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I need some advice/reassurance that adopting a dog was the right thing to do-even though my situation is less than ideal
I am a 26 year old female who lives in an apartment with two other women, and I decided to adopt a beagle that was found by the side of the road and rescued by a foster group. I thought I was ready, but now I'm having second thougts. Kismet is about a year old and neutered. He is crate trained and housebroken, but trying to teach him basic commands like "sit" and "down" are proving challenging. He jumps up into your face and will lick you all over, and has started humping people as well. his energy is unbelievable.
I've only had him for a few days, and he is the sweetest dog ever, but I'm worried that I don't have the energy to keep up with him or be consistent with his training. I feel so bad about crating him or not "being there" for him that I was unable to eat for two days. But I'd feel terrible if I chucked him back into foster care without giving him a proper chance. How long should I wait? Could it be that he's just not the right dog for me? Or is it just not meant to be?
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Guest 947227
on Aug 25th 2008
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in Bringing Your Pet Home
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Answers
Beagles are lovable for sure, but they have a lot of energy and can be very destructive for the first two years. They can also be very loud. What do the other women think? Are they willing to help take care of him or at least play with him?
Beagles require a good deal of consitancy and effort. Our Beagle "Bailey" is much easier to handle after obedience school and my Angel joining the family. But she destroyed a LOT of stuff!
It is hard, but if you want to keep him you have to take control and teach him what he needs to know. If he gets rewarded for jumping in your face and giving kisses then he will keep doing it. Humping is a little different, but if you free up people to be assertive and really let him know that isn't right he will adapt.
Crating him all day is not fair or healthy. So, something needs to be done. If he is already dog socialized you might try a doggie day care. You will have to find a good one that feels right, but that is a great place to start if you want him...
Angel
answered on 8/25/08.
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I'm not an expert on beagles so I'll just address the issue of feeling like a failure with the dog because believe me I've been there. We adopted two puppies at the same time and there were days when I just wanted to do nothing but turn them over to someone else. They drove me nuts, especially one that is very stubborn in the housebreaking arena. But deep down I know I loved them and could never turn them over to someone else and I also knew with time that things would get better even if it was only a little at a time.
Start with finding an obedience class to attend even if you feell ike you already know the basics on how to train a dog. It helps to just get out and see that you arent the only one with a handful of a dog.
Crating a dog while you are out of the house is not horrible as long as you arent leaving him for more than a regular work day and he's getting exercised.
Give yourself at least a few weeks to get all settled and see how you feel.
Layla
answered on 8/25/08.
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Hiya
I have adopted a rehomed dog so I know what you are going through.
One thing I believe, you must pick a dog that has the same energy levels as you do. I could not handle a high energy dog as I am not high energy myself. I have a bullmastiff that is very low energy, sleeps all day and likes a casual slow walk for energy with a few short bursts in between...like me :)
Also be aware how long you are with this dog as with each day she is becoming more attached to you. I also think these rehouse dogs know where they have come from and know you have rescued them, so they are so greatful, to the point of neediness, hense the jumping up and licking you and following you everywhere you go.
But, love conquers all and if you love this dog and want to share your life with it, then thats what you will do.
Would you consider advertising it for rehousing so it does not have to go back to the shelter? One less move for the dog...
Jarna
answered on 8/25/08.
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Try exercising him (long walk, long playtime, etc) before starting a training session and try making the training session short. Several 5 minute training sessions a day is more effective than one long 20 minute one.
You can also use NILIF (Nothing in life is free), which is where you make the dog perform a trick before doing things he likes. Such as eating, letitng him outside, before tossing his toy, etc. I use this on my dogs and in my experience, NILIF makes them more obedient. I also recommend going to an obedience class that uses positive reinforcement training methods with your Beagle.
Burkett's Cookies 'n' Creme
answered on 8/25/08.
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I would suggest going to a group obedience class with a qualified, experienced instructor who can help you with obedience commands. You will also meet other people who are having similar (or different, but equally stressful) problems with their dogs. It will help you see that you are not the only person who has a dog with some behavior issues.
Most high energy dogs need at least 1-2 hours of exercise every day - are you able to walk him that much? Obedience training and walking your dog on a leash will help build the bond between you and your dog and help him understand that you are in charge and he has to do what you say.
In the meantime, focus on the positive. It sounds like your dog is housebroken and doesn't bite - two things many new dog owners struggle with. Keep trying - it took me eight weeks to realize that my dog may not be "perfect," but neither is any other dog. Here is a poem I really like about dogs:
www.showdog
Zack
answered on 8/26/08.
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The first thing you cannot do is to feel sorry for your dog. In doing this, you are only creating the improper relationship between you two, and he will never take you seriously. Crating is actually comforting to a dog, so don't feel horrible for doing so. Take your dog for a LONG and fun walk. Make sure that you are confident and calm at all times, and this will give you the best opportunity to bond with him. When training him, do you use treats? Make sure that if he does something wrong, you correct him. 'No' and 'nuh-uh' are good words to use - 'no' obviously for something more serious. When he jumps up at you, push him down and tell him 'no' and make him sit. You can push his butt down to help in the process also. Make sure that your training is no longer than maybe 15 minutes, and is AFTER you play or walk with him. When he tries to hump someone, touch him firmly in his neck and tell him 'no.' The touch simulates a bit, and shows him you are boss. Msg me if u have more ?s
Sergeant
answered on 8/26/08.
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Please don't give up on him yet! Angel was a CRAZY beagle when I first got him, humping everything, jumping on my roommate, peeing on her bed, and even nipping her a couple of times (he would jump on me too). He would also do laps around the living room when he was bored, and was hard to train at first. I definitely wanted to give him back to my mom!
Now, three years later, he's more affectionate, barely ever jumps on people, doesn't nip or bite, almost never does laps anymore (I think having a yard helped with that), and knows how to sit, down, shake, play dead, roll over, stay, and come.
Your dog will calm down and learn the rules, just be patient and you'll be happy you stuck with it.
Angel
answered on 12/15/08.
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