Can a dog prone to attacking other dogs be retrained?

[Sallyschickens]

Long story short.

We rescued a 10 mo old dog a few years back. She was turned into a high kill shelter in a very sad state. She has overcome a lot of her issues due to the neglect, abuse etc. that she suffered in the first 10 months of her life. Sadly she is prone to attack other dogs.

Our 5 foot fence has held her at bay and while she is contained she is a wonderful dog. Not to mention, an awesome livestock gurdian dog. Unfortunately she escaped this morning and attacked a dog walking by with its owner. (This isn't the first time she attacked another dog.)

She is a 3 year old St. Bernard mix and is about 100 lbs, she is spayed.

My SO wants to keep her, however I'm DONE with her...I'm OVER IT!!

I'm still very upset over what just happened, I do really love this dog and I really don't want anything bad to happen to her. I will give her another chance if anyone can tell me if "professional dog training" will help with this horrible issue. (I have a call into a "great dog trainer" at the moment and I'm waiting for a call back.)

We are willing to send her off to have her retrained at any expense IF she can be cured of this issue. If not, we can't take anymore chances.

We have taught her basic obedience skills and are pretty firm but loving with her. She has (had) an acre to run about and she gets a mile walk everyday. She has chickens, ducks and sheep to keep her company and she really takes good care of them. Sadly, its like a switch that goes off in her head when she sees another dog.

Anyone have a similar situation that they have gone through? As you can see, I am pretty bummed at the moment.

Will an invisible fence contain a dog that is so aggressive? Is it worth it?


-Signed sad Sally

ETA: when I'm bummed, I can't spell...

 

[Redyre Rotties]

NO, an invisible fence is not a good idea. What happens when a dog comes inside her area, even if she stays in it?

I have dogs who would likely injure dogs, and possibly even people if they were to escape and run amok unsupervised. I get around this by having fencing that is escape proof, and I keep my gates locked.

In my experience, dogs with this kind of fight drive are not easily retrained, and it would likely take seriously aversive training methods to accomplish it. In most areas your dog would now be classified as dangerous, and you may incur serious legal and/or financial problems should she escape and injure or kill another dog.

You are in a difficult situation, I'm sorry I don't have better things to say.

 

[jojo@rolling acres farm]

No. I think the kindest thing you can do for your dog and yourself - is have her put to sleep. That's a large dog and she can do a lot of damage. I'm sorry to have to say it - but I believe it is for the best. Good Luck to you.

 

[Cindiloohoo]

I have a dog like that. She CANNOT be retrained. She can only be contained, watched and on the off chance she gets out...shock collar stays on her at all times. She has never killed another dog, but she will attack and it is SO hard to get her to stop. She just loves to fight and show her dominance to other dogs on her property, and they have always been on her property when she goes after them. She is a great guardian as well, but we have to keep in mind that she IS dog aggressive and we watch her like a hawk when she is out. We have done the professional training route, and had even gone as far as having an appointment to have her put down at one point. It is a difficult decision. I was ready to be done with her. I just could not bring myself to do it. So, she's our doggy prisoner on this acre and a half. She doesn't seem to mind though so long as she gets a piece of bologna once in a while. She was born in our house and we felt like at the end of the day, she was our responsibility until she dies in this house. If you get rid of her it is a death sentence. Dog aggressive dogs get put down.

 

[SillyChicken]

RR pretty much summed it up.

Decided not to reply with my opinion.

 

[redhen]

Sorry...

 

[Sallyschickens]

Thank you everyone.

 

[Jamie_Dog_Trainer]

Quote:
Sally--where do you live, says you are a Puget Sound Baby. I am a trainer in Port Orchard and one of very few trainers in four counties near me that will deal with aggression of any kind. I would like to know who the trainer is you have a call into. I know many trainers who will deal with Aggression in the North King County and Snohomish County areas. PM me if you want to. If you can't find someone to work with you I would be happy to do a behavior evaluation to at least come to your home and give you a good solid opinion on the behavior and where it is coming from.

 

[Sallyschickens]

Quote:
Sally--where do you live, says you are a Puget Sound Baby. I am a trainer in Port Orchard and one of very few trainers in four counties near me that will deal with aggression of any kind. I would like to know who the trainer is you have a call into. I know many trainers who will deal with Aggression in the North King County and Snohomish County areas. PM me if you want to. If you can't find someone to work with you I would be happy to do a behavior evaluation to at least come to your home and give you a good solid opinion on the behavior and where it is coming from.

I''m pm-ing you right now!!!

 

[thebritt]

Yay Jamie!

(Jamie's advice has been VERY helpful for us in dealing with Buddy).