Please help me decide

[Serv]

Hi Gang,

My first time here, also almost a first time Beagle owner. I need some advice. We saw a Male Beagle today who has been in Stanford Research Institute (SRI) all 15 months of his life. Normally dogs are put down after the research is done, but this very compassionate person fought with the program Director to let this one go and is now offering it for adoption. He was a control dog, (incase you don't know what that means, he was the the dog that other dogs that were being experimented on were measured against. ) So he wasn't given any experimental medicines, etc. But they did draw blood samples from him on a regular basis.

It made me cringe when I heard his story, but we all know so many animals are used in development of human drugs. So this dog is very passive right now, he lets you do whatever you want to do with it. My girls were picking him up, setting in their laps. When petting, he would just stand in one place, with no desire to move or run away.

Yesterday was the first time, this dog ever saw daylight, so he has never seen the outside world including cats, dogs, birds, grass, cars, etc.

He is a great looking dog, my wife and two daughters immediately liked him. My concern and question is that how easy will he become normal again? We want a playful dog, who runs around and does all the usual Beagle stuff. He has almost never gone for a walk, just stayed in a 8x8 area that included a crate, thats about it. So his muscles aren't really developed, although he looks normal, from what I can tell, I could be wrong.

Should I get this Beagle? Can it become a normal Beagle again and be our great family dog?

Please give me your honest opinion, as much as I want to help this dog, I want our first dog experience to be a positive one. I'm attaching a couple of pictures.

Thanks for reading, and looking forward to your response.

Serv

[Vikki]

So sad - only you and your family can decide. The dog will need loads of training and if you can find a good trainer who will help you I would adopt. It can be done I have heard of dogs being rescued from terrible situations and then after a lot of training, patience etc they are completely different dogs. I hope there is someone out there reading your post who adopted a dog in a similar situation good luck let us know how you get on

[brandypup]

Agree- it can go either way and regardless it would be work and paitenace. The fact that he is a good house dog is very nice. Just remeber there is no such thing as a normal beagle! LOL

He could still be a really wonderful companion. Can you foster him until a permanat home is found?

[kutyuska]

I had a lab rescue before . He was shy first but became a " normal " dog.
The only thing it was really hard to house train him. But it can be done.
He became a very affectionate dog. It takes time but not too long.
Pls, pls adopt him.
You can see his pictures under my photo album : Jacko 1998-2001
I still miss him so much, I died a little when he passed the bridge.

[Serv]

Kutyuska, can you tell me a bit more about your lab rescue? Was it a Beagle, and how old when you got it? A few more details about his behavior at the time of rescue would be helpful.

I guess my main concern is how permanent is this conditioning he received in the lab setting. How fast can Beagles forget?

[Vikki]

Just remeber there is no such thing as a normal beagle! LOL

I agree

[kutyuska]

My rescue was a little different, not from here but from Europe. He was not " debarked", but he was 6 years old when I first heard his bark.
He was young, 4.5 months old only. Loved people and children but really didn't care about other dogs and he loved cats.
He was a " normal" beagle.

[Mollys Mom]

How great that you are considering taking him to your home!

Here is an example that might help you. We fostered my greyhound Andy and he came to us right from the track. he didn't know treats, petting, doors, mirrors, lawns, etc etc etc. He took our lead and he learned how to be a great house pet that enjoyed walks, playing in the yard and later became a therapy dog visiting nursing homes with me. We were careful not to treat him like he was "damaged" or "abused". I won't deny we had some troubles at first with some house accidents and a bit of agression with his toys or if my husband disciplined him.

That is just one story of a dog that only knew one way of life for 2 years yet he grew to bring me so much joy.

[Serv]

All, thank you for all the feedback. After a lot of careful thought, we've decided that this Beagle won't be a good fit for us.

I spoke with several dog trainers and they advised it mayfair up to 6-12 moths to bring him back to a healthy state. I,m sorry but this being our very first dog experience, I REALLY want it to be easy and positive. I also forgit to mention earlier that he has been de-barked, another thing difficult for my kids to deal with and understand. I feel we just may not have enough experience and patience to do this Beagle Justice.

I have contacted a rescue org. Called Furry Friends and they'll be more than happy to help find him a suitable home.

Thanks again

Serv

[brandypup]

Aw glad you got him a foster contact.