Total and complete failure....

I am near Worcester and we have a unused crate if you want one in the interim before she is sent back?

We had it for a doberman and pointer so should be big enough for your girl.
 
While I'm disappointed that the OP hasn't given this obviously insecure dog more time and chance to settle, I'd rather the dog was relinquished to a home/owner with the perseverance and patience to help Holly through her issues.

FWIW, our first dog was a 6-month-old whippet/staffie cross rescue. We knew when we took her on that she had issues with guarding food and that she was a busy dog - the biggest clue should have been when I picked her up and the staff checking her out to me asked me if I REALLY wanted her. When I got her home she exploded - wall of death - on the kitchen counters, on the dining table, bouncing off the sofa (she would take a flying leap onto your lap over the arm of the sofa - particularly bothersome if you were holding a hot cup of tea). She was very sweet, very affectionate with our children (then 8 and 10) but had obviously no idea how to live in a home (with manners), what toys were for or that she would get fed regularly. We established some pretty basic groundrules (no Tilly on the furniture b/c she would get grumbly if we tried to move her, wait for her food until we said she could begin eating, etc) and things settled. Then we got Fred. He was a 10-week-old collie cross and she hated him on sight. Eventually they reached a grudging truce and would play, but she would never let him curl up with her and she knew how to put him firmly in his place (and did so often). One day, after we'd had Fred for 3 years, Tilly turned on him - and when I say turned I mean she tried to kill him. No joke. Most of the time when dogs fight it's alot of noise but not much actual harm being done - she was trying to rip his throat out. He ended up having multiple stitches and from that day on we could never trust her with him - every single time she went for him. Tilly was frightening the children, Fred was terrified of her - one of them had to go. We thought about sending Fred back to the rescue as we felt he was more re-homable - but we knew if we kept Tilly we would never be able to trust her again - and a good deal of our life revolves around being "out and about" with our dogs. Plus, and it saddens me to say this, there was a small seed of doubt about Tilly's trustworthiness with people too. She went back to the shelter (a small, local family-run, no-kill shelter) - they understood - and she found a lovely home, out in the boonies with no other dogs or small furries (she has killed - and eaten - rabbits and other small furries when out on walks so a home with cats, rabbits, etc. would be highly unsuitable). Two years later we still think and talk about her - but I have nightmares that involve her coming back and it always disturbs me. A year after Tilly went, we got another dog - a collie/springer puppy - and she and Fred are best friends. They sleep curled up together, share toys, play and get along famously. We call Daisy (the pup) the "issue-less dog" because we can take her anywhere - nothing phases her.

In truth, we should never have been allowed to adopt Tilly - we were inexperienced (particularly with bull breeds) and she had too many issues. If the OP doesn't feel she can handle Holly then she probably shouldn't keep her. Staffie types require firm but fair handling and easily ruined (see above on Tilly) - in the right hands they are amazing dogs, but they are very high energy, very intelligent and will suss out who is boss and who is not very quickly (and behave accordingly).

Sorry - a bit of a novel - but I did want to illustrate that sometimes we end up with the wrong dog and it's better to acknowledge that and do something about it than persevere and have something catastrophic happen.

To the OP, though - I hope you consider taking some time before you take on another dog - and get some help and guidance working out which dog would be suitable for you. The rescue "found" Daisy for us knowing the issues we (and Fred) had had with Tilly - and they couldn't have been more right about their choice for us. If you work with a reputable shelter, they'll know what they're doing.

P
 
Apparently my JRT was a nightmare with her last owners. Came to me, got put straight on lockdown and was on a lead the whole time we were anywhere else. Result - angel dog who is a pleasure and a delight.

Some just need putting RIGHT in their place. I think a crate and crate rules on the first day might have been the answer.
 
millitiger said:
I am near Worcester and we have a unused crate if you want one in the interim before she is sent back?

We had it for a doberman and pointer so should be big enough for your girl.
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What a lovely offer, I was about to say I'd happilly chip in for a cage for her - mine works a treat for mine in the nights. I think mine cost me about £20 - its collapseable and really easy to use :)
 
Firstly my massive horse that I PART own lives with the other owner FREE OF CHARGE.

Secondly my finances are only messed up this month. Normally there are no issues there.

Thirdly even when my finances are fine there is no way I can contemplate paying out £100 a weeks for the next 3 months to have 2 sessions a week with a behaviourist. This is what I have been quoted after several lengthy phone calls.

Thank you for the offer of the crate and if I could get to Worcester to pick it up I would be there tonight.
 
Well Im sorry to say it and if it upsets you then sorry but when this dog goes back it will be unrehomeable and will be pts.

