Need to re-home our dog

Builderfromhell

Have had German Shepherd mutt for about 6 months but daughter is no longer taking care of him and we are having all kinds of problems with him killing hens, eating garden furniture etc.

Have decided best to send him to a new home but don't know how to do this or who to contact. Would people normally bring them to the nearest dog pound or animal shelter?

Any advice welcome.

marley123

OK I am going to try to be as non-judgemental as possible here!!!
At 6mths old , dog is still a pup - were you not prepared for the work & training that has to be put into a dog? Have you got advice from a trainer or vet?

Dog is most likely understimulated & bored.

If you surrender to the pound, if not rehomed within 24 hours they can be put to sleep.
Suggest you contact the likes of Dog Trust to see if they have a space but all rescues are full to the brim at the moment with people abandoning dogs or enjoying them for the first couple of wks & then not prepared for the work involved in owning them.

star-pants

Just to clarify - the OP has had the dog for 6 months, they don't say how old the dog is.

Builderfromhell could you maybe give a little more information about the dog? How old is the dog? (is it still a pup?)
Is your daughter a child or a grown up? Who got the dog - you or your daughter?

Obviously there are so many dogs that are out there that need rehoming, most shelters/pounds etc. are pretty full so if possible I would try and keep the dog until you can find a suitable home for it.
We do have a rehoming thread on this forum, and you could also ask relatives/friends if they or someone they know might be able to provide a home for the dog.

barbiegirl

Dogs need stimulation, human company, walks and attention. Is you daughter an adult or a child? A dog should never be purchased for a child as the adult always ends up doing the work.
Your dog is bored. Could you not take on some of the responsibility, walk the dog a couple of times a day, great for the heart and weight, play a bit, it'll really lift your mood, do some training?
IF you really didn't do your research and bought this puppy as a toy for someone without the maturity to take on a 10-15 year committment then try Dogs Trust, Dogs In Distress and please don't give it to a pound.
I am being very nice here.

falabo

:mad: :mad:

have you ever heard of RESPONSIBILITIES ? why did you get a dog in the first place ? spoilt child ?

Sorry but I just cannot pretend not to be judgmental on this one ....

star-pants

falabo wrote: »

:mad: :mad:

have you ever heard of RESPONSIBILITIES ? why did you get a dog in the first place ? spoilt child ?

Sorry but I just cannot pretend not to be judgmental on this one ....

Post a helpful post or don't post at all.

ppink

The pound will put him to sleep if he does not find a home quick enough so I would be going for a rescue. I am not sure if there is one dedicated to german shepherd in Ireland or not.
Where are you based?

falabo

star-pants wrote: »

Post a helpful post or don't post at all.

I'll post whatever I like. I feel extremely strongly about responsible pet ownership.

Irish-Lass

Actually just to make a point - Any dog that is surrendered into a pound can be pts straight away. Stray dogs are given 5 days.

How old is the dog.
Is the dog neutered
Is the dog walked daily

The mere fact it is eating the garden furniture is a sign its bored out of its skull. I assume its just dumped out the back garden (you can correct me)

Most rescues are full to over flowing at the moment with dogs who are being dumped cause they have lost their appeal or have turned out to be more work then people are prepared to make.

Contact local rescues and see if they can help but DO NOT expect there to be a quick fix most rescues are full and there is a waiting list of dogs to come into them. DO NOT expect a rescue to pay you for the privilege of you dumping the dog on them they are a rescue (even if it is a pedigree). If you do get the dog into a rescue make sure you make a contribution to the rescue who you are off loading your dog on - after all if its not neutered they are going to have to foot the bill for it and look after any vet bills that are occured i.e. vaccinations, worming, flea treatments.

star-pants

falabo wrote: »

I'll post whatever I like. I feel extremely strongly about responsible pet ownership.

Whilst most of us do feel strongly about responsible pet ownership other posters were able to respond expressing that but also trying to be helpful. You were not. Do not ignore Mod warnings again. You may take a short break.

Toulouse

OP, I think it's time to man up here and take responsibility and teach your daughter the same. Too many people in Ireland see dogs as disposable.

