I'm in the Pearland area. Let me know if there is anything I can do to help. I'm sad that you need to find a new home for your boy, but I'm glad that you are doing your best to find him the best home you can.

 

We can help with transport and what not. If Houston GSD cant take him in, maybe Lilie can. I go back and forth from HTown regularly, so if you can get him to Austin, I can get him to Lilie or Houston.


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So, Ive heard from 2 different rescues now. One has told me to put him down.
GSD Rescue of Central Texas

"Sometimes we do if we have room, but cannot take aggressive dogs. So sorry. Fear aggression is the worst kind, its so unpredictable. It would be better for you to put him down if you can't work with him or afford to work with a behaviorist on his issues. Shelters will put him down and he would be scared there and miserable before he dies. "

The other one, I had to do an App for. And wait.

 

That may be your best option. Free him of the demons. At least you'd be there with him. In the mean time, wait it out.

How has his behavior been this week? Have you worked on any obedience to assert dominance? A lot of changes can be made in a week's time by doing the little things I recommended.


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I find that odd that a rescue would recommend putting him down without evaluating him themselves. Very odd. There are at least two Houston Rescues. Which one did you contact?

 

Sort of odd, sort of not. central tx GSD solely relies on foster families and I don't think they want to put a foster host in that sort of situation. Not every foster family is equipped to handle a dog like Ruger, and after seeing the central Tx foster app, I think even fewer are equipped in Austin.

What about San Antonio Pets Alive! Or Austin Pets Alive! They are no kill shelters and the shepherds go to homes pretty quickly. They really put themselves out there in the community and get a lot of positive press.


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He should probably be listed for only dog/no cats/no kids. In that setting, I bet he would do fine with a single person or couple.


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That's a good start. I'd keep up with that for the time being.




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Do you have his pedigree? Not sure if that was answered in the other thread. Have you had someone look at it to see if there is genetic aggression or weak nerves?

 

BYB. Nice dad, loca mama.


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I think so many people in rescue get burned out....fear aggression is so so so common and they must be inundated with requests for rehoming dogs...the truth is that there are just not enough homes out there and there are plenty of nice stable dogs already in need....and being euthanized every day....I actually can understand them replying this way - politically incorrect as it is....it is the hard truth...if he is fear aggressive, then he is going to be somone's problem and chances are just as good that he will end up euthanized as in a "good home"...

Sorry, I know it is not nice to think of, but this is the problem all too often with BYB dogs - they just aren't bred with any kind of conscience or knowledge and the pups and their owners end up paying the price - Personally, I would think long and hard about that rather than pass him on and always wonder if he was able to be rehabbed or passed around and eventually PTS.

Lee

 

I just don't think I can bring myself to do that. But then I think that Im putting myself and family and others at risk that he could react at any moment. Then I think what if he doesn't do anything again(which is what I think every time he does do something). I keep giving him chances.
Its not his fault,
I blame myself for not putting him in training earlier in his life, which is what we had planned until life got in the way and husband got laid off.

 

Its not his fault,
I blame myself for not putting him in training earlier in his life, which is what we had planned until life got in the way and husband got laid off.


BYB is "Back Yard Bred/Breeder... someone who just breeds pups without regard to pedigree, training, health clearance...someone who breeds for extra income....Someone who breeds a female who is "not nice" in your words because they have her....

Training may help control...genetics are not going to change....just be careful, as most of these types of problems escalate...I have a friend who had a male who was slightly nervy as a pup, but slowly escalated...she trained the dog initially for SAR, she was experienced...the dog did bite/try to bite a guest in her home, became more fearful as he grew up...he became a liability and he was less and less happy as he got older...as hard as it was, she put him to sleep....she still feels bad about it...but we both know she did the most responsible thing...so don't beat your self up about training more...your female had a much much much rougher start in life and her temperament is much more stable from your other thread comments.

(edit to add)

I am not saying you should run out and PTS right now....I think you need to consider his future and not rule out that it might be what you have to do eventually....only you can tell how bad he is, and whether he can be safely integrated in your life...

Lee

 

Vangie: There is a trainer in your area that may be able to evaluate your boy. I think it's worth a try before you make any decisions.

Her name is "Alison" with Top Paw Training: Top Paw Training offers professional dog training for your companion dog.

