Question:

>Three years ago, three pit bulls in our neighborhood got loose.  They >killed and mutilated a terrier then stalked and attacked a women.  She was >nearly killed before being rescued by a neighbor (who was also injured). >(The >owners of the dogs, to say the least, were ill-tempered and unapologetic!)   >Incredibly enough, after the trial (not the civil trial) the dogs were >returned to their owner.  

Too bad. The dogs should have been destroyed, owners held liable for all damages and charged with reckless endangerment. It’s people like that that have given this breed as well as others an undeserved bad reputation. Bob Maida Manassas,Va

Response:

>The problem is he doesn’t like strangers and will try to >attack (charging, barking, snarling) . He is on >a dog run or a leash when he is outside but >has gotten loose on occasion and terrorized the neighborhood.  

I hope you mean he is on a run and behind a fence!  If you don’t have him put down (I couldn’t do that either… not even to the hellhound next door that has bitten me twice, but who is much loved by his family), make sure he stays behind a fence (high enough to keep kids from reaching over) when outside and padlock the gate!  Neighborhood kids have twice tried to open the above mentioned hellhound’s gate despite the dog’s reputation!  Is there any way you can close off his access to the outside doors when he is inside in order to avoid the possibility of him slipping out when someone comes in? >I have consulted two local Dog Behavior professionals and the Vet >and my options were none. They recommended putting him down. >I am in tears thinking of this…there must be another option!!!

Three years ago, three pit bulls in our neighborhood got loose.  They killed and mutilated a terrier then stalked and attacked a women.  She was nearly killed before being rescued by a neighbor (who was also injured).  (The owners of the dogs, to say the least, were ill-tempered and unapologetic!)   Incredibly enough, after the trial (not the civil trial) the dogs were returned to their owner.  The owner was required to keep the dogs either in the house or in a kennel run with floor (cement), roof, warning signs, and a padlocked gate.  The dogs had to be leashed and muzzled when not in the kennel or house.  The court considered this adequate protection for the neighbors.   It is, I think, the only type of option you may have with your dog short of putting him down. Shirley   – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Please e-mail me if you have any suggestions. >Please no flames ….my heart is already breaking. >– >Karen Chiles                                        —–   __o   >Harris Semiconductor  Melbourne, FL             ——    _`<,_  

Response:

>I have consulted two local Dog Behavior professionals and the Vet >and my options were none. They recommended putting him down. >I am in tears thinking of this…there must be another option!!!

Sorry, but it’s unsafe to keep this dog. Other children are at risk every time they are visiting. Find a home where there are no children residing, visiting or adjoining and with someone that is better equipped to deal with his aggression. If not, you do have to put him down. I’m sorry about the grief you are going through, but if he should bite a child or even yours at some point, the grief will be greater. Bob Maida Manassas,Va

Response:

I have a 3 year old neutered male Austrailian Shepard, Bunky, who is devoted to me and my children. Bunky and I have gone to obedience school when he was one and does well with "sit", "heal" , "down", etc. The problem is he doesn’t like strangers and will try to attack (charging, barking, snarling) . He is on a dog run or a leash when he is outside but has gotten loose on occasion and terrorized the neighborhood.   Four weeks ago he bit a neighbor lady. Animal Control was appropriatley contacted and Bunky was on "house arrest" for 10 days. My children cannot have their friends over without the dog being confined. He would most denfinetly would bite them if loose. He will nip at me when reprimanded, a tug on the leash with the choke colloar. This problem started in little ways at an early age and is now worse and much bigger. I wish I knew what I did or didn’t do that was wrong. I have consulted two local Dog Behavior professionals and the Vet and my options were none. They recommended putting him down. I am in tears thinking of this…there must be another option!!! Please e-mail me if you have any suggestions. Please no flames ….my heart is already breaking. — Karen Chiles                                        —–   __o   Harris Semiconductor  Melbourne, FL             ——    _`<,_  

Response: