I think I'm going to find a new home for Boris... or put him down

This is a dog forum...but it's also a people forum, and people here are thinking of those babies.

IF this dog is rehomed and it doesn't work out...the "responsible" thing would be for Fran to take him back right? Like a good breeder or rescue would...how exactly would that work out for her...do you think?

Well I would take up Jules' offer except that I absolutely cannot work with a fear aggressive lab, a resource guarding golden, and a snotty terrier mix all at once.

I would also take up Jule's offer... but I have a reactive dog and he's more than enough for me to work with right now... add a resource guarding dog to the mix would be :yikes: when added to the equation.

Plus my roommate would say absolutely no way

Oh... and I am going back the other way (DC-KC) on either Sunday the 17th or Monday the 18th of May.

I would take him and try to work with him... but with Gram here now, I can't.

Debi, what happens, in today's sue-happy anti dog climate when this dog bites someone?

His previous owner, having made it publicly known that this dog has serious issues, could be held liable if he hurts someone.

It is obvious that Fran is intimidated by the dog, and he knows it.

As someone who has been active in rescuing and rehabbing dogs in the past, a dog with issues like this CANNOT be safely placed. The liability of him harming someone is TOO GREAT.

And I just ask again, WHO is going to take this dog? Is it worth the risk of someone making a mistake and someone getting hurt? What do you think will happen to the dog if someone DOES make a mistake and he bites someone?

If I had a dog behaving in this manner of ANY BREED, I would NEVER for one millisecond think of passing it on to someone else UNLESS it was an experienced professional trainer, and even then they would have to sign a serious waiver in front of a notary.

A rescue would not touch this dog with a 10 foot pole because of the risks and liabilities associated with placing him later, EVEN if it appears the issue has been dealt with.

Dogs like this are generally rank climbers and boundary testers for their entire lives, and need a home with someone who can step up to the plate, make rules, stick to them, and not be intimidated by the bullying behavior of the dog.

There are worse things that can happen to dogs other than being humanely destroyed. Dogs who have indicated they might injure human beings have no place in society. It is too risky, and it is too much liability.

This is my opinion based on decades of experience training and living with large breed dogs who have a marked tendency towards strong temperaments, dominance behaviors, and are not easily or readily intimidated.

"Easily worked through by the RIGHT person" is the key phrase here. There aren't enough homes for all the dogs that don't have any issues, much less the ones that have serious, dangerous issues. I also doubt that this problem would be EASILY worked through by anyone, really.

^^Guess that means you won't be at my housewarming on Saturday.

If I wasn't newly moved into this place where the landlord is still around a lot, I wouldn't mind trying to work with him. If anything, I can contact my rescue listings and see if there is anyone willing and able to work with Boris and then find him a good home. It's just...sometimes you can't save them all. Boris has had this issue since he was a puppy if I remember correctly and now that he's over 2 years old and has had his behavior reinforced all his life...he's facing a life of strict NILIF. He's got ingrained habits. They certainly can be worked on and managed, but finding a home that is willing to keep up that level of managment and training for the entire life of the dog, not relaxing one bit for who knows how long and knowing that they are facing a dog who is more than willing to bite when pressed...that doesn't bode well.

But I'll see what I can do from this end.

ok...maybe I'm reading this allllll wrong. BUT...did I miss that this was a forever problem here? has Fran NEVER, EVER been able to handle this dog? or is this a new behavior? even IF this was a forever problem for Fran....paleese...don't give me 'liability issues' as a reason to kill him. TRY to get him a home with someone that ACKNOWLEDGES the problem, and has the skill to work with him. he is still a young dog. it isn't worth trying?????

I am still amazed by the responses. guess next time I have an aggression issue...I should just decide to kill the dog. OMG..................

I don't know why you don't get my Pm's and these new message things. Did you put me on ignore? But yeah.. I have get my passport renewed and have to go to the embassy in DC for that.

Yes you did miss that this is a long term long standing issue that has not been aboe to be resolved, even with professional help.

Your comments regarding asking advice on aggression issues are inflammatory and not helpful.

Fran....if you want to give hubby and Boris three months to work this out....I would seriously, seriously, seriously consider taking him. Milo did have some similar problems as a young dog and we've worked through them, so i do have some experience. I'm a single person with no kids who won't have kids around very often if ever. If Milo and him got along (and Milo's been AMAZING lately) I could totally take him in and put him on a strict training schedule.

I'd even be willing to sign some sort of agreement saying if he did any kind of damage I would be responsible, i know his history, etc. The babies won't be mobile by then, so if you could stick it out, at least he'd have a chance.

You're a sweetheart.

I totally agree

No, Milo... you rock.

ok. Zoomers had the patience to really explain it all to me. I wasn't aware this was an ongoing problem. now I understand the situation more, without the snotty replies from those people that haven't learned how to express themselves without the pedestal they're perched on.

Fran...do what you must, and I send my biggest ((HUGS)). sorry for sounding harsh prior.

milo's mommy, I know your heart is in the right place, and you have only the best intentions, but do you have experience with a dominant aggressive dog who will posture, growl, and actively threaten you like this dog?

I can tell you from personal experience that even very experienced people get adrenaline, sweaty palms, and a pounding heart most of the time when faced with this sort of situation. It can be VERY frightening, even for someone who is equipped to deal with it.

What will happen if you are bitten by this dog? Do you have any experience with what can happen in a multi dog household if an attack begins?

What will happen if someone else is bitten by him?

What would be your plan when the dog grabs something he should not have, and actively threatens you when you approach?

These are just a few things to consider before you step up to take on a dog with long term very well set behavior issues that are as serious and dangerous as the ones this dog has.

I have to ask, are these additional inflammatory comments directed towards me?

Because if they are I much prefer a more direct approach.

Let's keep it to Boris and Fran, everyone...

I feel... personally... that this isn't a problem with the DOG necessarily.

As has been stated - Fran has struggled with Boris for a LONG time.

I think it could be a case of wrong dog and owner match.

Just a gut feeling.

Red I fully agree with everything you are saying. Bandit behaved much like Boris by the sounds of it. I took him on knowing he was not a very lovely dog. Granted we are talking a a six month old puppy here. Not a full grown dog. They can turn around if given strict rules and a chance but who honestly is willing to do it? Not many. Had I fully understood the extent of Bandit's problems I probably wouldn't have taken him and he was still in the cute stage. Boy am I ever glad I stuck it out though. He was worth it.


I wanted to say to Fran that I really do hope this all works out. If I was in a position to take him I'd give it a go but I'm up to my ears in dogs already. Good luck hun. I have you and Boris in my thoughts.