I would give her a call and explain your situation (just tell her I sent you) and see what she says. I can't imagine she would charge all that much.

Good luck!

Michaela

 

Im Pretty sure that is the lady I contacted about the at home training services. I cant be totally sure, it was 6 months ago.
My vet gave me her number. They gave me quite a few actually. LOL, they want help for Ruger as much as I do...
I think she charged around $300 for the initial visit and a hour or two of training. I will email her again though to be sure.

 

There is also "Dave Kroyer" in Austin, forgot all about him. Dog Training, Canine Headquarters, Austin, Texas, TX

 

Emailed him as well! Thank you

I hope I can find him a good home. I hope he can be helped.

 

I find that odd that a rescue would recommend putting him down without evaluating him themselves. Very odd.

Not so odd when you consider that this dog has "nipped" and broken skin enough to leave a "small scratch". This behavior didn't just occur out of the blue, but has been escalating over time (charging and barking at people in stores, etc.).

It is a sad fact of life that very, very, very few rescues are in a position to take on a dog that has shown aggressive behaviors. The dog is a walking liability for them, since they can't absolutely guarantee that the dog will always be managed in a way that keeps everyone around him safe. Things happen in the blink of an eye. A few seconds of inattention on the part of a new owner could mean a horrible, disfiguring injury to a child who was doing nothing more than standing nearby.

It would be wonderful if rescues could take in every dog that needs a new home, regardless of history. But that is not the reality. The reality is that there are only a certain number of homes available, and there are lots and lots of other dogs that also deserve a second chance that have never acted aggressively.

I have seen a fair number of dogs who were surrendered to an open admission shelter for aggression, and they ended up being euthanized. They spent hours or days in a stressful kennel environment, surrounded by strangers. They were never made available for adoption. They were warehoused until someone could get around to euthanizing them. Compared to that fate, giving an owned dog a wonderful snack from the McDonald's drive-thru and then a compassionate, humane death with a familiar person there to sooth and comfort is the best, most responsible option.
Sheilah

 

And I completely agree with you! I was reading what the rescues " Owner Surrenders" guidelines are. I agree there are to many dogs out there that need a home that don't have his problems. That someone else doesn't need my problem either. Its not fair to me or them.

I keep telling myself, Im just going to work with him. Then I have this loud voice in my head saying " BUT WHAT IF"..
Then I tell myself, well it hasn't happened again... then again... its only been maybe 3-4 weeks since the last incident(not counting the one with my mom just this weekend).
I agree he is a ticking time bomb and you never know when or why he will react... and who it will be with.


My brother just put his Pit down for the some of the same reasons though.

 

This dog could have seriously hurt the kid IF he wanted to. He had enough control not to, that counts for something. My good friend has a boxer that did the same thing to her son. It happened once, the dog was startled. The dog and the boy are best friends. My point is that this dog is young and needs training. He does not need to be put to sleep. Someone said release him from his demons, if he was aggressive he would bite and go after the kids day or night..this is not the case. A good home needs to be found for him, someone that can take the time to train him and be a leader. Just because he does this stuff in this home does not mean he will do it in another home, that is a fact. My male GSD is a handful and was given up because of that, but he is thriving in my household and has calmed down nicely. My oldest female(non gsd) was returned to the shelter 3 or 4 times before I got her and she has also done well in my home. There is no way that anyone can say to put this dog to sleep without evaluating him...that my friends is VERY permanent.

 

I agree with this. I feel that this dog just needs to find a more experienced owner (no offense) that can work with him and give him a chance.

 

Before you make any decisions whatsoever, I'd suggest a new health work up including a full thyroid panel--just to be very sure there's not an underlying medical issue triggering this change in behavior.

Please take a look at this thread, if you haven't already:
http://www.germanshepherds.com/foru...om/forum/aggression-good-bad-ugly/86315-medical-causes-aggressive-behavior.html

 

:thumbup:

 

Before you isolate this dog, and potentially make this aggression worse due to frustration, please talk to your vet and explain your situation. In your other thread you stated the vet used to show German Shepherds. Maybe the vet has alternatives for you and can work with you.

