Hi Pugglemoma, I really have no idea why you have been offended. We have given you great advice. In the dog training world, the main concern is the dog. Honestly dog trainers don't care if they hurt your feelings, they are being truthful, and they don't have time to sugar coat everything they say. Same goes with us. We love animals, mutts, pure breeds and even the hybrids. Not that ANY of us support hybrids, but it's not the dogs fault they were born out of a puppy mill or the product of a back yard breeder. We will provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision. Take from it what you would like.
Now I will give you a short bio on myself as well as my upbringing, since you seem to think we are all pure bred snooty people.
I have been in the rescue field for 10 years now. Not even worth honorable mention, seeing as most of the people I have worked for/with have been in the "business" for 30+ years. I own 2 dogs, and yes one is a pure bred American Staff, but he was a rescue. He is 10, and we have had him in our lives since he was 2-3 months old. We were lucky, he was an average puppy, destructive, messy and annoying! But he turned out to be an amazing addition to our lives. My second dog is also a rescue, she was slated to be euthanized due to her breed because of a law some towns/counties support (BSL). Lady is a 6 year old Boxer/Am Staff mix, who came with a WHOLE HEAP of issues!
Separation anxiety, not house broken, was kept pregnant for 5 years by her "owner" who is in fact a true blood Back Yard Breeder. Lady had terrible fear-aggression. I could not take her in public for fear of her attacking other dogs and animals and just acting like a lunatic on her leash. In the year that I have had Lady she is had made a complete 180. Yes I crate her while I am away, she no longer gets the chance to destroy or mess in the house while I am away. I train with not only a behaviorist who has been in her line of work for 35 years, as well as an obedience trainer who has been training for 30 years. I feel confident that I can take Lady for walks in public areas (on leash) with out charging or attacking everything that moves. I have even been able to foster over 5 strays in the past year and Lady has tolerated and befriended. I even have a friend with a very small (6lb) dog who comes to my house and Lady and her snuggle on one bed together. I am also training to become an animal behaviorist and talking animal physiotherapy classes as well.
I grew up in a military life, and believe me my father did not make an abundance of money when I was a kid. We lived in Private military quarters (PMQ's) and were on the move almost yearly. My mother did breed German Shepherds, but as soon as I was old enough to carry a bucket full of dog kibble, I was out in the stables with the dogs.
I volunteer at a no kill shelter, but have seen many dogs and cats, with amazing personalities, but because of a neglectful owner ended up there when their cute puppy-ness vanished, and they became destructive/dirty adult dogs.
I am sorry you feel ganged up on, you asked us for advice, we gave it. The posters here who replied to your post have as much experience and knowledge of those who have been doing this for 30+ years. I hope you understand that we aren't hear to spew what you want to hear, we will tell you what you need to hear, the good, the bad and the ugly. Take from it what you will.
Best of luck.
