PD reject. A Slew of issues to correct!

[JakodaCD OA]

well I'd say the owners are pretty darn "lucky" the bitten person didn't press charges and sue them or they'd loose their shirts.

I can certainly see a 'lip' getting torn end up with that many stitches OUCH.

Sounds like the 'owners' just let this dog have a pass for everything and he's an out of control brat who has had no boundaries/nor training.

I would definately get a behaviorist, I would definately put a prong on him, and I'd definately be whipping him into shape.

I don't know how the dog laws in RI work, but if he's got a bite record, I'd keep that in mind when doing anything.

Also, you mention you have an older lab? Do you know how he is with other dogs?

Just to add, you might want to clean up the language you use, the mods here, myself included, don't appreciate it much

[gsdraven]

Originally Posted by ashleec73

and nipped at her face....annnnnnnnd....38 stitches later and a visit from ACO, the dog is now under the mandatory 10-day quarantine.
[snip]
Am I wrong to assume that this wasn't a "true" bite, but just a young dog displaying puppy traits that should have been trained out by this point?

A nip does not result in 38 stitches! This was a bite. And yes, you are wrong in assuming it was not a "true" bite. Dogs that go at the face are scary (I've met a few of them) not because they are more or less dangerous but because they can do more damage and are acting instinctually by going to at a vulnerable body part (the head).

If you are going to take on this project, I'd be starting to work on muzzle training him right away. I'd also be interviewing behaviorists now and ask to talk to clients that they have helped with something similiar. I'd also be very careful about trying any internet advice on this dog.

It's very hard to give advice on aggression because there are so many subtle signs that you need to SEE in order to know what to do. Some things you can advise without risking further injury to anyone physically or mentally but those things are generally management tactics and not rehabilitation plans.

[ashleec73]

Originally Posted by gsdraven

If you are going to take on this project, I'd be starting to work on muzzle training him right away. I'd also be interviewing behaviorists now and ask to talk to clients that they have helped with something similiar. I'd also be very careful about trying any internet advice on this dog.

I have 2 calls in to behaviorists. I plan on getting him started the day I get him. I also ordered a cage muzzle for him last night and I am ordering, but its hard to find, a metal crate pan. He chewed the plastic one in his own crate. I am also looking into some busy chew toys for him to use when he is alone in the crate. He can't be left out because he is so destructive.
All this transpired, me taking him, last night. I am trying to get as much lined up for him before he enters my home.
He will NOT be exposed to my mid day exercise dogs until well after he has the clearance of the behaviorist. But he will have canine companionship with my current dogs (a Lab and an Akita mix.) Until I trust him a bit more, he will not have unsupervised access to these dogs.
I realize the importance of real-life help for this dog, but its nice to get some input from those who own and train this specific breed. In Rhode Island, I am having a tough time locating a GSD-specific trainer. But who know, I may locate one soon, and that would be FABULOUS!

[ashleec73]

Originally Posted by JakodaCD OA

well I'd say the owners are pretty darn "lucky" the bitten person didn't press charges and sue them or they'd loose their shirts.

I can certainly see a 'lip' getting torn end up with that many stitches OUCH.

Sounds like the 'owners' just let this dog have a pass for everything and he's an out of control brat who has had no boundaries/nor training.

I would definately get a behaviorist, I would definately put a prong on him, and I'd definately be whipping him into shape.

I don't know how the dog laws in RI work, but if he's got a bite record, I'd keep that in mind when doing anything.

Also, you mention you have an older lab? Do you know how he is with other dogs?

Just to add, you might want to clean up the language you use, the mods here, myself included, don't appreciate it much

You are absolutely right in assuming that Duke was leftt o run amok with no guidelines or rules. I have 2 behaviorists in mind and will be interviewing them this week.
In RI, I am well aware of the laws on dog bite liability. He pretty much is up a creek if it happens again. But, I am hoping that with the right training, exercise and mental stimulation, we can get him to where he should be by 2 years old. I have a lot of hope for this dog.
As far as his behavior with other dogs, he does have play dates with the neighbor's Aussie. He isn't completely dog-aggressive. Perhaps its leash aggression he has...not sure.
And...sorry about the language issue. I was catching up on all the replies and there were some really passive-aggressive, unhelpful, useless comments and I got a bit worked up. Won't happen again.

[JakodaCD OA]

I know a couple of really good trainers in RI, one has Belg Tervs, I'll have to ask her the name of the place she trains,,I can't recall at the moment, tho I've been there a zillion times doing agility run thrus,,right over the CT border I think it was exit 4..

[JakodaCD OA]

found her
BIO_Christine

You can tell her I referred you,,my name is Diane Stevens, Christine knows her stuff

[ashleec73]

Originally Posted by JakodaCD OA

found her
BIO_Christine

You can tell her I referred you,,my name is Diane Stevens, Christine knows her stuff

Thanks for the referral! Does she specialize in bite inhibition? I definitely will get Duke in some serious obedience training but his immediate issue is bite inhibition and NOT jumping up at people. The jumping I can work on at home, but the bite thing needs serious attention.
I am based in East Providence so I know of the trainers based near Providence. To a Rhode Islander, anything south of Warwick is a day trip.

[JakodaCD OA]

Christine is really good at what she does, she is a calm quiet trainer , I've seen what she does with her own dogs and I like it.

Definately if your in not in her area, look around, she may even be able to refer you to someone.