Fear-aggression issue

[Jarose]

Hi everyone. I have just returned from taking Rufus to a trainer for an evaluation
of his "wariness" around people. She explained to me that he definitely is showing
signs of fear-aggression due to not being
socialized for 6 months. She also explained
it is possible to deal with this and he will be ok - but he also may not. It is a chance I will have to take. I am very upset and had a feeling this is what I would hear. She said in her honest opinion she would return him - especially in my situation. I valued her honesty especially since it matches my gut feeling. I have no problem putting the effort into raising and training a dog, but to have this to contend with from the start I don't think is a good thing for me being a new dog owner don't you agree? Any comments would be appreciated. This has me very upset. I already love Rufus. But
maybe someone more experienced would fare better with him. I don't want to have him
destroyed for biting someone someday. Oh well, live and learn. I had thought I did my homework prior to getting him, but I see now I need to really take more time and find the right pup. The trainer said she would
help me and that I should really research and talk to different breeders. I relly feel bad but I guess this is best for me and him.

[K9-man]

Find a dog Behaviorist. I’d be leery of a trainer that recommended you return the dog. Perhaps she isn’t qualified enough to help you with his problem.

Look in the yellow pages for area veterinarian offices. Call them and ask if they can refer you to a dog Behaviorist.

When you interview the Behaviorists, they should be kind, confident,knowledgeable and give you a good overall feeling about the task ahead. http://www.rottweiler.net/rottie/smile.gif

[JonandMichelle]

I think the trainer was giving you an honest answer. Since this is your FIRST dog (if I read that right)? And your First Rottweiler, maybe in your situation, it is best. Not saying this can't be dealt with, but for a novice, it might be very difficult. I think it will boil down to your willing to learn and try. Do YOU think you can HANDLE it? We are talking major training, patience, understanding, love, and not but least, money! I wish you luck in which ever road you choose.

[WorkinDogz]

I absolutely agree with Michelle. Trainers evaluate the dog TEAM....dog AND handler.

If you aren't up to this challenge that may net a little, some, average or great results; then I congratulate you for being honest with YOURSELF!

People "wing it" every day and the dogs pay the price. I believe your trainer layed it on the line for you; just as every trainer should.

Best of luck and remember; there are a lot of JOYS to dog ownership that you may or may not get to experience with your poor boy.
http://www.rottweiler.net/rottie/frown.gif Shame on his poor excuse for a breeder.

My Buddy (i adopted him when he was nine months old; he was COMPLETELY unsocialized - had been left outside on a leash, his collar had grown into his neck) is fear aggressive. I am working with a trainer who pretty much said the same thing that yours did, except didn't suggest that I return him. Of course, for me and Buddy, returning him is not really an option. I am completely in love with this dog, and I can't imagine anyone working with him or being more dedicated to him than I am.

I've had Buddy for six months. He is still fear aggressive, although MUCH better. I still have to constantly watch him around anyone or any new situation. I don't (I can't) allow him in the same room with anyone who is slightly fearful of dogs. However, he is wonderful around people who take the time to meet him and follow my instructions. It is definitely a marginalized existence for both of us, and I still have hope that he will get better. My other dog, Soapie, used to be afraid of everyone, although she was never fear-aggressive, she would just try to run away, and now she is very friendly to anyone I introduce her to.
Buddy is my third dog. he is a rottweiler lab mix.
I guess my point is that it is not hopeless, but realistically, it is very very very difficult. I don't know that I could handle it if Buddy were my first dog.

Good luck with whatever you decide.



------------------
I love my furry kids!
Soapie and Buddy's Mom

[Jarose]

I was VERY glad this woman leveled with me today. I am not sure what I want to do yet. I am seeing another trainer tomorrow night to see what he has to say. I wanted this dog for so long and I hate to give up on him so quickly - especially when he looks at me with those beautiful brown eyes and he is just a big normal goofy puppy with me! In just the last week and a half since I had him he has made me laugh a hundred times, (got me frustrated a few times,) and every day brings a new insight. I at least want to feel I am making the best decision for him. I will let you know how tomorrow night goes!

[German Vanegas]

Originally posted by JonandMichelle:
I think the trainer was giving you an honest answer. Since this is your FIRST dog (if I read that right)? And your First Rottweiler, maybe in your situation, it is best. Not saying this can't be dealt with, but for a novice, it might be very difficult. I think it will boil down to your willing to learn and try. Do YOU think you can HANDLE it? We are talking major training, patience, understanding, love, and not but least, money! I wish you luck in which ever road you choose.

Good answer. I am proud of you Michelle http://www.rottweiler.net/rottie/smile.gif

[German Vanegas]

Jarose,
Fear-aggression from lack of early socialization may be cured. However, genetically inherited fearful aggressive behavior is a whole different thing. I hope that your case is the former, because properly done it may be reversed. The latter has little hope. Best wishes!

[Mick Trainer]

Jarose,

Fear induced aggression is one of the hardest behavioral problems to fix. Especially if like German said if it is genetically based (if so I would put it in the top three behavioral problems to cure). This is not to say it cannot be done or that your dog is not worth a shot. I would see what the other trainer says and make a decision from there. As others have said you must be honest with your self about your ability to handle this problem. I also feel that you must think of the fact that if it is a genetic problem then there is always a chance that even if you cure the dog to the point that he will not lunge at people when walking etc will you be able to fully trust him? If not can you own a dog like that? Many dogs have been 90%+ cured of such problems but in the end the owners cannot live with the responsability of owning such a dog.

You are an honest person and which ever decision you make will be difficult. I wish you luck.

Mick.

[JonandMichelle]

Originally posted by German Vanegas:
Good answer. I am proud of you Michelle http://www.rottweiler.net/rottie/smile.gif

http://www.rottweiler.net/rottie/wink.gif I've been reading

Michelle

[suzanne611]

Dear Jarose, before we got Bori I had another puppy. He was diagnosed as fear aggressive. I was told that I should't even take him to puppy kindergarten. The first trainer who saw him felt that he might become dangerous, I then went to an animal behaviorist, the consensus of opinion was that he could have a marginal life on medication, with a very complicated training regimen. This pup was only 3 months old and lungeing and snarling at people on the street. I refused to return him to the breeder, who told me it was my job to socialize him. I finally got in touch with someone on the NERR board who agreed to take him if I had him neutered. I knew that I could not help this pup because of my own personality. I call every once in a whileto inquire about him. He has been adopted, and the woman tells me so far, so good. All the red flags were flying with the breeder and my husband told me not to do business with her, but I barrelled on. It was a heartbreaking experience for me. We have owned a lot of dogs but never had I seen anything like this. I knew I had to give this pup up for him to have any chance at life. Whether it was environmental or not, I do not know. I know another couple returned a male pup, and they had owned rotts before. I have seen two of her females and they were the sweetest dogs you could ever meet. I guess you will have to go with your best instincts about the dog and yourself and your family after you get a consensus of opinons. I still get very upset over the situation but Boris has been a great healer. I do wish you the very best and if you have any questions,please feel free to e-mail me. I think German is correct in his assessment, and he has surely seen a lot more dogs in his life than I ever have or will, but as an owner, I know what you are dealing with. Suzanne

[German Vanegas]

Originally posted by suzanne611:
... I think German is correct in his assessment, and he has surely seen a lot more dogs in his life than I ever have or will, but as an owner, I know what you are dealing with. Suzanne

Thanks!!! http://www.rottweiler.net/rottie/smile.gif