Oh no :( Trinket attacked T-Bone

Hi Beejou, I just read your post in the Behavioral section.  I think you need to step back and come up with a serious game plan for Trinket's training.  This will be an ongoing daily regimine. 

Plan on individual training sessions with T-Bone completely out of the picture.  In the house, in his crate...out of sight and hearing. 

I know you have had multi-dogs in a household before...but dogs are little individuals and you know this.  And, you know that each dog has their own personalities and issues.  Little Trinket comes with baggage, and it sounds like heavy baggage.

If she was hit by your neighbor...and it wouldn't surpirse me if she has been hit by others in her past....she will have some trust issues. 

Work on obedience every day, several times a day if you can.  Again, out of T-Bone's sight. 

NILIF hard and heavy.  She gets nothing until she gives you what you ask for.  Could be as simple as a sit.  Every time.  The other thing I think you should do is tether her to you when at the house.  This will teach her that she must (has no choice) go with you where ever you go, she will be attached to you so that when she tries to do something she shouldn't, you can make a quick correction.  This will teach her that she is not in charge.

For the times she isn't tethered to you....keep a short leash on her (cut an old lightweight leash to about 6 inches.)  This way...you will have something to grab should she do something she shouldn't.   

Positive training is always best....however, I think you are in a position where corrections will be necessary.

Good luck, don't give up on her.  But, it will take time and effort on your part.  And, if you need to keep them separated for a while, so be it.

I know this is not what you had in mind when you brought T-Bone a sister, so I wish you good luck.

rwbeagles

IMO you're looking at likely a scenario where you'd never be able to trust the two 100% and you need to ask yourself if that is what you want for the next 8-10 years.

I am sorry to say it, because I know it is the worst to hear, but I agree 100% with Anne and Gina on this situation. In my experience with pitties/pit mixes, this is not the type of behavior that training can resolve, and you won't be able to breath knowing that a serious fight could start at any time.

If I were in your shoes, I would be crating and rotating until a good behaviorist can come out and evaluate the dogs and give some insight into what is happening and what the best options are.

Again, really sorry this has happened. I adore the pitties and bully breeds, but they can be really hard to own.

Oh man. :(

Only  you can know your heart and what is right for you.  Do you have time for intense training with Trinket, micromanaging? 

Is it fair for TBone?  Is it fair for you?  She may be best as a single dog.  I don't think of you as a failure at all, in any way!  Some dogs are just not the right fit, you know?

Good luck with whatever you decide.  Hope TBone is feeling alright!

Today was the final straw. I was getting going to switch from playing with her to playing with him, and she went at Bones, THROUGH my leg. She didn't break my skin but it really hurt, and most of all, is really scary. Luckily (in an odd way) I was enough of a barrier I could grab her and put her in the backyard.

I returned her to the humane society. (Shockingly, she was happy as a clam to go back in) I know it seems like I gave up fast, I know I probably could have gotten through it with time, micromanagement, and a behaviorist. I just can't do that to T-Bone. I can't walk on eggshells, and if she needs to be an only dog, so be it., I'll miss her. :( When I came in, T-Bone looked all around for her, saw she wasn't here, and gave me TONS of kisses. He's very happy she's gone.

I don't think I will get another dog. I think I will send T-Bone to doggy daycare a few times a week and curb my own want for another.

Thanks guys... it seemedl ike it was going to be a perfect match, at first. I was wrong.

 I don't blame you at all for returning her - I live with a dog who can be "witchy" myself but she was here first so we deal with things as best we can (minimize triggers, separate when not supervised, etc.).  I have no doubt that strict crate and rotate was a real possibility for your family if Trinity stayed and that's not fun for anyone - it's tough enough remembering to split dogs up when someone's not home at our house (Maggie is generally great with both other dogs, but we have had some tussles in the past that I work to avoid).

Before I had my other two dogs I did find dog friends for Maggie - with a good intro she's generally quite accepting of dogs. We'd go on hikes with friends and their dogs; often she'd end up playing with them by the end of the hike and so we'd set up play dates at their houses (no fenced yard at mine).  It was the best of both worlds: I got a "new dog fix", Maggie maintained her doggie skills, and I made some good friends out of the deal but without having to deal with management of two dogs at home. Perhaps you could consider something similar for TBone?

Beejou

I don't feel as if I "threw them together" They are not left alone unsupervised (I roatate who is in the crate when I go to work, and switch it on my lunch break) and I've lived in a 5 dog househould before (seven when ex's mom came into town and stayed) and I know a scuffle, normal adjustments for shelter dogs and how, at first, they can over react while they're fitting in and testing the waters.

"Throw in them together" not necessarely means literally putting them together. A big mistake humans do is adding a dog to the household, expect the new dog to learn all the house rules by just guessing what those are and without checking if they are the best choice for the existing dog.

I know A LOT of dogs that can just be added without a problem BUT i also know A FEW dogs where you cant simply just bring them home and expect them to behave like super buddies to the existing dog.

I am so sorry, I know this had to be hard for you but T-bone needed this and your right to take her back so that she finds the home she deserves.

I’ve had many issues with Gizmo, just posted one today, so I know how hard it is to own a dog that doesn’t do so well with other dogs.  They can never be the perfect dog-park dog many of use dream of owning and you have to be on constant guard.  I hate to bring money into this but a trainer can get really expensive and you would have to be willing to compromise your budget to help the dog, even often much more then vet cost.   I could go one with my own personal experance but I just want to let you know that you did the right thing for her and for your own family.  I think that there may be another dog out there for you, consider this a learning experience.  It just makes you a stronger dog owner.

(((Hugs)))

I'm so sorry...but you needed to do what works best for you and T-Bone.  These decisions are not easy...and you are right and so is everyone else when they say it would be constant micro-management.

You didn't know she would behave this way...don't beat yourself up over it.  Just take in all the T-Bone kisses he gives up.

 Beejou, I know this was hard, but I think you made the right decision.  I think Trinket would do better in a single dog adult household with a Bully savvy owner to keep her out of trouble with regard to her dog aggression.  You were awesome to try to give her a home, but even more awesome for sticking up for T-Bone's welfare.  He's lucky to have you.

spiritdogs

You were awesome to try to give her a home, but even more awesome for sticking up for T-Bone's welfare.  He's lucky to have you.

I totally agree with Anne and I applaud you for doing the best thing for all involved. I can almost hear T-Bone breathing a huge sigh of relief and hopefully you are too. :)

cakana

I totally agree with Anne and I applaud you for doing the best thing for all involved. I can almost hear T-Bone breathing a huge sigh of relief and hopefully you are too. :)

Agree.  

I'm sorry (((hugs))).   Somewhere out there is another dog that will work for your family.

I'm sorry you have gone through what you have.  I think we all hoped that Trinket was going to work out.  I know it was a really hard decision for you to make but FWIW you did the right thing.  Now I think that you & T need to go get some ice cream to relax.

((HUGS))

 I'm so sorry. I know, it sucks. Sometimes, the best thing is the hardest. ((((hugs))))

 I agree with Spiritdogs.  I hate the thought of returning/re-homing and uprooting a rescue dog as much as the rest, but this sounds like she is a bad match for your family.  Unfortunately, it is not always possible to test fully to see if a dog as DA in a rescue setting because the dogs can be so overwhelmed it can mask the issues.  Since you have only just gotten her, I would be strongly considering if the best thing would be to see about finding her a one dog family.

Edit- Oops seems l'm late to the party, should have read through the whole thread first.  Sorry you had to go through this.  We all know you did what you thought was best for all involved.