster
GoodbyeDoggy · 15/04/2016 13:55

I didn't want to rehome immediately as I've always wanted a dog and wanted to try. It's not working out though and the older he gets the harder I'm finding it.

Off to go meet her now anyway, wish me luck! She has bought him a toy already, good sign. Do you think I should bring some toys and treats anyway?

OP posts:
BabyGanoush · 15/04/2016 14:02

What dick your DH is

Causing this unhappines, to you and the dog, and doing nothing to help sort the mess he created.

Sounds like he's a man of the grand gesture every now and then, whilst being a shit partner the rest (most) of the time Angry

LonnyVonnyWilsonFrickett · 15/04/2016 14:05

I remember your original thread too. I hope it goes well today for the puppy.

Pity you can't rehome your DH, eh?

Original poster
GoodbyeDoggy · 15/04/2016 14:09

He's usually a decent husband but he has failed massively on this. In his head he was trying to cheer me up, I'd had a really hard year last year with my mum dying under tragic circumstances. I've always wanted a dog but wanted to wait till the kids were older and I was settled in a job and then choose a dog myself.
In his head he was being thoughtful. Now his pride has been hurt and he doesn't want to admit he was wrong!

It will end well though, I will find him a good home and we can all move on.

OP posts:
flanjabelle · 15/04/2016 14:13

You poor thing op, you didn't ask for any of this. Your arsehole of a husband should be ashamed of himself. Good luck meeting the prospective owner.

BabyGanoush · 15/04/2016 14:20

Well, we took on a pup that was rejected by her first owner (and returned to breeder at 5 months.)

She was just in the wrong place, now she is with the people whose lifestyle suit hers 😁.... Mega walks and a quiet home to come back to.

Sometimes it is just the wrong fit or the wrong time/place.

Hope the dog finds a nice new home.

We are always grateful our princess was rejected by her first owners, otherwise we'd have never found her 😍

Original poster
GoodbyeDoggy · 15/04/2016 15:03

Well we're here and he's gone off for a play with them. I feel a bit sad! Had a little wobble over it last night as I do love him and will miss him but I think it's for the best.

OP posts:
flanjabelle · 15/04/2016 15:05

It's going to be hard op, but it's important to look at the reality of the situation rather than wistfully thinking about what could have been. Later on in life there will be opportunities to own a dog and have it work out, it's just not the right time.

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