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I Need Opinions!

28K views 245 replies 55 participants last post by  Jessiewessie99 
#1 ·
Please dont bash me. I dont know what to do and I need some help here.

As most of you know I adopted a GSD/Husky mix about 11 weeks ago. His name is Rogue and he is 1.5 years old and unaltered. He didn't know how to sit when I got him, he was used to being allowed on furniture, he door dashed, he had no impulse control, he hated his crate and he hated car rides. We improved on all of those problems.

He gets along wonderfully with my GSD, they are the best of friends and glued to the hip. He gets along with all 3 of my cats. He can be very sweet.

Here are my problems......

He is aggressive towards other dogs, bares his teeth, he growls and he lunges on his leash. He is toy and food aggressive towards my GSD. They cannot have toys together unless they are supervised (I have to stand between them) because Rogue will go after his face and take the toy away and he will growl if my GSD goes near him when he has a toy. They have to be fed apart ( I have had to physically stop him from going over to my GSD's bowl, he was literally pushing me back to get to the bowl).

He poops in my house ALL OF THE TIME! He gives no warning! When I take them outside he pees, we stay out there for 15-20 minutes and sometimes he will poop and other times he will go to the back door and sit because he wants to go back inside and then 5 minutes later he is pooping on my floor! :mad:

He has an issue with water. The bowl will be completely full and he'll be drinking and my GSD will come over to the bowl to drink some and Rogue will go after his face and then he will stand there and drink the whole entire bowl so that my GSD doesn't get any.

Now the worst part of his behavior, he growls at everyone and bares his teeth at them. I have no doubt in my mind that he would bite. He is very cautious and aware, he is always looking around and always watching people and everything they do. He is unpredictable and I do not feel comfortable taking him places. I did not take him with when I went trick-or-treating with my nephews and niece, I do not trust Rogue especially around children.

Although I dont give him the chance because I take steps to make sure it doesn't happen I am still worried that he will bite someone and I do not want to be sued. Even though he is best friends with my GSD I am still afraid that he might turn on him.

I am having a hard time bonding with him. Is there something wrong with me? I dont know why I cant bond with him, I have done one on one time with him, I have done training with him, I like him. But I do not love him like I know I can. I love all of my animals more than anything else in this world but I cant love him. I dont know if it's because I didn't raise him, I didn't have him as a baby like I have had all of the others, I dont know if it's because he has the "what's in it for me" type attitude where my GSD has the "What can I do for you" attitude. I dont know if it's because I dont like the way he treats my GSD sometimes and I become the protective mother of my GSD. I dont know if it's because I am scared of him sometimes and I am afraid he will hurt others.

What do I do?
 
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#2 · (Edited)
The solution for some of the problems.... CRATE!!!! All our dogs eat in their crates, all our dogs will be given bones/treats in their crates.
He goes outside and doesn't poop, back inside in the CRATE!!! Wait 15-20 min. and try again. He will learn.
Now for the other problems, unless you are willing to put the time and money on working with a trainer/behaviorist, find him a home where he would be the only dog and no kids. Someone with experience, but you would have to be honest and open with them about his issues, you don't want to have to be liable later if anything happened.

Not bonding with a dog is not uncommon, even when raising them from a puppy. I have a friend who has 4 dogs, all raised by her from a puppy. One of them she just doesn't like and has never bonded with.
 
#5 ·
The solution for some of the problems.... CRATE!!!! All our dogs eat in their crates, all our dogs will be given bones/treats in their crates.
He goes outside and doesn't poop, back inside in the CRATE!!! Wait 15-20 min. and try again. He will learn.
Now for the other problems, unless you are willing to put the time and money on working with a trainer/behaviorist, find him a home where he would be the only dog and no kids. Someone with experience, but you would have to be honest and open with them about his issues, you don't want to have to be liable later if anything happened.

Not bonding with a dog is not uncommon, even when raising them from a puppy. I have a friend who has 4 dogs, all raised by her from a puppy. One of them she just doesn't like and has never bonded with.
I dont like that feeling, I am an animal lover, I would rather be with animals than people. I love all of my animals as if I gave birth to them, they are my life, I dont like the feeling of not being able to bond with an animal that lives in my home with me and that I take care of. :(
 
#3 ·
I don't have much experience with this. My parents took in a dog that acted like this. They worked with him but ended up rehoming him. He was a GSD mix. I'm not sure what he was mixed with. He was aggressive and growled at my little sister. That's why they rehomed him because they didn't trust him not to bite my sister. To me, it sounds like part of the problem is that you are afraid of what he might do, and he can sense a fear in you. He is taking advantage of that, and may not want to bond with you because he senses your hesitation. I don't know what to tell you. I just wanted to give you a little support.
 
