Big mistake - Page 4

Moose 88, don t you think you re being a bit unfair to this dog?  I wouldnt be testing him with a water hose, he s a young dog, probably doesnt know know what you expect, and not feeling very settled. Comparing him to your other dog seems pretty unfair, and it sounds like you already want him gone. I know I m only a shepherd pet owner but  I always stick with my dogs through any problems because I love them for what they are, not just because they can work or show, I just  give them the best home I can, and , no that doesnt mean I m a useless pet owner with kids all over the place and out at work all day! I m at home all day with good walks in the country and lots of attention and love, surely thats  one of the most important things for a dog, perhaps you ll think I m too soft but my dogs have had happy lives as much loved members of the family, they sleep with us, eat with us and get spoiled but dogs have short lives and we should love them while we can, cos we dont know whats round the corner, so dont be too hard on this dog!

Sometimes the pesonalities of dog and handler/owner do not click.  When I took Barbie through a patrol train up class there was a dog in that class you could not have paid me to take.  However that dog and his handler were matched very very well as far as personality went and they do very well together.  If I had that dog I know myself well enough to know it would not work out as nicely.  It is not wrong to place the dog with someone he gets along better with and get a dog more matched to your personality, in fact it may be highly beneficial to both of you. 

I have 2 things to say:

1st, titled does not always equal trained.

2nd, every dog is different.

Perhaps this a good opportunity for some more experienced people like Don C to revisit the topic of "points" dogs in Schutzhund versus those that are higher drive in prey and or fight.

If you started with a "points" dog and have moved to the latter it can be a significant moment for the owner.  All Schutzhund dogs are not the same.

What did the former owner tell you about this dog? Friendly, protective, dominant......???

You are talking about an alive animal, no maschine, that will work for everybody.

You said, that you regret buying this dog,  Talk to the former owner, try to find out what kind of dog you bought, and after that, try to find a suitable home for this dog, where people are looking for this kind of dog.

After all, an adult dominant male won´t listen to a stranger, you need to achieve its respect and friendship.

You said, he growls at your family, too. Are there smaller children?  I know nothing about this dog, but I would be very careful at this point.

Kind regards

To put it simple-Be a lil dominant .People are taming elephants and wild lions.He will be a lamb within weeks..

Wildstrobe, that is really not the way to go! When you have to resort to bullying animals you really have got it badly wrong, if you have to break an animals spirit I think  you re in the wrong business, glad I m not one of your poor dogs if thats the way you treat them, Lissa

thank you to everyone with the posts, I got different ways of dealing with this. The dog is funny, he loves on me in the yard, but as soon as you correct him verbally, he does'nt know how to take it.

I have had someone tell me I should pack him up, and bring him to a trainer, and let them do whatever, break his spirit if they have to.

I am not sure if I want to do this, I know there are some people who like a dog like this.

Try and think outside the box with this dog, as you do not know what was done to him previously. Try inducive techniques to start when you are working with him, and do not be in a hurry. Maybe the growling (fear response) could be ignored and will go away once he sees that you are not going to do anything rediculous to him. I have worked with dogs like this in the past, and unfortunatly, this is a call best done by trainers with experience. However, you did state that you had no fear of him, and I think that if you take your time, you have a good shot of making this go away.

I have had someone tell me I should pack him up, and bring him to a trainer, and let them do whatever, break his spirit if they have to.

I think not, you could make the situation worse. You and your family are bonding with the dog sending him off AGAIN is not going to make it better.  Just get some assistance with him, maybe give you ideas you have not thought of. Join a Sch club, lots of knowledge on the feilds, with people who love the dogs and  willing to help.