Dog Behavior Question

[The Mystery Machine]

I rescued 2 puppies and researched and watched alot of Cesar Milan before I did.
Even though I was being "strict" and dominant with Butters, I still wasn't doing it right. I went back to the group and they helped me.
Don't feel bad. You have to know what you are doing with a "red zone" dog as Cesar puts it.
I don't think everyone can do that with dogs. It really can get tough.
Cut yourself a break and lots of {{{HUGS}}} to you!!!!

 

[horseshowmom]

Do NOT feel bad! It sounds like the foster mother will probably wind up keeping the dog, and she'll have a home. I'm sorry you had to go through so much, but you tried. There are many other animals out there who need a good home. You'll find the one who is right for your family!

 

[robinb]

I guess I am the only one here who would have had no hesitation giving back the dog. A family with children is no place for an aggressive dog. I don't care why the dog is aggressive ... I would not have such an animal in my house around my child. I think that somehow people are giving this dog "a break" because she's a little lap dog. Would you feel the same if she were a pit bull? I don't think so. Any dog, little or big, can hurt someone. This dog needs a whole lot more socialization before she can be placed in another home. Don't feel bad about it. It is not your fault. You only wanted to love her. Shame on the rescue group for placing her with you! I am sure that her behavior didn't just come out of the blue when you took custody!

 

[Aimeedyan]

**hugs** to you. What a whirlwind weekend your family has had.

I think you ultimately did the right thing and I hope with more rehabilitation the dog will be placeable again.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

In the end she went back late last night. I cried the whole way there, and honestly,today I feel like a failure at this. I knew there would be adjustment periods and such. I didn't foresee the biting and sheer aggression (I will be honest I wasn't prepared for that aspect).

Lots of hugs going out to you. Please don't think you're a failure - you were put into an extremely difficult situation and had very valid concerns. Even a small dog can be dangerous. I agree that she seems to have a good situation at the foster home, perhaps that woman will keep her.

I felt the same way once when I rescued a mixed breed dog from under a dumpster. It was only a young dog, but she turned out to be extremely aggressive, went after my neighbor and her two children with a ferocity I'd never witnessed before. I knew I could not live with a dog like this, that it was unsafe, but even so, as my husband drove her back to the shelter I was standing in my driveway literally sobbing. I sort of felt like a failure then, too, and kind of mean for giving her back to a life with an uncertain future. I even thought maybe I should have left her under the dumpster, I was feeling so guilty. But in my heart I know that I did the right thing, even though it wasn't what I'd wanted. If I kept this dog and she attacked a child, I would never have forgiven myself.

Take it easy, and be good to yourself for the next few days. Try to realize it was just not meant to be, for whatever reason. When you're ready, you'll find the right dog to share your home with your family and other dog.

 

[Rajah]

If you have the national geographic channel, watch the show called the dog whisperer! I am a dog breeder, and I watch this show all the time! I even recomend his DVD to all of my buyers, it's called people training for dogs by cesear millian. What this man can do is amazing.

I've just gotten hooked on this show as well and absolutely recommend it. This guy is *amazing* with dogs, and I think he could really help you out just by watching his show.

So happy to read that she did open up a little. Please be patient with her, but also be firm. Right now, I agree -- she's challenging you for dominance. YOU need to show her that you are the alpha. I think it can work, if you're patient.

 

[hiwaygal]

kilee...

Try not to let this get to you. Not every adoption goes as planned and each rescue group should work with you to find the RIGHT dog for YOUR home...unfortunately, this little girl wasn't the right dog for you and your family.

YOU DID NOTHING WRONG!!! You were patient and willing to give her time to adjust...you did all you could to make this adoption a success.

to you...maybe a little time will bring the right dog to you.

 

[stamper]

I'm so sorry this didn't work out for you! Please don't give up...there is a dog out there that needs a great family like yours...really! Sounds to me like this one just wasn't ready yet and needed more retraining before being adopted out. You are NOT a failure...you tried to do something wonderful for a dog in need. It's not your fault that she wasn't ready.

 

[nliedel]

I didn't read the whole thread before I responded. I am so very sorry.