I gave a full grown dog. The new owner has threatened to sue me because she says it is not house broke.?

Question

I disagree. I used to put that dog out when I put my other dog outside to potty. The new owner says I lied to her, I did not.
She is really mad. I told her to bring the dog back if it was such a problem.
Who is right?

She is refusing to give the dog back at this point. Saying that she is a paralegal student and the law is on her side. That it is all my fault, that I am a liar and that she wouldn't give the dog back to someone who didn't want it. I liked the dog and only wanted it to be in an only dog enviroment.I have since blocked her from sending me any emails.

Answer 1

Some dogs are "housebroke" to one home.. and have to relearn in a new place.

Some dogs are "housebroke" because their owners let them out very frequently (a lot of multi-dog households do this and the dog never lears to "ask" to go out)

Some dogs wouldn't THINK of going indoors.

I've had a lot of rescue dogs that fit one of the 3. Either way, get the dog back. This person does not sound like a good dog owner.

Answer 2

She is a fruitcake. As already stated, unless you have a written contract guaranteeing that this dog is housebroken, she hasn't got any leg to stand on.

My sister has an extremely well behaved housebroken lab. Never has a single problem from her. She comes to my house and within 5 minutes will pee on the floor. She's marking her territory. I use a capet cleaner and clean it. No big deal. If the new owner cannot clean the carpet accident, she doesn't need a dog, because housetrained or not, accidents WILL happen.

You offered to take the dog back. She refuses . KEEP that email. If she does try to sue you, show that to the judge and he will just throw that case out. Our legal system has no time for that nonsense.

Good luck.

Answer 3

Let me get this straight. You gave away a full grown dog? Did you guarantee it to be house broken? If no money changed hands, and you didn't sign anything, then it's highly unlikely that the present owner of the dog can sue you for anything unless you live in some strange state with weird laws. Besides when dogs go to new places they often revert back to weird potty habits, especially if someone doesn't watch them carefully and take them out often enough or show them where and when they need to go. Since this woman is so angry it's possible she isn't the right owner for this dog anyways - your offer to take the dog back is a good move. Hope she brings the dog back!! You've made all the right and proper moves here as far as I'm concerned. Good luck with this situation!! As far as being sued, I wouldn't worry - highly unlikely!!

Answer 4

That is hilarious! She can't sure you for that. She'd be laughed out of court!
She only said that stuff to try to scare you because she is mad. Obviously, you can't sure someone over a dog not being house trained, unless there was some type of written contract where you stated the dog was housebroken. Anyone with any knowledge of dog behavior knows that just because a dog is housebroken in 1 environment, doesn't mean he'll be housebroken in another environment. The dog is having accidents in her house because she apparently doesn't know how to house train a dog....that is her problem, not yours.
Overall, don't worry about it. There is absolutely nothing she can do about it. However, if she continues to harass you after you have told her to leave you alone, YOU can press charges.

Take Care!!

Answer 5

Anyone can sue anyone for anything.. the only problem is trying to win.. She has an advantage only because she has easy access to law books and help, whereas you will have to hire a lawyer or try to win it buy yourself..

Now, with it being a dog.. the fact is it's her word against yours.. so, try to get other people who have known you and the dog.. get them to write letters, if possible bring them with you.. Dogs CAN revert when going through a stressfull time.. if it was pretty sudden, then that is most likely the case.. Get statements from vets if possible.. people who work with animals, .. even the internet if need be.. showing that Changing owners can cause a breakdown in their housetraining.. (even going with the owner from one house to another can do it).. Good Luck

Answer 6

I think you are right. Perhaps being in a new environment as caused the dog to have "issues" in going potty. If she (the new owner) is that upset..take the dog back and find a better home for it. I took a dog in and the owner told me that she WAS NOT housebroke..but you know what..she hasn't had an accident or tried to go in the house yet and it's been over a year ago..(the dog stayed in an outdoor kennel)...so go figure...I think the dog should be taken back and find a better home (owner) for her/him.

Answer 7

Many dogs regress in housetraining after a stressful event like moving WITH their family...just imagine how a dog would behave after being disowned by her family and thrown into an unfamiliar environment!

This may be the case with this dog, or maybe she is just not letting the dog outside often enough (most "untrained" dogs just have "un-smart" owners!). I would take the dog back, and keep it, she doesn't sound very committed if she is freaking out about housetraining.

Answer 8

you can't sue anyone over a gift that doesn't turn out to be what you wanted. Its a gift. there's no contract to break and therefore no legal reason to sue.To sue there has to be a violation of law or contract, you had no contract with the other person so they don't have a legal leg to stand on. Besides, they have to prove that they took the time to let the dog out regularly enough , if they can't prove that the judge will laugh at them and call them lazy.

Answer 9

This sounds pretty dumb. I can't imagine a court in the world that would award someone damages because a dog was not housebroken especially when you offered to take it back.
Just let her sue you if she wants. She won't win.

Answer 10

Your word against hers. Anyway - everyone knows you should buy a dog from being a puppy if you want to ensure there are no problems.

Her fault not yours. She can train the dog if needs too anyway. Let her sue what can she really do?