This is a 2yr old pit bull who began his life by being taken from his litter at 5 weeks. His sire was a pit bull with aggression towards people. The "breeders" were anxious to get rid of the puppies because the sire would become aggressive toward the puppies when the dam entered the room, but not when she was not present.
His original owners, two males, were his alphas and he seemed to be a balanced puppy. They admit to being stern with him but not cruel. The dog was taken over by a couple who knew the two original owners. The female of this couple was familiar with the no-nonsense approach of the two original owners and felt they were not being "nice" to the puppy.
In her attempt to make the dog happier and give him a more pleasant life she began to baby it and shower affection on it. He was obedience trained and knows his commands. He began to show aggression towards strangers and other animals and proregressively became worse. He was allowed on the bed and allowed to own a recliner. It was considered "cute" when he exhibited anxiety if the couple hugged and showed affection toward each other and was even given treats at these moments. He now obviously owns the female but does not show aggression toward the male.
The dog must be leashed and held when outsiders visit. He seems ok with visiting family and their children.
If the female hands the attached leash to someone out of view of the dog he seems in control. On walks he becomes aggressive with all animals and people when the couple walk him. I walked him alone and he showed no aggression to anyone. While walking with the female owner and the dog I had the leash and he attacked me several times.
The dog eats twice a day, his dish is put down, left 20 minutes, picked up.
He is not allowed on anything higher than the floor. He is not allowed to go through doorways unless invited. He is ignored by the owners when they come home until he is laying quietly for 15 minutes. They have begun to correct him if he does not follow the first command. He must earn every pet, his food, his leash attachment, kind word, treat, affection. He is put in a room for 1 minute if he shows unacceptable behavior and then let out.
I visited, and asked to have him off leash and he repeatedly attacked and bit, full bites, holding and shaking. I fashioned some protective equipment and was able to do this relatively safely. I did not grab him or put him down. I walked toward him and gave him the no command and he would let go and get out of my way. His attacks would continue as we talked and chattered casually.
This is the same dog who is taken to daycare daily and socializes with other people and dogs after the female surreptisiously hands the leash to a staff member.
I have recommended socializing and exposing the dog to as much outside stimulation, noises, crowds etc., while on a muzzle. He is obviously very skittish and stressed. His tail is straight down all of the time when I have seen him. He is not that way when alone with his owners. The female is very nervous in his presence with other people or if she sees other people approaching. I have asked her to work on her attitude and practice giving the dog different vibes.
This dog is 70 lbs and very dangerous in his present state.
I have considered that his problem may be genetic and did not manifest itself until he was allowed and encouraged to develop his alpha behaviors.
Putting the dog down has been considered.
HELP!!!!!
