Looking for home for aussie

[BenDew]

I despartly need to find a home for my approxamtly 8 1/2 year old austailian Shepard. He is become to aggresive and barks and snaps at people he doesn't know. He is very very friendly to my entire familiy, he is an excellent watch dog, but he is only like that around us. We didn't assaciate him with other people enough when he was a puppy and now I am afraid it is too late. he is a beautiful dog. Please E-mail me if you are interested or want to see some pictures.
Ben_Dewberry@yahoo.com

[Fran27]

If you're not willing to do the effort yourself, your dog is probably going to be euthanized.

Fair warning.

[Melissa_W]

Why can't you keep him? Maybe I am reading this all wrong, but it sounds like you are getting rid of him because he doesn't like strangers... how in the world would giving him to strangers help anything? :confused:

[showpug]

If he is only good and non-aggressive around your family then why on earth would you think a stranger could take him in? Have you taken him to the vet, behaviorist or trainer. Have you made an effort at all to fix this behavior, or is abandoning him your only answer? You have had him this long, why would you give up on him now :confused:

[Melissa_W]

If he is only good and non-aggressive around your family then why on earth would you think a stranger could take him in? Have you taken him to the vet, behaviorist or trainer. Have you made an effort at all to fix this behavior, or is abandoning him your only answer? You have had him this long, why would you give up on him now :confused:


Yes, I am confused too. :confused: :confused:

[showpug]

Yes, I am confused too. :confused: :confused:

I know???? Strange...I guess we just need more information. :(

[Julie]

8 1/2 years old? I figure this problem didn't just occur. You have been dealing with it for a long time, is my guess.
Please do not give this dog to a stranger, the dog deserves to spend the remainder of his days with you.
I think it is your responsiblity to do whatever neccesary to fulfil the commitment you made, when you got him.
Too many dogs are throw aways, and an 8 1/2 year old dog with some problems will never have a chance, it will end up being euthanized by the new owners, because of behavior problems.
I believe you should stand up and take responsiblity for the life you took responsiblity for so many years ago.
I would never think about raising a pup, then 8 years later, decide to toss him. When you get a pup, it should be for the life of the dog!!!
This dog will do far better with you, than any other family that are strangers.
And considering you contributed to the dogs agressive behavior, by not socializing him enough at a young age, you should be the one to deal with his behaviors. Not some unsuspecting new family, just trying to save your throw away.
Take responsiblity and do something about it. Training, classes, or whatever might help. Try it and do whatever else you have been doing for all these years, just to get by.
Julie.

[Melissa_W]

If BenDew is really saying what it seems like he/she is saying, I totally agree with you, Julie. I kinda can't believe that is really the case though. I can't imagine throwing away and 8 1/2 year old dog like that. :confused: :confused:

[BenDew]

We tried several obediance schools nothing really seemed to work. The bottom line is it has gotten to the point where he has already bitten at least 2 people. And a third today when I was picking him up from the Vet. The guy was just trying to pet him, copper started to sniff him, and no sooner had the words to warn the guy left my mouth than copper started barking and nipped the guy in the stomach. To say the least he was pissed. I just don't know what to do with him anymore..

[Melissa_W]

I think you should get professional help. Passing him off to someone else is not going to solve the problem. If you do that, he will will most likely end up in a shelter and then put down. Have you had him since he was a pup?

[Julie]

Well, you have come to the right place for help. There are lots that will give you good idea's.

But believe me, your dog will not be any better in another home. I know you feel at the end of your rope, but you really should find a way to deal with your situation.

What would this dog do to a new family??

We where talking about prong/pinch collars in another post. Could you try one of these. Set up a mock situation with a "stranger" and give him a quick firm correction with it on????
And keep on correcting until he knows your boss, and to disregard strangers.

But short training periods are better.

If a dog sticks his nose into a bee hive and gets stung,
I'm sure he won't elect to do it again.
Julie.

