Living in a Pitiful World

***UPDATE: Academy of Canine Behavior is going to give Rubicons new family (and him of course =>) training for life!!!!

Okay, I have tried this before but here is another attempt. We need to find Rubicon a new home. Not because he is a bad dog (in fact, he is great) he just does not fit our current life style and it is not fair that he is suffering because of it. We did not know when we got him 3 years ago, as a pup, that he would not be good with little kids. As it turns out he is a pretty nervous dog and being around an unpredictable toddler is too much for him.

For those of you who know us, you know that we have another dog. Bezel is an older female pit and has decided in the last 6 months that she does not like Rubicon. Last November Bezel started a fight with Roob that turned out pretty bloody. We took Roob to a trainer to see what our options were. The trainer was awesome! She of course loved Roob and after a short evaluation knew what the problem was. Rubicon has horrible social skills. Her explanation went something like this, “Rubicon is like a 23year old boy who doesn’t want to grow up.” Roob loves other dogs but doesn’t read signs well. When put with the older grumpy female dog they had at the kennel, he took her growling as let’s play. Not good. The trainer made us feel way better about our situation. Rubicon needed to grow up and learn how to communicate with other dogs. The trainer also talked to us about “terriers” and despite not starting fights they would jump on any opportunity to finish one. I say “terriers” because this is not just a pit bull thing.

Anyways, we decided the best thing for Rubicon would be two weeks of board and train. We paid a thousand dollars (no, I’m not joking) to get him the proper training he needed. The results were awesome! He is so much more obedient! I love the dog that he is becoming. We couldn’t afford the 5 week board and train but he could for sure use it. Despite his new obedience Bezel is still picking fights with him and Olivia still freaks him out.

Yesterday I discovered pee on my bed, yes, on my bed. This morning I found poop all over my office. Bezel is acting out like crazy. This afternoon Bezel attacked again. Thankfully it wasn’t as bloody. When Chris went to break it up Rubicon was the first dog to back down, proving yet again how great he is.

By now I am sure you are wondering why, when Bezel is the current problem, that we would be finding Rubicon a new home and not Bezel. The answer is simple; Rubicon should NOT be in a home with little kids. The one thing going for Bezel right now is that I trust her with my kids.

Rubicon is looking for a home where…

~he can be mentally and physically stimulated on a daily basis (he has a ways to go before he reaches his full potential and needs someone who is willing to work with him)

~no kids under 10

~prefer he is the only dog

If you think you or someone you know could give this to him PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE let me know! I love this dog to death and it is very hard to even think about finding him a home but he deserves more than I can give him.

His board and train came with another lesson and we haven’t used it yet. I am sure they would be willing use that lesson with you and Rubicon so you can get started on the right foot. Feel free to ask any questions. I am going to call the place he did his training tomorrow to ask them for help in finding him a home. I would love to know where he goes so I can keep tabs on  him =-)

And please don’t leave me nasty comments about how I’m a bad owner for giving up my dog (especially a pit). We have put time, effort, money and love into this dog and only want what is best for him. I know if he goes to a no kill shelter, being a pit, he will be put down in three days if a home is not found. That is NOT an option.