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Email From Former Client . . . "What Can We Do With Our Dog?"

By
Industry Observer with RETIRED / State License is Inactive Inactive License Oregon
Last week I received an email from a former client.  The email was about how frustrated they had become with their elder dog's behaviour.  They wanted to know if I knew anyone interested in their dog.
 
Apparently, the elder dog was continuing to have some behavior problems which were getting worse. 
 
Unfortunately, they got a second dog a year or so ago and the elder dog didn't take too kindly to the newest member of the "pack."
 
Although I lost my beloved Poppy dog in September last year, I am unable to take on another pet.  Why?  Because I know my dog Molly's personality.  She does not like other dogs.  Period.  End of story.
 
Dog owners need to be mindful of things like this PRIOR to placing another dog into the household mix.  Dogs each have their own personality. 
 
A dog already living in the home needs to be considered PRIOR TO ADDING ANOTHER PET of any kind.
 
No one likes to think about giving up their pet.  These former clients are nice peope . . . but in my opinion, they didn't think this through.  Dogs who are not liter mates NEED to be introduced to each other first.
 
When pet owners take on the mantle of pet ownership, they have to think of more then themselves.  They have to think of the EXISTING PET.
 
I couldn't take on another dog although I might want to . . . Molly wouldn't be agreeable.  I know that.
 
I emailed the following:
 
 
"About your dog, I know of a lady in the Portland area that is a dog whisperer. Her name is Ute Luppertz and she deals with all kinds of things including behavioral issues.   PetsPointofView
 
 
She might be a good resource if you want to have a consultation to find out if the issues are something that can be overcome, perhaps you won't have to give up your dog."
 
 
 
 
Posted by

 

 

Carla Muss-Jacobs has RETIRED effective May 1, 2018

Representing Buyers in the Portland Metro Real Estate Market | Clackamas Multnomah and Washington Counties | Since 1999

Carla Muss-Jacobs, REALTOR®, ABR, CEBA, ePro
Principal Broker/Owner ~~ INACTIVE

Carla Muss-Jacobs' retirement became effective May 1, 2018

Direct: 503-810-7192 

 

All Rights Reserved © 

Comments (19)

Sheila Anderson
Referral Group Incorporated - East Brunswick, NJ
The Real Estate Whisperer Who Listens 732-715-1133

Hi Carla. You are right. It isn't easy dealing with this and I see it in our rescue group all the time. I have three of my own and it wasn't easy introducing each into my home, but I am experienced and used a trainer. Occasionally, I foster, and one or the other of my brood is unhappy, but in an emergency it beats the alternative. I am sorry for your loss.

Apr 09, 2012 06:30 AM
Jane Peters
Home Jane Realty - Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles real estate concierge services

Hopefully they will reconsider giving up the older dog.  Poor thing.  It was there first.  Maybe the dog whisperer will be able to save the situation.

Apr 09, 2012 06:48 AM
Donna Foerster
HomeSmart Realty Group - Parker, CO
Metro Denver Real Estate Assistant

What a sad situation Carla.  I hope the dog whisperer will be able to make a difference.

Apr 09, 2012 06:57 AM
Sheila Anderson
Referral Group Incorporated - East Brunswick, NJ
The Real Estate Whisperer Who Listens 732-715-1133

Carla, I can't stop thinking of this. I see it a lot. Always the older dog is given up. Imagine giving away your tennager because they have become difficilt. People don't think and it breaks my heart.

Apr 09, 2012 07:06 AM
Pat Champion
John Roberts Realty - Eustis, FL
Call the "CHAMPION" for all your real estate needs

This is so true we have to treat our pets like they are part of the family and know each one's personality.

Apr 09, 2012 07:09 AM
Chris Lewis
Gracious Living Realty - Front Royal, VA
I want to SELL your home, not LIST it!

I don't care how nice the people are, they do not deserve to have a dog if they behave like this.

Apr 09, 2012 07:23 AM
Gene Mundt, IL/WI Mortgage Originator - FHA/VA/Conv/Jumbo/Portfolio/Refi
NMLS #216987, IL Lic. 031.0006220, WI Licensed. APMC NMLS #175656 - New Lenox, IL
708.921.6331 - 40+ yrs experience

I certainly hope they get this issue straightened out to their .. and the dog's benefit.  Your reminder is a good one, Carla.  Dog's have personalities and needs too .. and we must remain mindful of them.  They just aren't always going to be a good fit for an additional pet in the home ... 

Gene

Apr 09, 2012 07:34 AM
Dick Greenberg
New Paradigm Partners LLC - Fort Collins, CO
Northern Colorado Residential Real Estate

Hi Carla - Any new animal or person added to a pack will change the pack's social dynamics, sometimes in unpredictable ways. Our dogs are happier when there is a cat around, for some weird reason, and they are completely unaffected by visiting animals, even if it's a longish stay. I think the trick is to make sure that each existing animal gets the amount of attention and affection they need - and that need will go up if a new animal is introduced - they need reassurance. (In regard to Sheila's comment in #4, it would have been a lot easier to give up our daughter between the ages of 14-17 than any of our pets - wouldn't trade her now, though.)

