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I just got a call from a guy who is very upset...and feels he needs to rehome his 1 year old GSD. He has..
Max - 9 year old unneutered male GSD
Stanely - 6 year old neutered male Rottie/GSD mix
Gunner - 1 year old unneutered male GSD
He has had Gunner for about 4 months ... having taken him from someone who could no longer keep him. He was originally taken to a shelter...but when it was discovered he was to be euthanized...this man asked the originally owner to get him back and he would take him to save him...he is a huge animal lover. He does not want to rehome Gunner but here's the situation...
Stanely and Gunner get along great. In fact...all three dogs get along for the majority of the time. BUT there have been three serious fights between Max and Gunner...the last one resulting in the owner requiring stitches yesterday (injuries from trying to break up the fight). I asked who the instigator is..he feels it is Max. In Max's defense...I think he is in pain. The owner claims no...but he said he has trouble going up and down steps. In my eyes that is pain...and I have told him to talk to a vet about this...and get him started on good supplements, etc. He asked me if neutering would help the situation...while I said it certainly isn't helping anything...I also told him there are certainly no guarantees....and probably isn't likely (although I am no expert). I will of course slip in that his dogs should be neutered regardless...
I suggested working with a trainer...which he was open to...but he said he has a horrible work schedule which doesn't allow him to plan things in advance.....
So...what else can I suggest to try to keep this family together? If I can't give good solid advice...he will be rehoming Gunner...or do you think that is for the best? I always try to work on finding a solution first...
Max - 9 year old unneutered male GSD
Stanely - 6 year old neutered male Rottie/GSD mix
Gunner - 1 year old unneutered male GSD
He has had Gunner for about 4 months ... having taken him from someone who could no longer keep him. He was originally taken to a shelter...but when it was discovered he was to be euthanized...this man asked the originally owner to get him back and he would take him to save him...he is a huge animal lover. He does not want to rehome Gunner but here's the situation...
Stanely and Gunner get along great. In fact...all three dogs get along for the majority of the time. BUT there have been three serious fights between Max and Gunner...the last one resulting in the owner requiring stitches yesterday (injuries from trying to break up the fight). I asked who the instigator is..he feels it is Max. In Max's defense...I think he is in pain. The owner claims no...but he said he has trouble going up and down steps. In my eyes that is pain...and I have told him to talk to a vet about this...and get him started on good supplements, etc. He asked me if neutering would help the situation...while I said it certainly isn't helping anything...I also told him there are certainly no guarantees....and probably isn't likely (although I am no expert). I will of course slip in that his dogs should be neutered regardless...
I suggested working with a trainer...which he was open to...but he said he has a horrible work schedule which doesn't allow him to plan things in advance.....
So...what else can I suggest to try to keep this family together? If I can't give good solid advice...he will be rehoming Gunner...or do you think that is for the best? I always try to work on finding a solution first...