Reasons for surrendering a dog.

britishbandit · 07-18-2006, 04:55 PM

After volunteering at the humane society, and browsing sites such as petfinder, I've seen lots of "lame" reasons why people surrender their dogs. Here are some of the ones I've encountered, what reasons have you heard of? Some of the reasons to me are absolutely ridiculous, and others just seem like an "excuse". I think there are very rare cases indeed, that anyone truly has a legitimate reason for giving up on a dog.
So, here's some i've heard and seen, and some thoughts i've had them.

The dog got too big. (Simple preventative, research the breed or breeds ahead of time, what did you expect for a Rottweiler, GSD, Mastiff, Great Dane...etc. What possible adjustments can you make to allow for this dog to remain in your home?).

Dog isn't big enough, not typical of the standard. (Well, where did you buy the dog? If you purchased from a reputable, it would have met the standards. And why must you give it up for not being "big enough"? If everything else is going well, why should that even be a concern?)

Isn't as "cute" as he/she was as a puppy. (Ok, I bet you're not as cute as you were as a baby either....puppies grow up....you don't just get a puppy to always have a puppy, they do grow up and mature....and they are still "cute" as adults").

Moving, can't take the dog. (Why can't you take the dog? How hard did you look for a place that you could take him/her? Is there really another reason that you just don't want to? Why would you even consider a move that didn't involve your dog?)

No time for him/her. (Then why get a dog?)

Don't want him/her. (Yes, I have heard this one.......unfortunately, the only comment I have on that......you shouldn't even think about owning a dog with that kind of attitude.)

Destructive/Housebreaking issues. (Training would help out there. Does the dog get enough physical and mental exercise? How old is the dog? This may be just a matter of patience. Ever heard of crate training?)

Developed behavior problems. (Have you been a strong enough leader for your dog? Have you tried NILIF? Are you willing to work through this with the help of a behaviorist? Can you handle that a developed behavior could be of your own doing, and that you owe it to your dog to give him/her the chance to work it out?.......Or are you just going to surrender the dog and find another to replace it that could develop the same problems? Have you seen a vet to determine if it is health related?)

He/she smells, has bad breath/smelly ears. (Ummm.....yeah, animals do tend to have some kind of smell about them...just like humans. Ever been to someones house that didn't smell like yours? Regardless of if they have pets or not. Do you take care of his/her teeth and or ears? Do you keep up with house cleaning? That always helps. Have you taken him/her to a vet to get this checked out?)

Want a different breed now. (Ok, well why not think up on it, research, and get that new breed AFTER you give the one you already own the life it deserves.)

Too many health problems. (Well taking care of that dog regardless of health issues shouldn't be a question. With the purchase of a dog comes specific obligations to that animal. How would you feel being ill and being dumped off as someone elses problem? If you purchased from a reputable breeder, genetic health problems of the breed would have a guarentee, you'd get your puppy replaced, or they'd cover the vet bills, at least in part.)

Can't afford him/her anymore. (What do you mean anymore? What drastic change in your situation has occured? Could it be perhaps that you never could afford the dog in the first place? Or is it that you neglected to see that a dog costs money after the initial purchase?)

New baby/baby on the way. (Why get a dog prior if you are planning on children? Why does the dog need to go because there is a new baby in the house? Did you know you can limit the dog to certain areas of the home? Baby gates work well, as do doors. If you walked and socialized your dog, chances are it has met many children, and will accept the new baby just fine. Bringing home the blanket from the hospital for the dog to "get the scent" helps a lot too.)

