One will have to go due to neighbors

[NCSunshine]

Dogs are pack animals, they don't like to be alone.  I hate to see any pet tied outside and left alone.  You can't blame the dog for barking because it is tangled up.  Do you really feel that the neighbors should have to listen to your dog bark all day?  If they were making noise all day ex:blasting a radio, or running an engine wouldn't you complain?  Have you ever tried putting an overhead cable between the house and another object in the yard so the dog couldn't get tangles up?  Do you exercise the dog so that it has its extra energy burned up?  Is there a reason you will not allow the dog in the house?  

Good luck with finding a new home for the dog.  I hope you can find someone that will want it and give it a nice home.

At first the fence worked well at keeping her in the yard.  My father and I put up the fence to keep her contained, and it gave her over 1/2 an acre to have freedom.  It wasn't long before she started digging out.  After she got to big for that is when she discovered she could jump it.  

As a younger dog, she was kept in the house.  Since she has grown she likes to chew up things.  Another problem since she has gotten bigger, is that she jumps up on our 3 and 5 year olds and knocks them down.  I know she doesn't mean to and that she is just playing.  It has lead to them being slightly afraid of her, and I think Buttons senses that and thinks she is the alpha female over them.  This is one of the reasons we do not keep her in the house, except when it is really cold or bad weather.  Therefore they do not like to play with her much.  

I hate the thought of keeping her tied in the fence, but the alternative is her getting loose and roaming the neighborhood.  I didn't think the neighbors would like that, and I know I don't because she chases cars.  I definitely do not want her to get run over or hurt.  I have tried different places in the fence to tie her out to keep her from getting tangled, but usually happens around her dog house.

I think it is best to find a new home for Buttons, so that she can have her freedom and have a family that has lots of time to spend with her and make her a happier dog.  She will either go back to the Humane Society we got her from, or to a new family.  I will keep her until we can find a place for her to go.  We won't take her to a shelter just to get rid of her.

Buttons is a great dog, but I'm not sure we are the best family for her.

[angelsmom10]

Here's a suggestion..  contact your vet, they may know of someone who would love to have Buttons.  About 15 years ago, we had a shepherd/collie mix that we just couldn't keep as oldest DD was allergic to here at the time, and we could not stand to just send her to the SPCA, we talked to our vet and they had several people who would have taken her; so we asked his best choice of clients and she was given to a lady who had just had her dog put down, she lived in an apartment next to a park/wooded area and 2-3 times a day would take long walks in the park; along with taking her out when she needed to.  This worked out great for all involved.
 
Pets need a lot of attention and seems a lot of her problems may be a result of lack of attention.  We still have problems with our smallest chewing... although he only chews when we leave him alone.  As long as someone is in the house, he doesn't chew, but leave him alone and something gets chewed up.
 

[tlhdoc]

I second talking to your vet.  Our current Dalmatian is a dog we rescued through our vet.  We lost 2 dogs and a cat with in 6 months time.  We didn't call the our vet, she called us several times about dogs that they were trying to place.  When she called about our Dalmatian the whole family felt it was time for a new member and we are happy with her.

[NCSunshine]

Buttons has been given a new home.  A couple with one child and an older golden retriver.  She has been there for a while and things are working out really well.  She gets the family she needs to give her the attention she so craved, and we get the chance to see her every once in a while.

[Acts 2:38 girl]

Good for you!  I've got to say, if it comes between the dog getting hit by a car or being tied up - I'd tie it up.  You did the right thing.  I'm glad for you that she has a new home, you have enough to think about with that new little one coming to your house!

[angelsmom10]

Sound like you are happy with the new home, glad it worked out for you.

[NCSunshine]

My nephew, his wife and daughter are now the proud owners of Buttons.  She has bonded more to their daughter, than she did with the three of ours.

I'm so glad they wanted her, and that she bonded with Kayla.

[jstaddwtr]

We are sure glad it all worked out!   Everything you mentioned was a matter of training.  Not everyone has the time or the know how.  Having dogs are truly, very much like having kids.  Lots  of commitment, lots of love, lots of patience.   Most of all, lots of education.  Sounds like you did the best thing by getting out of the situation when you could......and you had a happy ending.

[NCSunshine]

We are sure glad it all worked out!   Everything you mentioned was a matter of training.  Not everyone has the time or the know how.  Having dogs are truly, very much like having kids.  Lots  of commitment, lots of love, lots of patience.   Most of all, lots of education.  Sounds like you did the best thing by getting out of the situation when you could......and you had a happy ending.

I was very short on time, even though I am only attending college and not working.  It is all I can do with the kids and homework.  I did start taking her to a trainer, but when summer semester started my schedule and hers did not work out.  So, I had to quit.  Everything ended for the best.  She is happy, and that means alot.

[birol]

Nothing like knowing that she went to a good home. When we had to give our dog away I was very worried. But then we visited him and saw how happy she was with her puppies I felt good about it. She was suffering in the apartment building we were living in.