I need some guidance on what to do with my chow

Luvntzus,

It's not I'm not willing to work with him...ie, working with bahaviorist to help him with his aggression, but because I'm uncapable of hiring a specialist to treat him for extended period. It is expensive and do not have the  money. It's not a couple of hundreds, it's much more than that. If I have extra money and am not drowning of financial issues, I would do anything to help him.
I am not saying Boo is too old to learn, but I'm saying he will take a lot of time to learn to be less aggressive (or may never learn) and I truly can not afford the costs.

On the food subject, I've tried Science Diet- all kind of formula (Lamb & Rice, Sensitive Skin, ect), Purina One (same various kind), Nutro Max (various kinds) and other kind from the vet that I do not remember the name (it was awhile back). I do feed him fish and eggs and veggies on average once every 2 weeks.

I guess I personally am traumatized by his attacks to my friends and very afraid to take that risk again in this new community where I'm about to move in. I guess apart of me doesn't believe that a behaviorist WILL fix EVERYTHING about his aggression.

Well if you think your dog is a danger to people have you considered euthanizing? I'm not asking that question lightly as I have been in the position of having a dangerous dog as have a couple other regular posters around here.

Paula

Paula, that's the first thing she said, that she was trying to decide whether to euthanize or not.

ORIGINAL: mickeyboo

Luvntzus,

It's not I'm not willing to work with him...ie, working with bahaviorist to help him with his aggression, but because I'm uncapable of hiring a specialist to treat him for extended period. It is expensive and do not have the  money. It's not a couple of hundreds, it's much more than that. If I have extra money and am not drowning of financial issues, I would do anything to help him.
I am not saying Boo is too old to learn, but I'm saying he will take a lot of time to learn to be less aggressive (or may never learn) and I truly can not afford the costs.

On the food subject, I've tried Science Diet- all kind of formula (Lamb & Rice, Sensitive Skin, ect), Purina One (same various kind), Nutro Max (various kinds) and other kind from the vet that I do not remember the name (it was awhile back). I do feed him fish and eggs and veggies on average once every 2 weeks.

I guess I personally am traumatized by his attacks to my friends and very afraid to take that risk again in this new community where I'm about to move in. I guess apart of me doesn't believe that a behaviorist WILL fix EVERYTHING about his aggression.

 
Have you actually checked into behaviorists in your area and what they charge?
 
As far as the foods you've tried, ALL of them have ingredients that I would avoid with an allergic dog.... Most vets, although well meaning, don't have much knowledge about nutrition.
 
I totally understand what you're saying about being traumatized by him attacking your friends and not knowing how much a behaviorist will help. I think his aggression is something that will never be "cured"; it's most likely something that can be *managed* to one degree or another throughout his life. If you aren't up to that, honestly euthanizing him is the kindest thing you could do. I've worked at vets and animal shelters and they really do just "go to sleep". Best of luck making this very difficult decision.

paula,
 
what did you end you deciding for your dog?

Luvntzus, have you ever had a dog that is dangerous?

You are making it into a really simple problem when it is actually quite complex. It's not just about the dog--it's about the rest of the community. And a dog should not get in the way of something like getting married--the BF is not being a jerk, he's being realistic.

I spent more than $4000 on my dangerous dog before I had to put her down. That's a trainer, a behaviorist, and some vet and medical bills of her victims. A behaviorist can't stop a dog from biting.

Euthanizing a dangerous dog is totally heartbreaking, and I would never tell someone else to do it. But sometimes it is the only thing to do.

ORIGINAL: fisher6000

Luvntzus, have you ever had a dog that is dangerous?

You are making it into a really simple problem when it is actually quite complex. It's not just about the dog--it's about the rest of the community. And a dog should not get in the way of something like getting married--the BF is not being a jerk, he's being realistic.

I spent more than $4000 on my dangerous dog before I had to put her down. That's a trainer, a behaviorist, and some vet and medical bills of her victims. A behaviorist can't stop a dog from biting.

Euthanizing a dangerous dog is totally heartbreaking, and I would never tell someone else to do it. But sometimes it is the only thing to do.

Where did I say her boyfriend was being a jerk? Also, did you read my post above? This is what I said:

I totally understand what you're saying about being traumatized by him attacking your friends and not knowing how much a behaviorist will help. I think his aggression is something that will never be "cured"; it's most likely something that can be *managed* to one degree or another throughout his life. If you aren't up to that, honestly euthanizing him is the kindest thing you could do. I've worked at vets and animal shelters and they really do just "go to sleep". Best of luck making this very difficult decision.

I'm w/ fisher and spirit dogs...but I also wanted to add another perspective.

Mickyboo - you might also want to consider what Boo goes through day-to-day. Many dangerous dogs are highly stressed/anxious every single minute of every single day; they are always on guard for the next thing they have to defend against. Not to mention all the stress they pick up on from their handlers. Sure, one can manage a dog like that, but is that fair?? I'm sure Boo knows you'd do everything you could to help him and that you truly love him, but perhaps it's time to look at this from his pov.

