[Michmant]

Has anyone ever felt like they just weren't fit to own a dog? I don't mean for financial reasons, I mean just mentally unfit to handle and care for a dog you have loved for such a long time. I have never experienced that until I got this breed.

[avaiguite]

I have not felt that way... but this breed is not for everyone.

[Arrecteve]

I haven't felt that way. I get fustrated with my dogs being stubborn but never felt like I was not up to owning them.

[nuveem7070]

not for the reasons you mentioned.. but there were times in my life that because of the circumstances.. where I lived, working and going to school that I knew I should not own a dog as I would not have the time to take care of it properly.. so during those times I did not have a dog...
and as was said these dogs are not for everybody.. they take a lot of work and care... folks who do not have the time to devote to them, or do not have the energy to keep up with them should not own them...

[moopierof]

Why do you feel this way about this breed?

[ariniaxia]

Nope, can't say that I have. Frustrtated at puppyhood at times, but that's my fault, not the dogs

[glazgoR@]

Nope, but I do wonder if I will run out of will and energy when I am 20 years older.

[VINPELA]

I'm kind of feeling it today.

[Michmant]

Sorry, I guess mentally was the wrong word to use. What I mean is emotionally. I guess I'm just frustrated after working so long and hard with him and trying everything possible. And what am I paid back with? I can't even go near him today without getting the death stare and the thunderstorm of a grumble. I rambled about it enough in some other post, but I was just wondering if it's normal to feel so frustrated and hopeless. Which I see it is. Oh and he is not a puppy anymore. I have no fucking clue.

[ariniaxia]

Have you had him evaluated by a behaviorist? Attended obedience classes with him? Practice NILIF? Some dogs just like to test the waters. Remain consistent and he should get the idea

[VINPELA]

Well frustration they can sense as well as weakness. Get your assertive hat on, don't take his crap and you'll work through it I'm sure. You've obviously put a lot of work into him.

Have you read this (forgot if it was posted in the other thread)? http://www.pitbull-chat.com/showthread.php?t=11584

[avaiguite]

Well the fact that you can't go near your dog is not a good thing. I would have him evaluated and possible pts... I know it sucks... but Pit Bulls should never be HA!

[moopierof]

Okay, I obviously don't know wth is going on here, can somebody explain because from what was posted it don't sound good.

[hasasnn2345tv]

About your dog, get him checked by a vet to see if he's got something going on causing this... Even if he is in pain I don't think it's very tolerable, but a vet trip is needed... As well as a behaviorist. A bulldog should never be aggressive to people, should greet strangers like long-lost friends, and the only time it should growl at it's owner is in play. A dog being aggressive towards it's owner is NOT normal at all.



As for the question... Yes. I have been completely emotionally drained by an unstable dog. In the end I put her down.

[nuveem7070]

You can never allow any dog, no matter the breed to get the upper hand...
they must know at all times that you are the boss.... growling or grumbling at you is not acceptable.. period
and if you get scared, they know it and it gets worse, not better...

[ariniaxia]

Any updates? I'm curious

[Michmant]

Well, I know it's been a while, but thankfully he's a lot better now. I had to work with him a lot more than I usually do and he's still somewhat on a short leash, figuratively speaking.

I feel bad working him that hard, but I know it's for the best. And now I get a somewhat compliant foot rest out of it as I type this