How do you cope re homing ex breeding bitches

[Jeeves]

Without doubt, an ex puppy farm/breeding dog or bitch can be quite a challenge.  However, I would say to use your own common sense when it comes to what they can and cannot do.  Without wishing to get my head chewed off here, Sylvia at MT is a bit OTT with the dogs from there.  This is obviously NOT a bad thing overall, as the dogs from any rescue need a bit of extra love and help, but they are not necessarily as bad as Sylvia paints them.

Mrs Bridges was, we were told, utterly terrified of absolutely everything and that initially we were unsuitable adopters because I ran a livery yard and took the dogs with me.  I was told Mrs Bridges would never cope with horses.  Well, she was out with my horse after a month or so with no fear whatsoever.  She has never been afraid of the hoover, hairdryer, car, TV, radio or anything else of that ilk.  She didn't like being on a lead to start with, but took to the harness very quickly.

You need to just use your common sense and appreciate that you have to be very patient with any rescue dog and if you have a dog at home already to show them the way, all the better.  I think that some rescue centres and Sylvia in particular, make a bit of a meal out of how sensitive the dogs are at times.

Now, don't shoot me for saying that.  Sylvia and ALL rescue centre people do a marvellous job and I take my hat off to them all.  I've had 4 rescue dogs; 2 from MT and this is my experience

[debbie321]

I rehomed an ex-breeding bitch - not from MT, but a "commercial breeding kennel" near Chippenham, about a year ago.  There were a few health problems, that we mainly got right by changing her to a BARF diet, and she needed lots of baths before she smelled like a nice dog again 

I think she had a bit of a life before she was used for breeding tho, as she definitely had some training and knew all about collar, lead and simple commands.  From day 1 her recall has been perfect, but I think that is mainly because shes terrified to let me out of her sight. 

She has come along in leaps and bounds, and its been wonderful to watch her come out of the horrible, withdrawn, dead-eyed shell she was in when I first saw her.  About the only carry-overs from her kennel days are a frantic circling at high speed when she is excited, a complete distrust of strange dogs that approach her too enthusiastically and the odd puddle on the kitchen floor in the mornings - all of which are nothing compared to the love and company she gives us daily.

I would love to know her history and breeding, but have resigned myself to never being able to find out....

We regularly go on the NF meets here, and all the cocker owners that go know her, and know that she never goes far away from me    I wouldnt part with her for anything now.

Have to agree that Bracken is just    Here is a picture of her with one of her biggest fans (my daughter) ................ it was the high speed circling that she noticed first, then it was the love of cuddles that got her hooked 

[LisaB]

Must agree, the man at MT told me none of their cockers were housetrained and most never ever learn it - that seems to be at odds from what I've heard reading those posts of those who have taken on an ex breeder.

[Mundyboy]

Two beautiful girls.  How lucky you are.

[Mary P]

Sylvia and Bill are in a hard place. They live at the rescue and 'live it' 24 hours a day. They have staff and volunteers, but when push comes to shove, it's down to them. They have about 30 kennels/cages, and all of them have at least one dog in it, sometimes 3 or 4. These all have to kept clean, every dog is walked twice a day, fed, to the vet and if there's time socialised and given a free run in the horse paddock.

They see the dogs at their worst. They are picked up by Sylvia almost daily, arrive often filthy, matted and diseased, and primarily petrified of the enormous change in their lives. Scared of human contact. Imagine a dog like my Peggy - in a shed for 4 years then the van, people, outside, new dogs etc etc.

Sylvia and Bill don't see what we see, after the love and patience they prescribe pays off. Hence Sylvia not recognising Peggy, and asking to be introduced! All they are saying is it may never come right. After almost 3 years Peggy is good but certainly not perfect at going outside, and I don't feel she will ever be 100%, so Bill's right there.

They can always rehome cute dogs, but don't want them coming back as they don't match up to an ideal, and the dog and they have all that to go through again

I only write about MT as this is the rescue I know the best.

[Cob-Web]

All they are saying is it may never come right.

