Violent Dog - What are my Options?

jenmarisa77 · 06-07-2007, 09:49 AM

Hello,

I have a Rottweiler-Chow mix who is 2 years old. 99% of the time she is a wonderful dog. Gentle with the new puppy, playful, protective of her family, beautiful and smart. But every once in awhile, something seems to snap in her mind and she gets violent.

When she was a baby she would attack me and a few of my friends to the point where she'd draw some blood. I thought she just didn't know better and was teething or something.

Last year she broke one of my other dog's legs. It took 3 months of recovery and rehab to heal.

Last night she bit my boyfriend. Didn't attack him but bit him when he was moving her off of the bed (she's not allowed on the furniture but will jump up when no one is looking).

She's picked a few fights with other dogs but I was always able to break it up before much damage was done. I can tell when she's going to snap because she'll get really quiet and her whole body goes tense. Then, no growling, no barking just lunge and bite.

I don't know how to fix this because it's not a constant behavior. I am now considering putting her to sleep and I feel like the worst person in the world. I never imagined making such a decision but she seems to be wired wrong since birth. And I keep picturing her coming across a small child or even someone else walking by our yard with a dog or something. Given her size and breed, she could do so much damage if she continues to push that violent streak. I don't know if I can live with myself if I put her to sleep but I know that I couldn't live with myself if she hurt a child and I could have prevented it.

Does anyone have any ideas or thoughts?

Thank you

RonE · 06-07-2007, 09:55 AM

You cannot allow this to continue. She's going to hurt someone badly and you would be legally, financially and morally liable.

If your truly want to save your dog, you'll need to find a professional behaviorist to come in and work with the dog. This is not a behavior that can be solved by the owner or a bunch of dog lovers on an Internet bulletin board.

Good luck to you and your dog.

skelaki · 06-07-2007, 10:04 AM

And whoever you choose should be someone experienced in dealing with aggression such as a police k9 trainer or French Ring trainer. But, if the problem is genetic the kindest thing may be to put her down.

tirluc · 06-07-2007, 10:14 AM

if you can't afford a behaviorist (they can be expensive) and given the mix (both of which, thanx to ignorant breeding by some, are like playing w/ a keg of TNT) i would recommend PTS b/4 she does hurt some one......i am all for trying to rehab a dog first and foremost (i have worked w/ a few myself) but when push comes to shove it may be better for all in the long run.....even training doesn't keep you from having to be diligent in keeping an eye on her......

borzoimom · 06-07-2007, 10:26 AM

I agree.. Considering this started as a pup on occasions, it could a medical problem but only a behaviorist can tell that or a vet.. I had one dog that had " rage syndrone". Suspected by my vet, and in the necropsy- sure enough- it was a shunt in the brain he found.. Being taken off the bed could be a dominance issue, but as stated- this dog is big enough to do some major injury.

BoxMeIn21 · 06-07-2007, 10:43 AM

First off kudos to you for noticing when she is going to snap - most don't have a clue about their dogs behavior. What you need to figure out is what is causing her body to go rigid or trigger. But RonE is right, none of us can help you with this problem, a behaviorist is defintely in order. Not a trainer, a profesional degreed in animal behavior modification. Yes, they can be a little costly, but they can be a lifesaver (for your dog).
From what you describe, it sounds like she thinks pretty highly of herself and doesn't view you two as leaders....hence the bite to your boyfriend when he tried to move her. Until you can get some help, I would refrain from moving her with your hands, instead attach a leash and guide her off of the furniture.
Here's a link to finding a behaviorist.
http://www.animalbehavior.org/Applie...directory.html

LeRoymydog · 06-07-2007, 11:13 AM

I'm wondering if since she has symptoms before it happens and it happens to be muscle tension, Could it be some sort of seizure disorder? Alot of the times after a seizure they are in an aura.

jenmarisa77 · 06-07-2007, 11:26 AM

I just contacted a behaviorist with over 15 years of experience. I work with animal rescue and got the name from someone there. I'm looking forward to getting expert help and will spare no expense if this problem can actually be solved.

RonE · 06-07-2007, 11:48 AM

I hope it turns out well for both of you.

There are actually people who would surrender the dog to a shelter, thinking it's kinder than euthanizing the dog and cheaper than a behaviorist.

Obviously, that would be highly irresponsible. One might even say cowardly.

cshellenberger · 06-07-2007, 12:06 PM

First and foremost, your welfare and that of your family (fur and skin) is the MOST important thing. If you can't control her, take her to the vet and hold her while she goes to sleep.

If you wish to try to save her, the first step is to get a FULL health work-up. You NEED at least a 4 panel thyroid (not the in house test) tick titer as well as all the normal blood work.

Then you need a QUALIFIED BEHAVIORIST. in this case, stay FAR away from anybody who uses negative reenforcement (e collars, chokes, ect) or positive punishment. You want positive methods used, such as in "HOW TO RIGHT A DOG GONE WRONG: A ROADMAP FOR REHABILITATING AGGRESSIVE DOGS" by Pamela Dennison and CLICK TO CALM: HEALING THE AGGRESSIVE DOG by Emma Parsons I also like CANINE AGGRESSION WORKBOOK, 3RD EDITION by James O'Heare. Reading any of these books will help you, but there is NO substitute for a professional, especially in this case.

Here are some resources for finding a great trainer.
http://www.iaabc.org/
http://www.apdt.com/

Quote:

Originally Posted by LeRoymydog

I'm wondering if since she has symptoms before it happens and it happens to be muscle tension, Could it be some sort of seizure disorder? Alot of the times after a seizure they are in an aura.

That is also a VERY good possibility!!!

y2jae21 · 06-08-2007, 07:30 AM

dont kill her

RonE · 06-08-2007, 07:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by y2jae21

dont kill her

Very good, but how about some alternatives.

