[Dailydrool] big dog agression on the leash - Attn: Rescue Groups

[saraberry at aol.com]

I do have one other comment to make.

Shame on any rescue who sends out a basset to a new home with a known behavioral problem and does not disclose that in advance to the new owner.  

Is it right to simply send out a dog without a behavioral assessment?  I think this is something that all rescues should be doing, especially with any intakes that are young where it is apparent that there was some difficulty in the previous home that made the first owners want to surrender the dog.

This is not necessarily the case with this dog, but chances are this dog has had this reaction to other dogs for it's lifetime, which means that someone should have seen this prior to placement to advise her and help her to find a good trainer.  It is also possible this behavior suddenly emerged because the dog was never walked, etc., but if a trainer had examined this dog, it would have been found.

I am good with rescuing dogs, but if we just rescue dogs because they are bassets, which is what we do, shouldn't we have as much concern for their mental and emotional well being as for any health decisions while they are in a rescue program?  

To send out a dog with a known issue without at least a written plan from a trainer for dealing with that in advance is shameful to me.  Would we send out a dog with a broken leg?  No, that would be addressed.  These behavioral issues should also be addressed prior to placement, with at least a plan for the new owners and suggestions for further training.

Thank you,

Sara Watson, CTC
Bluefence Bassets
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