[LaRen616]

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!

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?

 

[GSDBESTK9]

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.

 

[Wolfiesmom]

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.

 

[LaRen616]

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.

 

[LaRen616]

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.

 

[KZoppa]

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.

 

[Ryder&SophieSue]

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...

 

[KZoppa]

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...

agreed

 

[Liesje]

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.

 

[LaRen616]

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.

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.

 

[Stosh]

Perhaps he would do better being the only dog in a different home.

 

[LaRen616]

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.

He is very Husky like. He absolutely cannot be trusted off leash, I have no doubt that he would take off. He is very stubborn and very independent. He's a digger too :wild:.

 

[kiya]

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.

 

[KZoppa]

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.

i understand. I was on the fence about rehoming Shelby because she just hasnt bonded with us easily. She's a great dog. Gets along with everyone. She was previously abused and unsocialized and she's beautiful. But she met my nephew and it was in instant connection so Shelby will be going to my sister and her son and husband early-middle of next year once they get settled in their new house. Its good that your GSD is so relaxed about it but i agree he probably isnt happy about getting bitten for playing or trying to drink. I know you'll do whats best for him. Props for trying. With everything going on with me i couldnt do it right now. you'll get it figured out.

 

[LaRen616]

Perhaps he would do better being the only dog in a different home.

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

 

[gsdraven]

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.

 

[KZoppa]

He is very Husky like. He absolutely cannot be trusted off leash, I have no doubt that he would take off. He is very stubborn and very independent. He's a digger too :wild:.

lol i have to admit i also dont like husky's very much so i wouldnt have a PB or a mix. They're great for other people just not my cup of tea. I dont really appreciate dogs with no real loyalty to anyone buy themselves. One of my friends back home had a totally awesome husky named Fortune a few years ago. He was the only husky i liked. unless he was outside. . .

 

[LaRen616]

i understand. I was on the fence about rehoming Shelby because she just hasnt bonded with us easily. She's a great dog. Gets along with everyone. She was previously abused and unsocialized and she's beautiful. But she met my nephew and it was in instant connection so Shelby will be going to my sister and her son and husband early-middle of next year once they get settled in their new house. Its good that your GSD is so relaxed about it but i agree he probably isnt happy about getting bitten for playing or trying to drink. I know you'll do whats best for him. Props for trying. With everything going on with me i couldnt do it right now. you'll get it figured out.

I know that Rogue was not socialized. I am HUGE on socialization, I worked extremely hard on that with my GSD and he loves everyone and everything and he can handle any situation be it a parade, biker get together, dog park, birthday party, anything but Rogue could not handle any of that and like I said I do believe he would bite.

Sinister and I are social butterflies, I take him everywhere with me and that's important to me.

 

[GSDBESTK9]

Sinister and I are social butterflies, I take him everywhere with me and that's important to me.

Sure hope you are willing to give that up since you plan on having multiple dogs some day. The more dogs you have the more uncontrolable they become, when they become a pack and bond to each other, they will hardly listen to you and will probably become not so friendly with other strange dogs. Just an FYI. Unless of course you have plenty of time and are willing to spend some quality time with each of them on their own.

 

[Stosh]

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.