Dog Gone Problems is a weekly advice column by David Codr, a dog behaviorist in Omaha. David answers dog behavior questions sent in by our readers. You can reach him at dogbehaviorquestions@gmail.com.
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David Codr is an Omaha dog behaviorist. You can reach him at his website, doggoneproblems.com.
Dog Gone Problems,
I live in Lincoln and I have four dogs, who I love as if they were my children. I think I made a big mistake by giving one of my puppies to my neighbor. She seems like a good lady, but I found out she is doing a lot of punishment on the 12-week-old puppy I gave her, like keeping her outside tied up in the rain and sun.
She was barking a lot and then she stopped barking, and I couldn’t figure out why. Then I found out she bought her a shock collar and I don't think it's humane.
Can you please tell me if I'm right or wrong? Is there anything I can do to get my puppy back? Or is there a law in Nebraska that says people can't use shock collars on dogs so I can get my puppy back? Thank you.
Gisela
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Hi Gisela,
Shock collars are not against the law in Nebraska, but count me in the camp of people who wishes they were.
Shock collars are a form of aversive (punishment-based) training, and they can cause many unwanted issues like lower self-esteem, confidence issues, fear, stress and anxiety. I actually wrote about them in a previous column.
In my opinion, no one should use a shock collar on any dog, but to use one on a 12-week-old puppy is unconscionable. At 12 weeks, the pup is in the critical socialization period, which is also a fear period. This means anything negative that happens to a puppy during this time may have long lasting repercussions.
Every time she shocks that puppy, she is doing damage to her confidence and long-term development. In fact, the shocks will likely make this dog more likely to bark out of fear and anxiety in the future.
I spoke with animal control at the Lincoln Humane Society and, sadly, they do not have any limitations on how long a dog can be tethered. Additionally, Lancaster County does not have any laws against the use of shock collars.
I am not a lawyer, but depending on where you live, a legal contract often requires both parties to receive something to form a binding contract. If you gave the puppy to the woman and didn’t charge her, you may have a legal case to make. If you collected anything from her, then sadly the puppy may be her property to do with as she likes. Again, I'm not a lawyer. If you want to pursue legal routes, contact a lawyer.
Since you seem to be on good terms with the neighbor, I'd suggest you ask if you can have the puppy back. I'd avoid saying anything about the tether or shock collar, since this will almost assuredly cause her to feel confronted and defensive. Just say you regret giving the pup away and when you see her, it breaks your heart. Puppies are a lot of work and she may be open to you taking her back.
In the future, I'd strongly suggest you get an adoption contract in place for any future pups you adopt out so that you have language that forbids the things that are happening to this puppy now. Most breeders have a contract that forbids the use of shock or prong/pinch collars, requires that the dog be kept inside and that no aversive training methods are used. They also usually have a provision that states that if the adoptee doesn’t want to keep the pup or dog, that he or she goes back to the breeder.
I'd also suggest you create a list of questions to ask any future adoptees. Questions might include:
• Have you had a dog before?
• Do you have a dog now? If yes, is he or she friendly to other dogs?
• Do you have a fenced-in yard?
• Do you plan to keep the dog inside?
• Do you have young children? (Some breeds don’t do well with young children.)
• Do you have time to walk the dog daily?
I often tell my clients that a sign of a good breeder is that they ask a lot of personal questions. Many require a visit to inspect the adoptee's home or require photos of the yard and living space.
I hope you are able to get this puppy back and get her into a good home. Please try to do this ASAP, as the critical socialization period goes until a pup is 14 weeks old.
Good luck and remember — everything you do trains your dog. Only sometimes you mean it.
David
Submit your pet questions to David Codr by emailing a photo of your dog and question to dogbehaviorquestions@gmail.com. Visit doggoneproblems.com for more from David.
Meet the 10 (very good) dogs who have been at the Nebraska Humane Society the longest:
Meet the 10 (very good) dogs who have been at the Nebraska Humane Society the longest
These are the very good dogs who have been at the Nebraska Humane Society the longest. All are up for adoption as of Aug. 3. For more information on the adoption process and to see all dogs available for adoption, visit nehumanesociety.org/adopt.
All adoptions are being done via appointment only. The application can be found inside each animal's bio on the Humane Society's website.
Name: Missy
Breed: Boxer mix
Age: 9 months
Sex: F
First Day at NHS: March 4
Bio: Missy is a shy girl who was having a hard time in the shelter and is now in a loving foster home. Her foster mom says she is very smart and already knows sit, down, shake, high five and is working on leave it and drop it. Meeting new people is difficult for her and can be a slow process. She is slowly gaining more confidence every day and is looking for a home experienced with dogs that are fearful and under socialized. Missy is just a big puppy and is still trying to figure out the whole potty-training thing. So patience is going to be key! A fenced in yard will help her potty-training progress and is a must. Her ideal home will need to be one where someone is home most of the time, or even a family with split schedules, that can let her out often. Because she is very shy, she needs an adult only home with few visitors. She does not like to share she family's attention with other dogs, so she will need to be the only dog in her next home. Missy is a very fun and playful girl once she opens up. She still needs a little work but has lots of love to give!
