Need some help....

Brian21 · 01-10-2010, 08:45 PM

so we had put my dog to sleep over 3 months ago and are slowly getting ready to bring a new pup into our home. we had to put him down because he had bitten my ear, he was a lab mix. we believe because he had gotten starteled when i was laying down and quickly jumped up but anyways, so now that we are looking into a new dog i would like to get something medium to large size. would like something a little bigger just so i got use to bigger dogs again because i know not all dogs are dangerous. i have been looking at boxers but my parents would like something else because of their intimidating look. we are looking for something that would be a great family pet but also a good watch dog.

Brian21 · 01-11-2010, 12:41 AM

here is some more info if it helps...........

i play soccer in college so i will be playing with him alot and taking him on my runs most likely or to play at the park. we do not want a long haired dog because of it shedding to much hair. we would like to get something that will be freindly but also caution of his surroundings, always alert and protective but i can take him out for walks around other people and dogs, so i dont have to worry. also most of the time someone is home if not me my parents, for the most part in the early stages of the puppy we will make sure someone is home with him but in the future there may be times where he could b at home for a couple of hours by him self and of course will take him out for some exercise once someones home. i live in an urban area in NY long island but i go every weekend to the Poconos in PA where i have 8 acres. my previous dog bit off 1/3 of my ear so i have been a little wary of other dogs but i lovee big dogs, i am a little more cautious of them going near my face. plenty of my friends have german shepards, rottweiler, labs, boxers, ect so im to in love with the bigger breed dogs but depending on the dog i may settle for something in the medium size rage. i have been looking into boxers because of the great things i have heard but my parent do not like because it is a very intiminating dog.

**alfi** · 01-11-2010, 05:43 AM

What about a Rottweiller? Could your parents accept the look? These dogs really love humans. They are not reactive dogs and are always calm. If you socialize them properly you will end up with a fantastic dog that you can trust among people but will still have the ability to protect you and your family. I am sure RedyreRotties can tell you a lot about them as is a breeder of Rotties

**Criosphynx** · 01-11-2010, 01:19 PM

Wait, you startled a dog and then you euthanized it for reacting?

Perhaps a goldfish would be a better pet for you guys. Dogs, cats, birds, reptiles you name it, they bite. If your going to kill an animal for biting I can't recommend one to you.

**alfi** · 01-11-2010, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Criosphynx

Wait, you startled a dog and then you euthanized it for reacting?

I really missed that part....in fact I didn't understand the reason you euthanasised the dog?!?

Brian21 · 01-11-2010, 07:06 PM

ok the dog has always been agressive toward many people. in all, the dog was great but at the end of the day it wasn't a dog you could really go cuddle up to. he has bittin me before, on the hands usually out of anger or if he didn't like something, i had to get stichs one time and another time for my cousin. we had resuced him form the shelter when he was about 2-3 months old and we didn't know exactly where he was from. when we put him to sleep he was 9 years and getting old, he started to growl when it was not nessarcy or show his teeth. we always kept him away form stangers because we weren't comfotable with him around. one day i came home from soccer and he was licking my face while i was laying on my bed, i have heard when male dogs taste the testosterone in the sweat of a male it gets them actted up. all i can remember is his ears went down and he had that look as if he was un pleased. so i decided i should not be laying near him, and all iw as doing was petting him. then he bit, so say what you want but i wasn't going to give him away to someone else for him to bit them nor was i going to keep him around my house so that one day he would attack again. we looked at every option and the vet told us that it was probably the best thing to do. i loved the dog with all my heart and it killed me but i didn't want to live in fear in my own home that one day he would possibly do it someone else or me.

**Criosphynx** · 01-11-2010, 09:07 PM

Gotcha, please keep in mind we only know what you tell us.

**fawkese1** · 01-11-2010, 09:46 PM

i would recommend going to a shelter and checking out who is available. most dogs will be able to keep up with most people, so you don't need to look for a "high energy" breed. be careful too with larger dogs and a really active lifestyle as it can damage their joints. most people don't need a "guard dog" breed for the dog to be a crime deterrent, what you really need is an alert dog... and almost any dog will alert (bark at strange noises etc) regardless of size. really you should aim for someone that is a little "less" then you think you want...less energy, less size etc...

in regards to your previous dog, you really should have taken him to a professional trainer or behaviorist when he started showing those types of behaviors... that may have prevented the bites that you received... any dog regardless of size, breed, or sex can show such signs of possibly dangerous behavior and it is your responsibility to deal with these issues... growling/snapping are a dog's way of communicating with you that something is not okay with the dog, and it could be any number of things that most humans won't pick up on without a little help from someone who knows... i hope that with your future dog you will take that into consideration

Brian21 · 01-11-2010, 10:53 PM

i think i have found a dog, she is such a sweetheart. a 10 week old yellow labrador, she is amazing. for being such a big puppy, it is most comfortable i have ever felt around a dog in a while. they let her into the play pen with my whole family and she came running over to me and rolled right onto her back for me to rub her tummy, it was such an amazing feeling. one thing is the price because it is a pure bred lab but i am in love with this dog, doesnt nip, loves to play, and is extremely friendly

Mikey · 01-12-2010, 03:36 PM

I would highly recommend training classes then-so that the reactivity doesn't repeat itself and you don't end up with the same situation again. Dogs are made, not born-so ensure you take steps so you don't end up with the same result as before.

Good luck!