I think that does need to be emphasised - although there have been success stories like Mrs Bridges and others - and that is in no small part due to the commitment and dedication shown by their new owner - it is a real possibility that the experiences that these poor dogs have had in their lives will stay with them forever, and they won't "come right" even with the incredible investment of time and love shown by their new homes 

I think it is wise for all rescues to ensure that the families who take on a "special needs" dogs are fully aware that they are taking on a dog which may not improve or change, and may never fulfil the role of a *normal* family pet.....if there are any expectations, then it is the dog that suffers 

[AnnieG]

I think Mary P and Cob-Web are absolutely right.  Most of the people telling their stories here have had happy outcomes - including me.  But I do know of some p/f rescues who will never be housetrained or 'normal' in the accepted sense. Anyone taking on an ex-breeding dog needs first of all to ask themselves what they will do if their new dog turns out to be unable to learn bladder control or can never be walked beyond the garden gate. If the answer is 'take him/her' back, sadly but realistically it's probably not for you.

[minimoo]

She was told it could take 6 months to even get a collar on  never mind the lead and out the door and walking as this could take up to 5 years she was told.

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i do think the people at many tears shouldnt put enquirers off by saying that though , as if anyone remembers loki (weimaraner) who was extremely fearful and would bite if cornered (who i met breifly )and also charlie the rotty who was terrified were all extreme cases  , but it didnt take them 5 MONTHS to have a walk up the lane there ,i saw loki being walked and i believe charlie visited xmas day when i was there  they will probably never be the perfect dog and "come right" but i know quite a few people who have had dogs from 8 week old puppies and their dogs wont come to recall , or arent properly house trained , will snap at their owners and are a pain in the bum  , read some of the threads on COL  , but this person was originally enquiring about hoo hoo an 18 month old , who wasnt terrified according to the many tears write up on her and was still given this information about never being house trained or going out for a walk, they do a fantastic job at these rescues and i know sylvia and the other people there work so hard, xmas day last year sylvia was laying foundations for the vet lab at the side of the house herself, but occasionally i think people are put off by the way things are told to them, as has been said before not all dogs are this bad

[Jeeves]

I agree with everything everyone is saying in that people involved with rescues deserve a lot of praise and they do a superb job.

I just wouldn't want a potential re-homer to be out of by the likes of Sylvia saying that the dog is almost a hopeless case.  People should most certainly be made aware of the potential problems - it would be totally irresponsible of the rescue centre NOT to point these things out, but if I hadn't been so utterly in love with Mrs Bridges, Sylvia would have put me off adopting her and she would have missed out on her International Love Goddess status...

[aledlewis]

I'm so moved by these stories and in my ignorance had no idea about these ex breeding dogs. It breaks my heart.
As I type, Poppy is snuggled up with me on the chair - just a tiny bit jealous that the lap top computer is getting more attention than her. She has no idea how lucky she is or how loved she is and that she lives the life of a Princess!!!

Thank you to everyone who has helped in re-homing. I will certainly give this very serious consideration.

[EmmaA]

All these stories have really moved me guys. I'm so glad for everyone that has been successful in rehabilitating their little pooches. You are all modern day saints putting in the effort and hard work to help these gorgeous dogs and give them a new start in life. I know how difficult it is to bring up a pup from day 1 so I can't imagine how difficult it is to help these dogs that have had such a poor start in their lives. But from your stories I can tell that it is all worth it. And I really don't blame Sylvia for warning potential rehomers about the worst case scenario because at the end of the day she really wants these dogs to have a fresh start in a forever home and never see them back in the rescue.
Well done peeps

[Tasha]

I have to be honest and I can only talk about my other breed not cockers but I would not touch an ex breeding bitch with a barge pole, yes some can be rehabilitated if they find the RIGHT owner and are given the right opportunities but more often than not the ones we get back need specialist homes, you can't feel sorry for them or they have no chance of recovery and to be honest some are downright dangerous and sadly have to be pts

I've taken them out of puppy farmers hands in appauling states and its devastating but your head has to rule your heart and not the other way around.  If you have no children and no other pets have the time and the patience and can be honest about yourself as a trainer and your lifestyle then go for it but if there are any risks to you or the dog then I would opt for the normal breed rescue.

It sounds heartless but sometimes when the heart rules the head it doesn't do the dogs any favours at all.

