[Crystal K]

Hi everyone, I have not chatted in a long time, so please excuse the relearning curve. I just adopted a wonderful pit bull from a dog rescue. She is three years old and I knew that she had killed a cat. I am alergic to cats and did not think this would be a problem until today, she attacked another dog that was just walking by. My question is: Once a dog had drawn blood and killed, can they be rehabilitated? I love her dearly and want to know what I am dealing with. Thanks

[Patch O' Pits]

First off congrats on your new addition.

Having prey drive and or animal aggression is not a sign of a bad dog just one that needs to be monitored more closely.

The thing about drawing blood and killer instincts is a myth.

What you should do is learn to know your dog, her comfort levels and body language, always be aware of the surroundings. Do obedience and distraction training. Get a trainer involved if you need help. Do not have the dog off lead in unfenced areas. Don't go to off lead dog parks. Most importantly be a responsible owner.

Thanks for giving her a chance

[tat2stuff]

Congratulations on the new dog and like Patch posted above, the blood thing is a myth. If your dog is dog aggressive, he can be managed, but there is really no rehabilitation.

Dog aggression is not a negative trait in a pit bull, but you must be aware of how your dog will react to other dogs and when. Always be prepared and never let your guard down in public, especially where off leash dogs could approach you. Buy a breaking stick and learn how to use it, never allow your dog off leash in public, make sure you safely and properly contain your dog at home or in your yard.

Here's a few links that will help you

http://www.badrap.org/rescue/dogdog.cfm

http://www.pitbull-chat.com/showthread.php?t=4395

http://www.pitbull-chat.com/showthread.php?t=3113

http://www.pbrc.net/breaksticks.html

http://www.pbrc.net/breakfight.html

and stick around here and ask questions...theres a wealth of knowledge here

[CoolHandJean]

welcome...

I agree with those above. A dog aggressive APBT can't be "rehabilitated", because it's just doing what it was bred to do. A good APBT owner never trust their APBT not to fight. You can control your dog though, like the Patch and Tat said above!

[maryellen]

crystal, congratulations on adopting..
what you need to do is take a deep breath.. what happened when your new dog attacked the other one? was she on leash? off leash? where did it happen? were the police or AC called?

what you should start is strict NILIF giving her rules and boundaries, and no freedom she has to earn everything. (www.k9deb.com under nothing in life is free)


get her on a strict schedule for food, playtime, exercise, training, walks etc.. no furniture, no beds, she must do something for you if she wants something..

this will give her structure to work her mind and the exercise towork her body.

also go to www.pbrc.net and read up about the breed as well..

[PNWPBR]

as with ME, id love to hear more about how the attack happened.... knowing those details can help us help you.

[Crystal K]

My husband was washing cars and he staked her leash to the ground. We live on a trail with numerous dogs around our home everyday. I believe he just was not aware of her strength and when the other dog approached she had pulled the stake out of the ground. I believe he knows what he is dealing with now, but the dog warden was notified and the other dog examined. We are cooperating fully with the other owner who was, rightfully, angry. Thanks for all your help, I will definitely stay here posting. BTW, I have owned another pit bull for 12 years who just passed away a couple of months ago. She was a loving dog as well with the family. I believe this one is still new to her surroundings and coming from a shelter for 3 years, not sure what the rules are. I have had success with her aggression towards the bird cage.

[Michele]

Also, if you don't already have one, please get a break stick.


http://www.pitbull-chat.com/showthread.php?t=1513

[The Diesel]

Glad to hear you adopted, thank you for that.

Never trust your dog (i dont mean that in a negative way), its better to always ok to be too safe rather than not. Anyone on this site will tellyou that these dogs are escape artists.

Other than that, dog agreswsion is normal and even expected with our breed so please just be responisble.

Oh and you should post some pics and give us his name!

[maryellen]

Crystal, what rescue did you adopt her from? have you talked to them about this incident?
what did the owner of the other dog do?

i am sure some others here can help you with a proper tie out setup should you want to bring her out front with you and make sure this doesnt happen again.