I desperatly need to find a home for my puppy

I have a 6 month old puppy who the shelter told us her was a shepherd mix. Our trainer told us he is a boxer mix. Anyway that isnt the point. He is too aggressive towards me. me growls shows his teeth and goes for me. I am pregnant and have a 2 year old. He is fine towards my DD and he is great for my DH. I dont understand we have gone to training sessions and nothing is working. Before he really hurts me I need to find him a home. Does anyone have any suggestions? I would love it if he behaved and I know that this isnt him being a puppy he is way too visiously aggressive.

Re: I desperatly need to find a home for my puppy

aww I'm sorry to hear that I would post a picture.

Re: I desperatly need to find a home for my puppy

any dog can be turned around (hell, look at the michael vick dogs!) if you get the right training, i really do believe your puppy will be a great dog! where did you get your dog trained? how long have you had him?

Re: I desperatly need to find a home for my puppy

Have you taken him to the vet to rule out any medical issues?

Re: I desperatly need to find a home for my puppy

well, what is the trainer saying? My dog also has a problem with aggression. We got a trainer while I was pregnant - we used Best Friends Dog training and it really really worked.

Re: I desperatly need to find a home for my puppy

You need to show that Dog you are the pack leader.. 6mos old and he is growling??? W T H??

Re: I desperatly need to find a home for my puppy

Re: I desperatly need to find a home for my puppy

Re: I desperatly need to find a home for my puppy

I believe that a 6 month old dog can be turned around. My dog is now 5 and he's not completely trustworthy but we've knocked him down a few pegs with some gentle training techniques. It helped to figure out what kind of aggression he had, to read about it and see the trainer after we read a lot. I wish I had less fear of him but I try to strike a balance between separating him and letting him socialize. I love him so much and I know that this is the best home for him. My son is already very attached. With that said, only you know how bad it has been and only you know whether you have tried enough. You have to be safe.

Re: I desperatly need to find a home for my puppy

we used and continue to use best friend's dog training 3 years ago beuse of some aggression issues when my lab was 6 months old. Now he is the most gentlest dogs I know. All my friends with kids are impressed and now that i'm 7 months pregnant my only worry is to make sure I still make time for my first baby.

Re: I desperatly need to find a home for my puppy

Think of a puppy like a child that is going to test their boundaries to see how far it can go. Now think of yourself as a parent and what that child will learn if they are allowed to go over the line with no repercussions or guidance.

Have you considered that the problem may not be with the dog, but rather how you interact with it? Dog training is only as good as your followup and reinforcement of what is taught. You have the responsibility of teaching your children how to respect animals also, if you're going to have dogs in your home.

You say the puppy is fine with your husband and daughter - what does your husband think about you wanting to find it another home? If you aren't willing to learn how best to deal with his behavior and correct it, the puppy probably should be with a family that will. In that case, I agree that you should post a photo and full details on the puppy including what veterinary care you have given it like vaccinations.

If you truly want to put the time and effort into this puppy to raise it correctly as a member of your family, there are a lot of people here who can help. Me included. But you will need to be more specific about when he acts out and how.

The decision is up to you, but please do what is best for the puppy.

Message edited 3/29/2009 4:52:40 PM.

Re: I desperatly need to find a home for my puppy

honestly, I may get flamed for this...but if you fear for your safety get rid of the dog.

Re: I desperatly need to find a home for my puppy

Did you re home your puppy?? No updates??

Re: I desperatly need to find a home for my puppy

Re: I desperatly need to find a home for my puppy

I still have the puppy. We are trying to give it one more shot. I want to give him a good home and love him but he just makes me nervous. I am hoping things get better and he calms down a lottle but I know it will take time. Can anyone reccomend an inexpensive trainer? The one we have been using is very expensive. I am in suffolk. Thank you all for the advice.

Re: I desperatly need to find a home for my puppy

who have you been using? i can only recommend the best but they're not "inexpensive" best friends mutt manners training is the best. i'm still going through the motions with my dog but believe me, they've turned her around ALOT and she has some "aggression" issues. anyone that is "cheap" isnt going to be good. when it comes to training, you pay for what you get.

Re: I desperatly need to find a home for my puppy

I would suggest reading one of Cesar Millan's books. It sounds like a dominance issue to me. When I lived in FL with my ex-boyfriend he got me a great dane from a shelter and the dog had similar issues with me (he was older, around 3yrs). He was very food aggressive & lunged at me a few times even when there was no food involved.

Someone recommended the book "The Dog Who Loved Too Much" which had chapters on dominance issues & separation anxiety (both issues my dog had). The book was great, & allowed me to resolve my dog's issues entirely. Since then I've discovered Cesar Millan & have used his techniques on my chocolate lab who had dominance issues as a puppy.

Good luck!