Adopting an ex-breeding dog

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Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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Hi everyone,

I’m looking to adopt an ex-breeding dog. The breeder mentioned that she isn't house-trained yet because she’s been kept in a kennel (she’s 5 years old). He suggested that when I’m out, I should leave her in a crate to help her learn to hold it (obviously, she’d be taken out to do her business beforehand). Some friends are telling me this is rubbish and that a dog this age can't be house-trained, that she might be destructive, and that there’s a high chance she’ll be very nervous as she hasn't seen the outside world—and might even end up being aggressive. What advice can you give me to avoid these sorts of issues? She (spayed) will be living with another Shepherd (neutered) who is very sociable.

Thanks in advance for your advice!

Translated from French
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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    There are always ways to help a dog settle in. It’ll be a long, hard road, but with the help of a behaviourist and your own dog, so much is possible.

    In any case, it’s unlikely he’ll be destructive; the real challenge will be gradually teaching him about the outside world—the noises, meeting people, and so on. A behaviourist can really help you there, and your other dog will be a massive help too, as the new one will learn by following their lead.

    Just be careful if you have any toddlers or very young children...

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    Humeur-De-Chien
    Humeur-de-chien Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi there,

    What advice can you give me to avoid these kinds of problems?

    My advice is not to adopt this dog.

    The breeder – if you can even call them that – is telling you that the dog is kept in a kennel and isn't house-trained. And he’s five years old!

    From that, we can assume that not only does he get little to no time outdoors, but it’s also clear he isn't being looked after properly. It really doesn’t bode well.

    However, I disagree with your friends on one point. In principle, a five-year-old dog can absolutely be house-trained. The method is exactly the same as for a puppy.

    Where I do agree with them is that adopting a dog of this age, "raised" in the conditions we can imagine, carries a serious risk of behavioural issues; mostly due to a lack of socialisation and habituation. But these are just assumptions for now.

    Ideally, you should be accompanied by a behaviourist to see the dog and test him in different situations to get a clearer idea of his temperament. But would the breeder agree to that?

    Out of curiosity, what is the name of this breeder and why has the dog been retired from their breeding programme?

    Translated from French

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