Whew! Thank you Connie. I'm curious as to how this dog earned his CGC.

...sorry, I hit "Send" too soon. I would like to make the point that the kids in this household are just that- kids. They do not deserve serious injury or the death penalty for "handler error".

IMHO, Ruth, he earned it as a YOUNG adult dog (he's only 20 months old currently) and has even now yet to mature into his full-grown temperament -- He has only biten family & guests inside the home, so far...

I have to agree. It's a sad deal. Bruno sounds like a real threat to anyone he encounters.

Eric, I'm re reading the thread and that food aggression stands out to me. I'd treat that and eliminate the crate for feeding. Sometimes food aggression can be a root of all evil. Put the dog on a leash and have both of your kids place a few kernels in the dog bowl at a time. Let the dog eat them, put the dog in a sit, and have the kids drop more in, until the dog finishes his meal. Make sure you have the dog pulled back far enough so that their safe when putting the food in the bowl. Having your kids control the food is important in establishing their rank, under the circumstances.

Train the kids. Lack of cooperation and enthusiasm? Take away the phone. Still hesitant and not enthusiastic? Take away the television and computer. Don't bother arguing, teens thrive on that. Simply take things away calmly. Still giving you grief? Finally take the make-up away from them. Enforce it. You can also make them clean something everytime they argue about helping out with the dog. Don't argue back, just tell them to go clean the bathrooms, hand clean the floors, clean windows, rake, mow the grass. Anything undesirable. In no time you'll have them running around the house singing high praises to the dog, and doing whatever you want them to. You must be consistent.

May as well get them all trained at once <img src="http://www.leerburgkennels.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Ed's comments edited in:

This is foolish dangerous advice.

I don't think you'd want to approach working with a dominant dog like that with so much negative reinforcement for the kids. If the kids start resenting working with the dog because "they have to or they'll be grounded for a week from the phone and internet" then they will be so pissed when they're around the dog and the dog's going to use it to fuel the fire big time.

Dealing with a dominant dog, really any dog is a life skill. Your daughters can learn a hugely valuable lesson in confidence, self-assurance, and decision-making by dealing with this dog that will help them enormously when it comes to dealing with difficult situations, careers, etc.

Eric, have you sat down with your daughters and had a serious discussion with them about WHY they don't really like dealing with the dog or even if they're scared of him? I think you have to approach them by educating them about the ins and outs of what you're doing, why you're doing it, and not just "this is how it's going to be, DO IT, okay?" Maybe they think "jeez, Dad, it's just a dumb dog, who cares?" What are their interests? If they have interests in psychology or the medical profession or business, they should really learn how to handle this dog because of the skills they'll gain.

To all, I am disgusted with how quick some of are to do away with my dog when you only know the bits and pieces you've picked from the threads. Most of your posts cover some areas accurately and others inaccurately from my messages. Then enter the drastic "Dog can not be around anyone" comments. I can get this from Pethobbyist. Whoever thinks I'm fishing or playing a game, I appreciate being able to attend this forum to much to tell you how I feel about that. YES! I'm keeping my dog in hopes that someday he'll devour my entire family and I can go to prison. Forget it, I'm done for now! Have at it!

It sounded like one of the kids already resented working with the dog already. The key is to adjust the attitude of the child. Sort of an NILIF approach for humans <img src="http://www.leerburgkennels.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> When the child has an attitude adjustment, then they can enjoy privileges again, and realize they (phone, computer, and so on) are privileges that must be earned. If a member of the family needs help, it's their duty to help, not argue and pout.

It doesn't really matter. Eric is mad now <img src="http://www.leerburgkennels.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> He was just looking for help and he was instead degraded. At least he was making an effort. Something many don't bother to do.

 Quote:

To all, I am disgusted with how quick some of are to do away with my dog when you only know the bits and pieces you've picked from the threads. Most of your posts cover some areas accurately and others inaccurately from my messages.....

I apologize, then, for wondering if the thread was a hoax.

I just re-read the whole thread, and I don't see that the o.p. was degraded. If he was, by me, I apologize for that too.

BUT: All we know is what you post, Eric.

"My youngest is very passive with him and scared......Truth be told he has nipped all but my youngest....... The last time was me......When I say we cannot go into the kitchen, I mean without hassle. He has never prevented us from going in, we have had to tell him go, or corner, or in the interest of caution, pushed him back with the baby gate......"

No matter how much effort you've gone through, it's not working. You have a child living with a big dog who she's afraid of (with reason).

Who said he couldn't be "around anyone"? Maybe he could be around someone who is experienced with dominant aggressive dogs. Maybe your family is undermining your work, but the results are the results, and it sounds bad to me, reading what you have written. Your dog clearly believes he's in charge.

You asked for advice and some of the people responding think that your posts describe a dangerous situation. I know I do.

Understanding that you are sincere doesn't make it less dangerous, IMO. I'm sorry that you are disgusted.

Ok, I'm gonna put in my two cents. I refuse to take anybody's "side" in this one, except BRUNO's! If you wanna have a dog like this as a family member, and you are aware of the risks or you wouldn't have gotten on the forum to begin with, and you are willing to fix the problem, which obviously you are or you wouldn't be asking for advice, then I consider your actions responsible and certainly better than euthanizing every dominant/aggressive dog on the planet (a favourite piece of "easy" advice given by professional trainers to those with pet dogs who are not "supposed to" be aggressive.) If you're not willing to take responsibility, then find somewhere else for the dog to live or put it down. Not saying this applies to you personally, but to pet owners in general.

My personal recommendation for the dog/kid situation is one that has already been made, with a few modifications. MAKE the kids help you train the dog. MAke it a duty and make sure there are coonsequences for lack of co-operation.

Use the ecollar as much as possible. He seems to respond to that and I'm all for whatever works. Also, try this: Every time the dog snaps at someone, pop him across the nose with a piece of pvc wrapped in newspaper. I DO NOT recommend this method ofr all dogs. This is one of the methods by which I break dogs from killing livestock and have had good success.

Please bear in mind, this is free advice and you get what you pay for. Also, no matter *what* you do with Bruno, someone is going to bitch. I went through a similar situation with a dobie, and people bitched when I tried to retrain the dog, bitched when I tried to rehome the dog, and finally ended up bitching when I had to finally shoot the dog. Sometimes you just can't win.
Best, D