at my wits end with dog?

Question

got my dog from a shelter 2 years ago. no history, but found pregnant and living on the streets. i spent a fortune on specialist trainer as she had predatory aggression, big problem as we had a cat. i hoped with time and a good home she would settle, but she is getting worse, she runs away all the time, escapes through windows, opens doors, slips her lead, she has become aggressive around other dogs. she is extremley hard work and after having my cat put to sleep recently i realise i havnt bonded with her like i have with dogs in the past, i am seriously thinking of rehoming her as im at my wits end. i am not inexperienced with dogs or training them, but nothing works with this one. everyone who knows us thinks we should rehome her as she is such a hard dog to look after, we get no pleasure from her. i know it sounds cruel and i would never see her hurt. do you think its best to rehome her?

thanks for all your answers so far... she has been under an animal behaviourist and i followed their training programme including the use of a spray collar rather than a shocker... that was only 1 month after we got her, because we were worried for our cat.

Answer 1

It is not cruel to re-home a dog you can not handle it is a very responsible thing to do. You have to do what you feel is best for your situation and being able to admit you have a problem is really good first step. Do not let others tell you that it is a bad decision they do not have to live with the dog. As for not bonding with the dog, it is very difficult to bond with a dog that is nothing but trouble. Really do not feel guilty as I always tell people not every breed is suited for all people so in your case it is for the best.

Answer 2

I honestly don't think that she is re-homeable. Some dogs are just plain hard work, or don't have great personalities.
It may be possible for you to sponser her keep at a no kill shelter. That way you wouldn't feel guilty.

What worries me is that she runs away all the time. If it were just the aggression, or the hunting, those things are fixable if the dog accepts you as pack leader. But your dog doesn't.
It may be that she was isolated from people as a pup so wasn't properly socialised with people , and could also have a dominant and aloof personality. Those aren't good pet qualities.
No farmer wants a dog that hunts. Farmers keep livestock in those big open fields.

I notice that the answer that suggest euthanasia got a thumbs down; well the reality is that the RSPCA alone destroys over 2000 dogs every week because the homes just aren't there.
Only you can make this decision. You either keep her and try another trainer, or you leave her at a dog home, or you euthanase her.
Whatever you decide, best of luck, and don't feel bad. You don't need anyone elses permission, and we can't see the dog to make a fair assessment.

Answer 3

Sounds like it is time to find your dog another home. You have also admitted you have not bonded with it like you have some of the other dogs. It is not cruel for you to re home the dog.. Two years is a long time and after the specialist training if it has not worked now it never will... There will be someone out there wanting a dog just like yours and another dog/cat out there that need you too which you will form a bond with and will get pleasure from. Advertise her at the local vets etc, if no luck take her to the pound.... one can only do what one can do and it sounds like enough is enough

Answer 4

I think it sounds like you have tried your best with your dog. You have been patient with her for two years now and I think it would be a shame to give up now. I think you should contact your vet to see if they can recommend a trainer or scheme to help you and your dog. As you have already spent so much effort with this dog I think it would be a shame to let her go without a fight. Give yourself a target of six months to turn this around and then if all else fails approach the re-homing centre. You need to bond with the dog and your vet should give you some tips on this as well.

I hope this helps, I had similar problems with my last dog until he was 6 years old. He calmed down all of a sudden and he lived until he was 13 1/2, those years were the best ever, he was a great friend!!

If it comes to the crunch and you feel that you can no longer care for the dog then it would be best to have her re-homed and that is not something you should feel bad about, you will know that you tried your very best for her. Good luck.x

Answer 5

Sometimes we can't bond with certain dogs. When this happens it is kinder to the dog to rehome it.If there is no relationship between you two, then you will never master this dog. You have done your bit & rescued this dog from certain death. You gave her a chance that maybe no one else would.The thing is I am not sure that anyone would want to take on a dog like this when they could have a sweet natured dog instead. I think your dog is very unhappy & maybe it would be kinder to put her to sleep.Hard choice to make I know but it is better than handing your problem over to someone else & the outcome becoming the same.

Answer 6

if you have a specific breed research its history ie what was its purpose? eg terriers were used for killing vermin and flushing foxs, hounds were used to hunt, herders to round sheep cattle ect. it will have something it will always focus on ie it may be food orientated or fixed on a ball.. use this for training if it showes any aggression de-value what it desires. if it is a tennis ball have another couple with you.. give it a purpose and it should respond my own dogs are aggresive only on the lead and are totally passive off of it .. if this does not work rehoming is always an option. but if you have a dog two years you may under estimate how much it may mean to you hope this helps Andy

Answer 7

It sounds like you're in over your head with this dog.

You could try to make it work by working with a different trainer and maybe a behaviorist who can give you advice on working with a dog of this type.

You could take additional steps in regards to management. For example, if she slips her lead, go to a properly fitted Martingale collar as they're very difficult to get out of, or a harness. If she frequently escapes through windows and doors, ensure that no doors or windows are open when she's out of the crate and that she cannot open them (install latches, etc.)

If all else fails, or you're at your wit's end and just feel like you've already tried everything, then yes, it may be time for her to go to a different home. You can probably find someone who has experience with this type of dog personality and where she'll be happy.

If she's a purebred, I would try working with a breed rescue as they can help you place her in an experienced home. It sounds to me like you have a dog with a lot of prey drive and a lot of energy that needs a job to do.

Answer 8

I had a similair problem, you need to rehome the dog to someone with lots of expirience, farm owners are generally very good people to look after dogs as the dog has plenty of freedom and are away from people. If your dog is agressive and escapes it could halm someone. I managed to send mine to a local farmer and he is now happy and calmed down. I bought a boxer puppy who is now a year old and a great member of the family. Get a puppy next time then you can train them to fit into your surroundings. GL

Answer 9

Yes, if your not happy, then she will pick up on this and won't be happy either. It is best for someone with experience of difficult dogs to rehome her, as she needs experienced owners. You can take her back to the shelter you got her from and explain the problems and that you are unable to cope with her, they will find her the right home

Answer 10

Your dog needs a animal behaviourist not a trainer.

Intense training is going to be needed. Call a rescue group who will take your dog. No one will fault you for having tried. Aggression is something that needs immediate attention, and it is not safe for you to have this dog any longer.

...and "NO", the dog will not be mentally damaged if you re-home her. Dogs are looking for leadership and direction, she will settle well with someone who is able to give her the obediance training and rules that are necessary to resolve the aggression.

Don't wait to do this, start now.