 

 

Apr 09, 2012 07:41 AM
Cindy Jones
Integrity Real Estate Group - Woodbridge, VA
Pentagon, Fort Belvoir & Quantico Real Estate News
Sad they would decide it was the older dog that needed to go and not the younger one. Hopefully a good behaviorist will keep the family together.
Apr 09, 2012 08:14 AM
Sidney Kutchuk - Realty Works Temecula Kutchuk - Realty Works Temecula
Realty Works Temecula - Temecula, CA
Realty Works Temecula

Carla:  The out with the old and in with the new attitude for pets also....yikes....I really hope the dog whisperer helps this poor elderly dog out so that the family keeps him/her.

Apr 09, 2012 08:24 AM
Brenda Mullen
RE/MAX Associates - San Antonio, TX
Your San Antonio TX Real Estate Agent!!

Once you have pets, taking in others must be a consideration.  I am a cat person myself and we have a Siamese who absolutely despises any new cats...so, until such a time as she grows too old to care, no more new kitty's in the house.  

This is a very good post Carla that pet owners need to read :)!  Maybe I can call your petwhisperer about my cat lol :)!

Apr 09, 2012 09:15 AM
Scott Hayes
(512) 786-8300 - Austin, TX
Realty Austin, Broker Associate

Spot on Carla. Getting two pets at the same time, is typically a good idea, but when you bring one in to a home with an established pet, all bets are off.

Apr 09, 2012 01:03 PM
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

wow- throwing out the old dog.  Fortunatelyy when Laney showed up Glen was still a pup.  And while adding dogs to our feline litter caused some changes and issues. (we had to add a new litter box in the "ladies" room.  and Put a new cat bed in the closet for skitty and buy her some new toys.... we worked it all out.  Each pet gets some individual petting time daily. 

Love the dog whisper lady.  I hope they called her.

Apr 09, 2012 02:00 PM
Marge Piwowarski
Phoenix AZ Horse Property - Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix AZ Horse Property, LLC

Our pets don't want to dispose of us when we get old or develop behaviorial issues.  Why can't we be more like our dogs? 

Apr 09, 2012 04:11 PM
Mona Gersky
MoonDancer Realty, Dillsboro,NC - Sylva, NC
GRI,IMSD-Taking the mystery out of real estate.

Carla, it seems the behavioral problem is with the humans.  Don't you wonder what other steps they've taken to resolving this other than calling the REALTOR?  If there is someone like the Dog Whisperer available to them and their older dog and they DON'T take advantage of the resource and advice, then they maybe aren't as nice as you thought...they are very selfish and mean.  I'm sure the older dog has seen them through trials and tribulations.  I'm hoping this is resolved and they become better humans and restore happiness to their faithful companion.

Apr 09, 2012 09:40 PM
Kathryn Maguire
GreatNorfolkHomes.com (757) 560-0881 - Chesapeake, VA
Serving Chesapeake, Norfolk, VA Beach

Isn't that the truth!  And litter mates can also decide that they don't like each other.  But I still think it is sooo cool that she thought of you as the go-to person for all things! Speaks volumes about the service you provide to your clients.

Apr 09, 2012 09:50 PM
Ruthmarie Hicks
Keller Williams NY Realty - 120 Bloomingdale Road #101, White Plains NY 10605 - White Plains, NY

Some dogs do not do well with other dogs.  I have three dogs.  THey have to get USED TO EACH OTHER and you have to let them sort out the hierarchy themselves.  You can not force one dog into the position of "top dog."  Having said that, I'm lucky in that most of my dogs have been Siberian Huskies or mixes of husky and something else.  Huskies are a "social" breed used to working in groups. The same can not be said for other more protective breeds.  But for the most part, if the owner is determined to make things work - it will work out.  But it is WORK to have it work out!  Great post!

Apr 10, 2012 03:52 AM
Juli Vosmik
Dominion Fine Properties - Scottsdale, AZ
Scottsdale/Cave Creek, AZ real estate 480-710-0739

I LOVE Marge's #14's comment.  

This sounds like the human parents didn't do a great job of introducing them and getting positive interaction.  Hopefully, an intervention from someone who understands dogs will get this situation worked out.  

Please keep us up to date if you learn anything more.  

Apr 10, 2012 12:19 PM
Gayle Rich-Boxman Fishhawk Lake Real Estate
John L Scott Market Center - Birkenfeld, OR
"Your Local Expert!" 503-739-3843

Carla~knowing you, this had to be one of the most painful phone calls to receive. Laying this sadness at your doorstep to have YOU come up with a solution is what breaks my heart, along with thinking about that poor dog who was there FIRST. Shame on them. And, my reaction to this, is that they won't bother to call the woman who can help.

However, it gives me a chance to know about another wonderful contact to add to my Resource List--thank you.

P.S. I have joined the group, Pet Friendly Real Estate thanks to you!

Apr 12, 2012 03:53 AM