dog problems: should we keep her or not?

[beth144]

My family recently got a dog from my mom (5yr old welsh corgi). We are her 4th owner, she has been mainly used for breeding and I don't think she's had very much socialization. She's very skittish (afraid of other dogs, people and our kids). She also has accidents in the house all the time, which is ruining our carpet.

Honestly, I don't know why my mom thought she would be a good dog for our family. I specifically told her I didn't want a puppy (my mom breeds) because they are too much work and now she's given us a dog that seems almost worse. We've only had her for 2 weeks, but I'm not sure that having her any longer is going to make a big difference. Also, I did tell my mom that we would have her on a trial basis (one month) and see how it goes.

What do you think? Should we keep her or is she going always going to have problems due to her fears? I just don't know if we are the right family for her.

[Ola_]

First of all, a fearful dog is not a good choice for a family with kids (especially young ones). Fear aggression would be my main concern if one of the kids can't read her signs and goes too far.

The housebreaking issues can be fixed but typically need some attention and constant supervision to break the habit. Really many dogs will have accidents in a new home because they don't consider it their home/den yet. It would be a lot tougher though if she was in a puppy mill situation, confined to a crate or an area that she was allowed to sleep/eat and potty in.

I'm confused why your mom gave you this dog as it doesn't seem a very good match. Is your mom the breeder and someone returned the dog to her?

[beth144]

My mom bought her from another breeder about a year ago and doesn't know very much about her past. I know she spent most of her time at my mom's out in a kennel. I'm a little confused too why mom thought she would be a good dog for us. I guess I chalk it up to the fact that she's pretty new to breeding herself. I forgot to mention that she spends most of her time huddled under out computer desk and has to be really coaxed or dragged out to be pottied. She rarely comes out of her own free will, usually only at night when the kids are in bed.

[7thDaughter]

Sometimes things don't work out through no fault of yours. Happily when the dog is a popular breed there are rescue groups who can rehome her with a more appropriate family. Webserch on "welch corgi rescue" and you'll find lots of regional corgi rescue groups. Find the closest group and call them. Rescue groups are very familiar with rehoming dogs with behavior issues.

Here's one: http://www.pembrokecorgirescue.webs.com/
Best wishes for both your family and the innocent dog who needs help.

[Oubliette8]

My little dog is a rescue who came from a situation that sounds much like yours- primarily a breeding dog, left in a kennel. When she came to me, she had MANY fears. It took me a few weeks of desensitization to just get her to walk on a leash (as in, the moment the leash touched her, she completely flipped out). She was afraid of animals, people, kids, even shadows. I've jad her three years and they've all gradually improved. In fact, I was hiking with her the other day when I jogger passed us and she didn't react at all. I'd completely forgotten she used to be afraid of joggers! That said, she does still have some fears, although none are as pronounced as they were when she first came.

So, no, I don't think she'll always have issues due to her fears.

However, I'm not sure a busy home with kids is necessarily the right home to help her get over them, particularly as she's afraid of kids. The housebreaking problem might be more easily addressed in a quieter household without all the triggers present as well. You took her in, you tried, but it doesn't seem like your home is a good match for her. I would probably look to get her into rescue, or placed in a quiet home with dog experience who understands her issues.