I hate my dog, is it ethical to trade it for a better one?

Question

My dog is a hyper ball of fur. I want a Lab. We've had her for two years. My wife says it's unethical to trade it in for another one. Two dogs is NOT an option.

Answer 1

trade it in?
what is she, a wrong size pair of pants?

so...lets just be hypothetical here...so u do FIND HER A NEW home....and get the lab.
what happens when you find out the lab is a LARGE hyper ball of shedding? trade that one it too?

your the kind of person who deserves to only own stuffed toys.

Answer 2

I would not recommend this. Your dog has already bonded with you and your wife. You are better off trying some obedience training with your dog (beneficial to both humans and dogs) and making sure you get your current dog more exercise. Not getting sufficent exercise/stimulation is the main reason your dog is so hyper. If you are unable/unwilling to take it for walks yourself then consider hiring a dog-walker, doggie daycare, dog parks, or even a fenced in ballfield where the dog can run for a good amount of time. I would suggest a minimum of 15-20 minutes a day, my dogs need closer to two 30 minute sessions to not be hyper.
In addition, they do also make some products that are supposed to calm the dog some (aromatherapy, rescue remedy) but in my experience these are not very effective.
Also if you want to get rid of this dog due to being hyper please do not get a lab. They are probably one of the most active breeds you can get and require a great deal of exercise (my boss has one and has to walk it for at least an hour every night just so it doesn't destroy his house....and he says the dog can keep going). A lot of people end up picking a dog because they like the way they look and do no research on the breed and end up in exactly the same situation you are in now. Do not make the same mistake twice.

Answer 3

No it is not ethical but if you really don't like it the poor dog can probably sense that so it might be better off if you found it a better home. Also, Labs are also very hyper as puppies and many act like puppies until they are at least 2 years old. This is one reason so many Labs end up in shelters because people get them thinking they will settle down but find it does take them well into adulthood to do that. In the meantime, they are not only hyper but big so make sure it is what you really want. The pictures you see of a calm Lab lying at your feet in front of a fire are not puppy pics. Good luck to you

Answer 4

Honestly, if the dog is not fitting in well with your family, I think you would be doing the right thing in finding her a home that is better suited for her personality. Why should you all be miserable by continuing to try and make it work? If you want some ideas as to how to go about re-homing her, you may email me and I will try to help you.

Whether or not a second dog would be an option is not the issue. Another dog will not calm her down, I know this from experience. However, are you aware that purebred Labs can be quite puppy-like for just about their entire lives? My husband's uncle and cousin have had several, and every single one of them has been spastic and very high energy. If you have your heart set on a Lab, try to find a mixed breed, preferably a Lab/Shepherd mix. She would still be puppy-like, but much more laid back.

Answer 5

NO FAIR! You didn't even tell us what kind of dog you have! Perhaps mom should have traded you when you were 2, 3, and teens. LOL! Anyway, labs, are huge hyper crazed dogs...get a slow, boring but ultimately cute bulldog or a lazy breed. Do your homework next time. Dogs should not be disposable, however the dog is better with someone willing to train it, and channel the energy that is driving you nuts! Good luck.

Answer 6

Unethical yes, so you would like to play swap the dog? You do know any other dog you got would be the same if you did not take time to train the dog, Dogs need to be trained and socialized, ALL dogs. They are what you make them.

Poor dog just think if someone wanted to swap you. The dog would only know it's family has dumped it. Wouldn't you wonder about it when it's gone? How it was being treated and cared for, it's untrained because you "hate" your dog. Hate is a strong word, let your wife keep her dog. It's the right thing to do.

Answer 7

Training at home or sending your dog to "puppy school" might be an option. But it sounds like your dog is no longer a puppy. My mom swears by Cesar Millan when it comes to training your dog. He is worth checking out. Most of the time hyper dogs just need to be exercised more. If after a few weeks (at least 2) you don't see any improvements from trying self training from someone like Cesar, you can always try to re-adopt your dog. Many pet stores have programs where you can take a dog in to a meet-and-greet situation. There is probably someone out there who has the energy and patience to welcome a "hyper" dog into their home. It certainly isn't unethical to try and find a better home for your dog, but I wouldn't go so far as to trade it in for a new one. And by the way, if you are looking for a lab, they need lots of exercise and will chew on everything in sight if they don't get enough of it. So here's a brief recap:

1. Try a self-training book or video (I recommend Cesar Millan)
2. If you see no improvements after 2-3 weeks consider finding someone else to adopt your dog.
3. A lab might be just as hyper as your current dog if they don't get enough exercise.