[frznbuns]

I agree with everyone, Training Training is the key. First do you walk him everyday? What type of collar? Does he walk on a heel with you or does he walk ahead of you? When walking where is the collar position on his neck? I have a very Very great trainer that I know could give some advise. do you muzzle him?
This is what she had me do for our dog and it worked Great! :D Try to put a choke chain or prong collar on him for his walk.. The collar should ride just behind the ears, high on the neck like in the show ring. Keep him at a heel the whole time you are walking until you say it is ok for him to sniff or potty and then back to a heel. When you see a stranger, do not make a big deal out of it..Dog can tell when we are tense or stressed.. Be calm and in control! Keep him at a heel and as soon as he starts to show signs that he is getting mean, CORRECT HIM QUICKLY. Turn him away from the stranger and make him sit! Try this with someone you can trust. But please try before you give him away.

[Manchesters]

Well, you have come to the right place for help. There are lots that will give you good idea's.

But believe me, your dog will not be any better in another home. I know you feel at the end of your rope, but you really should find a way to deal with your situation.

What would this dog do to a new family??

We where talking about prong/pinch collars in another post. Could you try one of these. Set up a mock situation with a "stranger" and give him a quick firm correction with it on????
And keep on correcting until he knows your boss, and to disregard strangers.

But short training periods are better.

If a dog sticks his nose into a bee hive and gets stung,
I'm sure he won't elect to do it again.
Julie.

I thought you might want to know that your signature can be dangerous to anyone with a seizure problem. That fast blinking can be a trigger. I know it actually makes me feel queasy--long enough and I would likely upchuck.

[SHADOW_THE_STAFF]

I know it actually makes me feel queasy--long enough and I would likely upchuck.

I think thats a little un-called for Manchesters :mad: , you could have said that more politely, or just PM'd her. She probably spent ages doing that, or asked someone to do that for her, a lot of time has been spent on it, and what you said is harsh.

You could have said that in a much nicer way.

[bridey_01]

Please don't put a prong on your dog. Geez, everyone, this could very well be a fear issue! What do you think a prong would do in such a situation. I am sick of cleaning up the messes of people who use aversive methods when a dog is showing fear aggression. IF someone is going to use a prong to counter aggression (which makes little to no behavioural sense) then they must thoroughly inspect the situation and determine exactly what kind of aggression the dog is exhibiting. If that aggression is fear based, I can gurantee an immense rise in aggressive and neurotic behaviours if you use any aversive equipment.

[yuckaduck]

If the dog is bitting strangers then why do you allow stranger to touch/pet the dog? A fast fix it would be to muzzle the dog he can't bite with a muzzle on. At least until you get some serious behavioural help to solve this problem.

[bridey_01]

I agree with Yuckaduck on that, everytime a dog bites someone he is learning that he can. Before you get into some serious training (which you will need to do) don't let him "practice" aggression.

[yuckaduck]

I agree with Yuckaduck on that, everytime a dog bites someone he is learning that he can. Before you get into some serious training (which you will need to do) don't let him "practice" aggression.
Exactly, I don't mean a muzzle is a long term fix it either just until you get proper training. Also if he bites to many you may be force to put him down so the muzzle can avoid that unpleasantness.

[Julie]

I thought you might want to know that your signature can be dangerous to anyone with a seizure problem. That fast blinking can be a trigger. I know it actually makes me feel queasy--long enough and I would likely upchuck.

Thank you very much for your opinion....
I was thinking that myself, I had to take a dramamine while I was making it, but it was my 3rd one I made last night, because I could not get the finished sigg. to look like I wanted it, I want it to be different, but pretty. I got so sick I had to go lay down!!, So I haven't had the chance to finish a new one and change it. :D

But don't worry I will get to it sometime today.

In the meantime, Manchesters, Just put a pair of sunglasses on, it will really help. I will be getting mine out when I go to change it. :cool:

By the way, I figured you would like it, if it makes people sick??? ;)
I could make one for you?????

Julie.

And Sorry for getting OT,

[Julie]

I hope this sig is better. I would hate for anyone to get sick or have a seizure because of my signature.

I am working on another though, I hope it doesn't have the same effect.

Julie.