To put it plainly. Too many dog owners get a new dog without really thinking it through. A visit to GP should be a MUST for any future dog owner!!!

sammy · 07-18-2006, 05:06 PM

One of the instructors at the agility camp I was at does herding dog rescue. She got a call from a vet - an owner had taken the dog (and all the pups) to the vet to have it PTS because it was in labor and wasn't able to deliver the pups, needed a C- section.They had no interest in paying a vet bill. The reason why the dog couldn't deliver? Dog had been hit by a car and had an old injury to it's pelvis. Needless to say she paid the bill and took the pups and mom- it was too late for 5/10 of the pups.
What pisses me off though is the vet had to call the owner and ask if it would be ok with him to let a third party pay for the surgery and take the dog. Makes me sick-- I wish the owner would at least have had to live with the guilt.
I can't believe how many people won't pay a vet bill

the worst excuse I ever heard for getting rid of a dog was that the dog didn't match the new furniture . I've also heard the dog sheds too much. Good grief!

froggiedog · 07-18-2006, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by britishbandit

Isn't as "cute" as he/she was as a puppy. (Ok, I bet you're not as cute as you were as a baby either....puppies grow up....you don't just get a puppy to always have a puppy, they do grow up and mature....and they are still "cute" as adults").

why would the dog not be as cute... all dogs and puppies are cute. puppys may be cuter, but that's no reason to surrender it. sometimes, the dog may be cuter as an adult than as a pup.

***Cassiepeia*** · 07-18-2006, 05:29 PM

Sammy...I remember sitting in the vet office once and hearing something very similar to that. Someone had brought in a dog that was pregnant and wanted it put to sleep because it was going to cost too much for the c-section the dog needed and they didn't want to look after the pups anymore.
The owner wasn't even the one who brought the dog in. FRIENDS of theirs who were staying with them (they were all arguing in the waiting room...so we all heard the story) felt sorry for the dog and brought it to the vet to get help. But because they didn't own the dog the vet had to ring the owner and talk to them.
The owner said kill it...so they were trying to negotiate ownership and get the dog taken of their hands and given to either the vet or one of the friends for care.

I don't know what happened in the end though. Made me cry hearing it all. I wished I had the money to jump up and say..."I'll buy the dog and pay for the surgery"..because I darn well would have! That dog deserved better. At least she had a vet and the owners friends on her side though.

Cass.

Dogsareme · 07-18-2006, 05:37 PM

Here is one I heard,

My new boyfriend/Girlfriend/husband/Wife doesn't like the dog

Well if that was the case, I sure would not be giving up the dog. If they truley love you, they would not ask you to give up something you care so much about. I wouldn't do it. There's more fish in the sea, but only one(okay, maybe 10) fido.

PawNclaws · 07-18-2006, 05:46 PM

It's sad , so many people thinking dogs can be exchanged and thrown away. I hate it when people bring in excuses about why they can't take care of their dogs. A person I work with "Got ride of" their puppy because it pooped on the floor. My statment " I guess they thought the puppy was born potty trained ". Sheesh, so many stupid people out there.

GoldenPup · 07-18-2006, 08:02 PM

What about the one where the kids don't want the dog, or the dog is too big for the kid (...works especially well when the kid is a toddler...).

GoldenPup

ewarp · 07-19-2006, 07:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by britishbandit

Too many health problems. (Well taking care of that dog regardless of health issues shouldn't be a question. With the purchase of a dog comes specific obligations to that animal. How would you feel being ill and being dumped off as someone elses problem? If you purchased from a reputable breeder, genetic health problems of the breed would have a guarentee, you'd get your puppy replaced, or they'd cover the vet bills, at least in part.)

I will say that this is one of the better reasons to give up a dog. Most limited-admission shelters or rescue will put the money into the dog. I'd rather see the dog's health restored (or at least stabilized) and the dog rehomed rather than simply PTS because the owner can't afford it. No, people shouldn't get dogs if they can't afford the possible vet bills. Yes, it's still irresponsible, but it's better than simply getting bored with the dog.

Glitzie · 07-19-2006, 07:34 AM

I heard one on another BB. Someone adopted a dog because they orginal owners got a new living room set & the dog did not match the furniture.
I got DaKota mostly because they were bored with her. They had 4 other dogs too & every time they got bored they would get rid of a dog & come home with a new one.

Glitzie's owners travel alot & she was boarded in our kennel 80% of the time. They felt bad for her as she was a great people dog.
Salem our kitty was in the shelter because he ate house plants (we never had that problem).

Raised By Wolves · 07-19-2006, 08:08 AM

Reasons nothing, these are excuses.

