Just one other comment. I am under no illusions about being clueless in this area. That's why we sought out a professional to begin with. I am certainly committed to learning everything I need to know under these circumstances, buts what I'm hearing here is that nothing I might be able to learn will salvage the situation. It's a shame all around, this poor animal is the one who really gets screwed in this. I hope the shelter reads their files more carefully in the future and I am sorry for my role in the situation.

Again I am going to agree with everyone else... take the dog back. I rehabiliate aggressive dogs and do a lot of work with dog rescues - you should never have been put in this position.

At the end of the day you've had the dog for a week, as time goes on you are only going to get more attached to it and this decision is going to get harder.

Dogs only react aggressively when they are extremely fearful and stressed... can you imagine how he feels, your toddler is terrifying for him and he feels that he has no choice. His newer aggressive behaviour towards your older children makes me think that he is starting to see them as a threat.

However much the trainer works with your dog, he will never be trustworthy around children... could you live for the next 12 years with your dog behind a gate or door or in a crate whenever your child is around? Half the time he gets to be with the family and when the scary thing is in the house he is shut away from everyone and left all along - that alone will reinforce his fear of your toddler.

The pound probably made a mistake (probably didn't read the paperwork) but they're loathe to admit it in case you sue them, that's why they are being defensive. If you took the dog back they would not rehome it with children because thet are aware of it. Some dogs can't live with kids and this is one of them.

If you do not take him back he is going to live a life of stress, you're going to be stressed - much, much poorer and eventually you'll be right back here.

I respect your questions a great deal and the commitment you have shown to your rescue dog is truly inspiring... but misplaced - I'm sorry but your family and this dog are not the right combination... you would be doing him (and your child) a great disservice by keeping him. Leerburg is not a typical dog board where people say 'get rid of the dog' all the time - so when it is said, it is the right thing to do.

Good Luck

 Quote: Kelsey Perkins

I'm hearing here is that nothing I might be able to learn will salvage the situation. It's a shame all around, this poor animal is the one who really gets screwed in this.

Kelsey, they’ve taken the time to chip him and it sounds like he’s shown someone some great qualities in order to avoid the death sentence. Under a different set of circumstances he will probably blossom.

You have some things to learn right now, another great dog to learn them with and a child to raise. I would be making those my priorities.

Return Jubal so that he will get a chance at being a priority to that special someone who is currently living with the right set of circumstances that he needs right now.

Hi Tanith (and everyone),

I hear you about the dog ultimately being happier in another home, and I agree. It's just a shame that he was let out, bonded with us, etc. We've actually had the dog for three weeks, by the one. Only one of those weeks was with our son - he is on an every other week schedule.

Anyhow, I suppose we are probably more attached to him than he is to us, but still. He is so happy when our son isn't here, he loves our other dog, and everything is great. I hope he can have that again without the addition of someone he is scared of half the time. My fear now is that he will be deemed too dangerous to be adopted and since it's a no kill, end up spending the rest of his life in a shelter.

At least he hasn't actually had an opportunity to hurt anyone, so he still has a chance at a happy life.

You aren't taking him back for any reason other than that which was already noted in his paperwork. This should not stop him from being adopted. Especially if you get him out before anything happens that you have to put into a report.

Re. dogs bonding - I have heard it takes two years for an abandoned dog to finally settle into a new home. I wouldn't worry that the dog has bonded so deeply. If anything, it has had a confusing experience of feeling comfortable one minute and completely stressed the next.

Also - my limited knowledge of dogs tells me your other dog was showing signs of stress when she was "correcting" Jubal. You will not only have to manage Jubal and the child, you may end up having to manage Jubal and the other dog, too.

Time to find Jubal a new home. Chows have a bad rep to begin with and this poor puppy as already been abused.

Dennis, he isnt a chow FYI. He is a shepherd mix, but yes I've heard everyone here. Just sad about it.

 Quote: Kelsey Perkins

Dennis, he isnt a chow FYI. He is a shepherd mix, but yes I've heard everyone here. Just sad about it.

my mistake, mixing meds again, but really, rehome.

I took a needless risk with one of mine but my child was a year older and Max was 5-6 months old. He was a little edgy around my son so what I did was have treats ready to go with my kids, everytime Max got near my kids the kids would give him a treat. They also fed him and let him in and out. He's still a nerve bag but not with MY kids. Which brings up another point, suppose you have a child mature enough to get involve with the training and do what my kids did, you(and I) still can't trust our dog around other people's kids. When there are other kids coming over I MUST kennel Max.

Kelsey, you are a great person, so of course you would feel bad about this. But, it's not your fault. It's not the dog's fault. It was a mistake. Someone missed something vital in the dog's records. It could have been tragic, but it wasn't.

By taking him back, you are giving him a chance at a forever home that won't be scary or stressful. It sucks, but sometimes being a responsible dog owner means going through with things even when they suck.

As an aside, I hope I haven't come off as argumentative or defensive, just looking at all the angles I can come up with. Plus, as I mentioned, I'm clueless with issues on this level.