To consider that my dog will just never be dog friendly?

[SulSul]

I put two years of research into my chosen breed before I got her. Picked her up at 8 weeks old. After her injections she was put straight into puppy socialisation classes. First couple of times was fine but after a few weeks she started “playing” very tough. She targeted weaker/smaller dogs and would wrestle them to the ground and pin them by their necks until the other puppy squeaked and had to be dragged off every time. The group leader (who also happens to be a trainer specialising in aggression) said she wasn’t aggressive, it was just rough play. Before long she was the biggest puppy there and was getting more and more “violent” with the other pups and she was thrown out. She joined a group for adult dogs and did much better but if any dogs showed weakness or submissive behaviour she would go in for “the kill” no matter how big the other dog was.

The group is now closed for winter. In the past couple of months she has “attacked” a Doberman bitch, a husky bitch and a staffie bitch. All cases started off as play and turned nasty very quickly as soon as she managed to over power them. The most recent (staffie) was knocked over, grabbed around the face and shook. My dogs jaws had to be prized off the poor dog.

I don’t care what anyone says this is NOT play. She’s had behavioural training and is now awaiting a 1-1 consultation but I’m starting to consider that she’s just never going to be able to play with other dogs. She’s had tons of socialisation and also lives with another dog. This behaviour has been there from day one.

AIBU to give up and instead focus on training her to totally ignore other dogs?

I'd see what this other trainer has to say after your 1-1 consultation. Someone who knows what they're doing can work veritable miracles, in many cases.

However, as long as the dog isn't posing a threat to your other dog or anyone in your household, keeping her away from other dogs doesn't sound like such a bad thing. It may be disappointing, if you'd envisioned taking her to play with other dogs at the park, but plenty of dogs are perfectly happy with no canine companionship.

It needs to be put to sleep. Im surprised you were allowed back at all. Why do you want this dog

Seriously hope you don't have a dog, ffs. You obviously know nothing about them.

I dont think the dog needs putting to sleep.

But I am worries it will end up that way. Despite numerous incidents with her dog, the OP continues to put the dog in situations where it could end up being reported.

I am guessing she has a breed with a reputation for aggression or, perhaps, something crossed with a banned breed.

Either way she either gives the dog roo much freedom, so she isnt close enough to stop something before it gets serious, or she doesnt pay attention (despite knowing what's likely to happen) or can not control this dog.

What breed? I'm sure if you tell us there will be someone who can give more specific advice?

This PUPPY - at 8 months she is still a puppy - does not need to be put to sleep. She needs appropriate training with support from a qualified behavioural professional, and to not be put into situations where she can practice these behaviours until this support is accessed.

It needs to be put to sleep. Im surprised you were allowed back at all. Why do you want this dog

There's always one

It doesn't need putting to sleep at all - it needs an experienced owner who has the time and skills to train it properly. Dogs are very very rarely born aggressive - normally it's due to lack of socialisation (or in this case incorrect socialisation), poor training and lack of knowledge.

For example there's a thread running in the Doghouse at the moment where the owner has smacked her dog numerous times on the face and is now wondering why her dog has bitten her

Most problems with dogs are as a result of human error - people overestimate the socialisation needed and often flood their puppy which can be scary and overwhelming. Or they don't access the right training and knowledge and don't know how to deal with behaviours like play growling, resource guarding or leash reactivity, do the wrong thing and end up with a scared dog who has no option but to be aggressive to make sure they're left alone.

However none of those behaviours mean the dog should be put down - there is pretty much always another option.