You could be losing a dog of a lifetime if you were only prepared to go the extra mile, Im sure the rescue home has a behaviourist on their books, couldnt they do it at a reduced rate?

You have been given excellent advice on here and you will be supported all the way I just think you havnt given it enough time for the dog to settle.

Go and read all Lexies posts about her dog and she has been to hell and back and she is so close to getting there, she is an inspiration.

Before your friend jumps to your defence perhaps she would do better jumping in the car and going to get that crate you were offered.

Unfortunately for your dog I think your mind is closed so I am at a loss to know why you posted unless it was to hear people saying you had done your best and to make you feel better.
 
ladyt25 said:
Is that true - just such a short time? If that is the case then I have no idea what was to be expected with a rescue dog. Christ ours destroyed a fair bit of the house within the first few weeks/months and I mean WRECKED!! She tore up carpets, chewed a saddle, ripped up anything she could - you name it she did it. But this is par of the course with a rescue (or a young dog I suppose) as they are traumatised to some degree and they need TIME to adjust. If you're not prepared to put in the time and effort then maybe seriously consider whether a dog is the ideal pet for you.

I feel half tempted to take her myself as i don't rate her chances going back to the RSPCA but I KNOW that currently I am not in the position time wise or financially just yet to take on a dog.
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maybe the OP isnt in a financial position to replace her furniture and carpets as you aren't yourself to take on another dog.
 
Can i just ask- will you be looking into getting another rescue as soon as holly has been returned? Have you implemented anything people have said on here? The crate is not the be all and end all (I dont have one) although would help. You can use a room to put her in.

There ARE cheaper behaviourists out there (ask at your training club)- and you may only need the ONE visit- not twice a week forever. (i found one who was £40- she stayed 2.5 hours- if I need her again it will be £30) we saw her once and have seen a marked improvement since.

i have cried buckets over mine (ginger gobshite that he is) but if I dont make it better who will, and he came from a "no PTS policy" rescue.
 
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stez1234 said:
Firstly my massive horse that I PART own lives with the other owner FREE OF CHARGE.

Secondly my finances are only messed up this month. Normally there are no issues there.

Thirdly even when my finances are fine there is no way I can contemplate paying out £100 a weeks for the next 3 months to have 2 sessions a week with a behaviourist. This is what I have been quoted after several lengthy phone calls.

Thank you for the offer of the crate and if I could get to Worcester to pick it up I would be there tonight.
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2 sessions a week:confused: usually a behaviourist will visit and do an initial assessment and have a chat and give advice/homework for you to carry out and offer telephone advice in emergencies or otherwise give a date to re visit, I have never gone to a house twice a week for 3 months, I would offer my services free to non rescues if I where that crap:p:D Have you ever asked for advice here?....it's free and you could have gotten some great advice/input from everybody, esp those that have lived through the same, haven't we all with a new rescue?;)
SA can be pretty easy to tackle once you know how.

But...if you have decided, then that is that.
 
Dobiegirl said:
Before your friend jumps to your defence perhaps she would do better jumping in the car and going to get that crate you were offered.
.
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ha! dobie, if you're referring me i actually dont know the OP. there are just some comments on this thread ive felt have been a little harsh. The OP does seem to be genuinely upset about having to give the dog up and feels she has tried everything she is able to with it.

anyhoo..

enough from me on this thread probably
 
I am sorry to echo the others but you've only had her a very short space of time - since June? I've never had a rescue dog but I imagine some of them can be hard work at first, did the RSPCA not prepare you for this? I can understand how you feel but faint hearts and all that.

If you do return her, I would think long and hard about getting another rescue dog, they might not be for you. But remember even with non rescue dogs you need to put the time and effort in, you only get out of a dog what you put in.

My lab has just turned one and has become a teenage monster! As a small puppy he was quite angelic, no chewing or anything, now he has started to attack the walls in his room and throws his water bowl around etc This will pass but you do have to take the rough with the smooth as far as dogs (or even pets) are concerned. Good luck with whatever you finally decide.
 
OP I can totally see where you are coming from, but see other peoples sides as well.

I took on a 5mth old Saluki in May, and in July time i was VERY close to taking him back, i had him in the car ready to go. He was, and still is, an utter nightmare. Honestly, i cannot voice how destructive and tearaway my dog was. I have had several dogs, puppies and all have been rescues, but he was in a league of his own. I was in tears every night, exhausted and on the verge of being kicked out my own home if he wasnt sent back. Honestly, in the first week he caused over £3k worth of damage. Just last night in fact he ate one of my Dublin boots but thats my fault for leaving it out. I never rose to him tho, ignored the bad and praised the good and he is sort of settled now. He is still destructive but on a normalish 9mth old dog scale, but the key is distraction. Im always giving him something to do so that he isnt bored. Most rescue dogs are neurotic messes for the first few months, but these make the best dogs as they are loyal, loving and will do anything for you. Do listen to these people and their advice, they speak sense and it does get better. I have the dog of a lifetime that is utterly insane but competely lovable when managed.
 