How about dogs are nothing but ego objects and impulse buys to use, abuse, ignore, spoil, or indulge yourself with until you don't like what you've created, become bored, or find another more attractive innocent "victim" to start the cycle all over again?

richnrissa · 07-19-2006, 09:18 AM

leave it to RBW to skirt the issue, lol, i agree totally.

the worst i've ever heard myself is "We've tried for like 3 weeks and he just wont catch a frisbee, we want a more athletic dog" about a puppy under one year old.

Sayuri · 07-19-2006, 09:53 AM

At the shelter I volunteer at, one of my "favorite" (rolls eyes) excuses was "it just wasn't working out." Of course, the two dogs lived 24/7 in a dark shed in the back yard with very little interaction from their family...and these people were somehow surprised that the dogs had no obedience.

rmci · 07-19-2006, 11:34 AM

I agree that these are excuses, and sad ones at that, but I think you're being a bit harsh on this one:

Quote:

Can't afford him/her anymore. (What do you mean anymore? What drastic change in your situation has occured? Could it be perhaps that you never could afford the dog in the first place? Or is it that you neglected to see that a dog costs money after the initial purchase?)

What if the owners were laid off, lost their home, and were unable to find someone to take care of their dog? Most likely this is not the case with most that use this excuse but it can happen.

britishbandit · 07-19-2006, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sammy

One of the instructors at the agility camp I was at does herding dog rescue. She got a call from a vet - an owner had taken the dog (and all the pups) to the vet to have it PTS because it was in labor and wasn't able to deliver the pups, needed a C- section.They had no interest in paying a vet bill. The reason why the dog couldn't deliver? Dog had been hit by a car and had an old injury to it's pelvis. Needless to say she paid the bill and took the pups and mom- it was too late for 5/10 of the pups.
What pisses me off though is the vet had to call the owner and ask if it would be ok with him to let a third party pay for the surgery and take the dog. Makes me sick-- I wish the owner would at least have had to live with the guilt.
I can't believe how many people won't pay a vet bill.

the worst excuse I ever heard for getting rid of a dog was that the dog didn't match the new furniture . I've also heard the dog sheds too much. Good grief!

OMG!! That's aweful.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dogsareme

My new boyfriend/Girlfriend/husband/Wife doesn't like the dog.

That's sad. For me, that would be "Oh well, too bad, the dogs come with ME!

Quote:

Originally Posted by PawsNclaws

A person I work with "Got ride of" their puppy because it pooped on the floor.

OMG!! A puppy pooping on the floor, who'd of thunk it!

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoldenPup

What about the one where the kids don't want the dog, or the dog is too big for the kid (...works especially well when the kid is a toddler...).

That's why adults should teach kids the responsibility of owning a pet before they get one, and the lifetime commitment. Often it's the kids saying "I want a dog", and the parents simply giving in to the request without going into it properly or explaining what a big responsibility it is for the entire family. As for the dog being to big for the kid, simply training the dog and limiting the areas of the home can help that. Another excuse that could've been easily avoided or fixed. Again, people thinking of having children should think about that before getting a dog.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ewarp

I will say that this is one of the better reasons to give up a dog. Most limited-admission shelters or rescue will put the money into the dog. I'd rather see the dog's health restored (or at least stabilized) and the dog rehomed rather than simply PTS because the owner can't afford it. No, people shouldn't get dogs if they can't afford the possible vet bills. Yes, it's still irresponsible, but it's better than simply getting bored with the dog.

In some cases yes. But for the most part I hear this from people who have say a Cocker Spaniel, and it keeps getting ear infections, and things like that, most of these "too many health problems" are fairly inexpensive to fix. In the cases of severe and costly health problems, humane societies will actually hold fund raisers to raise money for surgerys and such, you just have to ask, and explain the situation. They would rather help you to find a solution than to have the dog end up in the shelter or PTS. This may also work for no-kill shelters, but the one near me isn't, and if the health is that bad, they would be PTS, and large amounts of money would not be put into it. There is limited government funding for most of these shelters/rescues, and the major part of keeping them going is down to donations and funraisers.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Glitzie

Someone adopted a dog because they orginal owners got a new living room set & the dog did not match the furniture.