I hope that helps.

Answer 8

Well.. A dog is what you make him.. If you have allowed your dog to be a hyper ball of fur.. then that's your problem. You created that, you should either repair that or deal with it. You can't trade dogs for another one.. Cause if you didn't train your current dog, then you won't train your new dog.. Then what?? You trade off that one too?? That's not fair..

I'm with your wife, it's unethical and it's very very wrong.. You can't dump your mistakes to find a dog that is maybe better than your current dog.. You fix the dog you got. Good luck finding a breeder that will sell you a dog if you have done that.

Answer 9

Ask yourself this question.....If you and your wife had a child would you trade it in??? This dog should be considered part of your family. Do you love your dog?? Does your wife love your dog??

It you are both unhappy with this dog then yes, I would try to find it a home where everyone is happy - including the dog. But you need to ask yourself the question if you really need a dog. I know you say you want a lab, but my 13 year old lab is SO hyper. She runs around the house beating her tell on everything and knocking everything off the coffee table as well. She still jumps in the bed and she often wakes me in the middle of the night. I get aggravated with her yes, but I wouldn't trade her for anything in the world. I love her and she is my family.

Please make sure you are prepared for everything that comes with a dog. And maybe you should try some extra training with this one. I hate that you don't love your dog - because your dog does sense you hatred and fustration towards it. I feel sorry for the puppy.

Answer 10

Why are two dogs not an option? Sounds like the one you have is small so it wouldn't take up much room or eat much. A Labrador on the other hand will take up quite a bit of room, will eat lots of food and if you think the little one is hyper, wait till you try to live in a house with a Lab! Until the Lab gets some years on it, it will be active both inside and out. Will require lots of activity to wear it out daily. Will need you to keep it busy and take it to classes to train it to keep it out of trouble at home.

Answer 11

Aw, sad day for your dog. Do not give up on her. I agree with your wife that it is unethical to "trade it in for another one." Instead, why don't you try some things to calm your hyper pet or learn to manage it?

I have heard of sprays like someone mentioned earlier that can calm your dog. Also, you can get "tranquilizers" from your vet. Not as scary as they sound...they just bring your dog to a more relaxed state- not vegetative. And of course, having the proper amount of exercise can work wonders. You shouldn't have to work TOO hard to give your little dog enough exercise. After all, if it is a Pom or Llasa Apsa (sp?) they have to walk 3 or 4 or 5 times as fast just to keep up with you. Take the little tike on a brisk walk or even a jog just for 10-15 minutes or so and I can almost guarantee you that the creature will calm down and curl up for a nap! My boyfriend and I own a Siberian Husky who requires lots and lots of exercise (which we, sadly, do not give her near enough of!) but she literally crashes after a good walk or even just running around the house and we won't hear from her again for at least an hour or so. I'm telling you: EXERCISE IS YOUR ANSWER. Exercise is literally the cure for hyperness. Unless your dog is just psychotic- then go for the tranqulizers! haha. Do you crate train your dog? If not, I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY suggest doing so. I won't give you the Crate Training lecture, but do some research on it- it will change your life. I have found that crate training our dog was THE BEST DECISION either of us have ever made in our lives. If your dog is driving you nuts, give her a treat and/or her favorite toy and put her in her crate for a while. Dim the lights and close the door, and your dog will most definitely fall asleep and give you some peace and quiet. I got ridiculed by my family for "putting my dog down for a nap", but it really works and will give you an hour or more of doggie-free quality time. People shouldn't be calling you a bad person for wanting to "trade in" your dog...maybe you should have chosen better wording, but I understand where you're coming from. You're just being honest. I hope my advice will help a little and I just have one more thing to say...


LABS ARE HYPER AS HELL!! BEWARE! Do some major research before you commit to one....they are quite a handful!