Re: [PyrNet-L] thread about rescue pyr with aggression problems (seamus)

[Charlotte & Jack Perry <pyreau@erols.com>]

Oh Susan, I do so feel for you and all that you have been through with
Seamus. Unfortunately, I can't think of any good solutions for you. It
sounds like you have done more than anyone could ever ask for Seamus.  
I think you can see why most rescue representatives would refuse to
place a dog like Seamus and knowingly put the new owner through all that
you have gone through. 

After having owned Pyrs and worked with rescue for almost 30 years, I
have come to the conclusion that much of temperament is hereditary (shy
dogs produce shy dogs and agressive dogs produce aggresive dogs). 
Unfortunatley, it is not often possible to get information about the
sire, dam and other relatives of rescue dogs. There are just some dogs
that, for whatever reason, are aggresive. It is heartbreaking for the
owners. We had to make the difficult decision to put one of our first
pyrs to sleep.  She was wonderful with anyone in our family, but wanted
to bite all visitors even children. It turned out that her mother had
bitten several people.  This dog did very well in obedience, but her
basic aggresive tendencies were not changed.

Charlotte