arrgh dilemma

jumpedtheshark

I really didn't mean to make you feel bad. The fact you're getting a rescue dog at all makes you a hero.

codemonkey

They've both just been returned. I think they were rehomed quickly last time.

The staffie I think had been rehomed by someone who had got him from a friend, then gave him to his gran, but she didn't have space and I'm guessing he was too strong for an old lady because I'm in my 30s and struggled and they couldn't afford to keep him. Then he went to a new home but growled at the owners kids if they got up in the night so came back after 5 days.

The lab cross had been rehomed because of a house move, then went to a new home where it pulled the new owner over (guessing the snow and ice had something to do with that because I walked him and although he did pull a bit, it wasn't enough to take me off my feet and, I handled it). He was in his new home for a week. They're now refusing to home him to anyone who isn't strong enough.

codemonkey

jumpedtheshark wrote: »

I really didn't mean to make you feel bad. The fact you're getting a rescue dog at all makes you a hero.

Aww thanks. I think I'm just too much of a softie. Left to me both of the dogs would live here.

The first shelter was a cat and dog home and my heart was breaking, especially when one dog put his paw through the bars and cried.

I've actually been in tears more than once today trying to make this choice. I am actually hopeless. :rotfl::rotfl:

krlyr

There are lots of various headcollar designs on the market and some work better for some dogs more than others. Also, there are other products available - for example, two-point harnesses, they have points of attachment on both the back (usual point for a harness) and on the chest area, you use a double-ended lead to attach to both and that can help with pulling dogs.
Training goes a long way too - I used to volunteer at a Staffie rescue and the dogs only got about 2 walks a week depending on how many volunteers could visit, but we managed to up that to about 4 times a week at one point and the dogs' lead manners certainly improved. The "300 peck" method is a good one for pulling on the lead in my experience.

Also, being a dog's third or fourth home doesn't necessarily mean you're in for lots of problems. One of mine, Casper, had three homes before me - OK, he has a couple of issues like dog reactivity (he's a big wuss, but admittedly it is harder to deal with in a 40kg dog!) but he's always been fine with stuff like being left home alone

If it feels like too big a decision to make in a day, then don't feel pressured into making it. There will always be dogs needing homes, at least for many years to come. If not this weekend, then next weekend, or next month, or later in the year. It's a lifetime commitment, for the dog's lifetime anyway, and not a decision to be rushed.

Person_one

krlyr is right that there are lots and lots of products out there to help with the pulling issue. Also, an energetic young dog that's spending a lot of time in a kennel will naturally pull, you may well find that once he's getting decent length walks and actually using more of that energy he isn't so much like a bullet from a gun!

Oh, and I'm the fifth owner of one of my dogs. Its very sad, and there were some issues to overcome, but I can't deny that there's a real feel good factor in knowing that this will be his last and only home now. His previous owners told me he was hyperactive and never still, but oddly enough with some training and enough exercise he's basically a couch potato...

I admit to being slightly on your DH's side, partly because of the staffie issue but also because sometimes a dog just looks at you a certain way and you know that dog was supposed to be yours. It sounds like that's what's happened here I'm afraid.

Treevo

I'd take the labrador if I were in your situation just because it's easier. If you were home all day then I'd say the staffie, but you're not and so it wouldn't be fair on him or you.

Wellyboots6

I think you go with the one you have fallen in love with most

Sounds like they both have issues which will need work so neither are going to be easy.

When you get either of them home they will at some point do something that makes you wonder whether you made the right decision, but if you are prepared for the hard work then with a lot of love, time and patience you will end up with a lovely dog.

Go with your gut

gettingready

codemonkey wrote: »

T

The staffie..............went to a new home but growled at the owners kids if they got up in the night so came back after 5 days.

Bit of a red flag if you do/plan to have kids or may have kids visiting?

Saying that, some kids are terrible to dogs - perhaps they bothered him too much so he growled?

codemonkey

To be honest, they both just need to be taught manners.

After reading your responses the situation has changed. I'm now considering the staffie and DH is saying no.

Maybe we've just not met the dog yet.

gettingready

Just keep on looking - there is a right dog out there waiting for you