[Mundyboy]

I have to be honest and I can only talk about my other breed not cockers but I would not touch an ex breeding bitch with a barge pole, yes some can be rehabilitated if they find the RIGHT owner and are given the right opportunities but more often than not the ones we get back need specialist homes, you can't feel sorry for them or they have no chance of recovery and to be honest some are downright dangerous and sadly have to be pts

I've taken them out of puppy farmers hands in appauling states and its devastating but your head has to rule your heart and not the other way around.  If you have no children and no other pets have the time and the patience and can be honest about yourself as a trainer and your lifestyle then go for it but if there are any risks to you or the dog then I would opt for the normal breed rescue.

It sounds heartless but sometimes when the heart rules the head it doesn't do the dogs any favours at all.

Very fair comment and I agree with you and those who say that the potential new owner should be made aware of the problems the 'rescue dog' might have.  I am fortunate to have time and patience and Jenni is progressing very well.  There is a chap in our settlement that took on a 'rescue' (not a cocker) and has had it for just on a year.  The dog has no training and has been tied up outside for most of that year.  The guy now has a new girlfriend and the dog is on it's way back to the 'rescue'.  I can not help but feel that that dog would have been better off staying in rescue and taking its chance at finding the right home for ever rather than being pushed in and out of different situations.  If you are going to take a 'rescue' on research, research, research, be prepared to deal with an absolute dire situation from day one.  If things go well for you and your dog count it as a bonus and enjoy!

[cindere528]

I can understand Sylvia giving people the worst possible picture of rehoming an ex-breeding bitch, it's far better to put off the wrong potential owners than to have a dog who then has to be returned to the rescue because she didn't behave well.

I do homechecks for lots of rescues and when I talk to the potential owners, I probably sound as if I'm trying to talk them out of adopting a rescue dog. I would much rather they back out at that stage than get a dog and be disappointed. It's better that they expect the worst and then maybe get a pleasant surprise.

I have Nelly who is an ex-breeding bitch from Many Tears. She's been with me now for just over 3 years. She was originally rehomed from Many Tears and was later discovered to be suffering abuse (beatings) in her new home, so Many Tears took her back. She then went to a foster home and from there, she came to me. I love her to bits and wouldn't ever do anything to hurt her, but even after 3 years, it's very frustrating to come home and find poo on the living room carpet. She doesn't do it all the time.  Just this morning, both dogs had been in the garden for wees & poos before I went to Church. I didn't have time to give them breakfast before I went out, so wasn't expecting any "accidents" when I got back. As soon as I walked through the door, I could see a pile of poo on the carpet. What made it worse was that the dogs were so pleased to see me (I'd been out for all of 45 mins  ) that they were prancing about in and out of the pile of poo and thus spreading it even further. I was not amused  but what can you do? I know it was Nelly, because on the rare occasions Dillon gets caught short in the house, he does it in the kitchen.

When she first came to live here, I was told she was "silent". She'd been in her foster home for a month and had never been heard to utter a sound  . I think that some of the beatings she got were because of barking.  One evening, when she'd been here for a couple of months, Dillon was having a little bark at something or other, and Nelly made a tiny little barking noise and looked at me with terror in her eyes  . I couldn't have that, so I said "good girl" and she barked again, a bit louder this time. I said "good girl" again. What a big mistake that was  !  She's now probably one of the noisiest dogs I've ever had but what a joy to hear her lovely contralto bark just for sheer joy when we're getting ready to go out or she's waiting for her breakfast. It's one thing training a dog with kindness to be a bit quieter, but no dog should ever be afraid of barking.

In Nelly's favour though, she gives simply the best hugs in the world. She climbs up on my knee, puts her front paws on my shoulders and hugs me. I've had dogs all my life (nearly 60 years) and Nelly is the first one who has actually hugged me 

So, what I'm trying to say is, yes, there are fustrations in having an ex-breeding bitch, but the delights far outweigh the bad things.

[Tasha]

one thing I would add is find yourself a GOOD behaviourist not just one off the list because I recently had one who is a shambles but someone whose results you can go and see (there is one in essex I would certainly recommend we send our worse cases to her and she's turned the majority around) so that you have backup from day one.  At least then you both have a fair chance if you do decide to take on a dog like this.

I hate the fact that there is a market in these dogs because puppy farmers have an easy out to dumping and getting rid of their stock which is helping their businesses and to keep them below the radar of the KC, its totally depressing.