Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi all,

I've enjoyed reading your posts. I've seen a lot of posts about nipping, but I could use your help. Please be patient while I tell my story ...

We have Aussies, a six-year-old black tri and a two-year-old red merle. The six-year-old, Chaco, is a dream. The two-year-old, Bonzo, is a whole different can of worms.

We got him in July of 2005, when he was seven weeks old. He was immediately a lot slower to learn potty training than Chaco was; we thought we had it under control just now, but he's resorted to peeing on the banister of the stairs. Sigh. But that's not all!

I had my first stroke in September of 2005, and my second in March of 2006. Physically, I'm fine, though it took me a while to recover. (I was paralyzed after the first one.) (Also, I'm 26 years old. Yes, it's young to be having strokes.) I'm mostly left with invisible deficits; I'm exhausted, and I've got aphasia (forgetting words, though it's almost gone). Anyway, I was a little spacey afterwards, which is when our problems start ...

Bonzo bit somebody on the back of their leg on a hiking trail. It was really more like a nip, but it scared the lady pretty good. Then, after a walk around our neighborhood, Bonzo nipped our neighbor (at about 10 months old). Our neighbor was *terrified*, and pretty mad, too. I don't blame him! (Oh yeah, my spacey-ness: I had him and Chaco on remote control shock collars at the time, but I mixed them up, so everytime Bonzo charged -- which was four times! -- at the guy, I shocked poor Chaco. Plus, my emotions were mixed up; when I got home and reported the incident to my husband, I was laughing. I didn't think it was funny! It's another side effect of stroke, though I can't think of the name ...)

After that, we decided to get a dog trainer. "Safari Sally" came to our house the next week. I learned a LOT from her; that shock collars aren't appropriate for Bonzo, how to get Bonzo to heel, stay back at the door, etc. But, after a good six months of lessons, I was EXHAUSTED. Finally, Ben and I took the dogs for a walk; Bonzo was tugging incredibly hard, and Ben had him on a leash. Ben suggested that HE try the training! I was like, thank GOODNESS.

So Sally came back after a six month leave and started teaching us both. I've got more energy now and was able to participate better, and it was fantastic having Ben around, too.

And then, two days ago, during a round of frisbee in our backyard, Bonzo noticed a jogger going by and took off after her. He turned around when Ben called him, but Chaco went up to say hello and Bonzo decided to bite her.

Ben and I have decided that we cannot keep Bonzo anymore. We both love him dearly, but we don't have the right kind of yard (no fence) and our neighbors, incredibly understanding as they are, are getting frightened. I feel guilty; if I hadn't had the strokes, maybe we could have socialized him better, or maybe I could've kept up with the training lessons and taught him that I was in control.

We'd like to find a home for Bonzo on a ranch somewhere. Maybe with the owner's control over the property, where people don't jog by (or make deliveries), Bonzo would be calmer. How do I find a place like this? I don't know!!! If I post on Craigslist or something that "my biting dog needs a good home", people will be like "ugh ... no thanks". If I call a rescue, I'm worried that they'll take him and just put him to sleep once we're gone. I really don't want to kill him, because nipping is just part of the breed, but ... what are my options???

Thanks for all your replies!!!

-- Kathy

I hate to sound pessemistic, but unfortunatley a dog with a bite history is a poor candidate for rehoming. I wish I could tell you differently. I know in my area there are places that do take dogs that have problems(in my are it's called "Home For Life", but I don't know about ones with bite histories.

I'm sorry about the situation you are in. I wish I could point you towards a solution, but I'm sorry I can't.
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Chelle and the rest of the crew including, but not limited to Kita and Taiko (the shiba inu wrestle maniacs), Adi (reserved and dignified tabby cat), and all 28 reptiles

Well, thanks for your help, Chelle. I know it's a long shot

I'm really sorry to hear about your problems. But I am glad to hear you are on the mend and getting back to yourself.
Best wishes to you!!
I don't think any rescues could take a dog that has a bite history and you have to be honest no matter where the dog goes. No matter how hard that may be.
I wouldn't post a dog on craigs list. Can you screen anyone who inquires really well to make sure they can provide a good home and not a lab or for other things just as bad?
Most people who have a farm or ranch do not need a biting dog either. They need a dog that can be easily trained or trusted.
Can you work with the dog at all some more?
I know how hard this must be for you and don't really have any ideas. Just be careful where you let the dog go to and be completly up front with anyone who does take the dog.
Best of luck to you.
I hope things can be worked out for the best for all of you.