Home Menu

Menu


Reply
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old Mar 15, 2015, 11:38 PM
theres_always_hope theres_always_hope is offline
Member
 
Member Since: Feb 2015
Location: san antonio
Posts: 104
So this is a random topic but I'm currently torn in making a major life decision & would really appreciate any opinions and advice to help me feel more at peace and sure of the decision I make. Okay, I'll try to get straight to the point without going on for too long. 3 years ago when I moved into my first apartment I adopted a rescue pit bull to keep me company and feel safe at night living alone (always been a dog owner entire life and pit bull lover because of misunderstood discrimination of breed) so in love with this dog-Cali. She's become my new best friend/running partner/car buddy/bed cuddler etc. never ever aggressive towards humans whatsoever, gentle with kids and babies 100% trust except with other large intimidating dogs. About 6 months ago I took in another pit bull puppy off the streets. Cali enjoyed the new play mate at first but now puppy's full grown (Nala) and Cali gets more and more jealous of her even though I'm always careful to greet, feed and pet Cali first but it's never enough. Nala will initiate playtime but Cali turns an innocent game of "Nip-at-legs" into a blood-drawing death match! Cali is much larger than Nala and much stronger. This past week my Mom came over to visit and for some reason her knocking on the door triggered Cali to attack Nala by the neck attempting and almost succeeding in killing her! Luckily my Mom was able to help me break up the fight but they were both covered head to toe in blood along with my carpet, bed and apartment walls! This happened for the third time this week (triggered by the apartment maintenance knocking at my door) this time I was alone and was somehow miraculously able to pull Cali off of Nala's blood-soaked neck but at some point during my attempt, Cali reached back and bit my upper arm. I have no recollection of this happening-being in complete shock and denial and didn't feel any pain or even notice until later-I guess due to my adrenaline pumping full throttle! I could tell from the 2 holes on opposite sides of my bicep that her jaws had completely surrounded my arm and judging by the depth of the holes it had to have been her back K9 teeth that punctured all the way through my muscle tissue, covered in purplish bruises instantly, also leaving my whole arm sore and useless for 3 days. I blame myself for bringing a new young pup into Cali's home and territory knowing how jealous and possessive she is of my attention and affection! My Mother is insistent that I have Cali "humanly euthanized" but I just can't bring myself to do it! I've had her for 3 years now and I love her unconditionally! And I know re-homing her isn't an option because she's already so attached to me as am I to her plus the possible aggression issues. I have always felt that she is more a child to me than a dog, and I already have the same bond with Nala! So giving her up is not an option. Am I crazy??? Honest opinions/advice much needed and appreciated PLEASE!!! (I won't be offended)
-PitifulPitBullProblems Need 3rd party opinion/advice!!! Need 3rd party opinion/advice!!! Need 3rd party opinion/advice!!!

advertisement
  #2  
Old Mar 16, 2015, 01:21 AM
Nammu's Avatar
Nammu Nammu is offline
Crone
 
Member Since: May 2010
Location: Some where between my inner mind and the solar system.
Posts: 77,038
Don't know what to say. Seems clear that Cali is a one person dog. But since she bit you you should call a vet or a shelter and ask if you can speak to an animal behaviorist. They could better advise you in this matter. Mean while I'd suggest you keep them separated.
__________________
Nammu
…Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. …...
Desiderata Max Ehrmann



Thanks for this!
SeekerOfLife, theres_always_hope
  #3  
Old Mar 16, 2015, 01:33 AM
Squaw's Avatar
Squaw Squaw is offline
Veteran Member
 
Member Since: Jul 2009
Location: In the South
Posts: 612
I would have to suggest that you contact someone from the rescue shelter you adopted her from, first..there is always some reason why dogs are in rescue shelters. Another thing is I've never seen two adult females (or male) pit bulls get along well in the same house. Your first dog seems very protective of you and is displaying this by attacking the other dog. Most bully breeds are very loyal to one person owners and need to be trained to accept all dogs that don't present themselves as a threat. Good luck with this but by all means have someone available to help you keep them separated at all times..
__________________
SQUAW
Thanks for this!
SeekerOfLife, theres_always_hope
  #4  
Old Mar 17, 2015, 08:55 AM
lizardlady's Avatar
lizardlady lizardlady is offline
Legendary
 
Member Since: Nov 2002
Location: Mid World
Posts: 18,133
How about consulting with an animal behaviorist who knows pit bulls to see if she can be trained out of the behavior? In the mean time I agree with Sidestepper, for everyone's safety keep them apart.
Thanks for this!
theres_always_hope
  #5  
Old Mar 18, 2015, 01:32 PM
AnomalousCarrotCake's Avatar
AnomalousCarrotCake AnomalousCarrotCake is offline
Member
 
Member Since: Mar 2015
Location: United States
Posts: 109
I second the advice to consult with an animal behaviorist to see what can be done to train her out of the behavior. I also think time is of the essence, as both of the dogs are fighting each other and splattering blood around your apartment -- not to mention biting you.

I'd also be concerned your landlord and/or other tenants may pull the "pit bull card" and move to have you evicted if they feel frightened by the dogs when they open the door -- even if they haven't been bitten by either of them.

But first and foremost, I'm concerned for you. I hope you are okay, and that your arm is okay. Maybe until you see the behaviorist you should confine the dogs to separate rooms, especially at night when you sleep and cannot keep tabs on them.
__________________
Anomalous Carrot Cake

Thanks for this!
theres_always_hope
  #6  
Old Mar 24, 2015, 07:58 PM
chi-lover chi-lover is offline
New Member
 
Member Since: Mar 2015
Location: florida
Posts: 2
It doesnt seem fair to you or the dogs to live in that situation. My opinion would be seeking outside help on the agressive behavior and if that cant be corrected, it all fairness you may have to find a home for one of the dogs. Hope it works for all of you.
Reply
Views: 765

attentionThis is an old thread. You probably should not post your reply to it, as the original poster is unlikely to see it.




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:05 AM.
Powered by vBulletin® — Copyright © 2000 - 2025, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.




 

My Support Forums

My Support Forums is the online community that was originally begun as the Psych Central Forums in 2001. It now runs as an independent self-help support group community for mental health, personality, and psychological issues and is overseen by a group of dedicated, caring volunteers from around the world.

 

Helplines and Lifelines

The material on this site is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment provided by a qualified health care provider.

Always consult your doctor or mental health professional before trying anything you read here.