I want to comment, briefly, and that is to mention the *title* of this thread: Unstable??

It is seems clear (to me anyway) that there are still questions in your mind, Aleida, as to whether or not this dog is truly unstable. There have been, IMO, some excellent comments in this thread and it is my hope that you can find (and learn from) your part in this experience.

Aleida,

Is it possible to invite the dog's breeder here for some additional first-person perspective?

I want to restate Jennifer's idea to keep in touch with this pup and breeder and see what develops. That will be very telling.

Just a quick clarification re: deanna. I can't speak for others, but to me, I'd rather someone return a dog to me, than:

Ending up in a shelter.

Euthanized because the buyer couldn't cope.

The dog being resented as a burden rather than being cared for, as a more experienced person could do.

I dont agree with returning a dog other than as agreed upon by the breeder in their contractual guarantee. But if its clear the dog would be better off elsewhere then I'd rather take a dog back than find my dog neglected in a kennel or come to find out the dog bit someone in the face.

Responsible thing to do? Perhaps not. Preferable to some of the alternatives? Heck yeah!

Personally, if I buy a pup he is mine till the end. Ofcourse, I live in a country where people sell their personal dogs for less than 2000 euros to make a quick buck and start over with another pup without a second thought. Its all relative.

Two threads in the last couple of days involving dogs going back to the breeder. On occasion my breeder has some of the same difficulties.

People describe the dog they want. Often they tell him they want the biggest bad ass in the litter. Red flags go up. He discusses their level of experience. He describes the temperament of the dogs he is breeding. He ships the dog and they get blown away with the type dog they received.

True working dog breeders sometimes have a tough job weeding through the wannabe handlers who just think they can work a dog with these qualities.

I hope we aren't beginning to see a trend as working dogs become the new "in thing" to own.

 Quote:

People describe the dog they want. Often they tell him they want the biggest bad ass in the litter. Red flags go up. He discusses their level of experience. He describes the temperament of the dogs he is breeding. He ships the dog and they get blown away with the type dog they received.

Can you PM me with the info for this breeder?

Save the dogs kill the handlers

So many people wiling to play the blame game.

IMO the best advice is to keep in touch with the breeder and get updates on the dogs progress.

The OP has some experience evaluating dogs, and her trainer agreed the dog has problems.
If the dog has a history of lunging and biting, you might of just trained the lunging part out of him.

Thank God no one got seriously hurt, and the dog is with some one who can handle it. This situation could have ended up much worse.
Many breeders will not be so willing to stand behind their dogs. that coupled with the fact he kept the dog for 6 months, makes me wonder if the breeder suspected this dog may have had issues.

Internet advice is much like eating chicken wings. You have to eat the meat and spit out the bones. This is a dog forum so most people are going to sympithise with the dog. The reasons may be some what justified by you must take that in to account when reading responces, and taking advice.
Much like going to an environmentalist forum, the environment will often take precedent over the individual.

IMHO every should learn from the post not just the OP

You definitely did the correct thing in giving the dog back to the breeder. I had a Doberman many years ago who was very unpredictable and aggressive with people. One day she actually attacked my mother in a totally unprovoked situation. My mother lived in the house and helped to raise this dog for 3 years. The dog had a screw loose and I had to put her down before she would kill someone. Unfortunately some dogs (as some humans) are born with mental imperfections. Large aggressive breeds can mutiliate or kill someone. The dog that you described should be with professional handlers only. Sadly, even they may not be able to help this dog if he is truly damaged goods.

 Quote: Jeff Cambeis

If the dog has a history of lunging and biting, you might of just trained the lunging part out of him.

This is, IMO, a very good point. This is where skilled handling and timing play a critical role in dealing with aggression.

Aleida,

I'm sorry the dog did not work out for you, hopefully the breeder will be able to evaluate, do any necessary training and then find an appropriate home for him.

I have not looked at all of your posts but a couple of things do stick out and seem to reinforce that this dog *may* just need a more experinced handler. If this is true, I hope you will find some solace that the dog that you care about will go on to live a full and happy life, even if it is with someone else.

99.99 percent of the time the dog does give some warning. It may be subtle and it may be quick, but it is there. Your dog may be the exception to the rule but I kind of doubt it. I think you, like me, and everyone else with this kind of dog just missed the signs that time.

I have a dog or two that in the wrong hands would be extremely dangerous and I an constantly learning new meanings to the word viligence. I have a male that considers prolonged eye contact a challange to the death type of thing. I have a female that gave new definition to the word "sharp". Quick to go to defense and serious when she got there. These dogs are not for everyone, because I like them does not make me a better person or a better handler, it is just the kind of dog I like. They are not easy dogs so it might make be a little bit crazier because they do take more time.

I will give you some good advice that was given to me. Toughen up and grow a thicker skin if you are serious about dogs. We may be 1/2 the team and we may be the one that foots the bill but in the end it is about the dog, not us.