In a PM, Betty suggested I post Enzo's pedigree to see if anyone can decipher or have any comments regarding his lineage. As I previously wrote and she replied, Enzo has issues not common with lab traits and she wondered if he had some lineage she was familiar with known issues.

Any comments would be appreciated - I know nothing about breeding or pedigree, so everything is an education!

Thanks!

Wow, what a story! Sounds like Enzo coming to you was more a gift for him than you! I am sure almost everyone else would have given up on him. Great that you found help and an avenue for him to channel his energy. Congrats!

I have an Australian shepherd, you said you were an ACD person? I was wondering how many you've had, and have you ever had any problems with their temperment, being reactive or aggressive, etc? Someday I would love to have an ACD.

jon

 Quote: Jonathan Frost

Wow, what a story! Sounds like Enzo coming to you was more a gift for him than you! I am sure almost everyone else would have given up on him. Great that you found help and an avenue for him to channel his energy. Congrats!

I have an Australian shepherd, you said you were an ACD person? I was wondering how many you've had, and have you ever had any problems with their temperment, being reactive or aggressive, etc? Someday I would love to have an ACD.

jon

You know it's funny, a lot of people have said the same thing to me about not giving up on him, and it honestly was never an option for me. Even though he's brought me down a path I've never known or envisioned for myself, I've had a lot of fun training and having such a different bond than my dogs from the past who were companion animals that did dog stuff by default not training. Not only that, but despite Enzo's issues he is a loving, normal dog. We wrestle, we cuddle, there is no dominant dog issues with him or the other dogs in the house, he isn't an alpha dog, so it's really strange that he has this switch when it comes to strange people and dogs. However, he's no longer as reactive to people (for the most part), children not so sure, so I never allow him near them. We definitely have come a long way.

As for my ACD's - I've had 4 variations of ACD and/or Aussie Shep X. My first one was a rescue and clearly a mix, he is the one who introduced me to the breed and had me (and several others) hooked for life (or so I thought). My 2nd and 3rd one's were awesome dogs. Interestingly, Oliver was a small red merle who came from a working farm, hustling cattle through the pens for inoculations and whatever else. He was only about 25 lbs, but had the vinegar of a 75 lb Malinois. At that time I had 5 dogs, he being my alpha and he really took his job seriously. He was an amazing leader. About 3 years later I got Ted, he was about 55 lbs and blue merle ACD/Ausx - and he was 'the best dog ever'. That dog could do no wrong and he was my co-pilot. The 4th dog was a pure ACD who I gave to my BF as a Bday present. He was truly an ACD in temperment and personality. Between my 3 guys I totally fell in love with the breed and thought I would never have another breed again, until I met Enzo.

As far as temperment - they are definitely a hard headed, stubborn dog who can hold a grudge. I say this because when my now husband and I broke up while dating, Ted never forgave him and only tolerated him. He wouldn't even take food from him! They are smart, not trick teaching smart, intuitively smart. My experience, most are reactive to movement and chasing, but mine have always been good with people or left them alone. Same with other dogs, I never had a problem. However, Oliver would school any dog that came into the home on how they were to behave. If they tried to mark in the house he would discipline them and they never tried again. So I never had to do any correcting. They are definitely one person dogs, very loyal, very committed, hard working; traditionally they are not sport dogs, so if you're looking to do a variety of venues your training may take longer.

Did you ever go back to the person who gave you the dog and talk with her about it? what was her imput? Sharon

I did. He just seems to be an anomaly when it comes to the breeding pair. I guess I have to take the bad with the good in this case.