Name: Tullia
Breed: Boxer and pit bull terrier mix
Age: 6 years
Sex: F
First Day at NHS: March 24
Bio: Tullia arrived at the shelter as a skinny stray. She has since gained weight, but she still hears heavenly singing and golden light emanating from any food she sees… and will do whatever it takes to get you to hand over the food. Sit? Shake? Lie down? Roll over? If you want to teach Tullia a trick, she will work for it for the foods. Tullia isn't to picky about the home she goes to, all she asks is there are no cats, and that she is your only dog so she can get all the treats you have. She can be a little too enthusiastic about taking treats, at times, so she might do better with older kids, but being in your family to meet her and see if she will be a good match.
Name: Rebel
Breed: Labrador retriever and bit bull terrier mix
Age: 1 year, 3 months
Sex: F
First Day at NHS: April 14
Bio: Rebel is an outgoing gal with energy to spare. She loves the water and her exuberant and bubbly personality can be contagious, but some people may find it a little overwhelming. She may not be the best fit for the first-time dog owner. If you have experience with large dogs and want a dog to take on adventures and train, then Rebel is your girl! If she goes to a home with children, they'll need to be 12 years or older, as she may be a bit too much for younger family members. She should not go to a home with female dogs. If going to a home with male dogs, Rebel will need to meet them to make sure they can handle her pushy and rambunctious play style! She'll need a home with a fenced in yard, so no apartment life for me. .
Name: Kaiser
Breed: German shepherd
Age: 6 years
Sex: M
First Day at NHS: April 26
Bio: Kaiser is looking for an adult-only household with a 6-foot privacy fence where he will feel more comfortable and secure. He prefers the company of female dogs to other males, and will need to meet all family members and any other dogs before going home with you.
Name: Ryker
Breed: Catahoula leopard hound
Age: 2 years, 4 months
Sex: M
First Day at NHS: May 5
Bio: Ryker is an energetic, playful boy who loves toys. He can be nervous around new people and sometimes slow to warm up. He's looking for a home that will be patient and allow him to warm up at his own pace. Because he's not a big fan of sharing my toys, Ryker will require a home with adults only. He must meet all members of the home and resident dogs prior to adoption. Due to his energy level and athletic abilities, he'll require a home with a 6 foot privacy fence, as he could easily jump a 4 foot fence. He would do best with a female dog or as the only dog in the home.
Name: Baby Girl
Breed: English Bulldog and Pit Bull Terrier mix
Age: 3 years
Sex: F
First Day at NHS: May 24
Bio: Baby Girl has simple tastes and is easy to please. Play with her, snuggle her and give her all the best snacks. A home without any kids under 12, and no other female dogs would be ideal for her. Just bring your family in to meet her and make sure you're a good match!
Name: Lucille
Breed: English bulldog and pit bull terrier mix
Age: 1 year, 3 months
Sex: F
First Day at NHS: May 24
Bio: Lucille is known for being best dressed, always sporting her tux. She may be overdressed for most occasions, but she is ok with being the center of attention with all eyes on her. If she isn't getting enough attention she might climb onto your lap and live out her dreams of being a lap dog. Lucille is looking for a home with where she can have the spotlight on her, and no other dogs, and with any kids being older. You don't have to be in formal wear to meet her, just bring your family in to see if she's a match for you!
Name: Loki
Breed: English bulldog and Staffordshire bull terrier mix
Age: 1 year
Sex: M
First Day at NHS: May 28
Bio: If you have a ball and a good throwing arm, you and Loki will be a perfect match. Throw the ball and he will happily fetch it! Do you have any kids? Younger kids can be too overwhelming for Loki, he's a sensitive soul under his athletic appearance, but if your kids are closer to their teens, they'll be fun to play with. Just bring your family in to meet him so you can have some ball throwing tryouts! Loki is not suited for apartment living.
Name: Astro
Breed: Dalmatian mix
Age: 1 year, 4 months
Sex: F
First Day at NHS: May 29
Bio: Astro is a happy pup but she can also be a bundle of nerves at times when around a lot of people or commotion. She's a pretty sweet pup if there isn't too much happening at once, but can become quite timid with new people and dogs. Astro would like to meet all of the family members including the other dogs, just to make sure they won't be too much for her. She is looking for a home with just adults for company. Astro is not suitable for apartment living and would prefer a home without any feline friends.
Name: Mel
Breed: Australian Cattle Dog Mix
Age: 3 years
Sex: F
First Day at NHS: May 30
Bio: Mel is a sweet girl that can be a little anxious at times, so she'll need someone who will give her a chance to acclimate to a new home. Mel likes to play with tennis balls and loves to meet other dogs, but some dogs may not appreciate how much she wants them to be her new best friend. As a herding breed dog, she may not be the best fit for a home with cats or small animals. Mel is also very high energy, so she'll need a family that will help make sure she's getting the exercise that she needs! If she goes to a home with children, they'll need to be closer to their teens. Mel will need to meet all resident dogs before going to her new forever home to make sure you're a good match.
