Post by epitts75 on Jul 2, 2008 8:27:02 GMT -5
We have been having some problems with our Pyr/Lab crosses. We have 2 girls - they are littermates - who we adopted at 8 weeks old to guard our goats. They are now 12 months. They proved to be very bad with poultry, killing many of them. We tried everything...tying dead bird around neck for days, scolding, separating from the flock unless under strict supervision. A bird always managed to get out and into the goat field which always means death for them. Also, Maggie and Bella, have always been very food aggressive. From the time they were pups we were very careful to train them that WE could always take their food by practicing taking from them during meals. They have never shown any aggression toward us or the children. But between each other they fight alot. We try to separate at mealtimes and when there are no unexpected circumstances they do fine. But mealtimes aren't the only problem. If they get a critter from the pond (muskrat, turtle, etc.) they will fight over that. DH tried to separate a fight Sat. night and he got bit badly...5 deep puncture wounds. Fortunately no veins or tendons were injured. After the bite he proceeded to kick, scream, yell at them to try to get their attention but they never even noticed he was there. I can't imagine the result if one of my children were involved in that episode.
The girls are at times difficult to confine to the fences...usually they do okay, but whenever we make fence changes it takes a week or two for them to find all the breeches. I am very concerned that one of the children or a neighbor might be hurt by the dogs. We have some very close neighbors. But, except for the occassional fighting they are soooo sweet and very cuddly girls. I am sure no one would believe my story if they were to meet them. They seem so good natured.
I know we need to get rid of them, though, and I think it would be irresponsible to send them to another home. I would be culpable if they ever hurt anyone. So I think we are going to have them both put down. My concern is, what do I do after that? We need guard dogs. We have coyotes and wild dogs around here. Were we responsible for their behaviour because we didn't train them properly? Was it because they were littermates? Sibling rivalry? How do I chose a new dog that will suit our needs? Will a purebred GP do a better job? I feel sick to my stomach that we have to do this and I feel repsonsible.... I'd love any advice.
Ellen
The girls are at times difficult to confine to the fences...usually they do okay, but whenever we make fence changes it takes a week or two for them to find all the breeches. I am very concerned that one of the children or a neighbor might be hurt by the dogs. We have some very close neighbors. But, except for the occassional fighting they are soooo sweet and very cuddly girls. I am sure no one would believe my story if they were to meet them. They seem so good natured.
I know we need to get rid of them, though, and I think it would be irresponsible to send them to another home. I would be culpable if they ever hurt anyone. So I think we are going to have them both put down. My concern is, what do I do after that? We need guard dogs. We have coyotes and wild dogs around here. Were we responsible for their behaviour because we didn't train them properly? Was it because they were littermates? Sibling rivalry? How do I chose a new dog that will suit our needs? Will a purebred GP do a better job? I feel sick to my stomach that we have to do this and I feel repsonsible.... I'd love any advice.
Ellen