Please Help. Emergency Situation

    • Puppy

    Please Help. Emergency Situation

    I have a wonderful dog. She is Jack Russell/Pit mix. Basically a 40lb Jack Russell. We love her very much and she has been a fantastic dog to our family. Unfortunately in the last few years she has displayed aggression, mostly towards strange men. We have tried everything we can think of but I fear now the problem is more us than her. We are not the strong assertive owners she needs. I know I could help her so much more if I was blessed with patience, which I am not. She has never shown any aggression towards my family and is excellent with my toddler. But due to where we live and her fear of strangers we can not keep her any longer. I am asking anyone who would be willing to adopt her or know of a rescue that rehabs dogs to contact me please. We live in the Denver area but are willing to bring her almost anywhere in the country. It is truly killing us but we are out of options and if we can't find a home for her we will have to put her down. Please help.
    • Gold Top Dog

    It doesn't take a strong assertive owner to deal with a dog no matter what the problem.

    Adopting out a dog with aggression is not the right move. There are thousands of dogs like yours dying in shelter because there are not a lot of rescues who will take on a dog that has shown aggression They can't afford the liability.

    If you're willing to do some work, you may be able to help her, with some professional help. Get with a behaviorist and find out how you can help her overcome her aggression. Most aggression is fear based.

    Condition her to wear a muzzle.  Get a basket type.  I'll give you a link below. This will give you some relief from worry.  Avoid exposing her to strange men until you have gotten some help.  Is there any reason she needs to interact with strange men?

    Do not use a trainer or behaviorist who uses force.  This dog needs to be counter conditioning and desensitized using positive reinforcement.  

    Here are some links that might help you.

    careforreactivedogs.com/start-here

    Muzzle info:   drsophiayin.com/.../newsletter-vol-2-spring-2011

     

    Finding a trainer:

    www.dogforum.com/.../finding-trainer-behavior-consultant-behaviorist-113946  

    • Gold Top Dog

    As it was against the rules (pointed out very graciously by Michele) of the forum, I removed the link that directed the OP to where to buy the right type of muzzle.  The muzzle demonstrated by Dr. Yin is NOT the type that should be used for long term wear.  A basket style muzzle is what should be used as it allows the dog to pant and take treats.  

    • Moderators
    • Gold Top Dog

    We actually carry a basket muzzle that many of my clients have used in the past with great success. Please give this one a try. http://www.dog.com/item/guardian-gear-basket-dog-muzzle/400602/

    If you are unable to keep the dog, please seek out rescues who maybe able to help you find him a new home. Are there any trainers in your area who can help you? Please keep us posted.