[PyrNet-L] Re: rescue pyr w/ aggressive problems (seamus)

["Aleksa, Angella" <Angella.Aleksa@wl.com>]

Susan,
I understand how you feel. Although my first pyr was not a rescue( we
got her as a pup).  As she got older she started to develop what I call
displaced aggression.  She would become very possessive of things and
food she could sneak off with.  So much so that she would lift her lip
and growl at you.  Eventually it got so bad she actually started to
attack when you tried to take the food or item away.  I came home one
day and she had the peanut butter jar (plastic-unopened) in the living
room. I tried several methods to get it away from her with no luck.
Eventually we got into a wrestling match and I had her pinned to the
floor for 10 min before someone else came home to help me.  I was not
about to let go because when I tried to give her a little room she
started up again.  After that incident she bit my dad twice, once on the
arm and once in the stomach.  This was the same dog that would let the 1
yr old child crawl all over her that my sister baby sat.  This pyr would
act aggressive like this even if it was a piece of paper or Kleenex.  We
were devastated that this was happening.  We kept asking ourselves "What
did we do wrong?"  We even  consulted with a number of training and
behavioral specialists.  At the age of two we made the responsible
decision to put her down.  We could no longer carry the burden of
responsibility for a dog that could and would harm someone.
The thought kept running through our minds "What if there was a split
second that we were not totally focused on our dog and a house guest
approached her when she had something and they got hurt?"   We also had
to think of the many children around us that could potentially get hurt.
As much as we loved her she was a serious law suit waiting to happen.  I
will have to admit that we fell into the same boat as the average public
and got her from answering an ad in the paper.  This was an
irresponsible breeder of course who is out of business now.
Needless to say this is how I got started in rescue over 8 years ago.
You have experienced an unfortunate situation and as others have said
ultimately it's your choice as to how to handle it from here.   Best of
Luck,
Angie     Michigan Great Pyrenees Rescue