Posts: 5,150
Threads: 419
Joined: Nov 2013
Reputation:
33
What a dreadful thing to happen, for all concerned.
But surely the Shelter knew about this dog's high prey drive? Did they warn the potential adopter properly about that? Or didn't they even know? That sounds to me like a lack of observation of that dog on the part of the Shelter. How can they prepare to adopt a dog out without knowing its ways and temperament?
In my local Rescue, people can take a dog for a walk if they are interested in adoption, but usually within the grounds (which here is better because that includes a good play area which is a field.) That is, until they form a stronger bond with the dog; then they can walk it nearby. Then there are rigorous home checks, including discussion of the dog's prey drive and whether or not there are small animals -or even cats -in the home.
Posts: 17,209
Threads: 5,960
Joined: Jan 1970
Reputation:
78
I think this happened in a small town with a small animal shelter. They probably don't have the resources to hire someone to work with dog behavior and assess it. I think everyone was expecting too much of the dog. It was still living in a shelter and was out for a walk with a stranger. Asking it to meet other people and dogs in a strange building was really too much.
The dog might have had aggression issues or it might have been overwhelmed by its circumstances.
It is like the food aggression issue. I would expect a dog to show some aggression about its food in a shelter situation. In a normal home setting the dog could be quite well behaved.
I think your local shelter is wise to let people walk a dog in a designated area while they get to know it. I would think it is a bit frightening for a dog to be taken away to a strange place by a complete stranger.
I presume the Lewiston Humane Society is going to review its adoption procedures. Although the person who took the dog out did agree to not contact other dogs and still did it. Having a designated dog walking area would be safer.
I think what happened was preventable.
Catherine
Posts: 313
Threads: 13
Joined: Nov 2016
Reputation:
7
I thought they tried to socialise dogs before they adopted them out,they usually test them out with other dogs first on the other hand the person involved should have just had some quiet time at home first with the dog very sad all around.
Posts: 17,209
Threads: 5,960
Joined: Jan 1970
Reputation:
78
They are supposed to check out the dogs for issues of socialization. They are a small shelter so maybe they don't have the resources to do it. The guy who took the dog out agreed to just take him for a walk around the area. He hadn't even adopted the dog yet. He specifically agreed not to meet up with other dogs or go anywhere. It was just supposed to be a simple walk.
The shelter will have to review its adoption procedures. Maybe they need a fenced dog walking area for situations like this.
Our local humane society has a play program for dogs awaiting adoption. They have 4 fenced dog parks. Each dog has a volunteer with it. They go into a dog park and let the dogs interact and play together. I can't find the link, but it is a great idea.
It prepares dogs for life after adoption where they will meet other dogs.
Small shelters would have to do it on a smaller scale, but it would help prevent things like this happening. The humans involved made mistakes, but the dog was not ready for what they asked him to do. He is probably a basically nice dog and he might have done very well if they had handled things differently.
Catherine
Posts: 5,150
Threads: 419
Joined: Nov 2013
Reputation:
33
It is fairly easy to asses a high prey drive in a Shelter dog. Even for the regular staff there. Dogs are (or certainly should be!) given exercise breaks. During those breaks, when a member of staff takes the dog out of its enclosure, on a leash, the dog would presumably have to pass other dogs on the way out and back in. Some will be small dogs....and maybe it might even have to pass through an area where there are cats? It's pretty easy to tell what the dog's reaction is to small animals. Staring, "setting" them, standing still, being too quiet, are all poor signs for possible socialisation with small animals.
I agree. The dog should never have been taken to someone's home where there are strange people and animals....and even young children. I think the Shelter will have to change their rules to include walks only on their own grounds, or a member of staff accompany them (if there are enough people available of course.)
Posts: 17,209
Threads: 5,960
Joined: Jan 1970
Reputation:
78
I just checked the article and the potential adopter who took the dog out was told to keep it away from cats and small children.
That to me indicates that the dog had some aggression issues that they were aware of. They can adopt out a dog like that if people are willing to keep it from harming others. Not all dogs are good with children.
So the man who took the dog out was warned. How sad that it is his friend's little dog that died. I think people really underestimate dogs and their needs. This dog needed to be handled carefully. He probably had a lot of potential to be a good pet with careful handling and training. Now he only has a few days of life left.
The people involved failed both dogs and now they will both be dead. That is the real sadness. Both dogs should be alive and in happy homes. Everyone loses in this case.
Catherine