Yukon's very long life story

[YK Shepherd]

I was not going to post this here because I have a few old enemies here from another forum, but if you read it elsewhere and then come here and read only good things it will cause controversy. So to those who dislike me please just put me on ignore, I beg you to not cause me stress here it is very unneeded, I have more than enough on me now.

Here is the truth and the whole truth surrounding Yukon and I pray it was not a mistake posting this.

The original breeder of Yukon suffered a heart attack and died before the litter was born. His wife had severe cancer so she sold the mom to a guy that she hoped would care for her and the pups. When Yukon was 4 weeks old he was taken from the mom along with all the other pups. Way to young yes but not my fault. I have no clue what happened to mom was told she was sent to a shelter, could be true no idea. The puppies were put in a tiny crate all together and left there until sold. My husbadn and I saw the puppies when they were 6 weeks old and thought well maybe we buy the male. 3 weeks later we went in and bought him, $3000 Can. We named him Yukon after his grandfather, who we knew. When we brought him home he could hardly walk from being confined in such a small space. He had major issues with the crate too. Can you blame him? NO

We took him to obedience classes which at 10 weeks of age was young but we felt it was much needed and he recieved his basic obedience in 6 lessons done in 4 weeks. He was very good and slowely the crate issues were getting much better. He still to this day pees in the crate but we rarely use it so that is liveable with us.

When Yukon was 4 months old we enrolled him in an advanced obedience class which was done privately 2 times a week for three weeks. No group lesson this time, because I had no babysitter for my kids. I think the advanced obedience class would have been better named Puppy 2 because it was more of the same things, but adding distance between handler and dog.

During this time we were invited to my best friends wedding out of town and left Yukon at a kennel which came highly recommended. There he was repeated attacked by a rotti. Even after the first incident the owner of the kennel still put them out together. Yukon since then has been very dog aggressive. Again can you blame him? NO He is fine if the dog comes on his property and they play but to meet on the street no way bad news.

When Yukon was 5 months being the stupid fool that I was we went away again but this time we left a very good friend in charge of walking Yukon. This guy was a regular visitor who new Yukon well. But for whatever reason he took it upon himself to beat the holy living hell out my baby because he peed in the crate. He even bragged this to my husband who informed me right away. The guy got a broken nose. But this started Yukon on his path of biting. To make matters worse I did not learn my lesson the first time nor the second a week later we went away just for one day, 13 hours and we hired a professional Pet Sitter. A professional! This guy also beat the holy living hell out of Yukon said it was because he growled at him, then no it was because he bit at him, then no it was because he snarled, well what was it? We found out later from my sister-in-law that the jerk took Yukon and placed him in the bathtub so that if Yukon peed it would easily wash do the drain. This was well thought out and he bragged it to my sister-in-law because she was there when we came home and she had told him she did not like Yukon.
We are going to court over this and as soon as I win, I will post his name, company worked for and phone number. Can't release that until I win though.

So this started Yukon on the path of biting and becoming a terrible fear biter. Cannot blame the poor dog one bit. He is scared out of his mind and it is because I allowed this to happen not once, not twice but three times. He is not a bad dog, he has a heart of gold. Even after me allowing this to take place he still glues himself to me and follows me everywhere.

We were getting very concerned for the kids safety and the people on the streets safety so we tried to seek outside help. After going through many many people we found someone willing to take Yukon and work with him in a non aggressive way. He left this morning. He was returned tonight and we were told to tether him to us at all times when the girls are around and to start desensitizing him very very slowely. He did not see one speck of aggression it was sheer fear and it was repairable but would take along long time. We are willing to put in that time. Yukon is not a bad dog I was a bad owner and from now on if my dogs cannot come with me, I do not go. Never ever again will anyone have the chance to abuse my dogs. Yukon is 6 months old and has live a lifetime of hell all ready.

His shoulder injury came from the first beating and was reinjured in the second. He is improving and he is getting better but he has along way to go both emotionally and physically. I refuse to re home this dog or PTS him. I will devote my time and energy to him; he deserves that; it is the least I can do for him after exposing him to this hell. I take full responsiblilty and it makes me tear up everytime I look at his small face. He tries so hard to show his to the kids and to my husband but he is scared. I have no problems with him at all and I do not understand that because it is my fault this happened to him. Poor pup, he will get so much better and never have to worry again.

I am sorry this is so long and I will not harrass any of you further about any of this. I just thought you ahd a right to now the truth and the whole truth. Thanks for reading it all because it was long winded I know. Again SORRY.
__________________

[Mellie]

I hope everything goes well for Yukon.