People sometimes tell me I like dogs better than I like people but, honestly, I would never put people - even people I don't like - in danger by allowing a dangerous dog to live among them.

If the dog can be rehabilitated - great. If not, she's a loose cannon and needs to be put down.

Chloef_2799 · 06-08-2007, 10:52 AM

Sounds to me like she has some dominance issues. I would get an experienced trainer or behaviourist to help you out with her. Make sure they are experienced with aggressive dogs and do that very soon. It is good that you realize the danger in this situation. She could eventually seriously hurt you or next time kill you other dog instead of break its leg.
I hope your boyfriend will be alright. And I am sorry to hear about the other dog. Have your vet check your dog as well just in case it is a medical problem.

DogueEdaddy · 06-08-2007, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jenmarisa77

Hello,

I have a Rottweiler-Chow mix who is 2 years old. 99% of the time she is a wonderful dog. Gentle with the new puppy, playful, protective of her family, beautiful and smart. But every once in awhile, something seems to snap in her mind and she gets violent.

When she was a baby she would attack me and a few of my friends to the point where she'd draw some blood. I thought she just didn't know better and was teething or something.

Last year she broke one of my other dog's legs. It took 3 months of recovery and rehab to heal.

Last night she bit my boyfriend. Didn't attack him but bit him when he was moving her off of the bed (she's not allowed on the furniture but will jump up when no one is looking).

She's picked a few fights with other dogs but I was always able to break it up before much damage was done. I can tell when she's going to snap because she'll get really quiet and her whole body goes tense. Then, no growling, no barking just lunge and bite.

I don't know how to fix this because it's not a constant behavior. I am now considering putting her to sleep and I feel like the worst person in the world. I never imagined making such a decision but she seems to be wired wrong since birth. And I keep picturing her coming across a small child or even someone else walking by our yard with a dog or something. Given her size and breed, she could do so much damage if she continues to push that violent streak. I don't know if I can live with myself if I put her to sleep but I know that I couldn't live with myself if she hurt a child and I could have prevented it.

Does anyone have any ideas or thoughts?

Thank you

In my humble opinion; the key is in the first paragraph. You state she is a Rotty x Chow. I have had both. the Rotty can be intense, and resent harsh correction. The worse though is the Chow. They are known for such rages. we made all kind of excuses for our Simba (male Chow) which my wife got as a puppy. Most of the time he was a doll, but there were those times when he would snap. He finally did the same as yours, and attacked my English Pointer; ripping his leg open and breaking it. They both slept with us in bed, and this happened one night about 3AM and woke us up. We finally made the decision to PTS. HARD, but unavoidable.

The thing about rescue/rehoming is that the Chow is Extremely 1 person oriented. They are hard to rehome IMO. Simba was like that from a pup. My wife could do anything with him, but He would growl if I even raised my voice to him. If you can work through this then it's super; if not, then you have no options left, IMO.

Good Luck and God Bless......Stan

jenmarisa77 · 06-08-2007, 10:04 PM

That's it exactly - most of the time, she is just wonderful but every once in awhile she "just snaps". And it's so fast it's hard to stop. I trust her around me completely but not at all around anyone else - 2 legs or 4 legs.

At one point last year, I adopted her out to a co-worker of mine. But, after getting a few calls from his neighbors (he never replaced the tag on her collar so my number was still there) because she kept chewing through the leashes and chains he'd use to tie her to a tree, I took her back. I'd bought him books and videos on how to properly lead a strong-willed dog but I don't think he could handle her. And you can't tie a dog to a tree for 8 hours a day! She needs ample exercise and discipline just to be semi-normal. Not confinement and punishment.

At any rate, I bought a muzzle for the time being (and maybe permanently) and I'm trying to get the behaviorist to my house next week. I'll see what she says!

Thank you all for your comments

It really helps during this incredibly hard time.

Cassie Nova · 06-08-2007, 10:18 PM

You've already gotten some great advice and I'm glad to hear you'll be getting to see a behaviorist.

I just wanted to say I'm sorry for your situation and kudos for handling it well. When I was born, my parents had a border collie that sounds just like your girl- he would tense up, then bite with no warning. He weight about 40 lbs but managed to grab a fully grown German shepard by the neck and swing him around. He never bit my parents but he bit neighbors, my half-sister and many, many dogs. They tried everything, but finally realized he had an uncurable genetic disorder. He was PTS before he was 2. My mom recently talked to another BC breeder who knew the man who bred Sammy, and he lost his breeding license (finally) because he was in-breeding aggressive dogs.

I sincerely hope that the situation for you is different- my mom is still upset over our Sammy after almost 16 years.

Alpha · 06-08-2007, 10:52 PM

This is why you should research breeds before you get a dog, even if it is a mix. Chows are known to be independent, "agressive" and harder to train than most. Stir all that up and than add someone who possibly lacks a little bit of education (not meaning to offend

) and look at the result. The dog may possibly have to be killed or it may seriously harm another. All of which that could've been avoided with some education, about the breed or dog training.

I wouldn't jump to putting her down. I agree that the first place I would personally go is the vet's to get some extensive work done. I don't own or know much about Chows, but it sounds odd that it's very random and spiratic, these "agression" attacks.

As you've already done, and kudos to you

I'd start right away with an IN HOME behaviuorist. NOT obedience training, I don't feel that would be an exterme enough solution for such an exterm problem.

To be utterly and completely honest, I would keep this dog with me and attached to me at all times. If it couldn't be with me, I would crate her to avoid any accidents. If it's not medical, working on this problem is probably going to require a lot of trust in you from your dog, so tethering with help with that, let alone help to avoid any problems.

Good luck, keep is updated, and I hope it all goes well for you guys