RE: [PyrNet-L] New puppy

["Mitzi Potter" <Pyrs-R-Us@popline.com>]

The way she described the biting and snarling incidents (which I
don't know, I wasn't there and neither were you-I have to just trust
her word) she described "aggression" "not dominance". There's a world
of difference between inherited aggression and a dominant dog. It
sounds like Paddington was a dominant male, which make absolutely
wonderful trustworthy pets if they're given the correct
training-which he's had. A truly aggressive dog, puppy or baby squid
needs to be euthanized. That's my opinion. Sorry if you don't agree.
Mitzi

On Wed, 22 Jul 1998 16:52:27 -0400 (EDT), Ann Wetherilt wrote:

>Mitzi, if we took your advice, we wouldn't have Paddington now. He
>demonstrated all the behaviors Eileen describes as a young puppy, although
>he had been very carefully bred specifically for temperament. He'd had the
>proper socialization in his litter, and to people. But the breeder knew he
>was the dominante puppy, and *we* knew what we were taking on. Today, he's
>the gentlest most wonderful creatures. I'd like you to see him waiting for
>the children at the day school to overcome their disabilities to pick up a
>treat for him, and then take it from their hands without ever
>demonstrating that he even *has* teeth. At 7 months, after some intensive
>training and lots of great advice, just 10 days post-surgery for patellar
>luxation, he became the favorite "stuffed animal" for Peg's 2-year-old
>granddaughter who'd previously been afraid of dogs. 
>So yes, of course the puppy needs immediate and good training, and there
>may be genetic aggression problems, but it aint necessarily so!
>Boy, did you push my buttons....this could be my boy you're talking about!