#4 ·
I dont know for sure but I think his old owners may have been too physical with him, he displays behavior that makes me think that he has been hit. If I raise my voice, even if it's on the phone to someone) he cowers and hides behind furniture. If I move fast or go to do something with my hands he thinks I am going to hit him.

I forgot to add that he is a self mutilator. I took my GSD with me trick-or-treating with my nephews and niece, we were gone for almost 3 hours and when I got home Rogue chewed the middle of his tail, it is a hairless, bloody, raw spot a little bit bigger than a quarter. His old owner said that when he was upset he would chase his tail and pull hairs out. His tail still hasen't grown in and it's been 11 weeks.
 
#6 ·
i honestly have nothing for you that wont offend someone. My animals are my fur kids. I couldnt imagine my life without them. My kids get very upset when the animals arent with us for a little while so i know their take on it as well. My husband would be perfectly fine if we never had another animal in the house despite the fact he does like them. They're mine. Plain and simple. We have pets because i wanted them. He wants to get rid of them or dwindle it down so we only have one. In all honesty, if i wasnt able to bond with an animal i would rehome that animal. If there isnt a bond, there isnt really much of anything except that distrust. You may very well just be the messanger to get him to the right owner that he can bond with. He will take a great deal of work. The husky side of him is the side i'd be more concerned with because of that independence. That whole whats in it for me instead of what can i do for you attitude is why husky's in general are the ones who are perfectly happy to run off and survive on their own. I might suggest that if he and your GSD cant get along and share, it might be best to rehome him as an only dog in a family without kids because those kinds of negatives can impact your GSD and how he behaves around other dogs as well. Riley growls at Shasta when she walks past him when he has something. He gets in trouble and the object is removed. Its not acceptable. Zena was/is female aggressive. She's a very dominant girl. She was forced to learn that her aggressive behavior was in no way right or allowed. As long as someone doesnt start anything with her now, she's good. Do what you feel is right. Some of the issues i'd be willing to work with him on but that aggression whether it be fear or just generall aggression, i couldnt have in my home because of my kids. He wouldnt be able to go on walks or anything because this neighborhood is loaded with kids. Its up to you if you have the desire, time and energy to try and work with him but you'll always have that fear in the back of your mind that he'll do something to become a seriously liability. Its something you need to sit down and seriously think about. he can be worked with but can he be worked with by you? Not saying you're a bad trainer but you may not possess the knowledge to handle it.
 
#10 ·
I am on the fence with the idea of rehoming him.

We have improved on alot of his behavioral problems but we haven't improved on the serious ones. Even if we got professional help I dont know if I would still be able to trust him. I know that I would not rehome him to a family with children. He gets along with my cats, he pretty much ignores him but the kitten plays with him and he is gentle with her. He loves my GSD and my GSD loves him, they play together constantly and my GSD sits by Rogue's crate and cries for me to let him out when he is in it. But he gets bossy with my GSD, my GSD doesn't mind and he doesn't try to challenge him, but I do not think he enjoys getting bit in the face when he is playing with a toy or drinking water.
 
#7 ·
i am sorry you feel this way...This is one reason why my hubby will not let me adopt an older dog...you just don't know what all he has been thru...been there done that to many times...Quite frankly if you don't trust him, i don't see you bonding with him at all...I think you should consider rehoming him to an only dog/ no children home...or someone with tons of experience...
 
#9 ·
I agree with Carolina, CRATE! The dog sounds like he has WAY too much freedom. He should not be in a position where he can go after the other dog or any people, or have space to be pooping in the house. I would treat and train him like I would an 8 week old puppy, remedial potty training, 100% "NILIF", and earning his freedoms and privileges. Sounds like the kind of dog that will take a mile when you give an inch. He also sounds confused and conflicted based on his past experiences and lack of boundaries. What he needs right now is absolute STRUCTURE. Make his daily life a predictable routine for him. Manage his environment so he cannot do the behaviors that upset you.
 