Pounds and rescues are overflowing with healthy animals given up by their owners when the novelty wore off. Over 5,000 were put to sleep in county pounds last year and judging by the numbers this year it'll be alot higher. http://www.environ.ie/en/Publications/LocalGovernment/DogControl/

Your dog is wrecking furniture and killing hens because he's bored and you let him.

Whatever help you need to make this work and keep your dog people here will be able to direct you but please don't think that just deciding to send him to a new home is a simple decision because it just shows how little you know about the dog situation in Ireland.

Here's some places to try but I can guarantee you they're all full! http://www.irishanimals.ie/general/index.html

Whispered

OP where are you based, maybe someone could recommend a trainer - and if you get a trainer and involve your daughter I'm sure she'd be so stunned at how well your dog does she'll be delighted with him again.

If you do need to re-home him then please don't put him in a pound. He is very likely to be PTS immediately considering he is a surrender and an RB.

You will need to sit down with a pen paper and a phone and call everyone on this list http://www.irishanimals.ie/general/index.html

Be prepared to take no for an answer from most if not all of them. If you're lucky one will have a space which just opened up and will take him. If someone does, please make a contribution to them.

The ideal would be for you to find a home for him yourself, by taking a rescue space you're denying another dog that space. So if possible, rehome him yourself. There is a rehoming thread in this forum and you can also try through here http://www.facebook.com/IrishAnimalShelters

If you're willing to work on it, please believe me that it can get much better with a bit of effort and you'll be setting such a great example for your daughter too. You can get loads of advice here on how to make it work in your home.

portgirl123

we have, well my son a gsd that is coming up to a yr. the first 6-7 months were hard with her as she was very energetic, very very clever and also cried every morning till we go up. sometimes from 5am. at times we were at are wits end with her, but we never gave up as we could see the potential in her and also knew that it was are fault she was the way she was. we got her spayed which did quiten her down a bit. we made sure she wasnt bored.brought her on lots of little walks, as many new walks as we could so she wouldnt get bored. found she loved swimimg. also though i hate it as all my other dogs are inside she is happier to sleep out side in her kennel. we also brought her to classes, aint done much with them yet as they were finished for summer but they will be back on prob soon. so if u can possible stick with it gsd make fantastic pets.

Carry

Hi builderfromhell,

I got my dog from the pound, she was so wild and resentfull and basically terrified that I finally asked a dog rescue to take and rehome her. They refused.
So I took a deep breath and persevered.

She nibbled at my best shoes, which I usually left around the place, and taught me to tidy up :rolleyes:.
She actually ate my wallet and especially my driving license, just caught her before she nibbled to death a fifty Euro note.
She shat on the rug beside the table where guests where having breakfast.

She dug out my carefully planted flowers and shrubs in the garden.
She ransacked the wheely bin.

She tried to attack everyone who came near her new territory - dogs, cats and humans.

In short, she was a pain in the backside.

It took me six months to get her to trust me, another six months to be a good girl, well, sort of...:D

Now she is the most affectionate dog I can imagine. I can even leave my shoes out all over the place without her even looking at them. She follows me everywhere and made friends with other dogs and with my friends an neighbours.
I'm still ashamed that I ever considered to give her away.

Take your time with the dog. Give him the patience, space and care to get used to you. He needs to learn your ways as you need to learn his ways.
Eventually you'll have a friend for life.

(Unlike a daughter... wait until she brings home the boyfriends...:D)

steph1

+1

Kitiara

Ok-if you have tried everything, and you have made the informed decision not to keep her please contact me. I can get her into a rescue where she will find a good and safe home. please don't put her up as free to good home. GSD's are one of the favorite breed for dog fighting rings to use as baite dogs..and their end is horrific.You can contact me on here.

joyce2009

At the end of the day if you are going to give him up please dont go to the pound , it is a death sentance,,there are plenty of shelters out there that will give him the best chance at a good home...

Builderfromhell

Carry wrote: »

Hi builderfromhell,

I got my dog from the pound, she was so wild and resentfull and basically terrified that I finally asked a dog rescue to take and rehome her. They refused.
So I took a deep breath and persevered.

She nibbled at my best shoes, which I usually left around the place, and taught me to tidy up :rolleyes:.
She actually ate my wallet and especially my driving license, just caught her before she nibbled to death a fifty Euro note.
She shat on the rug beside the table where guests where having breakfast.