Oh gimme a break!! Are you serious!

Quote:

Originally Posted by RaisedByWolves

How about dogs are nothing but ego objects and impulse buys to use, abuse, ignore, spoil, or indulge yourself with until you don't like what you've created, become bored, or find another more attractive innocent "victim" to start the cycle all over again?

Yes, that's one of them for sure. I did mention that in the "Developed Behavior Problems". Sad but true.

Quote:

Originally Posted by richnrissa

"We've tried for like 3 weeks and he just wont catch a frisbee, we want a more athletic dog"

Yeah, like that makes any sense for giving up a dog.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sayuri

At the shelter I volunteer at, one of my "favorite" (rolls eyes) excuses was "it just wasn't working out." Of course, the two dogs lived 24/7 in a dark shed in the back yard with very little interaction from their family...and these people were somehow surprised that the dogs had no obedience.

Yeah, that's another lame one. And they wonder "why" it isn't or didn't work out.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rmci

I agree that these are excuses, and sad ones at that, but I think you're being a bit harsh on this one:

What if the owners were laid off, lost their home, and were unable to find someone to take care of their dog? Most likely this is not the case with most that use this excuse but it can happen.

I understand that, which is why the questions are arranged in that order. First i'd ask what situation had change that you could no longer afford the dog. Although, most people do have friends or family that will help out if it's simply a matter of not being able to afford it. Whether that means you have to switch to a lower end food, or bake cookies and such at home, or the dog has to make do with the toys he/she already has for a bit.......there are ways to limit the costs involved to keep that dog. For reasons like being laid off, most people do end up finding a job again, and I'm sure someone would help out while they are looking.

Pearlulm · 07-19-2006, 12:32 PM

Well, I guess if people look hard enough they can find an excuse to justify their actions (to themselves)! We had a dog once, Rolf that we got at the shelter. He weighed 1 1/2 pounds. We were told that he would be no bigger than 20 lbs. That very night he came home, I knew something was wrong. The next morning we went to the vet. He had kennel cough, bacteria infection in his intestines ( the vet said that he wouldn't have lived two more days if I hadn't taken him in), ear mites, etc. We got him all better after many trips to the vets office. 3 months after we got him we found out that we were going to have to move from NC to a townhouse in Northern VA. He was part of the family so of course he came with us. When he was 6 months we had him neatured. The vet called and said that he was very aggresive and have severe bahaviorial problem. So he went to obiedence classes. Turns out that he ended up being 55 lbs! Classes helped some but he still had "issues".

