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Question: Does dog training/obedience training really work and will it help my dog?

(Posted by: Bogan Mum on 2010-02-23 19:46:32)

I have 2 pitbulls a male and a female, both fixed. Female is almost 3 years and male is about 2 and half. I also have 2 kids, a 19 month old and a 3 month old. Female dog, absolutely fine, loves them. male dog fine with baby, getting worse with toddler. Sometimes the male dog is fine, licks and plays with my son (oldest) but since he has started walking (about 3- 4 months ago) he has started growling at him. Which worries me immensley. I love my dogs and treat them like my children. However if i HAD to i would give my dog away and if it came to it i may have to get him put down. I really do not want to get rid of my dog, i love him so much. But im not willing to risk my childrens lives. I live in new zealand and they have a zero pitbull/ big dog policy pretty much, pitbulls HAVE to be neutered (so they will eventually die out), muzzled in public and on a lead at all time. If a pitbull is given to the local spca (the only shelther there is) they are put down immediatly. They do not get judged on a case by case basis. However my dog wouldnt pass the temprament (sp?) test anyway. he is terrible with other animals and now kids :(. When he was a puppy he had LOTS of socilization and obediance training until he was about 8 months old. We are thinking of starting it up again, but would it help or should i start looking for a new home for him? he gets daily exercise with my husband he takes both of them on an hour- hour an a half walk every day so its best to get him put down? i feel so guilty getting him and then doing that to him. its not fair. guess im going to have to have a serious talk with my husband. guess all my family (parents, grandparenst etc) will be happy

Posted by: K Cali22 on 2010-02-23, 19:51:16

What a cruel country... I'll start the first pit bull shelter! I think obedience and exercise will benefit him. Guessing since the baby is only 3 months old, you haven't had much time to exercise them! He may be stressed and doesn't know how to handle it. Have someone walk him, for an hour a day! It will be good for you and the dog. Also, make it clear what your toddler can and cannot do around the dog, we're talking major rules. The dogs are naturally jealous of the new baby and now the toddler is walking, so everything is all out of whack. Daily walks and stimulation will help the dogs feel like you're still around, bond with the kids, and feel less neglected/ stressed at home.

Posted by: WyrDachsie on 2010-02-23, 19:54:24

Your problem is in your quote "You treat them like my children ". They are not human and they are not children. They are a dominate breed of dog. Obedience training is great and I highly recommend it. However, you will need to train and practice at home, if you don't, your just wasting your money. The male dog and the children should never be left unattended. (For that matter, no dog should be left unattended with children). Toddlers move in a funny jerky type manner, which may be part of the problem. As for rehoming, if he's not good with other animals and not good with children, what will you rehome him to? You will have to be honest to the potential "new " owner about his temperment and he would have to be an "only " dog with only adults in the home and how realistic is that.

Posted by: jagnoni on 2010-02-23, 19:56:34

I am sorry to say that you need to find a home for the dog/ dogs. Your children are at risk if the "pit " is growling at them. I am an insurance person and can't tell you how many times a "very friendly...loving....wouldn't hurt no one " injured a child permanently. I love dogs and have family with these dogs but from what you said it's time to move on. Obedience school isn't enough when you are at risk !

Posted by: marci knows best on 2010-02-23, 20:04:19

I don't know what resources might be available in New Zealand but do you really want a dog that is dog aggressive? Even if you can stop him from being toddler aggressive, can you ever really trust him with your children and their friends? What happens if a friend brings over a dog? If he attacks it, what if a child gets in the way? Please do not try to re-home this dog. You would only be giving someone else a serious dangerous dog. Take him to your vet, hold him in your arms so he knows he is loved and help to die with dignity.

Posted by: nicey on 2010-02-24, 05:28:24

Hi, Basic commands not only teach helpful skills, they reinforce your role as your dog's leader. Using treats to lure your dog into the correct position or place, and then to reward her for obeying, is one of the easiest and most dog-friendly methods. Here's more info: yuinah.notlong.com