She dug out my carefully planted flowers and shrubs in the garden.
She ransacked the wheely bin.

She tried to attack everyone who came near her new territory - dogs, cats and humans.

In short, she was a pain in the backside.

It took me six months to get her to trust me, another six months to be a good girl, well, sort of...:D

Now she is the most affectionate dog I can imagine. I can even leave my shoes out all over the place without her even looking at them. She follows me everywhere and made friends with other dogs and with my friends an neighbours.
I'm still ashamed that I ever considered to give her away.

Take your time with the dog. Give him the patience, space and care to get used to you. He needs to learn your ways as you need to learn his ways.
Eventually you'll have a friend for life.

(Unlike a daughter... wait until she brings home the boyfriends...:D)

Good post there Carry.
Sounds like I've got a dog from the same family as yours:)
Have spoken with daughter about outcome of bringing dog to pound and this has led to some work on her part to feed him etc.
I am resigned to the fact that I will be the one walking him, cleaning kennels etc.
Regret ever having given in to daughter and gotten her a dog. She was begging me for years. I am not an animal lover but get very upset when I see another dead hen in yard. That's five hens killed now and one limping from savaged leg.
Have clipped hens wings but they still manage to get out by getting on coop roofs first.

On a seperate topic, I admit that I am not an animal lover, but do not understand why people get so upset about one dog being put down when the animal has killed 5 hens and maimed another. Aren't the hens entitled to a peaceful life too.

Dirk Gently

Can you give more info on the dog and your location please. The dog I got from the pound was handed in by previous owners for killing a hen and I haven't had any problems with him. He was fine after a few weeks of plenty of walking and stimulation pm if you wish.

Kitiara

Builderfromhell wrote: »

Good post there Carry.
Sounds like I've got a dog from the same family as yours:)
Have spoken with daughter about outcome of bringing dog to pound and this has led to some work on her part to feed him etc.
I am resigned to the fact that I will be the one walking him, cleaning kennels etc.
Regret ever having given in to daughter and gotten her a dog. She was begging me for years. I am not an animal lover but get very upset when I see another dead hen in yard. That's five hens killed now and one limping from savaged leg.
Have clipped hens wings but they still manage to get out by getting on coop roofs first.

On a seperate topic, I admit that I am not an animal lover, but do not understand why people get so upset about one dog being put down when the animal has killed 5 hens and maimed another. Aren't the hens entitled to a peaceful life too.

Hiya,

let me know how you get on. If it is not going to go to satisfaction i will take him to rescue. people get upset if a dog gets put down unnecessary. this dog can easily be re-homed into an enviroment where there are no hens. There are more than 10,000 dogs being put down in Ireland every year.Let's try and bring that down.

getz

Builderfromhell wrote: »

Have had German Shepherd mutt for about 6 months but daughter is no longer taking care of him and we are having all kinds of problems with him killing hens, eating garden furniture etc.

Have decided best to send him to a new home but don't know how to do this or who to contact. Would people normally bring them to the nearest dog pound or animal shelter?

Any advice welcome.

german shepherd/labs are used for police work,rescue services,and hearing/blind dogs ect,i know they[young dogs] are always asked for by those services in england,is there a counterpart in ireland ? if so its worth a phone call.

Whispered

Yes the hens are entitled to a quiet life. What training or steps towards separating the two (besides a coop they can escape from) have you taken? It's not the dogs fault he's killing hens in fairness.


I'm glad you've decided against the pound. Hopefully you'll manage to work things out, if not best of luck with finding a rescue space. Kitiara do you have a space lined up for the dog?

Where in the country are you. Might be able to get some help finding a trainer. One session would make a major difference. It's like a veil lifts and you realise "I CAN actually control this dog" (I had a mad one too) you just feel so much better. You could surprise yourself and really enjoy it.

Kitiara

Yes I have a space for him/her. i run a transport page on Facebook, we transport dogs from pounds to rescue, rescue to rescue or rescue to owner(after home check) and work with pretty much all rescue's in Ireland. Sheps are never difficult to place.

cocker5

Carry wrote: »

Hi builderfromhell,

I got my dog from the pound, she was so wild and resentfull and basically terrified that I finally asked a dog rescue to take and rehome her. They refused.
So I took a deep breath and persevered.

