Brutus - nipping, aggression
BulliesofNC
Richlands, NC
This discussion was created from comments split from: Are Bull Terriers Good With Kids?.
Comments
It's difficult to assess your dogs behavior without being there to see it. He sounds like a very high strung Bullie especially if he's doing a lot of spinning which is a disorder that can worsen as he gets older. Everybody you speak with with have their own oppinions but it sounds as though your 7 month old puppy requires a lot more trainning than the average EBT. What was his parents like? Many Bullies are hyper and crazy until they reach about 18 months old. Yes, it's a long puppy stage and one that takes a lot of patience. However, aggression or bad behavior shouldn't be tolerated and strict enforcement needs to be provided so your dog understands that it isn't tolerated by you and further incidences will result in disciplinary action.
I'm confident your puppy is just going through normal puppy stages and doesn't wish to cause any harm to your child. My only concern is his spinning which could be caused from stress or genetic disorder. If in fact this is the case he may not have the tolerance with kids as most Bull Terriers would. Playfulness is fine and sometimes an older puppy can be a little much with a small child and accidentally hurt them. However, at no time should the puppy show true signs of aggression. If he's actually trying to bite your son to cause harm with aggression then you've got a problem that isn't normal behavior.
Again, it's hard to provide you with proper guidance without visually seeing his temperament and character.
"It's not just a Dog, it's a Bull Terrier!"
www.bulliesofnc.com
http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102212265.asp
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/nothingfree.htm
Leslie,
I'm sorry to hear about your Bullie. That's not typical behavior of a Bull Terrier and I assume a lot has to do with his genetics. I've rescued several Bullies that had personality quirks, aggression, and health issues all associated with genetic disorders from bad bloodlines and inappropriate breedings.
I'm sure with a lot of training he'd make a good dog for a family without kids or to single owner. As young as he is his aggression may worsen as his confidence builds with age. I wouldn't trust him around other dogs either since I have a feeling his temperament isn't correct. I'm willing to bet his parents were the same way but you may not have noticed it. You mentioned not spending much time with the sire and chances are there were good reasons why they avoided prolonged interaction with him.
For the safety of your child I would either ask a friend or relative (without kids) if they could watch over him until you find a new home or invest in an outside kennel for him to stay in until he's adopted. I wouldn't let him near your child again. Something just isn't right about him. You may want to bring it up with the breeder and let them know what happened. I'd let him know that you feel he has a genetic disorder that's put your childs safety in danger. There's no excuse for any dog biting someone deliberately for no reason. Maybe he'll take him back and provide you with some finances to compensate for the investment on a Bull Terrier that was supposed to have been in appropriate physical and mental health.
"It's not just a Dog, it's a Bull Terrier!"
www.bulliesofnc.com
Leslie it's a big risk to keep the dog unless you plan on building him an outside kennel and taking the time to train him. The problem is your dog may be fine with adults but have no tolerance to kids.
What's weird is I rescued a dog about 2 years ago that came from this same kennel. As you probably already know, the first warning sign should have been the fact the breeder didn't welcome you to see his kenel facilities on his grounds. Trust me if he was confident and proud of the way he raised his dogs he'd be showing off to you. Many breeders will have one or two house dogs and kennel the rest. Don't judge the house dogs - judge the ones they have hidden out back. Again, this goes back to why they didn't afford you the opportunity to spend time with the sire of your puppy.
Saddly, there are other Forums that constantly rant and rave about the mere fact that people should only purchase Bull Terrier puppies from BTCA breeders. Yours actually comes from a BTCA breeder and it's no surprise as to the genetic problems of both your dogs as well as the fact they won't compinsate you for the medical bills for your female and now mental issues with your male. I'd stay clear from this breeder.
Don't worry about anyone from this forum slandering the breeder you purchased your dogs from. The whole intent of building this forum was to attract a different community of Bull Terrier enthusiasts then what is commonly seen on other bull terrier forums. Zerlett can attest to this statement as she and I were the ones that pursued the idea of initiating a new forum without the idiots that consistantly stirred problems in other forums. Now a days I simply mind my own business and continue trying my best to produce the best Bull Terriers possible. However, I do keep tabs on those breeders doing things inappropriately so I can ensure what dogs not to breed with when someone asks for stud service from one of my dogs. I've also learned I want nothing to do with the BTCA until they start practicing what they preach. This is just another example of a someone having to deal with the misfortunes of buying a puppy they thought was coming from a reputable breeder who in turn sold them a puppy with an array of genetic problems. In your case it sounds like you got two. I wrote the below listed document and posted it on another Bull Terrier forum and many of the BTCA breeders were pissed becuase they knew I put together an authetic document on "How to find a reputable and professional Bull Terrier breeder" and it clearly depicts many areas in which they didn't wish for me to expose to the public and potential customers looking for a puppy.
http://bulliesofnc.com/finding-reputable-bull-terrier-breeder
"He lacks Bite Control" ???