07-18-2006, 04:55 PM	#1 (permalink)
britishbandit Rottweiler Mum Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Windsor, ON Posts: 3,981 Rep Power: 168	Reasons for surrendering a dog. After volunteering at the humane society, and browsing sites such as petfinder, I've seen lots of "lame" reasons why people surrender their dogs. Here are some of the ones I've encountered, what reasons have you heard of? Some of the reasons to me are absolutely ridiculous, and others just seem like an "excuse". I think there are very rare cases indeed, that anyone truly has a legitimate reason for giving up on a dog. So, here's some i've heard and seen, and some thoughts i've had them. The dog got too big. (Simple preventative, research the breed or breeds ahead of time, what did you expect for a Rottweiler, GSD, Mastiff, Great Dane...etc. What possible adjustments can you make to allow for this dog to remain in your home?). Dog isn't big enough, not typical of the standard. (Well, where did you buy the dog? If you purchased from a reputable, it would have met the standards. And why must you give it up for not being "big enough"? If everything else is going well, why should that even be a concern?) Isn't as "cute" as he/she was as a puppy. (Ok, I bet you're not as cute as you were as a baby either....puppies grow up....you don't just get a puppy to always have a puppy, they do grow up and mature....and they are still "cute" as adults"). Moving, can't take the dog. (Why can't you take the dog? How hard did you look for a place that you could take him/her? Is there really another reason that you just don't want to? Why would you even consider a move that didn't involve your dog?) No time for him/her. (Then why get a dog?) Don't want him/her. (Yes, I have heard this one.......unfortunately, the only comment I have on that......you shouldn't even think about owning a dog with that kind of attitude.) Destructive/Housebreaking issues. (Training would help out there. Does the dog get enough physical and mental exercise? How old is the dog? This may be just a matter of patience. Ever heard of crate training?) Developed behavior problems. (Have you been a strong enough leader for your dog? Have you tried NILIF? Are you willing to work through this with the help of a behaviorist? Can you handle that a developed behavior could be of your own doing, and that you owe it to your dog to give him/her the chance to work it out?.......Or are you just going to surrender the dog and find another to replace it that could develop the same problems? Have you seen a vet to determine if it is health related?) He/she smells, has bad breath/smelly ears. (Ummm.....yeah, animals do tend to have some kind of smell about them...just like humans. Ever been to someones house that didn't smell like yours? Regardless of if they have pets or not. Do you take care of his/her teeth and or ears? Do you keep up with house cleaning? That always helps. Have you taken him/her to a vet to get this checked out?) Want a different breed now. (Ok, well why not think up on it, research, and get that new breed AFTER you give the one you already own the life it deserves.) Too many health problems. (Well taking care of that dog regardless of health issues shouldn't be a question. With the purchase of a dog comes specific obligations to that animal. How would you feel being ill and being dumped off as someone elses problem? If you purchased from a reputable breeder, genetic health problems of the breed would have a guarentee, you'd get your puppy replaced, or they'd cover the vet bills, at least in part.) Can't afford him/her anymore. (What do you mean anymore? What drastic change in your situation has occured? Could it be perhaps that you never could afford the dog in the first place? Or is it that you neglected to see that a dog costs money after the initial purchase?) New baby/baby on the way. (Why get a dog prior if you are planning on children? Why does the dog need to go because there is a new baby in the house? Did you know you can limit the dog to certain areas of the home? Baby gates work well, as do doors. If you walked and socialized your dog, chances are it has met many children, and will accept the new baby just fine. Bringing home the blanket from the hospital for the dog to "get the scent" helps a lot too.) To put it plainly. Too many dog owners get a new dog without really thinking it through. A visit to GP should be a MUST for any future dog owner!!!
	__________________ "No matter how little money and how few possesions you own, having a dog makes you rich." - Louis Sabin Last edited by britishbandit : 07-18-2006 at 05:03 PM.

07-18-2006, 05:29 PM	#4 (permalink)
*Cassiepeia* Chihuahua Mum Super Moderator Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: NSW, Australia Posts: 8,253 Blog Entries: 9 Rep Power: 281	Sammy...I remember sitting in the vet office once and hearing something very similar to that. Someone had brought in a dog that was pregnant and wanted it put to sleep because it was going to cost too much for the c-section the dog needed and they didn't want to look after the pups anymore. The owner wasn't even the one who brought the dog in. FRIENDS of theirs who were staying with them (they were all arguing in the waiting room...so we all heard the story) felt sorry for the dog and brought it to the vet to get help. But because they didn't own the dog the vet had to ring the owner and talk to them. The owner said kill it...so they were trying to negotiate ownership and get the dog taken of their hands and given to either the vet or one of the friends for care. I don't know what happened in the end though. Made me cry hearing it all. I wished I had the money to jump up and say..."I'll buy the dog and pay for the surgery"..because I darn well would have! That dog deserved better. At least she had a vet and the owners friends on her side though. Cass.
	__________________ Say NO! to animals in pet shops. Rescue a friend instead: Petfinder Get more out of Global Paw. Check out these great features. Book Club ~ Blogs ~ Art Classes ~ Woof Review As a member of Global paw staff my opinions are not necessarily those of the website or the owner.

