Agressive Boston Terrier Pitbull Mix

by Rob
(Norton Shores, MI, USA)

I adopted an Boston Terrier Pitbull mix two weeks ago.

The woman who owned the dog who is four years old had to go into a nursing home because of dementia. Her family couldn't keep the dog. They brought the dog to my house two weeks ago and the dog was very excited because of them leaving. They gave me her toys etc.. and then gave a medication (which turned out to be an anti anxiety drug).

They informed me that the dog got along great with other people and dogs, no aggression. The dog has been very loving towards me and craves attention. She is very smart. I took the dog to the vet for a checkup and because she appeared to have a UTI. She was nuts at the vet, crying and carrying on. When the vet examined her she growled and bit her. The vet said I should keep her on the medication.

I signed the dog up for 7 weeks of basic dog training. I gave the dog her medication a couple of hours before the training started. I walked in to the facility and the dog was a basket case. She barked and carried on and then attempted to attack the other dogs in the class. She also attempted to bite the trainer. I ended up having to leave the class because she was so out of control. The dog definitely scared me. I did not want her to hurt, injure or possibly kill another dog.

I contacted the owners and explained to them the situation. They denied that they ever so such behavior. Which I don't believe. I also pointed out the anti anxiety medication and how it did nothing to calm her down.

I am a dog lover and have had dogs my whole life. But, I have told the owners I need to return the dog. It is very sad, but again, I can't control her and I fear she will attack or injure a human being or another dog. They may have to put her down. I feel badly, but this family had to have known the issues with this dog.

I feel bad, but I feel I don't have any other options.

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Mar 03, 2018
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Nothing In Life Is Free
by: Adam G. Katz

Employ the "Nothing In Life Is Free" approach, so that your dog starts to view you as the "pack leader." If your dog doesn't see you as the leader, then your corrections will be meaningless. So, if you're doing subtle things (inadvertently) to undermine your leadership role around the house-- it will be counter-productive.

All the best,
Adam

Adam G. Katz is the author of, "Secrets of a Professional Dog Trainer!" -- which you can find at DogProblems.com.