A hard decision :(

[Siliverin]

Well i had a long talk with my parents, and its was pretty much decided Chisum has to go I have had him for about 6-7 months now, and he hasnt stopped growling at my dad. We first thought it was because he wasnt used to him but that went out the window after the first month. With my dad being gone 5/7 days and when he is home for his 2 days off, he is really busy. We have been working with chisum but with dad not having alot of time it is hard and there would be times where we really thought he was going to stop then all of the sudden he would start up again, he even nipped at my dad so after a long talk we decided that its just not going to happen with my dad not having the time to put toward working with chisum i know not to many people would under stand but when u only have 2 days off, and are not home for 5 days , taking time out for things is dang near impossable and my dad has alot of stuff to do on his 2 days and half the time doesnt even get to finish what he needs to. I am going to miss chisum cause he is such a wonderful dog and has such a great personality but my dad is just so fed up with being growled at in his own home no matter what, even if he isnt in the same room as Chisum he growls at him and has since i got him
I have already been bummed since we decided even though i know it is what needs to happen becuase i understand my dads point of view, and i know ill be hurting even more once he is gone though
sorry just had to get that off my chest

[Teigan]

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[Finduilas]

I'm sorry to hear that. After your first steps of success I really had hoped it would work out somehow.
But I understand your and your family's desicion. I think you also need to think about your Dad's safety. What if it becomes more than growling? You said he already nipped at your Dad and this could become worse. I know the problem with Dad not being home (mine also is only home on the weekends) and even our cat had trouble adjusting to this, although she is very independent normally. I think it will be best for your family and Chisum if he gets a new home. Do you plan to visit his new home with him first? I really hope the best for you and Chisum!

[GormanGhaste]

I think you made the right decision. Your family's situation requires having a well-socialized dog.

[Serenith]

I'm sorry Sil, that kinda thing isn't easy. But it sounds like the right choice. You're dad should be the master of the home, not the dog. And for him to not feel comfortable on his days off just doesn't work. I hope Chisum ends up in a good home where he is happy and loved.

[Siliverin]

thanks all. it wasnt easy but like you all said i do worry about my dad and the " what if chisum does bite" factor and my poor dad has been putting up with it for so long and my dad doesnt deserve it, working at the same place for 35+ years you dont want to hear that when you come home. we might have someone who will take him, we are jsut waiting to find out, and ill be able to visit

[Siliverin]

An Update: After a very long talk with my parents, tears and opinions, we have decided we are going to keep chisum and work with him and pray everything works out. since my dad doesnt want to see me loose him

[Sesamee]

I have some experience working with difficult dogs and one of my very good friends is a Canine Behaviorist. Not one of those quack "ceasar milan" type "dog psychologists" but she actually has a graduate degree in Canine Behavior. I might be able to help you out with some advice but I have a few questions first.

-What is his breed or breed mix?
-Age?
-how long has the dog lived in your home
-when did the growling at your dad start
-does he growl at other people in your home? outside the home?
-has he ever bit anyone? if so what are the circumstances surrounding the bite?
-what steps have you been taking to work with him so far?
-what is his training background? has he been to group classes? where would you say he is in his obedience training?
-what is your and your Dad's response to him when he growls
-are you currently working with a trainer or behaviorist?

Also something to keep in mind is that growling a symptom of an emotion your dog is going through, its a response to a situation, rather than the situation itself. A dog growls as a warning instead of biting. In many cases it's not advised to punish a dog for growling. That's how you turn a dog from a growler into a biter. Rather you need to desensitize your dog to whatever he is growling at. Work on the reason for the behavior not the behavior itself. If I can help I will and I think its great you are willing to work with your dog. If only every dog's owners were so committed instead of dumping their dogs off at the shelter or on someone else when they have problems!

[Siliverin]

Not one of those quack "ceasar milan" type "dog psychologists"

that gave me a good giggle
as for the questions:
-What is his breed or breed mix? He is a Lab mix, we think Lab/golden retriever
-Age? 2 years old
-how long has the dog lived in your home: 6-7 months
-when did the growling at your dad start: Since i brought him home
-does he growl at other people in your home? outside the home? Nope noone, well besides my sisters bf
-has he ever bit anyone? if so what are the circumstances surrounding the bite? Never bit anyone as long as i have had him
-what steps have you been taking to work with him so far? dad tosses him treats but ignores him, my dad is going to start walking him and feeding him while he is home on his 2 days off, we make sure my dad always enters the house first.
-what is his training background? has he been to group classes? where would you say he is in his obedience training? Prior to me know idea, but we have taken the petsmart training classes, he is at the intermidate level now.
-what is your and your Dad's response to him when he growls: my dad ignores him
-are you currently working with a trainer or behaviorist? we go to our trainer from petsmart when we have questions since to my knowledge there are no behaviorist out here >.<

yeah i have seen quite a few dogs get dropped off at the shelter becasue of problems, there was beautiful purebreed german shep. in the piound because he jumped and noone wanted to work with him, till a lady with a ranch came in and took him in to work with him.

[Helsinki]

I haven't read any previous threads on this dog, but I'm curious - is he a man-hater? Where did he come from? I think that's really cool of your dad to agree to try some more before giving the dog up. I hope everything works out!!

[Siliverin]

He came from a shelter, he was a owner turn in. From the time i have had him, he has never growled at anyone else except my dad and my sister boyfriend.