[marley05]

Me too!!! And good luck with everything

[YK Shepherd]

Thank you very much, I appreciate the fact that you did not insist that I re home him. I really think with love, patience and time Yukon will be a great happy go lucky dog again.

[YK Shepherd]

He is sleeping in his bed beside my bed, sucking his tongue. He always does that when he sleeps. The vet says it was because he was not weaned properly. Poor little guy.

[aspen]

good luck with yukon and don't give up on him!

do you have to muzzle him when he goes out?

[YK Shepherd]

Yes if we go out in public but not at home. Right now we have 3 black labs staying with us and he is just fine with them, they play even though Yukon is not suppose to play much due to his shoulder injury.

At home we are working on desensitizing him in a non threatening manner. We have asked several friends to come over one at a time and give Yukon treats, pet Yukon, feed Yukon all postive things. Slowely there are some people that he use to lunge and snarl at that he readily accepts now no problems. Women are much easier then men but he is getting better. My husband is very devoted as well to helping Yukon and that really helps us all.

[flyndog]

YK, I'm not sure I understand the point of your post. Members of Global Paw do not need to defend or explain themselves here for topic posts or conversations on some other board. Global Paw members do not have "enemies". At least, not on Global Paw. Are you seeking advice concerning your puppy?
Kit

[YK Shepherd]

Originally Posted by flyndog

YK, I'm not sure I understand the point of your post. Members of Global Paw do not need to defend or explain themselves here for topic posts or conversations on some other board. Global Paw members do not have "enemies". At least, not on Global Paw. Are you seeking advice concerning your puppy?
Kit

Yes, I just do not want issues from other forums creating problems here. I find the people here very nice and I really hope it stays that way. Everyone has there own opinion and that is great, that is how we all learn.

[YK Shepherd]

Originally Posted by YK Shepherd

Yes, I just do not want issues from other forums creating problems here. I find the people here very nice and I really hope it stays that way. Everyone has there own opinion and that is great, that is how we all learn.

Also not needing to defend oneself is so wonderful and appreciated. I see I was nervous over nothing. People here are wonderful and all the advice available is also much appriciated and will be read with an open mind and utilized to the best of my ability. Thanks everyone for the kindness and great advice.

[mrsgrubby]

Being that your dog is so young, I think any issues can be trained out of him. Just be very careful of your children, I just got bit by my dog earlier this week and needed stitches, (it is in a post dated the 10th).
Keeping him on the NILIF system is important in my opinion. Don't let him do anything or get anything for free. If he wants to go out, make him sit or lay or shake, and make him wait until you tell him it's ok, if he wants to come in, the same thing. He needs to wait until you tell him to get in and out of the car, ect. I just posted on your other post about excercising him mentally as well since physically right now you can't.
He will always "love" you. Dogs that are mistreated by their owners are usually still devoted to them. Dogs are just that way.
Can your dog catch? When jasmine was hurt we taught her to catch and it required concentration on her part which seemed to tire her out. We put her in a sit or stay and moved back about 5-10 feet and tossed her things to catch, maybe a sock, a treat, a ball, whatever. we would toss it right too her so she did not break the sit or stay. If your dog doesn't "drop" things well or is possesive, don't toss something you want back, then only toss treats that can be eaten. Jasmine will sit and catch for as long as I will throw things to her.

[flyndog]

Any outward animosity or hateful posts directed toward members is a not tolerated. There's nothing wrong with defending oneself, but preemptory self-defense is not needed.

[AstraChapman]

In my opinion I think YK was more of venting and explaining. I know that when I need to vent I just type out. doesn't mean i always post or anything like that. but it also helps us know where she is coming from.

[YK Shepherd]

I took Yukon with me to go get my mail today. I left him in the car window down about half way but he never leaves the floor. Well today an older gentlemen who looked very frail was walking by the car with his cane and Yukon jumped out the window. Still do not know how he fit but that is another story. I was so nervous, I thought oh no he is going to knock this man down and bite him. Nope he sat right in front of him and that bum was wiggling everywhere but never left the ground. The old guy reached down and pet him, no biting. Made me cry with pride to think after everything that has happened Yukon still had a heart of gold to offer this poor man some enjoyment. The old guy told me he just lost his old dog and because of his own failing health could never have another and he thanked me for allowing him to pet Yukon. If it had been my choice he would never have touched the dog but since it was out of my control, and it worked out for the best, I am glad.

Also just a note Yukon has not mouthed or bit anyone today but that was his only in town trip and no visitors today. He has been on a leash with us all day and he even allowed the girls to hand feed him and was nice about it. I know the problem is not fixed, espically that fast but he had a good day today.

[Mom2Many]

That's great news YK, you have right to be proud! Hopefully he will continue down this path towards doggie sucess!