#15 ·
I believe that he would be great in a home with someone that has had Siberian Husky experience because even though he is a GSD/Husky mix he is more Husky than GSD. He should be an only dog and no children.

I know he would do better in a different home but my GSD loves him, he'll be heartbroken :(
 
#13 ·
Sorry to hear its not going so good for you. Since he's still young I would like to think you have a chance to correct bad behavior. My 2 older dogs aren't perfect. I actually have started working each of my dogs separately. Kiya has some leash reactivity with other dogs that I am working on. It is one of the reasons I have issues with leash corrections. I found information about B.A.T. behavioral adjustment training that I have been working on with her. I would think it all depends on how much time you have to put into this guy, and of course it wont happen over night and you may never truly be able to trust him.
 
#16 ·
I guess I am in the minority here... I don't think rehoming this dog is an option unless you happen to find someone who likes a challenge and has a ton of experience rehabilitating dogs. Otherwise you are passing the problem along. Putting this dog in a home with no pets and no children is only management of the problem instead of fixing it.

I think GSDBESTK9 and Lies gave you very good suggestions. This dog needs serious NILIF to learn that you are in control. He works for everything, is on leash a lot and gets no privileges.

LaRen, Rogue has the potential to make you a better dog owner if you decide to step up to the challenge. It's the difficult ones that teach us the most. You have to decide if its something you want to do because I'm sure you can do it. If you don't want to, then you have to find someone who does want because just putting in a home with no other pets or kids or strangers is not helping him to over come his issues.
 
#21 ·
I guess I am in the minority here... I don't think rehoming this dog is an option unless you happen to find someone who likes a challenge and has a ton of experience rehabilitating dogs. Otherwise you are passing the problem along. Putting this dog in a home with no pets and no children is only management of the problem instead of fixing it.

I think GSDBESTK9 and Lies gave you very good suggestions. This dog needs serious NILIF to learn that you are in control. He works for everything, is on leash a lot and gets no privileges.

LaRen, Rogue has the potential to make you a better dog owner if you decide to step up to the challenge. It's the difficult ones that teach us the most. You have to decide if its something you want to do because I'm sure you can do it. If you don't want to, then you have to find someone who does want because just putting in a home with no other pets or kids or strangers is not helping him to over come his issues.
I have done some of that.

When it is feeding time he has to sit and wait for me to give him the ok so he can eat. He will not touch his food unless I say he can.

Every single time we get ready to go outside he has to sit by the door and wait for me to put his leash on and he has to wait until I open the door and say ok and then we can go out, so now he doesn't door dash.

When we go to leave in the car again he sits by the door and waits until I open the car door and tell him it's ok to get into the car.

He is crated while I am at work and he is crated at night.
 
#20 ·
I've posted my experience a few times on different threads- I had a gsd pup that I just did not bond with, she felt the same about me. I did everything right, STAR Puppy and then CGC at 5 mos, took her to the office, lots of socialization. A very cool dog but we both seemed to know that we weren't suited to each other, she wasn't happy, had a much higher drive than me and my other gsd. It was very very difficult to decided to let her go to another home, but I found a young couple with a male gsd her age, size and drive. Now she's flourishing and happy, they adore her, she's happier than she ever was here. I've never done that before but it was the best thing for her and I feel good knowing that I was able to provide the best home for her, even though it wasn't mine.
 
#24 · (Edited)
Oh boy he sounds like he's a handful! First off I don't think anyone has the right to bash you unless they have dealt with this....I am in the process of dealing with fear issues and it's tough, but improving. If anyone bashes you over this they aren't taking into consideration YOUR safety and the safety of other humans and your pets which should always be the most important issue.

What do you do when he gets aggressive with Sinister? My dogs are usually OK with eachother, but sometimes I need to step in because Arlo does not defend himself, and Jackson has left bloody gashes in him. When my dogs get into fight mode over a toy or whatnot, I will but in and stop it because it's not acceptable. If they continue, either the crate, or away from the situation they go. I don't want one thinking they're superior over the other, because I am the boss and I will decide that. BUT, it is probably much easier for me to have to put my foot down for a GSD pup who's 50 lbs, vs. a full grown male who I haven't bonded with. So I can see how it's a huge problem.

