Wake up Call - Are you failing your dog?

[TrishB]

Hi Elizabeth,

I'm so sorry that you had to go through this. It shouldn't have happened and wouldn't have happened if the owner had remembered one thing: This was a dog; which includes type, standard, mind, temperament, ability and intelligence. Only paying attention to one quality is a gross disservice to any animal.

I feel sorry for the dog, who was ill-wired at the beginning by being weak nerved. I feel sorry that he was put into a situation where his warning signs were either ignored or unable to be acknowledge. I feel sorry that he was put before you, unable to cope with what was facing him. I feel sorry that he's gone beyond the point of any return and had to be put to sleep (I'm assuming that - simply because I don't believe I read that he specifically was anywhere in this post).

I am a first time owner of a Rottweiler and accepted the massive responsibility that is borne of that acceptance. I have socialized, I do supervize, I train regularly and often. I love him with all of my heart, as a human can love a dog - but as a human to a dog. My dog succeeds because I love him enough to help him to succeed.

The greatest gift that we can give our dogs, is the acceptance and acknowledgement of their potential and limitations as dogs. If your dog presents a danger to yourself, your family or your community - the most responsible, loving thing you can do is to accept the responsibility of that danger, and put the dog to rest.

Best wishes for your continuing recovery Elizabeth.

[Avengr13]

So sorry for your pain and injuries. This makes a lot of people afraid of dogs. Hope you recover quickly!

[Sparky]

So sorry to hear about this. I hope that you recover quickly and that others take this message to heart.

[groupieindenial]

Finally read this thread. SO many, so little time. How are your wounds mending? This is disturbing that the man would continue to train for protection with this dog, when it was proven right from the beginning the dog did not have the right temprament. I'm hoping that "YOUR" training group refused the dog for this type of trainin, but the man went elsewhere to attain it?

I had my dog assessed a few months ago, by some Sch expert from Europe. He said my dog is perfect for it, that yu couldn't ask for a better suited pup for it. I still am unsure if this is what I want for my dog, I really don't know enough about the sport. I would be weary of my dog turning, like what you've mentioned. Like Trish said, I have taken on full responsibility of owning such type of dog.

[poohbearsmom]

Avenger.... this post was NOT intended to scare people. This post was intended to spur people to EDUCATE themselves, and be responsible dog owners, period.

If dogs are to live in our world safely, it's up to us to research properly, rear the dog properly, train the dog properly, and learn how to seek qualified help when it's needed...and knowing WHAT qualified help is...
This is what separates a responsible dog owner from an irresponsible dog owner. Building a good relationhip with your dog is of utmost importance. Giving your dog the tools to live in OUR world, is of utmost importance... Having the knowledge to choose the proper temperament for your lifestyle and experience level.... knowing what your dog's temperament is, and what that amounts to in real life, is just as important, because this knowledge gives you the opportunity to deal with the dog's individuality in a manner which is conducive to happily ever after.

There are very few 'bad' dogs. It's our handling of our dogs - what we do, just as much as what we don't do, that seals a dog's fate. Don't fail your dog.

One of my biggest fears when posting this thread, was that inexperienced people would freak out, and send their dogs on a one way trip to the vet for no apparent reason.... a grumble, a lip curl, or just because it's a large dog.... This is NOT what this post was intended to do.

Fear is based on ignorance. Ignorance is simply a lack of knowledge. Let's just do our dogs, and the general public a service, and learn to deal with them as dogs, not teddy bears or furbabies.

[poohbearsmom]

Originally Posted by groupieindenial

Finally read this thread. SO many, so little time. How are your wounds mending? This is disturbing that the man would continue to train for protection with this dog, when it was proven right from the beginning the dog did not have the right temprament. I'm hoping that "YOUR" training group refused the dog for this type of trainin, but the man went elsewhere to attain it?

I had my dog assessed a few months ago, by some Sch expert from Europe. He said my dog is perfect for it, that yu couldn't ask for a better suited pup for it. I still am unsure if this is what I want for my dog, I really don't know enough about the sport. I would be weary of my dog turning, like what you've mentioned. Like Trish said, I have taken on full responsibility of owning such type of dog.

This dog was not trained in protection. We simply tested him for prey drive about a year ago. He didn't have any, and was fearful of the tug.

This is not a case of a dog "turning", and a confident, stable, strong nerved dog is a safe dog when trained and under control. This was a dog of HIGH defense, and attacked out of fear and distrust. Not a confident animal.

Do not let this incident dissuade you from pursuing SchH. Simply find GOOD people to train with, you will learn heaps of good stuff.

[Carol Burke]

So sorry this had to happen. You are, of course, right. Anyone owning a large, strong dog must train, evaluate, train some more, live with your dog so that you really know the ins and outs of the dog's personality AND don't make excuses for poor temperament.

[panda]

Elisabeth, I sincerely hope you make a good recovery, you have been through the most dreadful experience,the image of your wound was awful, and can imagine it will take some time to heal.
I gather the dog was not destroyed, why not? in the UK it would have been.

Anne and JoJo

[Burnsway]

Originally Posted by panda

Elisabeth, I sincerely hope you make a good recovery, you have been through the most dreadful experience,the image of your wound was awful, and can imagine it will take some time to heal.
I gather the dog was not destroyed, why not? in the UK it would have been.

Anne and JoJo

I do believe the dog was PTS, so yes, here in "America" aggressive dogs are PTS.

As far as destroyed, well that dog was "destroyed" way before he was PTS.

[Babes]

I am so sorry that you had this happen to you. I am glad that I started reading and learning all that I could ever since we got our new addition to our family so that others can see that dogs of any breed can be loving to others if they have the right attention given to them.
I hope you are doing well!

[bryanna]

do u have any specific links to how NOT to fail your DOG..i was reading the post,and its quite scary,i live in Hongkong,and Hk have very strict Dog rules(they are not allowed in ALL public parks,Beaches)and they even put micro chips for identification purposes,

Ella (my rottie,3 months 3 weeks old) is a very adorable and lovely dog,she likes every one that she starts to be hyper and jumpy,and she bites alot,probably coz shes havin new teeth coming out,and she knows some commands aswell like "sit","lay down" and plays "get the ball",so im pretty sure shes smart and got great potentials

When i red your post,i became aware of what might happen if i fail as a master,the consequences it will bring,what if she attacks someone and hurt that person badly,the worst case scenario that can happen is if the Hk authorities takes over her and might even dispose her (as in Killing her)

it would be a great help for me and for my dog if someone could help...

thanks alot..

[Bossk Rottweilers]

MMM it makes me wonder sometimes why certain people own dogs?? If you cant read the body language of a dog dont own it!!!

[Forum Staff]

Originally Posted by bryanna

do u have any specific links to how NOT to fail your DOG...

I can think of two right quick www.google.com or www.yahoo.com

We discuss Rottweilers on this site, we are not an internet search engine.

[bryanna]

tnx forum staff..very helpful indeed..

[wynne]

You are so right in what you say. I just got a call tonight from my vet's office. It seems a gentleman has a male 4-5 year's old that was German trained (whatever that means), and has a two year old child. He wants to put the dog down even though the dog has not gone after the child, but he is afraid. I think he has had this dog for a couple of years. It is so sad. Unfortunately I have 4 dogs now (and can't take on this boy), 3 of which are rotts, and one mixed pup--all of which I am constantly in training with. This beed is so wonderful, but not for everyone. I know that so many rescues make it mandatory for a 6-8 week training course when you adopt, but if it were me, I'd make it a life time.

I am so sorry to hear of your pain, and hope you have quick healing. Thank you for sharing this with us.