Quote: Ana Kozlowsky

 Quote: Chip Bridges

Oh, I don't need a third dog...

Too late Good luck with your new pup!

If you don't need a third dog, don't want a third dog, can't make this work without causing either of your two current dogs or life in general a great amount of stress, don't go there. If it sounds too good to be true - it usually is.

Edited by Barbara Schuler (05/18/2010 09:39 PM)
Edit reason: Typo

Chip is already taking care of this dog. He is the one training him. In this particular case it does not seem like an impossible solution. What are the chances of re-homing a 1 year old pit with behavioral problems? Of course, since we (as a family) are not comfortable with keeping the dog once he is grown up, it is better to get rid of him.

Chip,

Good job with taking this one because Mom does always come first before the dog. Sometimes in our love of dogs around here we forget that people come first.

This sounds to me like redirecting and it's not the first dog I've seen where the pace the dog desires doesn't match the owners. Personally if I were committed to keeping the pup with Mom, I'd exercise this dog where it was a little worn out prior to walks, this can either be done with a game like 2 ball in the backyard or a treadmill on a medium speed. It doesn't have to be for long periods, just enough to take the edge off.

I would not use an e collar for this problem. It's not a correction issue IMO it's a direction issue, it also can create an anxiety problem which can get ugly in soft nervy dogs. Odds are a minor adjustment in energy release will make the future problem unlikely. HOWEVER, if you have doubts that your mother would be up to dealing with this dog on it's worst days I would consider either a dog swap with one of your own that is a bit more compatible with your mom's energy level or taking on the dog entirely.

I personally would opt to euthanize a dog with a bite history rather than rehoming if I weren't able to handle it. It's not worth the future liability and heartache to me no matter how much I love the dog.

Good luck,

Melissa

 Quote: ana kozlowsky

Chip is already taking care of this dog. He is the one training him. In this particular case it does not seem like an impossible solution. What are the chances of re-homing a 1 year old pit with behavioral problems? Of course, since we (as a family) are not comfortable with keeping the dog once he is grown up, it is better to get rid of him.

Ana, I am not being flippant about the dog, and in no way subscribe to the "he isn't cute any longer let's toss him" theory.

If Chip can realistically keep the dog and GIVE THE DOG what he needs - time, exercise and training, I absolutely think that is the perfect solution. If however, the dog is going to go from one situation where he is not getting the attention he needs to another, plus we add two more dogs in the mix, that may create an entirely different set of issues for the dog.

If the dog is willing to go after a ball then two ball might be an option. It will probably take some training at first (if he has good food drive then training the retrieve should be mostly a training matter) but once dog gets it it might start to enjoy the game itself more and with a little help of the Chuck-it it might help to exercise the dog.

Just a thought.

Chip,
I have to agree that it sounds like the pup is just not getting enough exercise with your Mom.
a 20 minute walk is something you take the dog on to get to the place you plan on actually exercising him. 2 15-20 minute walks on a leash aren't going to drain this pups energy.
As others have stated i believe this pup is taking out his un-used energy on your mom. Not in a mean way (of course) but more of a "worked up and no place to go" sense.

Also, is the dog on a leash when he jumps and bites? Or a long line?

If the dog wont chase a ball that's thrown, and i've seen a couple dogs that just really aren't interested in the traditional game of fetch. Try using soccer balls or something on the larger size. I've seen dogs lackadasical at a thrown ball, but go nuts for a ball that is kicked around for them to chase.

just a thought.....

Each jumping/bite incident was while leashed, but he's "spazzed" and run loops off lead a few times as well. I'm rethinking the dog park, as there just aren't other places he can run off leash that I know of. I'll update when I know more. Thanks for all the input.

well, i don't think anyone would say rethink the dog park.
I agree with you decision to not take the dog there.
Are there other parks close to your mom's??
Invest in a long line for the dog and that way you can exercise him with a leash on. A 20 foot cotton line would be best.

That way he can run around to his hearts content but the end of the leash is still in your (or your Mom's) hand.

I take it that there's no access to a backyard at your Mom's?

How about training on a treadmill vs the dog park?

I'd be willing to invest in a treadmill. I'm not sure of any that come recommended for dogs, or exactly how you teach the dog to enjoy it, but I'm open to the idea.

I have him again tonight, and WHEW there would be some acclimation to fit him into my pack full-time! My English goes to her crate and growls when he gets near when she's had enough. Rose has a very long fuse with him, though. They play great together, but occasionally, he wants to play when she's focused on something else or resting. And then there's a flash of teeth bearing and vocalization, and he submits immediately. But I know with time, he might get bold. There is no doubt in my mind that would result in his death or serious injury.

I realize I'm thinking ahead to worst case scenarios, but I don't want a household where I can't walk, play, feed, work, etc. all the dogs at once and have to always have someone crated. I'd sooner rehome him than do that to my current dogs who are working out great. FWIW, he walked perfectly on and off leash for my mother last night and today after Tuesday's strenuous exercise. There is no doubt this is a key component of his unruly behavior.