Our dog has killed four small dogs

[Leigh McDonald]

that have come into our yard (by digging, squeezing through tiny holes, etc.) We got her a year ago from the shelter as a companion for our boxer (who does not have an aggressive bone in his body), and they are best friends. We also have a cat, and while she is very interested in the cat and did grab him once at the very beginning, we've been able to train her to live successfully (under supervision) with him. She is nothing but loving and wonderful with us and with any people who come to our house, including small children, though she does bark at people through the fence sometimes, which we've been able to cut down on a lot. Though strong willed, she's very trainable and just an all around amazing and wonderful pet. Except that small dogs keep getting into our yard when we are not there, and she kills them, which is obviously totally unacceptable. We've pretty much come to the conclusion that we cannot keep her, as the only possible way to train her out of such behavior would require money and resources we simply do not have, and this behavior can't be allowed to just remain, even if we could afford a solid wall instead of a fence (which we can't) or put her in a muzzle. Three of the dogs belonged to our next door neighbors, who have been very understanding (their relationship to their dogs is much less close and personal than ours) but it's still a situation that is straining relations--of course--and we can't just allow to continue. But we are really hoping that we can find someone who is able to retrain her rather than just putting her down, as she is such a beautiful and wonderful dog in every other way. If anyone has any advice, I would really appreciate it.

[Lisbeth Mønsted Larsen]

I am sorry. That you have that problem with agression of your dog. When you are not there make sure she is inside. You can detrain her yourselves let her wear a muzzel at all times around small dogs. Let her be with them without being abel to bite. This will teach her not to bite. Take her out for walks wearing the muzzel. Use calm leadership. If she starts anything merely walk away from what is making her agressive. You will eventually get a result. It will take time maybe the rest of your dogs life but it is well worth the effort. When she is safer around small dogs you can substitute the muzzel with a halti and thus you are in full comand without hurting her but at the same time you are showing her who is boss. This does work but again it takes time. Read Jan Fennels books called The Dog whisperer and The dog Whisperer in Practice. The methods used works wonders. Best wishes and good luck. Lisbeth and the lads in Denmark.

[Leigh McDonald]

Thank you very much for the kind and helpful advice. We have started keeping her indoors when we are not around and she actually seems to really like it...she is much calmer and less "on patrol" when she is out in the yard with us. I think the muzzle and book ideas are great ones, too--we will give it a try.

[Lisbeth Mønsted Larsen]

Best wishes for a positive outcome. Let me know how it works out. Sincerly Lisbeth and the lads in Denmark.