Genetic aggression?

We met you on a Saturday morning.
Your "foster people" brought you over along with a bag of biscuits. You were pretty wary of us, but that was fair. You had been living in their truck at night or were tied to a tree during the day. Really any strangers weren't very safe in your mind.

Actually your barking and growling kind of scared us. We didn't know what to make of that because it was so different from Elvyra's personality, but she was a relaxed black lab. I know it's not fair to compare you to her. Your lives are very different.

Anyway, after we gave you some biscuits, we were your friends and you seemed okay. Except for the outside cats which you insisted on growling at. I took you for a LONG walk about the property and tried to wear you out. From day one I tried to teach you the outline of our land. But walking was HARD. You really thought you were the boss.
I hadn't learned about being pack leader yet. Lucky you! :)

I had planned to send you to Doggie Boot Camp and started looking for places. At first I found Misty Pines, but then after we ran into our Vet and Vet Tech neighbors, they recommended Cathy Peters at Hickory Grove. So we went to see Cathy on a Sunday morning. I was excited to go and hear what she said. But I left the meeting with Cathy very said and nervous.

Cathy's first words were, "This dog concerns me." She was really worried that you have genetic aggression. And if this proved to be true, the outcome could be putting you to sleep. :( It made me think a lot about life. And it made me committed to do everything I could to give you the best chance possible to make sure that if this was just insecurity you would be able to grow stronger and more secure. And that has made me tired. Happy, but tired.

The last meeting with Cathy went better. She seemed more hopeful and feels like Robert and I are doing what we need to to give you the best chance. She thinks we can make it work. You've been showing such progress and are a smarty pants. I think you're gonna be okay. And so does she. :) You go back to Hickory Grove on November 3 for another training session. Let's hope Cathy is still impressed and hopeful! <3