I really don't know why I am being judged so harshly. I just want to be able to do everything that I can do and IF POSSIBLE keep this dog. I know this dog better than anyone on this forum.

My husband and I have been discussing this matter VERY seriously. We just are not into making decisions without weighing out ALL information concerning the matter at hand.

We have come to the conclusion that Rocky would be happier doing what he was created to do. God created him with a high prey drive and fight drive, so he needs to be engaged in a sport where he can use his qualities.

I was asking for advice on here as to whether my ideas of more training would work. Not saying we were going to keep him, but asking whether more work in different ways would work for him and us.

I did not need all the negative replies and the "shaking of heads." I was seeking knowledgeable counsel without judgment. I hope the next time you receive counsel you receive more than you have given.

Anne, I do know that we have talked to several different schutzhund trainers and they have told us that training for schutzhund is very harsh and a lot of times the dog is bloody from all the beating. That is not my desire for Rocky or any other dog, so while you say that they don't have to beat them, several trainers have told me that is how they are trained.

I have contacted his breeder and asked him to help us find a new home for Rocky. However, this decision was NOT made by all the negative advice given on here. If anything all the negative responses have made me want to work harder to make him work for our family. Therefore, maybe everyone on here who has made negative remarks about me trying to keep him should consider how your responses may make someone else feel about keeping a dog like this.

This is such a common MIME.

The person with the aggressive dog is in denial.
"He runs with me and he is completely obedient to my commands, even around other people and animals."

The owner thinks they can fundamentally change the personality of the dog. They think the way to do that is through training.
"Later .......let him off leash with the muzzle on and then graduate to no leash, no muzzle."

During 'training' they put the dog into all kinds of dangerous, counter-productive situations that will actually perpetuate the dogs aggression.
"I brought Rocky in our house last night while we were eating supper as another form of distraction. He walked in very calmly, I told him "down" he went down and he stayed down amidst all the moving of the kids, my husband and myself (getting up to get seconds or more water...)."

The reason why this situation will end badly is predominantly because of the core-beliefs of the owner. The only way to address aggression is to manage it. Aggression is never cured, NEVER 'fixed,' only controlled. Obedience aids in the control, but it does not change the personality of the dog.

Bite training this dog is probably not a good idea. You are training him to better use his weapons.

I don't know what Schutzhund clubs are in your area, but who ever you are talking to about their 'training' is either a damn liar, or an animal abuser, and you should seek other resources.



Edited by Lisa Brazeau (08/09/2011 04:07 PM)
Edit reason: Removing Swill and Condesention

 Quote:

Anne, I do know that we have talked to several different schutzhund trainers and they have told us that training for schutzhund is very harsh and a lot of times the dog is bloody from all the beating. That is not my desire for Rocky or any other dog, so while you say that they don't have to beat them, several trainers have told me that is how they are trained.

Bullsh*t. Either you're making this up or your speaking to absolute idiots who don't have a clue.

 Quote: Lisa Brazeau

I don't know what Schutzhund clubs are in your area, but who ever you are talking to about their 'training' is either a damn liar, or an animal abuser

Even though this is a non-part of this thread, I don't want this point to be buried for the unknowing reader.

And we should really move past this, because it has almost nothing to do with this thread, and is also a complete crock.

I have NO reason to lie!!!!!!! I have talked to Sch trainers in both Tennessee and Kentucky. That is what the trainers have told me which is why we never pursued sch with him in the first place!!!!!!

 Quote: Theresa Rutherford

I have NO reason to lie???? I have talked to Sch trainers in both Tennessee and Kentucky. That is what the trainers have told me which is why we never pursued sch with him in the first place!!!!!!

You have absolutely no reason to lie. So stop now.

 Quote: steve strom

 Quote: Theresa Rutherford

I have NO reason to lie???? I have talked to Sch trainers in both Tennessee and Kentucky. That is what the trainers have told me which is why we never pursued sch with him in the first place!!!!!!

You have absolutely no reason to lie. So stop now.

Okay, I accidentally used ???? instead of !!!!!. Sorry for the misunderstanding. I DO NOT LIE and I DON'T PLAN ON STARTING NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!~

TOO LATE!!!!!!!!!

Not really, I went back and edited it.....

Theresa, please drop the SchH stuff. Maybe someone has wildly lied to you (maybe in an attempt to dissuade you from protection training this dog, having run into the same blind disregard for what is appropriate for the dog that we are).

Nothing you are saying about SchH is true.

And it's irrelevant to the thread.