Ok so I recently started my training business. I usually only take cases I KNOW I can handle but this case is a last chance case that took my heart. Here is some background:

A woman in my area (South Florida) decided to adopt a 1 year old Pit Bull from a well known "high kill shelter" in Alabama last weekend. The owner has previously had pit bulls and other big "bully" breed dogs and had no problems. She thought she researched this particular dog greatly but was sadly mistaken. The dog had claimed to have dog aggression but no cat aggression. She asked numerous times if the dog was tested and was assured he came form a home with a cat and had no issues except with other dogs.

She brings the dog home and right off the bat goes after the cat. The woman wasnt sure if he just wanted to "meet" the cat or "kill" the cat...after my observation he wants to "kill" the cat. He literally attacked the cage where the cat was being held (wanted this meeting to be safe..luckily it was). Now the dog is mellow unless the owner leaves so he also has separation anxiety already! When on walks...great! No signs of aggression towards people, bikes, kids, but I do not know about other dogs because we did not get the privilege of seeing any. No real OB either...all around still a puppy with no direction.

The owner is not willing to take the time nor the chance to fix the dog and possibly hurt the cat who has been her best companion for years (her cat is first and foremost in this situation). The owner is willing to re-home the dog but if that does not happen quickly enough she will put the dog to sleep.

My question is, is there any hope for this dog? Can he be re-homed? What can/should I do to help? My heart is broken because I have such a big heart especially for this dog who destiny seems to already be made - death. I feel terrible because now I will feel it is my fault because I cannot help him.

Any advice/criticism would be greatly appreciated.

 Quote: Tiffany Holtfret

The owner is not willing to take the time nor the chance to fix the dog

Tiffany, even I know the answer to this one and I am not a dog trainer.

 Quote: Tiffany Holtfret

My question is, is there any hope for this dog? Can he be re-homed?

Yes. With somebody who either does not have cats or is willing to do it right. Check out this Leerburg video and article on introducing dogs to cats.

eta: or you could use avoidance training for this one. If that's the only alternative to the needle.

Edited by Ana Kozlowsky (11/18/2010 07:31 PM)
Edit reason: eta

Thanks for the article. I just dont want the dog to go back to a shelter and it seems people down here are not as understanding and patient with dogs as others are. I have seen way to many people who dont give the time and effort into their dog .

eta - Unfortunatly I dont think the owner is willing to do any training that will take longer than a couple sessions. The dog needs a decent amount of time and effort.

Tiffany, as you said, the owner is not willing to put any time into training the dog, so there really is no hope unless he can be rehomed, and quick. As a dog trainer, you must have a network of contacts in your local dog community. Do you have the time to help the owner look for a no-kill rescue organization that might be able to take the dog and find a more appropriate home? I know there is no shortage of pitties needing good homes, but ........

My opinion, and my opinion only, but I believe some dogs can never be trusted with cats. Period.

Avoidance training might work in the house, but dog and cat meet outside, cat runs, prey instinct kicks in strong, cat's toast.

Without even that amount of training (avoidance in the house), there is no hope. One lapse, a quick shake from the pitbull and the cat is gone. So, re-homing is the best and really the only option here.

I'm not a professional dog trainer.

I will make the time; I have a private group and I know of a local non-kill shelter around here that will help find him a home. I have around a week to find him somewhere so I will do my best. I just wanted to make sure I shouldn't give up on this dog. I didn't want to but a few friends were saying I may have too and that's when I wrote to you guys .

 Quote: Kiersten Lippman

My opinion, and my opinion only, but I believe some dogs can never be trusted with cats. Period.

That's gospel, trust me!

A lot of people try and mix the two... unfortunately it usually doesn't work out for one of them...