Dear Tracy,

I am so very sorry. This is your dog, you are taking the responsible step that needs to happen because after all, it's your kids safety first. Your children should not live in fear of their dog and your dog should not live it's life in fear of children.

No amount of obedience overrides temperament but rather masks the impulses that lie within the dog. If the actions become random and risk the safety of those involved then yes, your decision is right. Let him live one more night loved, as part of the family he's always known, and let him go in peace. The life of a dog in a shelter that looks like yours is not easily aquired by the right person the dog needs but rather the last person that dog needs.

So sorry for you and Truman. I tear up at the thought of saying goodbye to any of my dogs in this way although I have one that will be the only way she leaves my custody for the exact reasons you have outlined. It is what is responsible, it is doing right by the dog. It doesn't make it not hurt.

I hope this letter helps you even a bit with your grief.

Melissa

 Quote: connie sutherland

Is this the same dog that a teenage niece or cousin or someone was riding on like a pony and then alpha-rolling when you were not there?

If I recall correctly, the husband allowed that scenario, and was described as being "not on board" with the O.P.'s training/handling protocol.

If there is a chance of rehoming the dog with an experienced trainer who has no children, that would be the route I would choose.

I don't have time right now to re-read previous threads.

But I do think he's in the wrong home. I hope that can be corrected. If it cannot, with assurance that the dog will not go to another home with either issues of consistency between the primary handlers or with children, then PTS might be the only answer. I sure do agree with Melissa that this dog is not going to fare well in a shelter.

Regardless of how this came about, I agree with the O.P. that he cannot stay in this home.

All JMO.

Melissa,

Thank you so much for your kind words. You have written so eloquently what I feel. I truly adore this dog, and this is the hardest decision I have ever had to make.

I understand your fear, and your frustration Tracy.
As a mom to a 4 year old boy, I can only imagine how terrifying it must have been.

I know that you did not come to this place easily, and I know you've made considerable efforts to work with Truman.

I would strongly urge you to seek help from a local dog rescue in rehoming Truman. They may be able to find him a home with a single, childless person who would appreciate a large, strong looking dog for company and protection.

Perhaps here is a good place to start: http://www.afaboston.org/

In no way am I trying to convince you to keep Truman- if you are worried about your children's safety, it is time for Truman to have a new home.

I don't think euthanasia is the answer in this situation, because in the right home (without children/frequent visitors) be could be just fine. It's at least worth giving him the chance.

 Quote:

I think there is something wrong in this dogs head. Like I said, the breeder has told me of temperament problems with his littermates.

Oh man Tracy,this is a pretty big concern.All the work in the world may not be any use at all.

Connie,

My husband was quite wrong with the way he handles that scenario, but that was out of the ordinary for him. I really don't want to try to defend myself, I already am regretting posting this at all on this forum. I am already fearing the posts I will get in the future putting down how I raised, handled, maintained Truman.

All I can say is that I did the best that I knew how. I had experience with molosser breeds and their training. I am sure I made mistakes.

I have not posted every little incidence that has concerned me regarding Trumans temperament. Over the last 6 months, I have seen a lot of fearful behavior from him. It is not predictable at all though, and I never know when to expect it.

I wish it was, then I would know his triggers, and be able to manage them.

Tracy, take your time, think about this, and give it time to safely be resolved.

I'm with Connie on this one, I don't think the dog should be in your home... because honestly from what's I have read, you don't seem to know much about aggression.... or why your dog is acting this way.

I get that this is a hard decision, one I hope I never have to make, but taking a dog to be put to sleep without even trying to address the aggression issue properly is not the answer, it's just a quick fix in my opinion.

Seek out professional help, keep the dog and kids seperated until the issue is fixed. If the aggression can't be fixed, re-home the dog if possible.

Best of luck on this one.

 Quote: Tracy R Touzjian

I am already fearing the posts I will get in the future putting down how I raised, handled, maintained Truman. .... All I can say is that I did the best that I knew how. I had experience with molosser breeds and their training. ...

There is no shame in not having the experience needed to handle every single temperament variation. Experience with a breed is not necessarily experience with all the issues that might occur with that breed (or any other breed).

I think that you have done your best, too.

I also think that you will make the right decision. If you cannot be assured of a new placement for him that is secure, with a knowledgeable handler, then you will have to make that call.

I just want to add that I am very sympathetic about what you are going through. I don't think that anyone doubts your concern and love for the dog.

Thanks Connie,

It's just the digs that you get like "you don't seem to know much about aggression.... or why your dog is acting this way. "


Makes me feel like Sh#t. I know exactly what kind of aggression I am facing and exactly why Truman is acting that way.

He is fearful of my kids, and cell phones, and odd noises, and odd sights, and being in the car when the windshield wipers are on, and walking by the stairs to the basement, and occasionally when you take him by the collar. And lots of other stuff that surprises me that he wasn't afraid of the day before.

I am not ashamed. I have done everything by the book. I researched, and socialized, and trained. When problems came up, I came here, and asked questions. Then I went back to my trainer and asked more. It sucks, when you are pegged a person who does wrong by their dog, who didn't do their homework.

It's not you Tracy. Sent you a PM.