I would not be having the dog growling and baring his teeth at strangers or just anyone. I have been having problems with Jackson, fear issues, that get him growling and showing his teeth if he's pushed too far (which IMO isn't any more than normal human/dog interaction) but I have been seeing improvement with him. But I have been socializing him, letting him know he's NOT the boss of anyone, being more firm with him on things unrelated to his behavior just to let him know that I am in charge, and also offering lots and lots of love. I have also realized at the beginning that his problems are something I said I would never put up with, and pondered that I may have to rehome him if he doesn't get better, so I know how you are feeling...probably not so good....I cried alot.

But if Rouge is acting this way, and you are afraid to take him anywhere, he can't be socialized. If you are a little afraid of him, it may be hard to establish leadership and control his dominance. If I felt 100% I COULD NOT trust my dog around all people and kids, there's no way I would keep him. It's too much of a risk IMO. I love dogs and I always have, but LaRen, where would you draw the line? Don't think about your dogs now. Say you didn't have any. Where would you draw the line as to a great dog/ vs. a dangerous dog? Remember that and stay true to yourself. All dogs aren't good in all situations and sometimes people are forced to make tough decisions for the safety of themselves and others.

I would look into a professional if you can't get this under control and would like to keep him. See where it goes from there. He may get better, he may not, but at least you tried.

And as a side note, like others have said, re-homing him is probably not a good idea. If he's shown that he is in fact aggressive (especially towards people), you need to either work with him your self, with a professional, or face the fact he may need to be put down if he won't improve :( . I know, not very cool options...I know.
 
#28 ·
Oh boy he sounds like he's a handful! First off I don't think anyone has the right to bash you unless they have dealt with this....I am in the process of dealing with fear issues and it's tough, but improving. If anyone bashes you over this they aren't taking into consideration YOUR safety and the safety of other humans and your pets which should always be the most important issue.

To be honest I am more worried about the safety of children and other family members more than I am worried about my safety and then I am worried about my other pets.

What do you do when he gets aggressive with Sinister? My dogs are usually OK with eachother, but sometimes I need to step in because Arlo does not defend himself, and Jackson has left bloody gashes in him. When my dogs get into fight mode over a toy or whatnot, I will but in and stop it because it's not acceptable. If they continue, either the crate, or away from the situation they go. I don't want one thinking they're superior over the other, because I am the boss and I will decide that. BUT, it is probably much easier for me to have to put my foot down for a GSD pup who's 50 lbs, vs. a full grown male who I haven't bonded with. So I can see how it's a huge problem.

Rogue is always the one that starts the problems, I go to him grab his collar and escort him to his crate. He gets a 10-15 minute time out. There has not been any blood drawn because I seperate them before it gets that far. I will not stand for any of my pets being bullied. I also feed, treat, take outside, walk and take for car rides both dogs so that one does not feel more superior than the other.

I would not be having the dog growling and baring his teeth at strangers or just anyone. I have been having problems with Jackson, fear issues, that get him growling and showing his teeth if he's pushed too far (which IMO isn't any more than normal human/dog interaction) but I have been seeing improvement with him. But I have been socializing him, letting him know he's NOT the boss of anyone, being more firm with him on things unrelated to his behavior just to let him know that I am in charge, and also offering lots and lots of love. I have also realized at the beginning that his problems are something I said I would never put up with, and pondered that I may have to rehome him if he doesn't get better, so I know how you are feeling...probably not so good....I cried alot.

When people come over Rogue is crated, he is ok with some of my friends. I do the no touch, no talk, no eye contact with him when he meets new people. If he starts to act weird or he makes me feel unsure I take him to his crate. I'm really trying with him, I'm trying to love him, I've tried everyday for the past 11 weeks, I dont know what the problem is, I dont know why I dont love him.

But if Rouge is acting this way, and you are afraid to take him anywhere, he can't be socialized. If you are a little afraid of him, it may be hard to establish leadership and control his dominance. If I felt 100% I COULD NOT trust my dog around all people and kids, there's no way I would keep him. It's too much of a risk IMO. I love dogs and I always have, but LaRen, where would you draw the line? Don't think about your dogs now. Say you didn't have any. Where would you draw the line as to a great dog/ vs. a dangerous dog? Remember that and stay true to yourself. All dogs aren't good in all situations and sometimes people are forced to make tough decisions for the safety of themselves and others.

