Redirecting Behavior - Dog Aggressive

[ZeldasMom]

Originally Posted by Kellee

I can see you are trying. I respect that, I do. The ridiculousness comes in with talks of medication for one. Yes I feel it is ridiculous to stick the dog on Prozac or whatever else in this case. Yes, get a trainer. However, I still see issues cropping up. Cinder mentioned that her dog will act one way with the trainer, and ANOTHER way with her. From what I can see, this most likely will happen with you. I feel, (sorry) , but it is ridiculous that things have escalated to the point that Dex is attacking you. Not saying its all your fault, don't be so sensitive.

I hardly ever say this, but I would place him, like I said, if I were you.

I am not usually sensitive to what people say about me or my dogs, but given the situation and stress I've been under since September, its a little hard not to. I will not place him until I have exhausted all avenues of helping him and us. I have said in the previous posts about this that I am against meds. I never said I was going to put Dexter on them, it was just an option the trainer and vet came up with. I can't do that. I know some owners have done that and I respect them for doing what they have to, but it's not for me.

I have a trainer. Whom I will get rid of because she's not producing. And yes, I did say that Dex also acts one way with the trainer and another with me. Cinder was exactly right. That's what is happening in our case too.

I'm not new to the bully breed, having had them for years, but there is always more to learn and each dog is different, no matter where they come from. Thanks for the concern.

[ZeldasMom]

Originally Posted by Cinder

Of course you do, we all do. Just take a step back and breathe, sometimes we have to remember to do that, but with dogs as big as ours, we forget.

Thank you. You are right. I have to take a step back, breathe and regroup. My dogs are my life. Thanks for waking me up.

[Treyfeezy]

keep in mind sometimes re-homing or PTS is the right thing to do. I don't feel it should be a 1st option, but don't rule it out completely.

[tt557]

The shelter I rescued Omi from had 99.9% pit mixes. They had a trainer there who worked with the dogs. She was an independent trainer who LOVED bullies.
Perhaps there is a shelter by you that is the same? They may be willing to work out a price for you - not to mention that they may go the extra mile with you to prevent having Dex brought to a shelter or PTS.

As with people - medications can help you get through something - but is not the cure-all. Most of the time.
Until all avenues are exhausted - then can medication be prescribed for life. This is just my opinion. I think Mary Ellen said that she has/had a dog on meds. She can answer the med thing better than me.

Also - how frequently are you exercising him? I dont think you ever mentioned that.

[maryellen]

sometimes, like Treyfreezy said, rehoming or pts is the way to go with certain dogs. see,with Dexter you also have to think realistically.. you have had problems with him from the start correct? sometimes, dogs and their owners are not the right match. its OK.it happens.. sometimes the dog and owner are wrong for each other..

while its understandable you want to try all avenues, Dexter has on numerous occassions BITTEN you , whether he broke the skin or not , but he has gone after you .... that is something you must take into consideration with him as well. how long are you going to keep doing this ? until he puts you in the hospital with hundreds of stitches or until he kills you?

my one dog who is on prozac is on it for fear issues but she wont bite, she would rather run away instead, and her issues are more social then aggression, so my case is different. not to say it wont work with Dexter, but with his aggression the way it is you really really need to make a decision . there is only so much some folks can do, and at this point you really need to look after your own life and others with Dexter around.

as far as PTS. there are some fates worse then death. bad genetics is bad genetics, you cant train them out you can only manage them, and in this case it really sounds like Dexter and you are not right for each other..

PLEASE be careful...