Janie...ugh! I'm so disappointed. My heart just fell when I read your post. On one hand, I can say it always seems to get worse JUST before it gets better. I'm all about being consistent...but I certainly don't want you to be bitten again...and taking the time to find a glove and put it on and go back and put your hand in his mouth just isn't going to work. I agree that he is a puppy and is going to exhibit a lot of immature behavior...but no one can discern with confidence whether he is exhibiting normal puppyness or red flag behavior...except you and the experts you have taken such care to contact.
I am PMing you with the name and number of my trainer in Pasadena. He has trained police dogs (German Shepherds) for many years...and knows a lot about the difference between normal drive and abnormal aggression. When I trained in his class for 10 weeks, he was surrounded by shepherds, but you never would have known it because they were unbelievably well-behaved. I remember his personal shepherd mouthing a lot in play and drive, but not aggression (only with him...not with us or the other dogs). I just think he might be able to offer some sound wisdom about practical things you can do and also about what is to be expected in a puppy his size vs. genuine red flag signs of aggression.
Another question...do I remember correctly? Do you live in California? I wonder how many forum members, maybe some who've contributed to this post, live near you? I don't know how far you live from me...but I would gladly come in person and help if I could...or just give you a big hug and lots of support. I'm sure there are more people who would be willing to do so...like a "Save George and Janie" caravan.
Another idea...and this is far out, I know. But have you thought about contacting Cesar Millan? He is in California and takes a LOT of cases where children and aggressive dogs are involved. And based on George's age...he might be VERY interested in taking your case. PS...if he deems George to be a red flag case, he would take him back to his rehabilitation center for a few weeks and socialize him with well-balanced dogs (since it seems he did not have this opportunity as a puppy). If this interests you, I would gladly help you find his contact info.
I'd like to tell you a story. A dog came into my life a couple of years ago...his name was Finley. I just happened to encounter him through a friend of a friend...a woman who was renting a room in my friend's home had recently adopted him, only to leave him for 16 hours everyday in a room with a puppy pad and some dry kibble. I can't tell you how much it broke my heart to see that little puppy face stuck in that room all day. It HAUNTED me! So...I finally persuaded this woman (who I never did meet because she was NEVER home) to let me take him home.
At the time, I had recently lost my beloved dog of 18 years...and wasn't quite ready to give my heart to another. Perhaps more importantly, it seemed clear from the very beginning that Finley wasn't meant to be my forever dog. He LOVED children and lots of people and activity...and I was a single woman with no children who lives a very quiet lifestyle. He was miserable being left alone...and I had to work 7 hours a day. But I LOVED him and felt a strong bond with him, even though I'd only shared three weeks of my life with him.
I knew I was only going to be a foster mom, an aunt, a loving and nurturing transition to his forever home. And I sent an e-mail out to friends, co-workers at the school where I teach, and fellow dog lovers. Got several calls (one lady who admitted to having no fenced yard and lots of coyotes...not no, but hell no, lady)...and finally got a call from a co-worker at school with a teenage daughter who'd been wanting a dog. I hung up the phone and cried because I knew in my heart this was the family for him.
The day I put him in the car to go home with his new family, I started crying...and didn't stop for TWO weeks! Had I done the right thing?!? But let me tell you...Finley moved into a home with 4 children and 2 grandchildren, lots of activity and fun and attention...AND this woman lived on a cottage located on the corner of our campus. Within walking distance from her office. Never home alone more than a couple of hours, lunches together everyday, etc. He was in HEAVEN. That was his home. And guess who is his aunt and dog sitter emeritus...ME!!! I get to see him all the time...and he always leaps into my arms like "Thank you for getting me here!!!" One of my favorite things is going down and having PB&J sandwiches with Finley and his family at lunch.
My point is this...I had the choice to look at Finley as abandoned, and then passed from shelter to one home and then another and then another. Which made me sad. Or I could look at it with gratitude. That precious little dog found his way into my home and heart and trusted me to carry him to safety and security. What a privilege. And so it is with your precious George. This is not to say that George is not meant to be with you...just that you have a unique opportunity to do what is best for him, whatever that unfolds to be. There is a perfect solution, I genuinely believe. If your home is where he is meant to be...I will help in any way I can. And if his perfect place is still awaiting him...I will be here for you when you make that decision, as well. Either way, you can know that dog will never stop loving you. Or you him.
Love to you both!
Jonezie