He's just making up some BS. I would have told him - "Correct! He has no bite control and wishes to cause harm and injury to my son." I call it unwarranted aggression that has no merit. Danielle (Zerlett) is correct, this dog has problems. Rarely do you hear of a Bull Terrier acting the way he is. I've had small puppies wanting to play rough with kids and nip while they're wagging their tails and rolling around. However, this would be something expected from any puppy regardless of the breed. This puppy behavior can be taught quickly so the young puppy understands not to nip. Your puppy is a lot older and this doesn't sound like a friendly playful nip to get attention and love.
"It's not just a Dog, it's a Bull Terrier!"
www.bulliesofnc.com
Leslie - You asked why I rescued this dog that came from the same kennel. I'm shocked you asked that. However, I'm going to have to assume you didn't read the link I provided you on Professional and Reputable breeders. Let me let you in on a little secret ~ As a breeder who cares deeply about the welfare of every Bull Terrier I rescue every and all Bull Terriers I can get my hands on in order to save them from being euthenized. I'm the only one that provides Bull Terrier rescue in the state of North Carolina. Google Bull Terrier rescue in NC and you'll find me right away. In the event a Bull Terrier is in need of rescue here in my state I take on that responsibility and work with the dog and then find him or her a loving and permenant home. I probably rescue and rehome about 10 bullies a year. Well that's about as straight as I can give it to you. Once again please take the time to read the article I provided you. You may find out real quick the breeder your dealing with doesn't quite fit the mark and cares nothing about selling you a dog ( or dogs) that don't live up to the standards of the breed.
It sounds as though they don't mind reposting your dog on their website for sale again and once he's sold they'll compinsate you with a little bit of money. God bless the next person who receives him and doesn't know his history. Hopefully they won't have any kids. I think it would be best if you advertised him and did so with the intentions of rehoming him in to an appropriate person or couple.
I often receive inquires from people looking to adopt a rescue Bull Terrier and I've been very fortunite to find perfect homes for the rescues that I've saved to include the one from the breeder you're dealing with. Additionally, as a courtesy I will also be more than happy to offer your puppy on my website for the pursuit of finding him a home you'd approve of.
Hopefully I've answered your question in regard to why I rescued the Bullie.
Here's a photo of him that I used to advertise his adoption on my website. It's awesome knowing he found a perfect home where he's getting all the attention he deserves.
"It's not just a Dog, it's a Bull Terrier!"
www.bulliesofnc.com
Leslie you're welcome to call anytime.
-Steve
(910) 526-2273
"It's not just a Dog, it's a Bull Terrier!"
www.bulliesofnc.com
you can use the one on the website or steve@bulliesofnc.com
"It's not just a Dog, it's a Bull Terrier!"
www.bulliesofnc.com
That's great news Leslie! It sounds as though my very first reply to your post above was right on the money. I'm really glad to hear he is working out and that you've devoted some extra time into him to curve his evil ways. LOL.
He may be a brat and a little more high strung than normal but he's still young and with all the training and attention you're providing him he will improve more and more as he matures.
"It's not just a Dog, it's a Bull Terrier!"
www.bulliesofnc.com
Here's some ideas to keep him busy:
http://www.bulliesofnc.com/BTforum/discussion/14/treadmill-exercise#Item_7
http://www.bulliesofnc.com/BTforum/discussion/67/fun-games-to-play-for-you-and-your-bff#Item_8
"It's not just a Dog, it's a Bull Terrier!"
www.bulliesofnc.com
What a very intresting read this, everyday it seems im learning more and more bad things about Aegean kennels and the owners.
i will not go into the reast of the crap i know about them but you can bet I wouldnt ever buy OR sell them a puppy (if i were a breeder)
Yep, your Bullies are in good hands and getting all the love and attention they deserve. I was happy as can be when you told me Brutus was doing much better and aggression issues were going away. Thanks to you, you were able to train him properly and overcome any issues that could have gotten worse. So many people simply give up on their dog and expect them to train themselves or develop perfect temperaments or characters. Many times it takes commitment and training from the owner or owners. I commend you for your devotion with Brutus. He looks like a great dog and one to be proud of.
