Forced to take a rescue parson russell back to rescue centre

[Chris and Lynne]

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This is a posting I have just done on Facebook :- Wed 06 11 13 I also attached a picture of the gorgeous boy.

"This is Max and we got him from "Rescue" about 12 weeks ago. He , more than likely, will be going back to Wolfwood by Friday. In many ways he has been a little gem and I love him very much but unfortunately he loves Lynne so much he HAS to protect her from EVERY Dog or Cat he sees and wants to kill them all. He attacked a full grown Alsatian whilst on the lead such was his need to protect his mistress. We have read pages of advice and had expensive behaviorists to him but Lynne has not had a peaceful ,quiet, pulling free, walk ever in those weeks. He is completely the opposite with me on the end of his lead and is almost timid. I have taken him amongst other dogs, off the lead and he is fine . We got him for Lynne but she can't carry on this UN-equal struggle any longer. It is breaking our hearts so much as he ,in every other respect, is wonderful and like all Terriers is funny. He is great with Children. He is a Parson Russell Terrier. He is 3 in early December and has been gelded (poor lad). I am posting this in the hope that you might know someone who knows someone who would like him. The new "owner" should be "Alpha Male" and be the boss, not the bully and someone will have a perfect little bundle of fun. If he is not dominated he will become nervous and skittish . HE IS A TERRIER!! I will re-post it for 3 nights and let's see if we can find someone, who will have to contact Wolfwood.

Please share so we can spread the net as we do not want such a potential friend languishing long in kennels.".........................................................................................................................................................................................................

.I am putting this on here because someone might know someone living near Lancaster who would like a lovely pet. He will be at "Wolfwood" in Lancaster from Friday 8th Nov and that fact is breaking my heart. I have had 2 Lab's and a mongrel over the years and have loved 'em all and was with them when they were put to sleep and in one case when one was killed by a lunatic in a car on our street. People on here will understand how difficult it is to breakdown this "Alpha Male" thing in dogs. My wife is heartbroken as Max is her dog but he is completely unmanagable outside the house. He will attack and has attacked ANY size of dog and pulls so hard she comes home worn out, tearful and embarassed. We have asked for and payed for, help from behaviorists but to no avail. The last one was honest anough to tell my wife that it would probably kinder to both her and Max for him to go back.

Because he is so good with me I suggested that he become "my" dog and I would do ALL the work outside but that is impossible as my wife wants a dog to walk and as we are both approaching 70 a dog that would be easy on the lead!! When we both take him he is BAD. I was shocked to see the transformation from Max to Mad Max. We wanted a dog to "take places" but we can't take him anywhere.

At Wolfwood there are ,obviously, several dogs and he is not "Top" and is a sociable little soul who has been abused and mis- treated as a pup, has scars on his face and back legs and his tail has been docked. One can only guess what his formative years were like and he deserves a stable loving home with an Alpha in charge. Sorry about this, the tears are starting again, Chris. PS I am not sure I want another dog any more such is the heartbreak of losing him.

 

[lurcherman]

Read my thread on rescues that im about to do

 

[gypsysmum]

The alpha male theory has been proven to be flawed. It does not cross species to humans. He is not protecting your wife he is protecting himself because he is scared. He needs understanding. It could be that he is not the right dog for you.

I would never recommend a terrier for retired people. They are far too demanding. If I were you I would look out for a toy breed like a Llasa Apso or Shitzu etc. The Cinnamon Trust rehome dogs after their elderly owners can no longer care for them or have died. You may find a better match that way.

If you get another dog do remember that they are very sensitive creatures and need guidance. Reward based training produces amazing results.

 

[hanneroon]

I agree with gypsysmum about the Alpha dog thing, it is more a lack of confidence on his part than overconfidence. i really feel for you both (or 3 of you), it seems like you have tried very hard with the little chap, but it seems as though he maybe is a bit too much for you both. My dog is of a similar(ish) temperament, and he is very hard work.... I would never let somone who wasn't totally confident and aware of his nature take him out for a walk as it would be too risky, for them, him and other dogs.

forgive me for being ageist, but if you were a young couple i would think badly of you for returning him, but as it is i think its probably for the best, you have to do what's best for you both as a unit, and all the stress won't be doing you or the dog any good. And if he is attacking other dogs, things could go very badly for him too

it is a shame he has to go back, but at least you tried all you could to help him. I would suggest having a rethink in a few weeks, and perhaps try offering your home to another rescue dog as gypysmum says, that would be more suited to your lifestyle. There are thousands of rescue dogs out there so don't let any misplaced guilt about this one put you off finding another that would be a good match. Cinnamon trust are a wonderful organisation, well worth researching and contacting for a chat. Retired racing greyhounds also make lovely calm pets, or there are plenty of older dogs in rescue who just want a quiet comfortable life, and will be more settled in their nature... Jack russels are crazy little things!

good luck, chin up, all the best for tommorrow, xx

 

[Chris and Lynne]

Thank you both for those words of wisdom. I had thought of arguing my corner but there is no point because Max went this morning and it's not an argument I am after. I am shattered as i loved him so much and he was wonderful with me but my wife comes first! I did offer to keep him as my own dog and do all the exercising and training myself as I could do it off the lead but she pointed out that the idea of getting a dog was for her to walk not me. He is a Parson and they are not little but medium and very powerful so whilst he might have been the best looking dog ever, even better looking than the Black Lab's we have had, he was probably not for us. However I have said to her that if Max is still incarcerated in kennels come Spring I am going to get him back,for myself. Chris