Lauren B.
Yelp
To the salty, unprofessional staff I dealt with yesterday (one girl was nice though):
I returned my adopted GS/Lab mix not because I could not handle him, but because I didn't want to endanger the other animals in my apartment complex. In less than a week, we had had at least 10 close calls (with dogs on and off-leash) where had I been a smaller, less-dominant woman, he would have seriously mauled and/or killed other dogs due to close quarters. (I am not mincing words here.) Mind you every single dog he threatened was much smaller than him and most of the time, they were submissive. While you all said he did not do well with other dogs, you failed to mention some specifics. What you did say was that he barks at other dogs, would not be able to go to a dog park, is not friendly. Fair enough. However, what that looks like is he spots a dog 200+ yards out and his whole demeanor changes, same happens if he catches a scent of any other dog. His ears go straight up, body stiffens, he goes low as if ready to pounce or SILENTLY lunges with hyper focus, and this sort of seething intensity I have never seen in a dog. He then has to be dragged away, nearly strangling himself to get to the dog (or cat) as I can't break his focus with words, touch, or food. In an apartment complex, that is too much because all our doors face inward and corners are blind so god forbid someone round a corner or open their door with a dog coming out and we couldn't move fast enough or even with a short lead, I had something in my hand or was even a bit distracted. He also gave me a warning bite when I corrected him on leash and the SPCA was like well that's not a real bite because it didn't break skin. I understand it is not as severe, so categorize these things, but that is a show of dominance that is concerning.
Nevertheless, he was great indoors, quiet, doesn't get into things, good in the kennel, I mean you couldn't ask for more, but outside he was a different dog. We were working on things and I had scheduled training, but since when did the safety of others get placed above the needs of 1? I'm sorry, but that's a negative in my book. Also, how can you exercise and/or play with a dog outside who cannot handle the presence of any other creature? Newsflash: you can't. He was so hyper-vigilant that he never sat or laid down for more than seconds outside, if at all, even with treats and he didn't really like toys; it's like he couldn't relax even after hours of walking. He was always on and therefore, I had to be as well, which was so stressful. I'm super laid back too, so in the time I had him, I didn't sleep well any night and my things got neglected because all my energy went to him and it was exhausting. Being vigilant or 100% on all the time was quite taxing, on him and on me.
So I returned him because he needs his own private yard to be relaxed and happy in where no other dog has been/is present so he can learn to be around others first and be trained, then be walked out and about. An apartment was not the best home for him and I made a thoughtful decision on behalf of multiple people/animals, not just him. And I don't regret it. And while you may not understand or choose to see my side, your clear attitude was off-putting and certainly would discourage others from adopting here. Sure, it's sad, but if you knew he had problems before, you should probably try fostering him first, then adopting. But oh right, he will try to take out other dogs and foster families normally have multiple dogs. So I tried, he tried, but it wasn't the right fit and you all need to be okay with that because you aren't the ones who pay a price if he were to hurt someone, whether it be a dog or the owner protecting their dog.