She nibbled at my best shoes, which I usually left around the place, and taught me to tidy up :rolleyes:.
She actually ate my wallet and especially my driving license, just caught her before she nibbled to death a fifty Euro note.
She shat on the rug beside the table where guests where having breakfast.

She dug out my carefully planted flowers and shrubs in the garden.
She ransacked the wheely bin.

She tried to attack everyone who came near her new territory - dogs, cats and humans.

In short, she was a pain in the backside.

It took me six months to get her to trust me, another six months to be a good girl, well, sort of...:D

Now she is the most affectionate dog I can imagine. I can even leave my shoes out all over the place without her even looking at them. She follows me everywhere and made friends with other dogs and with my friends an neighbours.
I'm still ashamed that I ever considered to give her away.

Take your time with the dog. Give him the patience, space and care to get used to you. He needs to learn your ways as you need to learn his ways.
Eventually you'll have a friend for life.

(Unlike a daughter... wait until she brings home the boyfriends...:D)

What a brilliant post WELL DONE :D:D:D

Carol555

Builderfromhell wrote: »

Good post there Carry.
I am resigned to the fact that I will be the one walking him, cleaning kennels etc.
Regret ever having given in to daughter and gotten her a dog. She was begging me for years.

I can see your point but I have to say that it was a little bit naive of you to think that your daughter will take full responsibility for the dog. Unfortunately, in a majority of cases the parent ends up looking after the dog when the novelty wears off. The milk has spilled now though.
I would definitely use this as an opportunity to teach your daughter a little bit of responsibility. Not sure how old is she but I was 8 years old when my parents gave in to my pleads and got a dog. The story was very similar except for the fact that my parents wouldn't take no for an answer when I was too lazy to bring him for a walk. It's a good lesson for kids, it makes them think about consequences, just as adult life will require from them.

Builderfromhell wrote: »

On a seperate topic, I admit that I am not an animal lover, but do not understand why people get so upset about one dog being put down when the animal has killed 5 hens and maimed another. Aren't the hens entitled to a peaceful life too.

The thing is, that both dog and hens belong to a human. It's this human's responsibility to ensure that nobody gets hurt either by securing hens or training the dog not to chase them. So if human fails why holding the dog responsible? The same dog with a bit of training might let the hens peck on his head.

Vel

Kitiara wrote: »

Yes I have a space for him/her. i run a transport page on Facebook, we transport dogs from pounds to rescue, rescue to rescue or rescue to owner(after home check) and work with pretty much all rescue's in Ireland. Sheps are never difficult to place.

Is it possible for you to name the rescue in question? I know rescues up and down the country are stuffed to the brim with dogs and contrary to what you say I would have thought sheps would be hard to place as I don't think they are the easiest dogs to find homes for here. I'm just surprised that you have managed to find a space so quickly.

This may be constroversial but in my opinion, a dog would be better off humanely put to sleep than end up in one in some of the places that pass for a rescue in this country

Kitiara

Vel wrote: »

Is it possible for you to name the rescue in question? I know rescues up and down the country are stuffed to the brim with dogs and contrary to what you say I would have thought sheps would be hard to place as I don't think they are the easiest dogs to find homes for here. I'm just surprised that you have managed to find a space so quickly.

This may be constroversial but in my opinion, a dog would be better off humanely put to sleep than end up in one in some of the places that pass for a rescue in this country

The rescue would be either:
Animal heaven animal rescue (killarney)
Mayo SPCA (mayo)
Celtic animal lifeline (specializes in sheppies)(dublin)

Vel

Kitiara wrote: »

Celtic animal lifeline (specializes in sheppies)(dublin)

Thanks. Gill is excellent. I hope she is able to take him in.

Whispered

Kitiara Would really like your FB page for future reference. PM if you like.