 

OMG Koshka is a fetch maniac too. He'll turn down steak to chase the ball! Hang in there, and hopefully something will break loose one way or the other. If by chance something miraculous happens and I wind up in a place where I can take my animals back and add one, I'd totally take Ruger. I'm quite used to crate and rotate, pretty comfortable even with bitey dogs, and alone, so I wouldn't have to worry about his interactions with others. But, the chances of that are darn slim. But really, if you truly think he should stay alive, then there is hope, and it might be worth it to give him more time while you look into every option you can find. I just want to offer up support if you do wind up with the euth option to know that you truly did everything you could. Like I said, just take every precaution you can to make sure there is no chance for him to bite, and don't fool yourself into thinking that it might be safe even if he doesn't do anything for a while, etc.

 

RUger will fetch over food any day too! He loves it!!!!!!
Klina my female loves to swim, she dont care what it is, if its wet, shes going in!
Hes staying with me for now. Unless something else happens. I am going to do the rotate. We have a friend in town right now for a few days. I think he can be managed. Especially in a home without kids. I just don't trust him with kids. I do with mine more than others, but I still have a fear with mine and always will.

 

I have no idea if these links will be of any help since they are mainly for emergency vet treatment. May be worth a shot in case they have other resources they can refer you to.

Having Trouble Affording Veterinary Care? : The Humane Society of the United States

AFRP Financial Assistance for Pets

Saving More Lives Together : Asheville Humane Society

ANIMAL ASSISTANCE LEAGUE OF ORANGE COUNTY

FAQ | ASPCA

Speaking for Spot: Dog Health Care Tips & Veterinary Advice | Financial Assistance for Veterinary Care

Find financial assistance with veterinary care | RedRover

Vet Bills: Organizations Offering Financial Help | Truth4Dogs

http://www.voicesforanimals.org/links/vetassistance.php


This is a LONG SHOT idea, especially with your time crunch. Very occasionally, there are some trainers who will barter out training. I know of a couple here that has done it in extenuating circumstances.

 

Its $425 a week for behavior modification,

THAT is a rip off.

Please look for SchH clubs who can recommend good trainers to you. Please.

 

I tend to agree.

Vangie, you're moving to DFW area, right? There're a lot of ScH people/GSD people up there.


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There is also a SchH club in San Antonio but I don't know anything about them: http://sanantonioschutzhundclub.com/

(There is also a Mondioring club in Bulverde, stay far away from them )

 

I believe that the trainer contacted is a professional and makes his living training dogs....no one works for free at their job....it is very very very unfortunate for Vangie and Ruger that her circumstances are tight right now...but really, that pricing is in line from what I know of similar trainers

Lee

 

Dave's site indicates that they do accept some dogs that they essentially would rehabilitate if they are deemed adoptable. Vangie, it could be worth seeing if he would pro bono your case to evaluate Ruger.


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They do charge an eval. fee. Karen is very short and to the point. So no pro bono, or help for that matter.

 

I assumed that it was board and train....and no, he does not need schutzhund training, and most clubs will not work with a fear aggressive dog in protection....they might recommend a trainer - ie professional - and would be probably be the same one!

Lee

 

$425 for B&T- sign me up!!


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No, he does not and should not have SchH training. Nor did I suggest that.

What he needs is an outside, unbiased, person that knows the breed to evaluate him and see if he is indeed a dangerous dog. I don't know "Dave" from Adam and don't really care. What I am suggesting is finding a person to evaluate this dog and possibly, if this dog can be saved, to teach the owner the tools to modify the behavior for a reasonable price since the OP does NOT have the money.

 

In the meantime, Vangie, you could still try for the Schrodi scholarship- or look to see if any training facilities where you are moving may offer a scholarship.

Look for someone who has CPDTKA in their training title. I'm not one, but if I did it would be Buggibub- CPDTKA.




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I didn't either, you told him/her to go to an IPO club to get trainer recommendations. There's a reason Dave is one of the best in IPO and mondio and has multiple world teams under his belt, because he knows dogs, period. I've had the pleasure of working with him a

If you don't know Dave from Adam, then maybe you shouldn't be telling people going to see him at a 425 price is a rip off and telling them to go see an IPO club to get trainer recommendations.

You're not going to find someone more capable of evaluating a dog than Dave.

 

You are absolutely correct. Have at this thread. You obviously are the expert in all things.