I'm not afraid of him all the time, it's the way he looks at me sometimes, it's the way he lowers his head and looks at me while his tail is almost sticking straight out.

I would look into a professional if you can't get this under control and would like to keep him. See where it goes from there. He may get better, he may not, but at least you tried.

And as a side note, like others have said, re-homing him is probably not a good idea. If he's shown that he is in fact aggressive (especially towards people), you need to either work with him your self, with a professional, or face the fact he may need to be put down if he won't improve :( . I know, not very cool options...I know.
I would absolutely hate for him to be put down, I do not want that at all. I dont know if I can give him the help that he needs. I honestly dont know if I put all of that work into him and I still dont love him? That makes it harder for me. I dont love him. If I could find someone that has experience with Siberian Husky's and he/she is willing to work with Rogue and get him the help that he needs, they cant have children though, I would rehome him to them. I would keep him here with me until I found a home like that for him but I would not have him put down.
 
#26 ·
I'm with gsdraven on this.

First, as JKlatsky notes, he is a resource guarder. This is different than aggression. I think you need to get some professional help and start working on the individual problems with this dog. I love the book "The Other End of the Leash" and "Fiesty Fido"

The second problem seems to be that he is "aggressive" towards strange dogs? Is he truly aggressive? Or is it a fear reaction?

The reason I'm suggesting professional help is you really need to break down his behaviors and figure out what is going on.
 
#27 ·
Please don't let this dog down without trying other training options first. You adopted him recently yourself because his previous owner didn't want him anymore. He gets along fine with your other dog, right? That's what you have said all along. Not every dog is going to have the same personality. If Sin enjoys going to parties-by all means take him. Do other things with Rogue that he enjoys.
By spending more time with Rogue and working on his issues you may end up with a very strong bond with him.
 
#35 ·
Somehow missed the part about being aggressive towards people. Definitely get professional help. Get a professional evaluation on him regarding the people aggression. Once again...is it fear? Or is it truly aggression?
Ok, I'll give you an example of when my 2 aunts met him.

I had him for about 4-5 weeks and my 2 aunts came over to visit and meet him. I told them to come in and sit down, no talk, no touch, no eye contact. They sat down and he went up to one of my aunts and started growling at her. I called him over to me and made him sit. He sat and watched their every move. When my aunt got up to use the restroom he stood up and started growling. I put him in his crate the rest of the time they were there.

One of my neighbors approached me outside while I was taking the dogs out. Rogue was leashed, when my neighbor came towards us Rogue started growling and then it changed to him barking and he was pulling on his leash (towards my neighbor) I told my neighbor that it wasen't a good time to talk.
 
#32 ·
Sometimes there is no bonding, but there is a sense of responsibility. I think Laren feels responsible for Rogue, but she doesn't feel the strong bond that she has for all the rest of her animals. We all want to feel bonded to our animals, we put a lot of time, effort and money into our furkids. It is only human to want something in return. Sometimes it never happens.

If it were me, I'd contact a Husky related rescue. Explain to them what is going on. See if you can get Rogue enrolled into their rescue program, while keeping him as a "foster" until they can locate the perfect home. During that time you utilize every tool that you have to make sure that the next home is successful for Rogue. I'd also go ahead and get him altered to ensure they'll take him into their program.
 
#37 ·
If it were me, I'd contact a Husky related rescue. Explain to them what is going on. See if you can get Rogue enrolled into their rescue program, while keeping him as a "foster" until they can locate the perfect home. During that time you utilize every tool that you have to make sure that the next home is successful for Rogue. I'd also go ahead and get him altered to ensure they'll take him into their program.
Most rescues will not be able to help with him if she is honest about his "aggression" issues. They cannot afford to have their savings wiped out and not being able to save the 100's of adoptable dogs if they are sued over a bite from one dog that has already show "aggressive" behaviors.

I have aggression and aggressive in quotes because I have no way of knowing if that is what he is really displaying. I think having him evaluated by a professional is your first step toward making a plan on how to proceed with Rogue.
 
#33 ·
I respect Carolina a lot, but I personally do NOT agree with what she said about having multiple dogs. I think if you get a group of dogs and let them run and behave as a pack, this could (likely would) turn into an issue. I am surprised that coming from her she feels this way, because I'm sure she doesn't do that.

