A 2 yr old West (show)/Slovakian (working) came in to the training studio yesterday with extreme reactivity to other dogs. The owners moved from 5 acres to a town home in a city/community that has tons of dogs. The shepherd has been growling at neighbors and full boar attacking the neighbors dogs (or trying to). I asked them if she has/had any professional training. They said she had, so I said 'show me' like I always do. The dog was better than most, but could not pass our basic obedience (level 1 test). I told them that she would always be a liability, and they would have to manage her with thought and consistency, but she wasn't beyond hope. I recommended tightening her obedience and muzzle training her, and the Dealing with Dominant and Aggressive Dogs DVD. They flat out told me that they didn't have the time, energy, or desire to train her, and that they would euthanize.

I had bad dreams about this case all night. I could see that all this dog needed was some management, and physical/mental exercise. They ruined a perfectly beautiful dog and are going to put her out with Tuesday's trash. I thought if I 'blogged it out,' it would help me shed this negative energy (Just walk with me in hippy land for a moment)..... ....

To some people dogs will always be disposable...

I hope one day these people feel the same.

I'm sorry..its painful...You tried your best.
I hate that it works out like this sometimes.

The psychology can't be reconciled....... According to these people they paid a boat load of money for the dog. You would think that even if they don't value the dog for being a dog, the least they would want to do is protect their investment. I mean, would you throw $2500 in the trash? Why would anybody buy THAT kind of dog and expect it to move through life without any information? It boggles the mind at any angle.

I'd find out the breeder, and contact them, or recommend to the owner that they contact their breeder.

Most breeders make you sign a contract that you cannot sell or otherwise dispose of the dog without contacting them. Generally because they'll take the dog back.

Yes, we discussed that. They said they had tried the breeder and got no feedback. I told them keep trying until they get a solid response. They owe her that much.

It is a good idea but unfortunately there are many irresponsible breeders. I hate stories like this but they are not rare. You tried to help but it is out of your hands. The poor dog never had a chance. Sometimes there are compassionate vets who will contact rescue when a dog owner asks them to euthanize a dog but with a known aggressive dog it is hard to find a rescue group who will take it.

amy

Hopefully these people do the right thing and try and find a new home for the dog or stop being so bloody lazy and put some work in, terrible they way they think!

Only 2 years old...what a tragedy because of their ignorance and stupidity...

To me, these people show one of the greatest failings of humanity...the inability to realize that you have done something wrong or not done enough of something and even when a solution is presented, a choice not to follow through with responsibility.

The worst I ever heard was, "Put this cat to sleep it doesn't go with my new furniture."