Discodog

Kitiara wrote: »

The rescue would be either:
Animal heaven animal rescue (killarney)
Mayo SPCA (mayo)
Celtic animal lifeline (specializes in sheppies)(dublin)

Have Mayo SPCA improved ? Their 2009 PTS rate was 50 %

OP I am going to be honest & go against some of the advice that you have been given. I am very concerned regarding your dog. I think that it is wrong to expect anyone who isn't an animal lover to look after a dog & a GSD needs a lot of consistent one on one attention. My worry is that he will develop from an unruly teenager into a very difficult adult.

Even at his young age, a rescue will already need to devote time to correct some of his behaviour. But their job will be much harder in six months time. He has to have constant, positive interaction from someone who knows what they are doing or will devote the time to find out. He needs to be in your home & in your heart 24/7, not in the yard or a kennel. Please do not consider selling him or giving him away in Limerick except to a rescue. As a restricted breed he wouldn't last 24 hrs in Limerick Pound.

I would urge you & your daughter to consider what is best for this dog. You got him & you know that you are now responsible for his future. There are posters here that can find him a good home & personally I sense that this would be the best option. If you are determined to keep him then please start a training class asap. It's no disgrace to have made a mistake especially when it's not to late to do the right thing.

portgirl123

Kitiara wrote: »

The rescue would be either:
Animal heaven animal rescue (killarney)
Mayo SPCA (mayo)
Celtic animal lifeline (specializes in sheppies)(dublin)

has any of these rescues actually confirmed that they have a place for him?

Sigma Force

Hen wise it's easy to keep them secure just get a dog run for them with a roof on cilldara.ie do hen runs now and they last a lifetime there is no reason why your hens should be affected if kept secure.

They also supply half covered panels so that the hens won't even be able to see the dog and vice versa this will also totally stop any chance of foxes or any other animals getting in at the hens. They are designed to keep dogs in so are perfect also for keeping dogs out. Have used them for rabbits in the past and use them for the dogs and they are brill.

Discodog

OP I have checked with MADRA near Galway & they would take him with a few days notice. If you decide to let him go then PM me & I can give you the details. It would be a good choice as they also run specialist training.

Wolflikeme

Builderfromhell wrote: »

On a seperate topic, I admit that I am not an animal lover, but do not understand why people get so upset about one dog being put down when the animal has killed 5 hens and maimed another. Aren't the hens entitled to a peaceful life too.

Hi Dogownerfromhell,

Just one dog? That's a disgusting attitude. Go and actively seek a new home for your dog and don't just throw him in a pound.

Yes he's killed 5 hens, you've neglected to find a solution to this not to mention to remember the fact your dog is killing hens, because...wait for it..he's an animal!

Hellrazer

Wolflikeme wrote: »

Hi Dogownerfromhell,

Just one dog? That's a disgusting attitude. Go and actively seek a new home for your dog and don't just throw him in a pound.

Yes he's killed 5 hens, you've neglected to find a solution to this not to mention to remember the fact your dog is killing hens, because...wait for it..he's an animal!

Theres no need for this attitude and another user has already been banned for a similar comment.
Consider this your one and only warning.

Kitiara

portgirl123 wrote: »

has any of these rescues actually confirmed that they have a place for him?

Yes.

Cherry Blossom

OP, If some of these rescues have a space for your dog, I would suggest you contact them directly yourself to arrange it with them. I for one would not be handing over a dog to an anonymous poster on the internet who claims to be a transporter and has a definite space for your dog but has not identified exactly where.

Mod Post:

Kitara - I suggest you read the forum rules, you are treading on very dangerous ground here:

Agencies/Rescues:

If you are an agency or affiliated with an agency then please let the mods know before you post. Agencies are no longer allowed to post in an agency manner or with an agency agenda. This means no linking to your own sites for rehoming or other agency work. No spamming your agency or associated material, and also no speculation/libel against other agencies/rescues.***

Hellrazer

Im going to add to Adrenaline Junkies post in that the rule is there becasue in the past we had trouble with a particular rescue asking for money for rehoming animals under the guise of transportation costs,vaccination costs or even just for the animals upkeep when it got to the rescue.

It turned out that this user was selling the animals on gumtree and donedeal and making a substantial profit from the A+p forums rehoming thread.


After a discussion between the mods and admins we have decided that we no longer want rescues posting on boards at all in any type of agency manner ie advertisng themselves or their services,hopping on threads where someone is looking to rehome a pet offering to take the animal or even just creating threads to rehome animals.

