Nice dog, poss K9 prospect on death row allentown, PA - Page 11

Charles???  Any ideas?

SS

Sounds like a tricky situation for our furry friend.  I had a feeling with the hearsay history on him that he was "trained" for property protection more than anything else.  Or his formal training was allowed to slide in favor of "property guarding".

Personaly, I think he could be retrained but it would take some time and major effort and a skill I don't have.  You ladies are the pro's not me.  I do recall how he snapped at the TV camera when it got to close to his and my face.  Perhaps when he "bonds" to that one person again his "work skills" will come out more.

Molly, how good is his nose...  Perhaps as a drug or search dog?  I know some agencies these days don't want the liability of a "attack" trained dog.  With his size and property protection skills, The "Fear Factor" alone could make up for his lack of attack drive and his nose could than be his money maker.

And dare I ask...  How about as a stud dog.  Got a big sexy lady dogs???   I'm sure his personality and size would carry over into his sons or daughters (No I didn't say that...  Golly, Spay and Neuter, Spay and Neuter...  Can I get a pup?)

CW

No formal training.  Dogs don't forget, they may get rusty, but he didn't have a clue about how to react to direct threat and he backed up, did not meet the threat - though he didn't turn tail and I'm positive he would bite if he were pressured, he's not trained for protection.  He is aggressive behind a barrier, and no he's not a wimp, but he's not trained.  His drives for a ball/toy are "ok" but also not high enough for ease in narcotics training.  That combined with his aggression and the fact that he is not "at ease" in public and around strangers, will not make him easy to place as a narcotics K9 either.

I recently had another "rescue" similar to Maximus - in fact his name was also Maximus.  Difference was, he came from a known breeder, known bloodlines, and known background - pet dog raised in the house and spoiled rotton until he became small-dog aggressive and had to be placed.  His dog aggression made him very difficult to place in a pet home and so he was here for several months.  He came with NO formal "protection" training at all.  Zero.  Ziltch.  Got him used to me, gave him a few weeks to settle in - then took him out to test with my helper who is also a Police K9 trainer/handler.  He did AWESOME.  First time ever, in the dark, he barked, came forward to the threat, bit the tug, the pillow, the sleeve, and then the body suit.  Perfectly clear and with outstanding temperament and drive.  He behaved as if he had been trained before.  Genetics at work.  He was easily placed with a police K9 trainer, despite his age (5 years old) and the fact that he was neutered.   http://www.idealpolicecanine.com/ipcMax.html

As for breeding him - you asked for help from the wrong person if that's what you want to do with him.  Why would anyone want to breed him?  Who would want a puppy sired by him?  He's not registered, unknown pedigree/bloodline, no x-rays or health history, no working titles or proof that he can work - the only things making him "breedable" are two testicles, which were left on in agreement with the humane society that he may be easier to place as a police K9 with them intact, not so that he could be placed as a breeding prospect.  As a person who takes dogs like Maximus in as "rescue/rehab", he would be neutered before leaving here if I had any inkling he may be bred.  IMO breeding an untitled, unregistered, unworked, un-health checked dog that wouldn't pass even the most basic temperament tests, even though he's obviously purebred, is the same as breeding those collie mix puppies he supposedly sired.  No deal.

molly

I just hope the right home comes along for Max. I was really hoping he'd show more when tested further. Surely there must be an appropriate job out there for him somewhere.  I'm thinking someone with a business where he could watch the place indoors at night, hang out with the owner during the day? Out local Harley Davidson dealership was broken into several times, all amateurs they say... I think a dog like Max would've been a pretty good deterrant for something like that.

SS

...and he definitely doesn't need those cajones anymore. He is NOT a breeding prospect!

SS

yes I think a business or property such as you describe may be perfect for him.  Or single individual who needs a protective and intimidating companion as a deterrant.

molly