But if you have multiple dogs and treat them as individuals, yes you have to manage the "pack" but my dogs do not behave as a pack in the sense described. They do not get upset when seperated, they do not form bonds and gang up on other dogs, and they are all still social with other dogs and people. We foster dogs and have new ones coming in every few months and they accept the new dog, play with them, etc.

When we take them out in public they aren't anti-social at all.

Some things we do that might make a difference - our dogs don't all get put in the yard or house together and left. They are seperated throughout the day. A couple might be inside with me, a couple outside playing in the yard. Dante might be in the puppy pen when he's not being supervised. All the dogs except one (the girls rotate) sleep in individual crates at night. We don't allow pair bonding either. They each have preferred buddies but we put different dogs together at different times.

There is individual training and individual outings, or pair outings where two might go for a special outing without the others.

Is there pack structure - YES, most definitely. Are they a "pack" that can't operate in the real world and as individuals? No
 
#34 ·
I had a feeling, through some of your posts that you were having issues with Rogue and weren't being completely upfront about it for fear of the backlash.

I would go back to step one. Tethering inside, outside, at all times. The second you see him start to squat, rush out the door. When he cannot be tethered, he is in the crate. Spray bitter apple or something similar onto his tail so he does not chew it. Give him a filled kong with banada, peanut butter, green pepper, whatever. It should keep him occupied-I use the big bully sticks sometimes too, the braided ones last longer and should keep him occupied.

What have you tried with the leash aggression? I recently read somewhere that a squeek from a toy sometimes works so you don't have to use a prong to snap them out of it. Is he fixating?
When you come home from work or the store you need to make sure that you give Sin attention first-and send Rogue away. After a few minutes, or as soon as he has calmed in his 'spot' you need to switch. Send sin away and give Rogue attention. If rogue is attempting to steal from Sin you need to correct him immediatly-another reason why tethering works so well. Anything from verbal correction to a leash correction whatever you are comfortable with. If you are not comfortable with physical correction you need to get his attention another way, a verbal correction or redirecting him. You can try drilling him with all the commands he knows to get his attention and off Sin. You have to correct this behaviour, it will not go away on its own.

To get him socialized I have taken treats with me on walks. I began with people throwing treats at her, and progressed to flat hand. She now views people she has met many times as treat dispensors, but is still leery of first meetings.

One thing I will touch on. You cannot, ever be scared of a dog that is under your care. I will be honest here. Me and Shenzi got into fights when she first came here. She was completely wild. Never blood, but I came out of it with bruises. The only way Rogue will become a productive member of your family is if you fight for it. You have to love him enough to fight for him, and with him. You cannot be scared of him. You can do much more harm mentally to him than he could ever do physically to you. And if you truely believe he would bite please muzzle him until he is better socialized.

When I first had shenzi I did not immediately connect with her either. She was wild, she didnt listen, we fought like what seemed constantly, and one day it just 'clicked'. I could never see myself without her by my side now. But it was many a day, and many fights later. It was an uphill battle and if you should choose to battle it you will come back with a very loyal friend.
Further comments:
He gets a 10-15 minute time out. This is too long in my opinion if you want to use the crate as a punishment. If it is a punishment 1-2 minutes max. The dog has forgotten in 15 minutes what it was that angered you. I would use a verbal correction or a light tap on the butt when he is being a butt head. (don't hit him. I mean like what you would do to a child. a small light swat to get a point across)

I'm not afraid of him all the time, it's the way he looks at me sometimes, it's the way he lowers his head and looks at me while his tail is almost sticking straight out.
When he is acting like this you need to snap him out of it. Seriously. Possible to take a picture of this behaviour? Do not be afraid of your animal. Walk up to him and tell him to sit or something. Snap him out of it.
that one does not feel more superior than the other.-Sin should feel superior in this situation.
 
#36 · (Edited)
Ok, I'll give you an example of when my 2 aunts met him.

I had him for about 4-5 weeks and my 2 aunts came over to visit and meet him. I told them to come in and sit down, no talk, no touch, no eye contact. They sat down and he went up to one of my aunts and started growling at her. I called him over to me and made him sit. He sat and watched their every move. When my aunt got up to use the restroom he stood up and started growling. I put him in his crate the rest of the time they were there.