One of the main things I've learned in my animal welfare coursework is that it doesn't matter what the human thinks would make an animal happy, but that one must look at the situation from their perspective. What would they want??

I just want to say that I have looked into a behaviorist for Willow, also a chow.  He is a DVM behaviorist here and he charges approximately 250.00 per hour.  The first visit being 1 1/2-2 hours.  BUT, he only generally sees people twice.  So, it would be maybe $ 500 then another $200 at most.  He said usually the follow up is only an hour.  But, it's really up to the owner to follow thru on what he is suggesting and medication may or not be involved. 

I would really call West Texas Chow Rescue.  They will evaluate the dog regardless of the biting.  If he's not adoptable or workable they will let you know.   I'm not trying to be insulting but I think you need someone else to tell you if he's actually "dangerous".  He displays a lot of "normal" chow behavior quite honestly.  And, considering he's isolated it's just making it worse.  The situations you described him biting in.  Honestly, any chow, including mine would of bitten or tried to bite in that situation.  I should say any chow that wasn't raised properly from a puppy. 

As for food, they generally do well without chicken in the diet at all.  They are high maintenance as far as skin and coat.  Skin issues are really common for chows.  You can use Selsun Blue on a chow and it works really, really well on Willow. 

I don't know, I'm just trying to give some help since I've got a chow and I've also almost given her up for being aggressive. 
 

  Many dangerous dogs are highly stressed/anxious every single minute of every single day; they are always on guard for the next thing they have to defend against.

 
Willow is on a medication for this, Clomicalm.  I'm not going to lie, it's costing me $4 per day.  I need to look into pricing online.

ORIGINAL: jeano

Paula, that's the first thing she said, that she was trying to decide whether to euthanize or not.

Sorry, I must have missed it. I will read more carefully.

Paula

ORIGINAL: mickeyboo

paula,

what did you end you deciding for your dog?

I had to euthanize him. It broke my heart. I'd got him from the pound after losing one of my ridgebacks and he turned out to be quite nutty - I think he must have offended in his former home (bitten someone) and they lied to the shelter (which is why I don't like the idea of rehoming people-agressive dogs) so he became my problem. We clicker trained for that year and then he attacked his groomer and I euthanized him. It was a terrible experience, but he was too hard to predict to keep people safe unfortunately.

Paula

I understand chows do really well with fish based diets and I've seen nothing but shining examples of coats and skin on dogs that get it.

 
I add salmon oil to Tasha's (Chow/Golden) diet and knock on wood, she's the picture of health.
 
Tasha (age 7)

stacie,
 
my Boo is chow/golden mix too, but he has most of chow's personality.
 
Paula,
I feel your pain. It's very emotional draining when having an unpredictable dog. I'm sorry you had to go through that. I know it's a terrible experience. Just the thougth of euthanizing my dog already makes my heart sore.
 
Willowchow,
I've contacted the West Texas Chow Rescue. Hopefully they'll respond to my email. If not, I will phone them. I've read their profile, and i'm not trying to be negative, but it seems like my Boo doesnt have much future with them. But I hope I'm wrong.  And you are absolutely right about untrained chow puppy. I had him when I was young and didn't know anything about chow breed. I loved him, feed him, walked him, played with him and assummed he'll turn out to be as friendly as Mickey (collie/lab mix). But little did I know anything about training a chow dog. This is a big lesson I've learned.
 
Luvntzus,
I've contacted some training facilities yesterday and most of them don't want to deal with dogs that already had bitten/attacked numerous of times and is not young. I've found some and they're quiet expensive, price range from 100-200/hr. Yikes:-( Urgh! Why are they so expensive?
 
 

I'd call them about Boo.  I've e-mailed them a few times about different things and got no response.  Also, don't let what the site has on it discourage you, they will probably take his situation individually. 

My rescued Golden/Gordon mix is very anxious. I already knew "B" vitamins are for stress.  I started givng him extra "B" vits.   I get CANINE ONE off the net and it really helped.
 
1.  My advice go get a multiviman like MEGAPET and make sure it has high dose of  B.   Give extra "E"  400mg per day.
 
2.  I have the prescription for Colmicalm, but haven't filled it yet.  I opted for homepathic Pulsitla, but I think your dog needs something else.  You could contact a homeopath.
 
3.  The brands of food you listed have preservatives and GRAINS.  GRAINS like CORN and WHEAT are allegens.  OATMEAL and RICE are ususally OK.  Can you go get something better?  INNOVA,. SOLID GOLD, EVO, EAGLE, eic,.  FLINT RIVER RANCH will deliver to your house - they have a trout and sweet potato bag.  Go to a FISH food and give the FISH OIL, WILD SALMON OIL, or COD LIVER OIL   Switch to fish since chows do good on it.  It may take 2 months to see an improvement.  The fact that you saw improevement with the Nutro means he is allergic.
 
4.  My dog could never be left out alone.  He will pace and salivate etc.  Does your outdoor kennel have a doghouse for him to feel safe?
 
5.  Hopefully, with some simple changes in vitamins, fish oil and protein source , NO GRAINS he will be more happy,,and his Golden side will come out.  Thank God he is part Golden.