[casablanca1]

We tried several obediance schools nothing really seemed to work. The bottom line is it has gotten to the point where he has already bitten at least 2 people. And a third today when I was picking him up from the Vet. The guy was just trying to pet him, copper started to sniff him, and no sooner had the words to warn the guy left my mouth than copper started barking and nipped the guy in the stomach. To say the least he was pissed. I just don't know what to do with him anymore..

If he's bitten three people, you've been lucky the law hasn't already gotten involved and taken the decision out of your hands. I sympathize with your situation - training hasn't worked, you probably didn't bargain on this problem when you got a dog - but you need to manage Copper responsibly. If you're unwilling or unable to keep him safely controlled so others aren't at risk, you should euthanize him. If you are willing to make adjustments in your life to prevent him from being able to bite again, however, it isn't really neccessary that he change. Desirable, yes. Neccessary, no. He could be a fairly happy dog living at home, confined in a secure kennel when there are visitors, and muzzled and leashed when out in public. Though I'd be very cautious about assuming he's fine with family. An unjustified bite is kind of a slippery slope.

[Doberluv]

Here's what I'd do: I would not pawn him off on someone else. He is your responsibility. He's been your dog all this time and you owe it to him to make his remaining years as good as they can be. Somewhere along the line, something wasn't handled properly and he became this way. Dogs almost never become aggressive for no reason.

I would keep this dog at home and away from strangers. I wouldn't bother trying to fix him at this point. It appears that that would be too difficult for you. Since he is happy around his family, let him live the rest of his life in a stress free enviornment. If you have guests over, put him in a seperate room or kennel with some toys. Use a muzzle when you have to take him around strangers, such as to the vet's.

If you really do want to modify his behavior, then get a reputable, certified behavorist who uses positive methods and not punishing methods. Bridey is absolutely right about using adversives on an aggressive dog, regardless of whether it's fear aggression or dominance aggression. Please, if you go that route, get lots of referrences for this trainer who will help out. This 8 yr old dog deserves to have a happy remainder of his life. To dump him or abandon him at this stage is unthinkable to me.

I do hope things will improve for you and your dog.

[Manchesters]

Thank you very much for your opinion....
I was thinking that myself, I had to take a dramamine while I was making it, but it was my 3rd one I made last night, because I could not get the finished sigg. to look like I wanted it, I want it to be different, but pretty. I got so sick I had to go lay down!!, So I haven't had the chance to finish a new one and change it. :D

But don't worry I will get to it sometime today.

In the meantime, Manchesters, Just put a pair of sunglasses on, it will really help. I will be getting mine out when I go to change it. :cool:

By the way, I figured you would like it, if it makes people sick??? ;)
I could make one for you?????

Julie.

And Sorry for getting OT,

Crude, cruel or a smart arse. I did not know if you were aware that a signature blinking at THAT RATE could throw someone into a seizure. I explained in another thread where I thanked you---before I even came here (check the time) and explained that I am super sensative to motion, and that the signature was actually physically affecting me.

You really could have left out the snide crack about I would want something that would make people sick. With seizures it is a little more than making people sick. It is endangering them. All you had to do would have been to change the blink rate. But it gives a much nicer view of your dogs.

Again, thank you for your consideration.

[Julie]

Manchesters,
I was trying to make a joke, I guess it's hard to tell on line.

I really appriciate you thanking me for changing my signature, and you even called me a sweetie.....

I really did get sick while making it though, My head is still spinning from changing the signature today. I also get motion sickness very easy, and it really effected me too.

Sorry and I already replied to the other post you made.

Julie.

[Manchesters]

Manchesters,
I was trying to make a joke, I guess it's hard to tell on line.

I really appriciate you thanking me for changing my signature, and you even called me a sweetie.....

I really did get sick while making it though, My head is still spinning from changing the signature today. I also get motion sickness very easy, and it really effected me too.

Sorry and I already replied to the other post you made.

Julie.

Youse is a good person! (That is Brooklynese I like to use foreign languages once in a while) (I hope you are familiar with Brooklyn????) They talk like "dis, dem, deese, and dose instead of this, them, these, and those, rofl.