07-18-2006, 05:37 PM	#5 (permalink)
Dogsareme Kaede, Mudd & Kyrel Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: BC, Canada Posts: 587 Rep Power: 69	Here is one I heard, My new boyfriend/Girlfriend/husband/Wife doesn't like the dog Well if that was the case, I sure would not be giving up the dog. If they truley love you, they would not ask you to give up something you care so much about. I wouldn't do it. There's more fish in the sea, but only one(okay, maybe 10) fido.
	__________________ Happiness is owning a dog.

07-18-2006, 05:46 PM	#6 (permalink)
PawNclaws Labrador Crazy Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: North West Posts: 1,897 Blog Entries: 2 Rep Power: 108	It's sad , so many people thinking dogs can be exchanged and thrown away. I hate it when people bring in excuses about why they can't take care of their dogs. A person I work with "Got ride of" their puppy because it pooped on the floor. My statment " I guess they thought the puppy was born potty trained ". Sheesh, so many stupid people out there.
	__________________

07-18-2006, 08:02 PM	#7 (permalink)
GoldenPup Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 137 Rep Power: 53	What about the one where the kids don't want the dog, or the dog is too big for the kid (...works especially well when the kid is a toddler...). GoldenPup
GoldenPup Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 137 Rep Power: 53

07-18-2006, 05:06 PM	#2 (permalink)
sammy herding dog lover Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: western canada Posts: 1,089 Rep Power: 111	One of the instructors at the agility camp I was at does herding dog rescue. She got a call from a vet - an owner had taken the dog (and all the pups) to the vet to have it PTS because it was in labor and wasn't able to deliver the pups, needed a C- section.They had no interest in paying a vet bill. The reason why the dog couldn't deliver? Dog had been hit by a car and had an old injury to it's pelvis. Needless to say she paid the bill and took the pups and mom- it was too late for 5/10 of the pups. What pisses me off though is the vet had to call the owner and ask if it would be ok with him to let a third party pay for the surgery and take the dog. Makes me sick-- I wish the owner would at least have had to live with the guilt. I can't believe how many people won't pay a vet bill the worst excuse I ever heard for getting rid of a dog was that the dog didn't match the new furniture . I've also heard the dog sheds too much. Good grief!

07-19-2006, 07:34 AM	#9 (permalink)
Glitzie Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Rutland, MA. Posts: 279 Rep Power: 54	I heard one on another BB. Someone adopted a dog because they orginal owners got a new living room set & the dog did not match the furniture. I got DaKota mostly because they were bored with her. They had 4 other dogs too & every time they got bored they would get rid of a dog & come home with a new one. Glitzie's owners travel alot & she was boarded in our kennel 80% of the time. They felt bad for her as she was a great people dog. Salem our kitty was in the shelter because he ate house plants (we never had that problem).
	__________________ ~Saving just one will not change the world, but surely will change the world for that dog~ http://www.germanshepherds.com/ubbth...ubbthreads.php

07-19-2006, 08:08 AM	#10 (permalink)
Raised By Wolves Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 1,523 Rep Power: 125	Reasons nothing, these are excuses. How about dogs are nothing but ego objects and impulse buys to use, abuse, ignore, spoil, or indulge yourself with until you don't like what you've created, become bored, or find another more attractive innocent "victim" to start the cycle all over again?
	__________________ "There's a fine line between fishing, and just standing on the bank, looking confused."

07-19-2006, 09:18 AM	#11 (permalink)
richnrissa Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: WA Posts: 862 Rep Power: 81	leave it to RBW to skirt the issue, lol, i agree totally. the worst i've ever heard myself is "We've tried for like 3 weeks and he just wont catch a frisbee, we want a more athletic dog" about a puppy under one year old.
	__________________ If you cannot be a good example, then you'll just have to be a horrible warning- Catherine Aird

07-19-2006, 09:53 AM	#12 (permalink)
Sayuri Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: In the gorgeous NW Posts: 932 Rep Power: 129	At the shelter I volunteer at, one of my "favorite" (rolls eyes) excuses was "it just wasn't working out." Of course, the two dogs lived 24/7 in a dark shed in the back yard with very little interaction from their family...and these people were somehow surprised that the dogs had no obedience.
	__________________ As a member of Global paw staff my opinions are not necessarily those of the website or the owner.