Is it possible to train a dog for an owner that doesn't want to put any effort at all into training her dog? Dog trainers always say they train the owner, not the dog. What if the people who live with the dog won't put in the time? Is it a hopeless situation?

I think I am in a hopeless situation. I sent her to training for this dog and yet she and the kids still do everything wrong. Instead of calmly facing the dog and establishing limitations, they scream at him and expect him to understand them. Instead of using their physicality to assert themselves, they squeel like girly girls. They fail to even try to establish any trust with the dog. Clearly these people should never have adopted a dog.

Yet here he is and he has decided I am his best friend. I watch the Dog Whisperer every friday to see if I can figure out if I am giving off any signs that he should behave this way, and I really don't think it is my mental state. I need to train this dog to behave for other people when I'm not around.

Tonight the dog nipped at one of the girls and broke her skin. She cried, her mother said the dog has to go. It may be too late to save him.

 

Find someone who is able to deal with him. Maybe with a nice yard similar to yours and no kids. Unless a pet is raised with kids (in my experience) they will never adapt well.

I know it sucks...but I think thats what it may have to be. W/o cooperation of the others...the animal won't learn.

Rhainy will weigh in I hope...

 

The owner has to go...........................

 

I have to agree with the fact that if the owners are not putting the effort in, the dog will probably be better off in a different home. In all the years I have worked with dogs, and training them, I have had similar situations arise. Sadly it is fairly certain that if the dog only responds to one person, it is because the training has not been followed through with by anyone else in the household.

Since the dog has already shown he cannot be trusted with the girl, it is for the best to remove the dog to a situation where he will be properly handled. While I disagree that if a dog hasn't been raised with kids, he won't be able to live with them, in this case it is obvious that the family is not being assertive. And from what you have said it is actually a better choice for the dog, to remove him from a situation that has been encouraging him to act out.

Sorry if it wasn't the things you wanted to hear, but in this case it is the best advice I can suggest.

 

Who wants to adopt a two-year old pit bull mix that bites his owner?

I'm afraid nothing good will happen after 30 days of sitting waiting for adoption. Which is a shame, because he is highly trainable.

Heh, if she had said "it's me or the dog" I'd have to think about it.

This is my question... will you get rid of me if I misbehave?

 

Hemingway, I sadly have to agree that it may be a difficult, possibly impossible task to rehome the dog. The one thing I can offer as suggestion for this aspect is to be sure when attempting to rehome, you are clear that the new owners must have experience with Pits or other aggressive natured dogs.

Another suggestion would be to contact one of the breed specific rescue organizations such as:

Pit Bull Rescue Central

They may be able to hook you up with a local chapter or possibly a foster home while they attempt to find a new home for the dog.

Please do keep us posted, I am honestly sorry that despite your efforts, this situation has come to this.

 

you the person in question