They are however welcome to join any discussion that they want to add to as long as they post in a personal capacity and not an agency one.

We have also decided that recommending rescues is also no longer allowed.This forum cannot be seen to allow recommendations of one company over another and in the case of this forum--rescue agencies,dog groomers,petshops,home sitting,dog walkers etc.fall into this bracket.

There is also the issue of users recommending one rescue over another and then we end up with all sorts of legal actions being taken by the agency that was given a bad reputation--all on the basis of a single post in this forum. .We cannot have this in the forum so in order to keep things equal recommending rescues is no longer allowed.

There is a verified representative scheme operating on boards where a company or association can ask to be verified and post in that manner after approval from the admins of boards.ie.

Finally we are also toying with the idea of doing away with any rehoming in the forum completely.The discussion is ongoing but our decision will be relayed to all users as soon as its been made.

So for now.

No more recommendations of rehoming agencies and no more agencies advertising their rehoming services

barbiegirl

Don't advertise and give him away free you run the risk of him being used for dog fighting. Horrible, horrible people. A rescue if you can't dedicate time to him and adequetly protect your hens

keithb93

I found my dog drowning in a box in a field in the middle of winter at about 1 month old. Ive had her for nearly 4 years now. I think this country is a disgrace when it comes to dogs and cats. OP I hope you take responsibility for this dog and dont let him become another victim of animal neglect.

Taltos

OP - I want to applaud you for coming on here and admitting you are not an animal lover - not an easy thing to do here.

Can I just restate some of the points by the other posters.
1. Your daughter - look if she pushed for this dog then you now need to play tough and insist she take care if it. Not an easy lesson - but one that will stand to her for the rest of her days. Yes you will put up with tantrums - but you have to be really hard on this point and NEVER slip - consistency is the key.
2. Your interaction with the dog - like your daughter you have to be 100% consistent. Dogs don't like surprises - they crave attention though. Even bad attention.
> reward ALL good behaviour - even if the dog just sits at your feet and looks at you (carry doggy treats).
> ignore all BAD behaviour - giving out, slapping, scolding - that is still attention and will just reinforce the bad behaviour (I know counter intuitive but it's true in my experience). Look if you are pushed just use the following (again ALL have to do this) - say something like "Too Bad" and turn away from dog - if it escalates - escort the dog to a time-out zone and leave her there - for no MORE than say 30 seconds or a minute until she calms down. She has to learn - if I am bad I am ignored...
3. Training - there are great trainers out there - have a look.
4. Boredom - your dog's breed needs interaction and stimulation - you will have to get creative here - or task your daughter to be. Look into agility training, verbal commands. Mental stimulation for dogs tires them out faster than physical. Physical just gets them in shape faster than us and then we can't keep up.
5. Bad things - it is your responsbility and your daughter's to ensure that the dog cannot do any mischief including killing hens. Dogs are predatory/scaveners - and will just be true to their nature. Anything the dog does including soiling the floor overnight is really the human's fault for putting the dog into that situation. Next time the dog kills a hen - turn to your daughter and say "ok so the dog killed another hen, what can we do to keep them safe..." - remember - you create the scenario/situation the dog will do what dogs do...

Finally, just try to spend time around the dog doing normal things. Trust me - you might surprise yourself and in 4 mts found that you have bonded to this dog. GSD's are amazing dogs to have as companions (not pets...) - my wife had one growing up and the stories she and her father tell of this gentle giant are just amazing.

Remember - calm, warm voice. This dog already has bonded to you and that bond will keep getting stronger - be open to letting her in to you.

marley123

Crazy that Boards.ie have to put it mildly ZERO IDEA of the Animal Crisis in Ireland at the moment! Due to a post on Boards.ie I spotted about a dog , I was personally able to find that dog a rescue space - 48hours later & he would have been dead - appointment made to be PTS!!!

By removing the " freedom" of speech on the Animal page - people needing to rehome are going to use the likes of Gumtre* - from which dogs are being given away for free - some Im sure to decent homes but apparently people putting on a false pretence & are using the dogs as bait dogs for dog fighting.

