I got a puppy who I love completely. But since I got her, she's had extreme playbiting issues. At first I thought it was just normal, and thought nothing of it. But it got worse and worse. Even with behavior modification and training, I can't make her stop. And it reached a crisis point with me, because she will be a big dog and it scares me that she could end up continuing this habit as a big girl. That would be the death of her and a big danger to others. And her behavior is becoming bad in other ways as well. She will listen to me perfectly when we do obedience training, but at other times, she is like a wild child, jumping on the counters, stealing things, then napping, then starting all over again. When she is good, she is the most fantastic little dog, but when she is bad it is intolerable.
So I got to a point where, after spending many $ on training, behavior management, supplies, etc. and devoting hundreds of hours doing training, structured play, etc., I decided that I had done all I could, she is not responding to me, and she had to go. I found her a wonderful place where I am confident she can be helped and then placed with a home that matches her high drive and temperament.
But this is killing me. I just wonder WHY she's this way with me. I love her so much and can't bear the thought of leaving her. I worry that she will be afraid. I worry that she'll feel abandoned. Even though where she's going has a lot more action going on (including dogs and another puppy to play with). I look at her little face and the way she looks at me and it breaks my heart. And I feel guilty that I could not shape her behavior better. I have had other dogs (one for 16 years), including 2 at a time, and I could handle them well. Why won't this one listen? The vet and behaviorist said I made a "bad choice" (breed and temperament compared to my personality). That really doesn't make me feel any better. I feel like I'm betraying her even though I feel in my heart that this is the best thing for her.
Have you ever had this happen or know of anyone who made a bad match with a dog? Have you ever had a dog refuse to respond even when you use all the techniques suggested by behaviorists and trainers?
So I got to a point where, after spending many $ on training, behavior management, supplies, etc. and devoting hundreds of hours doing training, structured play, etc., I decided that I had done all I could, she is not responding to me, and she had to go. I found her a wonderful place where I am confident she can be helped and then placed with a home that matches her high drive and temperament.
But this is killing me. I just wonder WHY she's this way with me. I love her so much and can't bear the thought of leaving her. I worry that she will be afraid. I worry that she'll feel abandoned. Even though where she's going has a lot more action going on (including dogs and another puppy to play with). I look at her little face and the way she looks at me and it breaks my heart. And I feel guilty that I could not shape her behavior better. I have had other dogs (one for 16 years), including 2 at a time, and I could handle them well. Why won't this one listen? The vet and behaviorist said I made a "bad choice" (breed and temperament compared to my personality). That really doesn't make me feel any better. I feel like I'm betraying her even though I feel in my heart that this is the best thing for her.
Have you ever had this happen or know of anyone who made a bad match with a dog? Have you ever had a dog refuse to respond even when you use all the techniques suggested by behaviorists and trainers?