How do you decide...(Ratsicles)

DumDog

i agree about Cesar... lets see what he makes of Ogre.... there was an episode on the other day where he got a lab/pit mix to be calm and quiet next to a bunny and a guinea pig... where minutes before it was trying to kill them.

Hey, I was on Cesar's website yesterday and he's accepting applications for his show.  Maybe you should check it out, unless you can't wait that long.  Don't know how long it would take for a reply, then again, you don't know if he'll even pick you on his show, but your post could be convincing.  Just a thought.

grab01

As I read it, she hasn't added any new animals, she's had rats for years.

Nope, she has added horses, goats, chickens, a puppy, and maybe more. 

Moderator note, 

I much appreciate everyone's efforts towards staying on topic, and neutral on this subject...I am sure the OP does too, thanks all.

Brittany, I know you don't need my validation, but I think rehoming is the right thing. I would have done it long ago.  It wouldn't be fair for my hubby and kids and other critters to be neglected just so I could avoid swallowing my pride and admitting that I am not able to do something.

There is no shame in failing to meet Ogre's needs yourself. The only shame would be in giving up or letting pride prevent you from doing what's best for Ogre and your family.

It's easy for other's to say that all this could be fixed by "proper" training (whatever that is this week) or could have been avoided by not getting any other animals (where'd they get their crystal ball? I want one too!) But you know what? Life is not perfect. Sometimes we follow the "rules" and still fail. Sometimes we break the rules and still manage to succeed.

jenhuedepohl

Sometimes we follow the "rules" and still fail. Sometimes we break the rules and still manage to succeed.

That should be a dog-training quote of the week.  

I see no shame in rehoming Ogre.  By your own admission you have done all you feel able to do.  That means it is time. 
 

*edited*

Classic example of picking the wrong breed. Re-home is a very good idea. Would your parents take him?

mudpuppy

Would your parents take him?

After how they treated Madison, I don't think she would in a million years hand one of her dogs over to them.

*edited*

Brittany, I think you definitely need to find an akita-experienced home for him. And ASAP so he can't practice his animal-aggression too much more. This is the right thing to do for you, whether it's everybody's "right thing" is not the point and doesn't matter.

jenhuedepohl

Brittany, I know you don't need my validation, but I think rehoming is the right thing. I would have done it long ago.  It wouldn't be fair for my hubby and kids and other critters to be neglected just so I could avoid swallowing my pride and admitting that I am not able to do something.

There is no shame in failing to meet Ogre's needs yourself. The only shame would be in giving up or letting pride prevent you from doing what's best for Ogre and your family.

It's easy for other's to say that all this could be fixed by "proper" training (whatever that is this week) or could have been avoided by not getting any other animals (where'd they get their crystal ball? I want one too!) But you know what? Life is not perfect. Sometimes we follow the "rules" and still fail. Sometimes we break the rules and still manage to succeed.

I completely agree with this.  You do what you feel is right in your heart.  There is no shame in deciding that the safety of the rest of your household is more important than one animal staying in that household, especially when you are deciding to find another home where he will be happier.  Ogre is very lucky to have found you.  There are very, very many people who wouldn't have rehomed him, but rather had him put to sleep by this point, but you have stuck with him and made progress in many areas. 

I am very sorry you are getting some of these holier-than-thou, "I told ya so" type responses.  Such individuals should be ashamed of themselves, and you should ignore them because they are nothing but noise.....  

So am I wrong in my thinking here? Should I keep trying? Or should I rehome him, knowing that he would be happier elsewhere with a more quiet home and family? I'm not looking to be told that I am an idiot, as I know some people like to tell me when the subject of Ogre comes up, I am looking for HONEST advice as to whether I should rehome him or keep trying. I love Ogre, and I need to do what's best for him- instead of continuously trying to force this life on him, where even if he complies and we are able to control his prey drive, he is still overstimulated and miserable. Ogre is a great dog, and has a ton of life ahead of him. I want to see him in a situation where his good qualities can shine- and I'm beginning to realize that my home probably isn't that place.

moderator note: 

reinterating the TOPIC of this thread and the actual questions and requests that were made. Posts falling outside of these parameters will be edited.

Hi, I don't post here very often but I come on here everyday reading posts and picking up advice and tips and I have read all of your posts about Ogre, in fact I was just wondering the other day how he was getting on. For what it is worth I just want you to know I think that you would be doing the right thing by rehoming him. You shouldn't feel ashamed or like a failure, it takes a brave person to put their own feelings aside and do what it right for the animal that they love, ( and it is clear from all the time and hard work that you have put into Ogre that you really love him).

He has a super-high prey drive and to be surrounded by so many prey animals every day must be tough for him and for your other animals. He sounds like he would thrive in a home with an experienced owner who can devote all their time and attention to him. And after all the work that you have put in so far I am sure that you will take time to find the perfect home for him. He deserves a wonderful, calm and happy home and so do you. Best of luck with whatever you decide.

 On second read, I think this is the key sentence:

I love Ogre, and I need to do what's best for him- instead of continuously trying to force this life on him

I think you're right - you are trying to force a new(ish) life on him, a new life that he is not suited for. It seems to me (and since I'm not there in your house, what do I know?) your priority is/was a life with many, many animals in your household, and Ogre does not fit well in that picture.

So yes, find Ogre a new home.

I do think it would be a good idea to take a few moments to re-evaluate your priorities and make sure they mesh well with your existing animals, however. *edited*

It sounds like you've done all you could for Ogre at this point in time, but I would just like to extend some caution to make sure there's no trouble brewing with your other animals. I doubt that Ogre is the only one who's had some trouble adjusting, so now might be a good time to sit back and really take stock of how your other animals are doing.

chelsea_b

*previously deleted content*.

*off topic*

 I applaud you for sharing your story, and your heartbreak over it. I would also remind you that people who fail their dogs are the ones who dump them at shelters and cannot wait to leave, the ones who set them out on the side of the road and do not look back, the ones who chain them in the backyard and forget about them because they cannot or will not attempt to deal with their problems. You are not one of these. Instead you are stating that you wish to re-home the dog, for his happiness and the happiness of your family. The dog is not a good fit for your household although you have tried to fix this. Sometimes it just does not work out no matter how hard you try. You have shown courage in even posting your story here, as I am sure you are well aware of the people who will judge you harshly for it.

Moderator speaking... 

Final warning on this thread. Answer the OP, give your thoughts on the questions the OP asked in a respectful manner....no personal remarks or remarks obtusely referencing other posters on the thread, or previous threads. Further of said same will result in a lockdown for this thread.

It certainly sounds to me like you've done everything you can to try to make it work with Ogre in your environment.  It also sounds like it may be better for every being involved if he were re-homed.  I don't agree with struggling to make it work to the detriment of everyone involved if there is a solution that works better for everyone, even if that solution is re-homing.  Good luck.

100% supportive here in your need to rehome Ogre.  Wow, have you tried!  And, then some.  Give yourself a break, give yourself a hearty attagirl for trying as hard as you have.  Ogre will be so much happier elsewhere.  Remember, they live in the moment.  He is not going to be thinking back after you've rehomed him and say Wow, I miss Ratsicles and the crew.    You and I and everyone who call themselves Dogaholics know better.  Do it, do it asap, and don't look back. 

When its all said and done, you will breath a big sigh of relief; and so will your entire family.

Sending positive, strengthening energy your way, from my pack to yours.