I don't think xchirity casex was implying anything bad about your Bullies. Sadly, however, there have been an influx of people commenting on facebook, forums, and even emailing me about their Bull Terrier problems from a puppy or grown dog that came from this particular breeder. Could be a coincidence or it could be a problem steming from the breeding practices and/or breeding stock they're using. The upsetting part for others like xchirity casex, Zerlett, and others is the mere fact that there are other members of the BTCA who will go out of their way to critize all breeders that aren't from their "Club" by trying to ridicule other breeders and pretending as though they're subject matter experts on the Bull Terrier breed when truthfully they're just a BYB with their name a club roster. For these reasons alone many Bull Terrier enthusiasts (including myself) keep their distance from clubs due to some of the unprofessionalism, constant gossip, and ugliness that projects from some of the members. Unfortunitely there is a lot of politics involved within proud Bull Terrier owners, club members, breeders, and those that like to show their dogs. You'd think all these people that share the same love for the breed would all act professionally and get along. However, animosity runs rampid on other Forums, Facebook, Twitter, etc. Personally I try my best to avoid the BS and keep my oppinions to myself unless provoked by unwarranted slander from someone hoping to gain recognition by assuming negative practices simply because I'm not in their club.
This Forum was actually initiated due to others wanting a better and more professional place to interact with other Bull Terrier lovers who choose not to engage in disputes or troll for fights and negative slander.
"It's not just a Dog, it's a Bull Terrier!"
www.bulliesofnc.com
well i know that Aegean bought a few dogs from Kenandai and broke contract with the breeder and is refusing to acknowledge the breeder of 3 of there dogs. the and the pedigrees of those dogs (who are retired)
the pedigrees the feature on the websight they excluded Kenandais dogs.
they also bad mouthed the breeder of Kenandai.
did i mention that they DO NOT health test? which is SUPPOSED to be every BTCA member is supposed to do they do not.
also right now they have a dog from milkyway kennels, which if you talk to any breeder from international bull terrier forum wil tell you milkyway kennels is a big NO NO, but i guess its okay for a BTCA member to breed/own a dog from them though?
i think a small time breeder who loves and cares for there dogs can be better then the big name kennel whos only out to breed the best show dog possible. nothing wrong with breeding a great show dog but i think they get too hung up on it. i have heard big name breeders bashing milky way kennels due to them breeding so many puppies per year yet i see the same kennels bashing that are advertising on FB litter after litter after litter no differant then milky way so they have no room to talk.
Facebook, Twitter, Forums, etc can sometimes be a place for others to cast false judgement on other breeders as well make assuptions by what they see. We've had people tell us that we produce many litters each year. It kind of cracks me up when I hear this because it always comes from ignorant people who don't know us at all and don't realize there's two families within Bullies of NC and between us both we may produce 4 litters per year. However, we advertise for other reputable breeders like Rainbow Kennels who have been breeding for more than 20 years and have fantastics dogs with no history of health or temperament problems. We also advertise for small private breeders who have come to us for stud service. With this, WE, could appear as though we're always selling puppies as well.
Everybody is going to have the own personal oppinions on what makes a good breeder from a bad breeder. I wrote an article awhile back titled "How to Find a Reputable Bull Terrier Breeder" that caused a lot of waves for other breeders for exposing many elements in which they weren't doing.
The best advice I could give anyone wishing to find a good breeder, regardless if they're big or small, is to go visit them and spend time with their dogs. It's pretty easy to identify a breeder who cares deeply about their dogs, the future of their puppies, and has a true passion for the breed vice breeding for financial gain.
"It's not just a Dog, it's a Bull Terrier!"
www.bulliesofnc.com
leslie- no benny is not from Kenandai nor from Milkyway.
the dog Zues a tri is from milkyway kennels.
i just find it hypocritical of othe breeders to condone a person a "bad breeder" when they themselves are doing the same thing. and i must agree i think the best breeders LOVE and care for there dogs and the breed those are the best breeders IMO
I'd have Brutus on a training collar that was remote activated. This way if he so much as showed a slight bit of aggression he'd receive a surprising jolt that would disrupt his train of thought. In due time he'd start to realize there was immediate consequences for negative behavior. I've heard people have great luck with training collars and in Brutus's case I feel he needs some other means of training to get the message across.
"It's not just a Dog, it's a Bull Terrier!"
www.bulliesofnc.com