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The doghouse

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Original poster

Should I rehome this dog?

24 replies

HildegardeCrowe · 26/10/2021 14:08

My friend has asked me if I’d be interested in rehoming her second dog, a 3 year old Parson Russell because she’s not well enough to look after 2 dogs anymore. I have an elderly rescue JRT mix who has health issues and probably won’t be around for much longer. I’m on the lookout for a second dog.

I have my friends dog for a few days to test things out. He’s very calm and loving at home and seems to get on ok with my dog. However I took them on a long walk earlier and let him off the lead (friend told me ok to do so). His recall was good most of the time but he disappeared on one occasion and then I had great difficulty getting him back on the lead. Also he can show aggression to other dogs when on the lead (never bites though). So it looks like I might have to keep him on lead and away from other dogs, at least in the early stages. Would you consider rehoming such a dog or is it just not worth it?

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pumpkinpie01 · 26/10/2021 14:31

I would consider it yes , but round also look into seeing a behaviourist so you can sort out his issues so that walking would be more fun .

FlyingWhistle · 26/10/2021 14:36

Yes, I would. If he's good in the home then the rest can be worked on, I have a terrier that's reactive on lead and can't be let off lead and she is improving with regular positive training.

MrsWooster · 26/10/2021 14:40

Yes. A trainer will fix the outside stuff; the most important thing is that she’s good with your current dog and they can be happy together.

NoYOUbekind · 26/10/2021 14:41

The two parsons I know are renowned escape artists so you will definitely need to work on lead and recall training. One of them has a transmitting collar as they've lost her so often. That aside, they are fantastic, clever little dogs.

Original poster
HildegardeCrowe · 26/10/2021 15:04

Thank you, most encouraging that you all think I should persevere. This is him.

Should I rehome this dog?
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FeatheredHope · 26/10/2021 15:06

No one can really answer this as it’s whether you can live with those things and are confident you can work on them (perhaps with a good trainer).

Puppermam · 26/10/2021 15:14

He's got no bond with you so i wouldn't expect his recall to be great until he knows you well enough to want to come back to you. Plenty of recall training with some high value treats will help. The aggression on the lead can be probably worked through as he's not a biter. He might just be nervous. Neither of those things would put me off him if i wanted him.

imayhavelostmymarbles · 26/10/2021 15:23

And he is completely gorgeous!

tattychicken · 26/10/2021 15:43

Those are not unusual problems with terriers! It wouldn't put me off, and he looks gorgeous.

Brownlongearedbat · 26/10/2021 15:52

We had a parson jack. He was a wonderful dog and a famous ratter, but he was terrier through and through. He was a bugger with most other dogs because he was so dominant. He was fine off the lead for recall, but we used to check there were no strange dogs around first (luckily we rarely see other dog walkers). He was always such fun to be around.
You are obviously used to Jacks - this one looks a cracker. Yes, give him a home.

Original poster
HildegardeCrowe · 26/10/2021 15:57

Smile so happy with all your posts. Yes I’m certainly used to terriers, mine was a complete bugger when I rehomed him 10 years ago so know what to expect. And yes he’s gorgeous and so loving with me and DD. I hope I can make a go of it.

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A1b2c3d4e5f6g7 · 26/10/2021 15:57

He looks gorgeous!

I've a rehomed dog with still patchy recall at times, and we have a long 5 m lead on him in some situations so we can catch him on the occasions he 'forgets' himself. The best ones we've found are on Landela dogs, they stay clean and are v lightweight for dogs of this size. Various trainers and behaviourists haven't been able to improve his recall, but we love him and wouldn't change him

lmpeachment · 26/10/2021 15:59

Most dogs get antsy with other dogs when on a lead. He's gorgeous 🤩

PollyRoullson · 26/10/2021 16:08

Would you be able to live with the "issues" if they could not be sorted? If so then I would consider it.

If the "issues" had to be improved for me to cope with the dog then no I would not rehome it.

Original poster
HildegardeCrowe · 26/10/2021 16:24

My friend has agreed to have him back if it doesn’t work out so that’s good

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icedcoffees · 26/10/2021 16:54

That wouldn't put me off at all.

I think you were a bit naive to just let him off the lead when he has no bond with you, though. Terriers have enough issues with recall with their owners, let alone with strangers Grin

Having to keep a dog on lead is really not a problem - you can always find a secure field to let him off if you really want him to have a good run, or use a long-line while out and about instead.

As a dog walker I walk plenty of dogs who need to be kept on lead for various reasons - they all enjoy their walks and have lots of opportunity to sniff and play :)

He's very cute, I would go for it, especially as your friend is happy to have him back should it not work out for some reason.

Original poster
HildegardeCrowe · 30/10/2021 13:40

One other issue has emerged - new dog can be very dominant with my existing very old JRT and has been circling him and yapping aggressively (not attacking though) which obviously upsets my old boy. Also issues with feeding as old boy is a grazer and I can’t leave food out because new boy gobbles it up. House isn’t configured in a way that they can have separate feeding areas unfortunately. Ultimately I want to make sure that old boy’s last days are peaceful so really not sure what to do....

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icedcoffees · 30/10/2021 19:43

How old is your old boy?

Could your friend keep her dog until you can rehome him as a solo?

Original poster
HildegardeCrowe · 30/10/2021 22:57

He’s 14ish (rescue with no history when I got him 10 years ago). He’s deteriorating quite quickly (he has degenerative myelopathy) and also seems to have doggy dementia which can make him quite aggressive which sets new boy off. Can’t imagine it’s going to be that long now. Anyway have decided after a tough day with both of them that it’s not going to work and will have to give new boy back. Had already decided to tell my friend that I’d be happy to rehome her boy as the only dog so pleased to get your suggestion @icedcoffees. I feel bad disappointing her but this is such a big decision to make.

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VeganCheesePlease · 31/10/2021 18:58

It's 100 per cent your choice but can I just say you sound like a fantastic dog owner and that little chap would have a brilliant life with you.
What you'll likely find is that a few recall training sessions and more walks with you will have him making massive improvements.

icedcoffees · 31/10/2021 19:05

I think you're doing the right thing @HildegardeCrowe :)

Let your old boy have his twilight months/years in peace and then take the younger dog as an only dog instead if you feel up to it. I think it's definitely the right thing to do - many older dogs get irritable and grumpy in their old age and just want to eat/sleep/potter.

Original poster
HildegardeCrowe · 31/10/2021 22:06

Thank you so much. Took new boy back today and my friend has totally understood. My old boy seems more relaxed and know it’s the right thing to focus on him and let him have his peace.

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CasaBonita · 31/10/2021 22:18

You have definitely made the right decision in prioritising your existing dog. It may well have escalated with the new one going for the old boy which would have been horrendous.

Original poster
HildegardeCrowe · 31/10/2021 22:38

Yes exactly @CasaBonita and the young dog has shown aggression when out on walks. I’m glad I didn’t leave it any longer.

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