Hellrazer

marley123 wrote: »

Crazy that Boards.ie have to put it mildly ZERO IDEA of the Animal Crisis in Ireland at the moment! Due to a post on Boards.ie I spotted about a dog , I was personally able to find that dog a rescue space - 48hours later & he would have been dead - appointment made to be PTS!!!

By removing the " freedom" of speech on the Animal page - people needing to rehome are going to use the likes of Gumtre* - from which dogs are being given away for free - some Im sure to decent homes but apparently people putting on a false pretence & are using the dogs as bait dogs for dog fighting.

A user has already been site banned for harping on about the supposedly taking away of freedom of speech and making threats of legal action against boards for this reason.
There is NO freedom of speech on boards.ie so I suggest you read the terms and conditions you agreed to when you created your account on boards.

For anyone who didnt bother please read the FAQ`s here.

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/faq.php?faq=bie_faq#faq_bie_faq_guidelines

I suggest that you drop this now.

Now I ve already made it clear why we are doing this.We cannot be held responsible for rehoming agencies that we know nothing about ie if they try rip you off etc.

If an agency wants official recognition on boards then they can do so and once verified as reputable by talking to the admins and getting an official recognised status then at least we would have some come back if something went wrong.

Hellrazer

Ok Ive gotten a few pm`s about this new rule so Im going to clarify a few things.

1.Rescues.At present the number of user that are involved with rescues seems to be quite large.Since we have no way to verify that these users that offer to rehome a pet are who they say they are we have no option but to put a stop to all rescue agencies offering to take animals in.
For example in this thread there are at least 6 agencies (or those affiliated with rescues) mentioned.We cannot verify that these have even offered to take the dog but are going on posts from other users.
This doesnt sit right with us and feel that its leaving users hoping to rehome their family pet open to being scammed.

2.Verified Representatives.There is a scheme in place where a business can register as a verified rep and receive a status that allows them to post in a business related manner.If any rescue agency wants to go ahead with this and post in the forum as a verified rep then please contact the mods and we`ll put you in touch with the relevant people.

3.The issue of businesses and recommending businesses.There are two issue here.

One-businesses are not allowed to advertise their own services--this is a site wide rule and not just this forums.In the last few weeks Ive had to remove at least 5 threads of businesses advertising their own services.

Two-Recommendations-We are going to continue to allow recommendations based on First hand experience again as per every forum on boards.This means that if you personally have dealt with the company then you can recommend them.Whats not allowed is saying that a "friend of a friends cousin" uses them and theyre brilliant.

4.Rehoming.The rehoming thread stays as it is for the minute but may be reviewed in the future.It is however not for agencies to use (unless verified)and is only for users seeking to rehome their own pets/litters etc.

I hope this clarifies some of the issues.

JustAThought

Back to the dog!!!

A young dog that's still growing can't do all the long walks and activities an older dog can so it s important to play with them or interact with to keep them busy and their pea brains thinking!

Have you or yor daughtertried playing Hide and Sniff with your GS! easy ! Put the dog in one spot or in another room and hide about 20 small food pellets around a room. Then let the dog in to find! When ur finds reward with praise ( good find good dog!). And s/ he gets to eat it!!! Keeps them we'll amused and busy, and sniffing games tire them out ! When s/ he finds them all give her a fewextra treats and lots of praise , and then close the door and hide another 20!!! My dog would play this 3 or 4 times and she loves it and is then happy to lie and be chilled for a while!!! it's indoors and dosnt require wellies or walking!!!

Also. Young big dogs shouldn't get long walks as it can affect their growth, butyou can play chase the ball with them in/ outdoors and with this get them to GIVE it back; rewarding the give! Amuses them and teaches them a new skill; giving!

Also with a GS play scent dragging games; especially in a garden but start indoors to teach the concept! tie a ( used!)sock to a piece of string or scarf and walk about with letting it bounce around hitting off lots of places in a room, or a tiny bit of meat wrapped in lots of paper and let the dog follow the scent til s/ he finds it. Again; no long walking required and exciting for the dog. Don't forget to let the dog sniff the thing first so it knows what it's looking for. Start with short distances and build up to a round the garden hunt. Reward with a treat and lots of enthusiasm when s/ he finds it !!! Lodza fun!