My work in progress completed :)

[Evei]

Well after having D for 4 years, I am pleased to say he is now a none dog aggressive dog that can be walked muzzle free and off lead without him being a problem. He sometimes needs work on his approach but that is coming along nicely and if he is uncomfortable around a specific dog he knows to come away. He loves to play fight and takes turns playing chase. He cuddles up to his doggy friends if they stay overnight and is happy to be fed around other dogs.

 

I never honestly thought we would get to this point We are now considering putting him forward to be a PAT dog, he has always loved people and is very happy if he is getting fuss or sitting contented if someone is speaking to him. He loves going places that are thriving with people and action. I'm not to sure if he might be too big as he is a bit of a chunk and he is not your typical fluffy dog, though I think he is very handsome

 

I am really proud that we managed to turn him around. I think the RSPCA saw us coming when we agreed to take him on I think I can honestly say not many people would have put up with him as he was really nasty with other dogs and a complete danger when around them.

 

Just thought I would post for other people who take on dog aggressive dogs to let them know there is hope. It has been heartbreaking, expensive and very frustrating but worth it in the end. I hopefully will get to spend the next 8+ years of my life with a lovely dog. (though he stinks from getting wet this morning)

[berlingo]

well done you! :-)

[MARY POPPINS]

So very well done you should be proud, ive been trying for years to make my dog, dog friendly, but never managed it, he loves people just hates dogs, and its so hard taking him for walks, he can see another dog miles away.

 

I love him to bits but he does make life difficult.

 

He tenses up, but the minute they are gone i can feel him relax, so he never is off the lead, unless Im totally sure there are no dogs anywhere.

 

Dont know how you did it, but again well done

[DaFoot]

Congrats! I can imagine it must be pretty stressful always being extra careful when other dogs are about.

[H_Hounds]

Aw this experience must be so rewarding for you. D must be so loving towards you for everything you've given him. I hope your story does inspire people, I'm sure it will. Problem dogs can get you to a point of frustration and confusion and it's difficult to know where to turn.

 

I got to a bad point with Bella when she had her first season and stopped obeying recall. She would run up to people and dogs - totally not acceptable and totally not like her. It was easy to solve the people problem but it took us a long time to stop her reacting to other dogs and she has been the most socialised dog I know - she went to ringcraft classes as a pup, went to work at pets at home with me regularly, went on daily walks around other people and dogs, went to busy places. I used a dog trainer to teach me new techniques as she had changed in her temperament from being a nervous scooby doo to being dominant and protective over me. She improved slightly but was still not good enough so I had a break for a while. No training, just calm lead walking and very little attention. I needed the break and so did she. Skye wasn't so easy lol but they are so worth it.

 

I've had flu last week and they were so calm in the house for me and gave me cuddles and didn't make a mess until I was feeling better, then they were their horrible selves again

 

I think you will have the best friend you could wish for now. They probably did see you coming lol and I am a believer that everything happens for a reason, and maybe you were supposed to find D I'm sure D would make a lovely PAT dog and they don't have to be small. Good luck if you choose to do it and I'd love to hear about the experience if you do, keep us posted

[Muddy Paws]

Well done Evei for persevering with him, a lot would have given up

[Evei]

I meant to put before that if it was not for all the support I've had over the years from the pets forum I honestly don't think D would still be alive. People from the pets forum have given me names of trainers to try, names of training and agility classes we have been to, people have kindly met up with us so I could practice his training and also go on nice dog walks when he could be off lead with his muzzle and kindly given lots of tips and help

 

So everyone on here has done their fair share to help him too

[Snagglepuss]

Congratulations to your perseverence and your love for D when many people would have given up Evei. Now finally after all this time you must feel very be proud to have D as your companion and you should be proud of all your hard worked efforts. I salute you, cos to be honest I'm not sure I would have been strong enough or determined enough to do the same as you. Well done hun x

[angel22]

Well done Evei. I bet you're so glad you kept at it and didn't give up on him. I bet he is too!!

 

Any pics??

[medusa]

I do so like success stories

 

Well done Evei, and I hope that you and D have the best bond in the world as a result of all of the time you've spent giving him new skills and showing him how to dot all sorts of things.

 

I'm sure that there are such things as wilfully vicious dogs for whom rehabilitation and learning cannot work, but they are very few and far between. The vast majority of dogs that are aggressive do so out of fear or lack of knowledge about how they are meant to do things, but most people don't have the knowledge or the will to address this.

 

I think that D well and truly fell on his paws in finding you