Fear Aggression??? Or Authority Issues???

[moondog]

Originally Posted by BuckshotSableMolly

I have two children (8 & 11) at home and I can't risk one of them getting bit???

Originally Posted by BuckshotSableMolly

The lady that I got her from said that she would not be surprised if she would bite because of the reactions that she gave them at their home.

I'm having trouble wrapping my head around these two comments. If her previous owner informed you that she seems likely to bite, why would you bring her into a home with two young children?

Originally Posted by BuckshotSableMolly

Bruce - I had to go to the BATHROOM. Should I take her with me???

That's what I'd do.....either that or crate her. You need to keep your eye on her every minute, just as if she were a puppy, even though she's not. Old habits die hard, and if she was allowed this kind of unearned freedom in her previous home, then that makes double the work for you.

I'm still concerned about the choice to bring an older dog with an attitude into a home with children, especially if you expect her to be able to have free run of the home.

[brunie's mom]

You gave us very little information to go on...and then you get mad because you do not get long a distance prognosis?

The questions you are asking are questions a novice dog owner would be asking. You said you have had 6 Rottweilers????

You have been told to keep a leash on her in the house..let her drag a short leash around....watch her every minute...and if she cannot be watched in the crate she goes. She does not need too much freedom right now. If she somehow get's up on the couch...pull her down with the leash...give her the command "off"...then praise. If she is really giving you are hard time...keep a treat in your pocket and lure her down without a confrontation.

Yes...if you are going to the bathroom..put her in the crate.

You also failed to mention that her previous owner's had problems with her. What is their reason for giving her up??

If you are unsure about this dog and feel that she is not going to be safe around your children, then give her back.

You may be in for heartbreak in the future.

Gina

[BuckshotSableMolly]

Thanks. I never thought that such a short trip could mean so much in a dogs mind. I will deffinitelly try this though. She seems to like her crate so far, so it shouldn't be much of an issue.

[Bucky's Mom]

Originally Posted by BuckshotSableMolly

Bruce - I had to go to the BATHROOM. Should I take her with me???

.

Yes - OR - she gets popped in the crate when you can't supervise her.

I agree with the others that she needs time to find her place in your home and she should be under your direct control via the leash Or CRATED when you are busy doing other things.

[BuckshotSableMolly]

The reason about the bite factor and kids - she said that 'if' she were to be threaten or beat on... We don't believe in this. She was around children before and NEVER had a problem. The reason she was getting rid of her was because they have a smaller dog that they are afraid she will hurt when they are playing... She plays rough like most Rotts (with the sound effects and all). Also, because she was the second dog on the totem pole, she didn't get out to play as much because of the fear for the other dog...

No, I am not a novice owner to dogs or Rotts, I am sorry I have never had an aggressive dog issue. And I also like to see if other people have suggestions that are different to what I am already doing at home, or if we are all on the same page. I never knew it to be wrong to ask questions or extend my knowledge. Every experience here until this has been 100% informative and pleasant.

[moondog]

A moment is everything to a dog. They do not live in the past, or anticipate the future, like we tend to do. They live in the moment....it is their whole life.

[BuckshotSableMolly]

This is very true, sometimes I do forget that though.

She is allot different at my house so far than what she was at the lady's. She is much calmer except for the little stuff. I am wondering if it was a bad mix and she never learned her role, and now she is trying just ot fit in???

[Patty1231]

I do agree that she needs more time to learn the rules but, in the meantime, I wouldn't have her around the children unsupervised (which I'm sure you don't). She could be just a tough dog that may not fit into your home. I don't believe that, after a little more time to see how she responds to fair, consistent authority, it would be so wrong to return her if she doesn't respond positively. Depends a lot on how much you're willing to work with her. She may do really well in a home that has experience with this type of dog and/or the time and committment (not that you're not committed) without children being involved.

Just a few thoughts. If it were me and I had children, I would prefer a calmer, less aggressive dog as a companion in the home. But I can only speak for myself.

[Ilovemypuppy]

If you are going to keep this girl...then you need to implement the Nothing in Life Is Free Program ...do a search to see the details...basically BEFORE you do anything for her, have her do something for you first to establish your leadership . That needs to be done 24/7.

She should be crated, as others have said, anytime you are not able to to directly supervise her.

You should enroll in obedience classes and not miss any.....it's not an option with Rottweilers, as well as daily training sessions. You need to spend a lot of one on one time with this girl to get her trust and respect..all done with positive, motivational training and treats work great.

She's new to your home and you should be aware of what is called the honeymoon period...where after two to three months, there could be challenge on her part towards you if you are not vigilant and do not do the necessary proper training.

As Moondog said, dogs do live in the moment.....so she must always see you as a clear, consistent, firm but fair leader.

