A day at the dog park

[aart]

Most shelters/rescues do their best but sometimes things get mixed up

When I was searching for a dog long ago I got quite the laughs at some of the breeds/combos they would add to the ads...some might have been close, others were ridiculous, many were pure marketing.
DNA would be the only way to know for sure.

Missing the giardia would make me disbelieve anything they said.
Nasty stuff, my present SPCA dog had it, along with other things, the kept him for me until he was done with meds....my other dog got the giardia anyway.

She's a nice looking dog...the smartest ones can be head strong, hang in there.

 

[Folly's place]

Going to a group obedience class will help her get acclimated to other dogs, and generally do better with them. It needs to be the right class, with the right trainer for both of you!
Different training methods work for different personalities, both dog and handler, so call a few places, go without your dog and watch a class or three, and then try one of them.
Many dogs aren't 'dog park' material. I'd never take either of mine, and they are both 'fairly' dog friendly. Not dog friendly enough!
Mary

 

[Folly's place]

Giardia, or any intestinal parasite, can be missed, sometimes with multiple fecal tests. Sad, but true.
You could spend $$ for a DNA test, or say 'good enough' with the Border Collie cross description. It's fine!
Mary

 

[Ninjasquirrel]

Giardia, or any intestinal parasite, can be missed, sometimes with multiple fecal tests. Sad, but true.
You could spend $$ for a DNA test, or say 'good enough' with the Border Collie cross description. It's fine!
Mary

The nurse told me after I demanded they pay for the medication that they did not even test for it because "she did not have diarrhea". My cat ended up getting it and was pooping blood. They are both now parasite free but the fact that they would let you even foster the animal without testing?! My whole family could have gotten sick

 

[igorsMistress]

I think it depends on the dog and the skill of the owner to handle the dog.

We have a pit bull/ bull terrier mix. He has been going to the park since he was a puppy, but when he became a big boy and realized he could handle himself, he did. Never started a fight, ever, but he grabs an ear or the side of a face and won't let go so the other dog can't attack him. No blood, no shaking, ripping or tearing. He just puts a stop to it.

He also decided he didn't have to listen...he was off leash and it's not like we can catch him. Enter the shock collar. No more issues. We can't control other people and their dogs, but we have control of ours.

During one of those disagreements, another dog attacked ours. Frank pinned the other dog and wouldn't let go until I got there to separate them. The other dogs owner thought he was going to beat my dog with a collapsible baton and told me he was going to have my dog confiscated and called the park ranger. Witnesses were on my side, his dog attacked mine and Frank was defending himself and I still have my pooch.

So yes, people are that way. All you can do is train your dog and slowly introduce her to other dogs and people. Even as she adjusts, she's not going to like everyone/everydog she meets. You don't need to visit a different park and that guy was an ass. She'd had an iffy experience prior and I can see how it might make her a bit wary going into the next meeting so soon afterward. Try again!

 

[Folly's place]

Rescue groups vary a lot, aren't licensed or regulated in any way, and generally do the best they can, on a budget. Some will leave out things (like fecal exams) that should be done, or mess up paperwork, or have no paperwork. Some want to know your grandmother's maiden name and what she did for a living, and see your tax returns! It's interesting out there.
You did get a nice dog, handsome, and you are working to have her be better. Good for you, and for her!
Mary

 

[rosemarythyme]

Either way I'm happy with the dog but unhappy with them.

Well I'm still glad you took her because overall she sounds like a nice dog. Maybe not a dog park type dog, but an obedient dog is always a plus.

I have a rescue I've gotten a few dogs from where there were always some issues (one dog didn't have her spay sutures removed and had a broken tooth, another had tapeworm) but overall the dogs were well trained to crates, loose leash walking, housetraining, and the lady did her best to place them and answer follow up questions as well, so I would still adopt dogs from there, but I also know to take them to the vet ASAP to make sure everything's as good as it can be.

 

[Ninjasquirrel]

Rescue groups vary a lot, aren't licensed or regulated in any way, and generally do the best they can, on a budget. Some will leave out things (like fecal exams) that should be done, or mess up paperwork, or have no paperwork. Some want to know your grandmother's maiden name and what she did for a living, and see your tax returns! It's interesting out there.
You did get a nice dog, handsome, and you are working to have her be better. Good for you, and for her!
Mary

They made us "take a test" to determine if we were allowed to adopt. There are certain things this dog is afraid of that make me think she might have been abused: the garden hose, newspaper, pets directly to the head. She no longer cowers at these things but it took a lot of trust and practice. She now hides behind me if shes frightened...such a big baby

 

[Ninjasquirrel]

I think it depends on the dog and the skill of the owner to handle the dog.

We have a pit bull/ bull terrier mix. He has been going to the park since he was a puppy, but when he became a big boy and realized he could handle himself, he did. Never started a fight, ever, but he grabs an ear or the side of a face and won't let go so the other dog can't attack him. No blood, no shaking, ripping or tearing. He just puts a stop to it.

He also decided he didn't have to listen...he was off leash and it's not like we can catch him. Enter the shock collar. No more issues. We can't control other people and their dogs, but we have control of ours.

During one of those disagreements, another dog attacked ours. Frank pinned the other dog and wouldn't let go until I got there to separate them. The other dogs owner thought he was going to beat my dog with a collapsible baton and told me he was going to have my dog confiscated and called the park ranger. Witnesses were on my side, his dog attacked mine and Frank was defending himself and I still have my pooch.

So yes, people are that way. All you can do is train your dog and slowly introduce her to other dogs and people. Even as she adjusts, she's not going to like everyone/everydog she meets. You don't need to visit a different park and that guy was an ass. She'd had an iffy experience prior and I can see how it might make her a bit wary going into the next meeting so soon afterward. Try again!

I concur that he was a jerk. But he might have had his own dog's safety in mind when he said it and I can't blame him for that. I'll just take her earlier next time. Less dogs and less people. As she gets more familiar she will probably get less defensive. Which considering how shes acted in past interactions with dogs (nearly took me off my feet) I think she did quite alright today. Baby steps...

 

[aart]

How long have you had her?
I've found it takes a couple months until they're true nature fully emerges.