It just had to come to this didn't it.. **sigh**

[Giselle]

I know it's not going to be the popular opinion, but it sounds like you need to re-home. I would place her in a Pittie specific rescue who will know her breed characteristics and special needs. Too bad you're not closer, because BADRAP would be the perfect people to take her in. Maybe you can e-mail some BADRAP (badrap.org, I think) people and see what they can do for you?

When kids are in the picture, safety first *always*! Doesn't sound like the humans or the pups are happy, so I would try as hard as you can to convince your boyfriend that re-homing Daisy is the kindest thing you can do for everybody.

[K9soul]

I know it's not going to be the popular opinion, but it sounds like you need to re-home. I would place her in a Pittie specific rescue who will know her breed characteristics and special needs.

I wouldn't disagree with that actually, if there were people available who could work with her or get her into a guaranteed safe situation. I'm not there to observe the behavior so I can't just say right off the bat if it seems she is able to be 'rehabbed' or not. It confuses me that the behaviorist would say that without ever laying eyes on her in person, based only on the wording of an email.

I had a behaviorist come and visit with Tasha when she was about 7 months old because she was developing a fear and mistrust of people, particularly men and children. I think they tend to be more forward, more direct eye contact, and kids don't often understand the concept of giving personal space to a dog that is not used to them. For some dogs this is no problem, for others if they have no where to run it's a recipe for disaster.

Tasha is ok as long as she can keep her distance or run if she needs to. On a leash she behaves more aggressively towards them (hackles up, growling), and while she's never bitten I walk her with a muzzle on now when I'm on neighborhood streets just for my own peace of mind in case some kid suddenly runs up out of no where, causing her to feel she needs to defend herself. Even just a nip to the ankle that bruised could put us in a lot of trouble, so I just don't risk it. I got her a lightweight basket muzzle that doesn't seem to bother her much.

I know you don't want her to hide all the time, but if she is not going to be removed from the situation I think it's a safer alternative than forcing her into a situation where she feels her flight option is gone, and the only one left is 'fight.'

I truly wish you the best. There are no easy answers or decisions here.

[RedyreRotties]

I cannot believe you would put this dog in that situation EVER, not to mention the child.

If you choose to keep this dog, get a nice comfortable crate for her, and confine her when people visit who might make her uncomforable.

To do otherwise is asking for trouble.

[Catty1]

Rehome yourself...does this man not CARE about his own kids?

I think HE and Daisy should go and get her a 'temperament assessment'. That way he hears it right from the person themselves.

And since training involves training the owner as well - that sounds like the best idea. Particularly if the alternative is rehoming her - which will have to be made very clear to him.

You can mention it to him gently, that with the baby coming, some training might be a really good idea to help prepare Daisy.

Good luck...

[tikeyas_mom]

Well Shaun really loves Daisy.. And she loves him more then any other person.. He gives her alot special treatment, Compared to what Ebony and Tikeya get.. I think he favors her, because shes the youngest, and so affraid.. He babys her.. I dont think that helps her problem at all.. I know it will eventually come down to rehoming her.. He will never put her down tho. I know that for a fact.. I will contact a pitty rescue and tell them my situationg, and see what they say.. Thanks for all the replys..

I cannot believe you would put this dog in that situation EVER, not to mention the child.

I didnt put anyone in this situation.. I met my boyfriend and he came with the two dogs.. I love them like my own.. But Now that I have a baby, Its becoming more and more obvious that he is my first priority.

[Giselle]

I would also agree that it's very odd for a behaviorist to tell you straight off the bat what your dog is and isn't. I had an experience with one such behaviorist who told me through e-mail (without ever seeing my dog) that Ivy was, without a doubt, dog-aggressive. Yeah, okay, lady. That's why we can go to the dog park weekly and have never had a problem. My point is, not all behaviorists are created equal, so there just may be hope for Daisy's life itself.

Contact a reputable, experienced pittie rescue and see if they have the resources and REAL behaviorists who can deal with Daisy's issues.
http://pbrc.net/webapp/cgi-bin/orgs_...614177a42f1058

I wish you all the luck. =(

[lizbud]

Sounds like Daisy could become a fear biter. That doesn't mean she
would make an unprovoked attack on adult or child. My Smokey is a fearful
dog & hates for someone he doesn't know to come too near to him. He likes
to make the first move with strangers large or small. I've had him since he
was 8 wks old & think he was born that way. (bad genes)

Daisy should not be put in the situation where she has to flee from
curious toddlers.