[Diane Heller-Vaccaro]

From doing rescue work for many years. You notice from the moment you take the dog in does the dog explore the house, does the dog stick to you or get as far away from you as possible. Does the dog stop eating, does the dog scarf down the food. When you move about does the dog watch to see where you are going, does the dog actually get up and follow you around. The reason the dog goes to the evaluator's house is specifically just for that for an evaluation, also called the settling in period or whatever. You start with sweeping how does the dog react to the broom or mop. I feed the dog walk away if it was a starvation case the dog may become defensive if he believes someone is going to take his food. You just kinda of get a feel after doing this for along time. Even now I'm having problems with my own dog so please believe I'm not superior in anyway it caught me off guard. Part genetics, part being an intact male at 19 months and the unfortunate part bad schutzhund helper. Still my dog is lacking in recovery which is vital to be a safe happy dog. He will stay with me (neutered) forever this is a dog that would not go up for adoption. I've had him since he was 8 weeks old. My last 2 adults from the streets no problems...go figure.

Just from what you told me the dog sounds alittle bold. If she is that bold in her adjustment period how bold will she be next week, 2 weeks etc. That's all I'm trying to say. That is why the crate is recommend. Obviously the best way to not have to remove her from the couch is not letting her up, the leash will help with this if the dog is sensitve to having a leash attached to her I'd be curious if they grabbed her collar in the past for corrections. Usually dogs equate leashes with good things, like walks. The other maybe that her personal space is being violated by a stranger. Especially if you are bending over her and making eye contact while putting the leash on.

I would have a nice long talk with her former owners. Most dogs that are adopted come with alot of guess work you may have access to some of your questions.

[BuckshotSableMolly]

Patty - I have thought about this. I am also going to have a non-biased eval. done. I thought last night that maybe she will work out fine, but if not, she definitely needs a home with only adults. I would hate to see her go back to where she came from. I feel that she would breed her just because and if she gave her to someone else, she doesn't like the idea of having her spayed... She needs to have this done.

Ilovemypuppy - We are already aware of the Nothing in Life is Free Program and are already implementing it. This is what I have done with all of my animals, not just dogs... After her eval. we are going to talk more with the trainer on which of his programs would do her best. I really feel that she can be a 100% good dog, but what measures it will take to get her there are what I am focusing my concerns on.

[Mochasmom]

Originally Posted by BuckshotSableMolly

This is very true, sometimes I do forget that though.

She is allot different at my house so far than what she was at the lady's. She is much calmer except for the little stuff. I am wondering if it was a bad mix and she never learned her role, and now she is trying just ot fit in???

She is different because it is not her home yet. Once she starts settling in you may see more bad behaviour.

Personally I would be looking for a better fit of a dog if was me in this situation.

[Bruce Lanthier]

When I bring a new adult dog into my house this is what I do for the first few days:

I put their crate off to the side of the living room. In my house (Ranch) that is the foyer. Unless I am taking the dog outside or they are with me in the living room, they are in their crate. This serves a few purposes. It lets the dog see regular household activities from a safe, secure place so that they can get used to a busy household comfortably. It keeps my other dogs from interacting but lets them know about each other. They can watch our pack dynamics, my interaction with my dogs, their interaction with me and learn from that. They can see my daughter (4yrs) and she can see them safely until everyone gets to know each other. This is also the place they eat and sleep. It kind of becomes their place and they can relax there.
After a few days when everyone has gotten used to each other there is more freedom we all start mingling a lot more although there is usually a leash on Betti LOL , Miss Rambunctious.

Give the dog some time to get used to your house but do not give the dog the freedom to claim parts of it. Give the dog a place to call their own and make sure they understand the other places are yours.

[BuckshotSableMolly]

Diane and Bruce ~ This is the feedback that I really enjoy. I will see how her eval goes this evening. If all is well, I will then slowly begin trying several of the methods you all have given. She has been on a leash constantly outside of the crate, however I was mainly using the crate for bed time and dinner time. I will use this more often. Great idea.

[Diane Heller-Vaccaro]

Do let us know how she is doing. Please do not take any chances with her and the kids, children should never be left alone with any dog much less one with questionable temperment. I do believe a Rottweiler experienced adult only household would probably be best for this dog and no matter she should be spayed. You're really up against a wall because you don't want to send this dog back, I know I certainly wouldn't but if you called me, from a rescuers points of view I would be relucant to risk a bit. This breed is always one step from being banned at anytime in any given city, county and state. Hold off for now on spaying her since she has said she wouldn't take this dog back if she were spayed, this is her problem she created it and if this dog needs to be put down you should not have to be the person to do it.

PM if I can help I will even give you my home number in case of an emergency.