One of my neighbors approached me outside while I was taking the dogs out. Rogue was leashed, when my neighbor came towards us Rogue started growling and then it changed to him barking and he was pulling on his leash (towards my neighbor) I told my neighbor that it wasen't a good time to talk.

You just proved to him that he can make people go away and he doesnt have to deal with people if he says he doesnt want to. In these situations you wait until he calms. Hopefully your neighbor is patient! and again with the treats. Get his attention, sit treat, down treat, etc. Train a calm command, like settle or enough or something to that general effect. It seems you have much the issues I had with Shenzi and there is the light at the end of the tunnel I swear! Me and shenzi get into the elevator with people no problem now. It just takes time.

I love these articles. I have watched his DVDs and they are very informative. Don't agree with him always, but most of the time. http://leerburg.com/articles.htm#AandD
 
#38 ·
I think you most likely need a professional to come in evaluate him and help you one on one.

Unfortunately he sounds like he could be a ticking time bomb and a big liability. BUT, with pro help, you may be able to work the issues, figure out his triggers, and be able to safely manage him.

I do think your right, in that, IF you were to rehome him, it would have to be with someone totally willing to take on his issues and a dog savvy person. Rehoming him is putting that liability on someone else:(

I also agree that sometimes we just can't bond with a dog..I have never had that problem with my gsd's, but I admit, my male aussie who is 10 years old, he and I just don't click and I've had him since he was 12 weeks old..No big deal, he "clicks' with my husband and he is more his dog which is fine by me.

I really think you need to bring in someone who knows how to handle problem dogs and work with you.. Good luck:)
 
#39 ·
Is anyone in LaRens area that can point her to a reputable professional? I would hate for her to get stuck with some crackpot...
 
#42 ·
And as far as the bonding....we have two boxers in addition to Jax. I'm not crazy about the boxers and don't ever want another one. I just don't like their personalities. One is DA and the other is funky with people.

Sometimes, you just don't bond. I remember when you got Roque. It seemed like it wasn't very well thought out. You were going to get a puppy and suddenly you had Roque. That doesn't in any way make you bad. :) I'm just not sure you got what you expected or what you wanted.
 
#46 ·
I have a GSD and a "step dog" who is a Scottie. I can honestly say I would not choose a Scottie, and their personality is generally very different than a GSD and not my type of dog. So as someone put it I don't have a bond with "Ally" in the same way as I do with Max (GSD). I think from what you have written in previous posts and through pics that you have posted the relationship with your 2 dogs was going well. My dogs don't even play together like your 2 dogs at all, as Max is a big dork puppy still and Ally is very independent and older and wants nothing to do with him. If he crosses a line with her by putting his big paws on her she will growl and bark at him. I don't consider that aggression, but redirection on her part. I also intercede and correct Max when he does this.
We also have 2 cats, one was mine and one was his. They don't particularly like this dork GSD with his energy and playfulness so I have to monitor everyone and redirect when needed.
So it takes much more energy to keep all of these critters existing together. I feed in different rooms unless I am there to monitor closely. I work to redirect bad behavior between critters-training is a lifetime, daily job when you have multiple pets.
I don't have kids- but if I had a dog who I didn't trust around them I wouldn't let them around other's kids. Some dogs can NEVER be off leash dogs. Or go to the dog park, or go to parties.
 
#47 ·
I felt when I had that Husky, he did alot of damage to me both physical and emotional

what happened?
 
#51 ·
I felt when I had that Husky, he did alot of damage to me both physical and emotional

