Your story is a very sad one! I'm sure your dog has suffered both physically and emotionally from the ordeal you have all been going through. Many dogs suffer from because humans with breed-specific hysteria react with fear and hostility toward certain breeds based on the rumors they have heard about them.

In truth, dogs of any breed can bite. I hope your dogs were not shot while in the act of attacking your neighbor or his family! You say there was no prior history of aggression, so I assume they were not behaving aggressively when your neighbor shot them. But some breeds have a bad reputation because irresponsible owners allow them to get into trouble, fueling the fires of people such as your neighbor. No matter what the circumstances, your dogs were victims. I appreciate your concern and desire not to see the remaining dog, nor any people he comes in contact with, become the next victims of this ongoing tragedy.

Unfortunately I can't give you specific advice about Taz because I haven't personally seen or evaluated him. He will require one-on-one behavioral modification to rebuild his trust and reduce his aggressiveness. Aggression problems cannot be taken lightly and should not be treated without medical and behavioral evaluations by qualified professionals.

I will say this on a personal note: Trust your instincts, regardless of what anyone else tells you. You are a mother, and your little girl's safety is more important than anything. I agree it would be a shame if Taz had to be put down, especially after surviving being shot! Euthanasia may not be your only alternative to bringing him home. Perhaps your breeder would consider keeping and working with him. I don't suggest trying to place him with strangers; there are many serious liability issues dog owners face when they place a dog with an aggression problem into another home. The new family and their friends, neighbors and visitors might be no safer than your own, and the new owners might be less suspecting and, therefore, ill-prepared to prevent an aggressive incident.

Nor should this dog be allowed to go out into the world at risk of a life of ongoing abuse; he certainly already has been through more than enough in his young life. People who would be interested in owning a dog with your dog's history, breed and temperament may have less than positive plans for him. Perhaps you can locate a breed rescue group and get guidance if you really don't feel safe bringing him back into your home.

I don't know the whole history, so I don't know if other factors are contributing to your unease about the dog with your child. But if your dog makes you feel uncomfortable, you should trust those feelings. Seek hands-on help from a local trainer or behaviorist; ask your veterinarian for a referral. Your breeder may know a lot and may be right about the dog being safe with your family. But she is, of course, biased, and the dog may relate differently with her than he does with people visiting your home. This will include friends, family members and children who all will trust they are safe in your home. No matter the reason (Taz's past trauma, etc.) you are liable if your dog bites an invited guest. Err on the side of caution and don't bring the dog back into your home until you are positive about your final decision; if you are keeping him, be sure to supervise all interactions he has with your family closely, and be sure to put him on a leash before inviting anyone into your home. If you are not positive you can control him and prevent him from biting, even after seeking professional help, he should not be in your home.

People who viewed '1-year-old male Rottweiler killed by a neighbor' also found interest in following articles . . .
Category:

• Aggression

• Home
• Educational Library
• FAQ
• Hospital Listings
• Submit
• Contact