You know these poor dogs out of rescues are confused,insecure for a very good reason,all of which takes time and patiance to settle down. They have minds,and just as a child,being shoved about it affects them too.
Anyone with so little determination should stay well away and resist ruining a dog`s life. I fear this poor dog will be going to the "farm" run by Jesus,poor little sod.
 
If I was to reconsider and keep going with her where do I start?

I can't get a crate for a couple of weeks.

Do I keep her on the lead in the house? Do I take everything away from her?

Would there be a couple of people here that would be willing to swap numbers or email addresses so that I can ask questions or turn to when I need some support to tell me that her behaviour will get better?
 
I'm in, will PM you my address. You can keep her on a line in the house, yes.
Even things like - my dog will bounce against the side of his kennel when he sees me coming. So I stop, drop my head, nothing, no movement, when he is calm I start moving again, he bounces, I stop. So he does not get attention, he does not get out of his kennel, until he is calm and sitting, that sort of thing. You just have to alter your mindset, don't get frustrated, the calmer you are, the better.
 
Stez - if you want I can give you my boyfriends number? He works with the RSPCA at weekends particularly with assessing the dogs so I'm sure he can offer advice.

You'll get some good advice on this forum, just give it a try :)

Good luck :)
 
I have a Holly just 5 months further down the line- am in if you need me but am no frigging expert and still learning myself! Will pm you my email addy!
 
lula said:
maybe the OP isnt in a financial position to replace her furniture and carpets as you aren't yourself to take on another dog.
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Yes maybe not and I am well aware that i cannot fit a dig in to my life at the moment (I don't have a dog). Financially it's not an issue but time wise I am not sure at the moment it's possible and I think these are the things you NEEDS to think about before getting a dog. I do not think a month, or even 6 mths is a long time to settle in a dog, especially a rescue dog. The dogs sounds very insecure and hyperactive in certain situations as a result. The OP has not mentioned her being destructive BUT if she is then a crate would also help with that issue - it certainly did wonders for our family dog when we fgot her from the rescue, she was very inscure and traumatised from beingin kennels but time and routine, plus the crate REALLY helped.

The OP has posted on here evidently because although she seems to indicate she has made her mind up it wlould seem apparent that is not actually the case as otherwise why post? Lots of knowledgeable people have given very good advice. The issues this dog appears to have would seem to be 'fixable' ones. The OP already said how good the dog is when out - well that's a bonus for a start and is often where people have problems. I think with some work (not necessarily needing a behaviourist - just ask knowledgable people for advice) then this dog could quite easily turn around.

Still, it's not my dog, not my decision!
 
Stez.....if you are in Coventry, I'm less than 20 miles away from you....I drive and can get a crate to you on Monday for sure.......possibly (but no promises) before.

I'm not a behaviourist, but have reasonable experience of dogs so if you want to PM me we can swap names/ tel nos/ email addresses and sort something out for next week.
 
I would give a leg to have a dog that was bad in the house but an angel out..... unfortunately I seem to be having to deal with the opposite!
 
Whilst not quite the same thing as he is not a typical rescue, I can sympathise with having a hyper dog (welsh sheepdog with ADHD!)!

What I did was TTouch! Very very basic but effective! I also got him lying down and using long firm strokes calmed him down, then I would click and treat so he associated that with something pleasant. I found it really important to have a calm relaxed demeanour with him so he picked it up from me.
 
Thank you for the replies and PMs.
I haven't made my decision yet and I will be giving it a lot of thought tonight.

I still don't know if I am the right owner for Holly.

I will reply to the PMs I have had either tonight or tomorrow morning.
 
It would be fab to give her a little more time, you already have loads of offers of help and GGD offering a crate, but indeed if you want to PM me when you may need to then Im always on and off here. I don't mind giving my number out too:)
 
As cayla says, she has a guide but you may just be pleasantly surprised anyway. I used to hate the idea of a crate and we had nevrer used one before but our dog took to it brilliantly and I think saw it as her security to be honest. Her bed was in it and, even when we were in the house, once she got used to it she would choose to lie in there and go to bed of her own accord. It was her constant I guess so was why it worked very well.
 
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