what happened?
He had problems, psychological problems they were not the type that could be fixed with training. I had him for almost 4 weeks. He growled, barred his teeth, charged me and stalked me. He latched onto my hand and started to tear at it, my hand was all cut up and it swelled up. He continuously went after Sinister, he latched onto his muzzle and made him bleed. No one could pet him, he would attack you. He made me break down and cry every night, I was so stressed out I didn't want to come home at night. My boyfriend at the time didn't want to come home, he wanted nothing to do with him, the Husky had bit him in the hand. My boyfriend and I became so stressed out that all we did was yell at each other. My GSD didn't like him, he was afraid of him. I have no doubt in my mind that he would have killed my cats if he could have caught them. He was completely out of control and his breeder refused to take him back. I took him to the Vet and she told me to have him neutered immediately and that he may need to be on medication when he got older. She said that she had never seen a puppy act that way. My aunt watched him for 5 days while I was in Georgia attending my uncle's funeral. She called me crying a couple of times, he had biten her and drew blood and he started stalking her. She told me "Lauren, there is something wrong with this puppy, this is not normal puppy behavior, something isn't right and I am afraid of him." I decide to rehome him to a man that had several years experience with Siberian Husky's. I told him everything about the puppy, he felt that he could handle it. He had the Husky in obediance classes for over a month and a half and nothing was helping so he tried one on one behavior with a professional with no results, he gave the puppy to a friend.....................................fast forward to now, the puppy is almost 11 months old, he is on his 4th home and he is an outside dog permanently.

He did alot of damage to my relationship, he was a big reason why it didn't work (among some other things).
 
#48 ·
I would like to comment on the bonding issue, too. I know exactly what you mean. When I purchased Tanner as a puppy from a well known breeder, I was expecting to get the puppy of my dreams. I had planned for him for a long time, waited an entire year for the breeder to follow through on the initial contract. I had so many expectations of what this puppy was going to grow up to be and do.

The reality was a whole lot less than my expectations. Tanner was sick for the first 7-8 months that I had him. He was fearful of other dogs, dominant with other dogs and pretty darn reactive. I remember coming here and posting at one point about how freaking exhausted this dog made me and how if I had a responsible option, I would take it in a heartbeat. Despite the fact that I spent a huge amount of time with him, I wasn't bonded to him at all. I felt cheated by the breeder, and he was a PITA to live with.

He even bit me! We had just come off pasture from sheep herding practice. Tanner was about 16 months old. I had leashed him and was talking with the trainer about our run. The trainer's off leash female Collie approached Tanner. I didn't think anything of it because although he had major problems interacting with other dogs, he had always done well with this Collie. Of course he hurled himself on her and a loud, but injury-less, fight took place. I hauled him back by the leash, and reached down to grasp his collar and he turned and bit me several times on the inside of my thigh. It was a clear case of redirected aggression and I was the closest thing he could get to. But...my own dog had bitten me! I was bruised severely and very sore for many days. And it was one more reason for me to just not like this dog. I mean, he had bitten me!

But because I couldn't place him anywhere (I didn't trust the breeder to do right by him even if I could get her to answer my e-mails or phone calls-which I couldn't, and no rescue would take a dog with his health issues and temperament problems), I was kind of stuck with him. I continued to work with him and then one day I was driving to the store with him in the back seat and I looked in my rear view mirror and he was looking at me and it hit me that we really had bonded with each other. We had lived with each other for over 2.5 years and the bond had kind of snuck up on me.

My point isn't to say that this will happen with you and Rogue. Because it might not. But I do want you to know that even with really rocky starts and issues that were unplanned for and unexpected, a true bond can occur anyway. I wouldn't trade Tanner for the world now, he is my heart dog. But if you had told me two years ago that I would EVER feel this way I would have laughed at you, and then tried to give him to you!
Sheilah
 
#50 ·
I wouldn't trade Tanner for the world now, he is my heart dog. But if you had told me two years ago that I would EVER feel this way I would have laughed at you, and then tried to give him to you!
Sheilah
I am SO happy to read this! And surprised too - I remember how hard you struggled with Tanner and how frustrated you've been with him. The issues you had would have been difficult enough if you had instantly bonded with him and were fully committed to working it out from day one, but it's especially amazing because it was so much the opposite. I am really, really glad it's worked out for you and Tanner. :hugs:
 
#49 ·
LeRen, this is probably going against what everyone else has said on this thread, and I don't have any real advise but I just wanted to say that I really feel for you and the situation you are in. If it were me, I would be more concerned that Rogue's behavior would negatively impact Sinister or your other pets/family members/friends. I believe someone earlier said that he sounds like a ticking time bomb, and I completely agree...I would absolutely die if a rescue I adopted attacked or seriously traumatized one of my dogs or cat. I would either seek professional help as the last effort before rehoming or trying to work with a shelter/rescue group. In regards to Sinister loving Rogue's presence, I am sure he just enjoys another dog to play with and would be fine without Rogue himself. Good luck to you..I do not envy your situation :(
 
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