Rehoming a Newfoundland
Have you thought about rehoming a newfoundland? My dogs' breeder had two of her dogs returned to her because they got too big! Did the people think the puppy was going to shrink?
Some of the other excuses are equally as feeble, some are unbelievable!
- He sheds hair all over the place - what the hairiest dog in the world? Fancy that!
- We have redecorated and he doesn't go with the new colour scheme - yes, really, I did read that one!
- We have a new puppy and he doesn't get on with it - so if your older child doesn't like the baby, you get rid of the older child?
- I thought he would be housetrained, but he isn't - dogs, apparently, figure it out for themselves
- I am expecting a baby and I am afraid of the germs - this one really gets to me. More germs on a baby than on a dog.
- I didn't know he would get that big - err, the words "giant breed" should have hinted in that direction
- I am allergic to him - while people can suddenly develop an allergy, the ads I have read with this excuse are usually from people who also have another dog whom they are keeping
- I can't walk him; he is too big - so find a good trainer, use a headcollar, harness, whatever
- He makes the house dusty - if you are houseproud, don't have a dog, any dog
- My mother breeds Shar Peis and when they are in season, my dog goes mad! - So get him neutered
- We are moving to a new house and we don't want it messed up - What is more important, the dog or the house? If it is the house, you should never have a pet at all.
A former friend of mine adopted a little mongrel from the animal shelter. A few weeks later, the dog had been returned to the shelter and when I asked why, she said that: "he kept looking at me". Amazing! You note I said "former friend".
You may never know the dog's true history when you adopt a newfoundland or any other dog. People are not honest, feel embarrassed, and they tell lies just to get rid of the dog as soon as possible.
It is good to know the dog's history when you consider training, but sometimes the dog will give signals himself.
Is there something he is afraid of? Rolled up newspapers, loud noises. Does he flinch if someone puts their hand above his head? Does he run away and hide when he hears you coming? These are all signs that the dog has been ill treated and it will take months of love and care to gain his trust.
Rehoming a newfoundland is a wonderful thing to do, but do be aware of the problems you may face. Fear leads to aggression and this is a massive dog. You must be fully committed to helping him.
