Here is a topic for discussion that was inspired by real-life events.
Two couples are both interested in a big, active dog at the shelter.
One couple is older. They own their home. Property is at least several acres, but unfenced. Husband is retired and home most days, puttering in garden and with hobbies. Wife works 30 or so hours a week. They formerly owned another big, active dog, who recently died of old age. They have a 2-year-old small dog who misses having canine company. They have a trainer who they have worked with previously and plan to do so again.
Second candidate couple is young, early 20s. They are renters. They also live on several acres, but their home property is fenced. They have another big, young, active dog, a female. They both work.
My bias in placing the dog was toward the older couple. While it’s true that they lacked a fenced yard for the dog, the fact that they own their home reassures me that they won’t be at the mercy of future landlords if they have to move for whatever reason. They also have the financial wherewithal to provide the dog with whatever medical or behavioral interventions he is likely to need. A week in training? Knee or hip surgery? Wouldn’t be a problem for these people.
Staff at the shelter was biased in favor of the young couple. The fact that their property was fenced, their youth, and that they were already dealing with a big, active dog made them seem more equipped to deal with the dog’s perceived need for activity.
I’m just curious: Where would most people, or most shelter staffers, end up placing a dog like this?
Definitely the older couple. They have the time, the space and they are both at home. I have had a dog all my life and even when I was working, my Boston Terrier went to stay with my parents while I was at work. Dogs need people and they deserve lots of love and attention. The older couple can give them both of those things.
I, too, vote for the older couple. Innoway, the fact that the younger couple has a fenced yard may lead to an over-dependence on this. Running late to a big meeting at work? leaving no time to walk the dogs? throw them in the backyard to play. having a new baby? sorry dogs, but maybe it’s best that you live in the backyard in a nice warm doghouse. … you can always be honest with the older couple, explain the concern about not having a fenced yard and ask how they plan to keep the dogs from getting out and roaming around.
I would tend towards the older couple, providing their current 2-yr old dog (who is still thinking like a pup) will get to meet the prospective newcomer. What is the age of the large dog? Is it older and not interested in being bothered by a younger one?
I am retired and my dog benefits from my being around all the time. A friend of mine is also retired, but loves to travel and her 3 yr-old dog exhibits separation behaviour. I think each case is different. Bottom line, be honest about the quality of life you promise to your new dog. Nothing is guaranteed, but living in a rental has a higher level of risk. The next landlord may have a strict rule about large dogs and dogs in general.
The older couple hands down! Dealing with two big rambunctious dogs might be too much for the younger couple who work all day.
I would also consider the interactions of the dogs and people. In my experience I have had more dogs returned for not getting along with owners dogs then from moving. I also look at how much the dog likes the person wanting to adopt. It is not only cats that pick their owners. It also depends on what breed of dog is being adopted out. An Greyhound or a husky will need a fenced yard more then a Golden Retriever. So breed and behavior of dog, such as prey drive, must be taken into consideration. I would need more information to decide
older couple. I don’t think not having a fence is a problem, but when I went to adopt a dog 11 years ago, many shelters would not even talk to me since my yard wasn’t fenced. I finally found a dog online and went 200 miles to get him. He is the best dog ever. A long hair Jack Russell who was 2-3 years old. He is now deaf, but we use hand signals and clapping. I would never have left a dog outside by himself even if it was fenced. Too many squirrels, snakes, etc. I waited until I wasn’t working full time and now he has both of us to dote on him.
Thank you. A fence is no substitute for supervision. I have always made my dogs come inside with me even if it is for only a few minutes. Especially terriers can tunnel themselves out under any fence, unless there is a significant underground component.
I don’t have enough information yet. I need to know exercise routines, past experiences, talk about their past dogs and a big one for me – feeding and food. The home visit will tell me a lot too.
Definitely the older couple, primarily for the reason that they own their own home. Rentals could be sold and the new landlord not allow pets. That could happen in five or seven years and if they can’t find a dog friendly rental, which is as we all know, difficult, what would happen to the dogs then. Older, very large dogs off and don’t make it out of shelters…
Definitely the older couple. My husband and I are older and adopted a large dog (our first) 3 years ago. Because I work from home I am able to spend a significant amount of time with the dog and cannot imagine how young couples who work full-time are able to provide the necessary companionship and afford the necessary medical care.
Definitely, the older couple. He is home with them. The younger couple probably both work and could not devote the same time to training and socializing…as well as all the above sited reasons.