Help me out with my Caucasian Ovcharka Puppy

Bo D: Can somebody help me out with my puppy?
I live in a very small efficiency in a large city, and my brother just left for Russia and he's irresponsible and dropped me off a puppy he had bought but lost interest in a week later. It's 7 weeks old and it's a breed I'm having trouble finding out much about. It's called a Caucasian Ovcharka.

It's already the size of most dogs at 7 weeks, and the best way I can describe it's personality, is it viciously attacks everything it sees. It's already killed my ferret and when I tried to stop it from eating it, it bit my hand and just snarled until I gave up.

I don't understand, I'm being nice to it. Will it get much bigger?
I have twin infants...will he be gentle with them?
Will he be nice to all the guests I always have coming over?

Photo Credit: haroldmeerveld/Flickr CC

Answers and Views:

Answer by Phil
Good God… I hope you have given it to someone or found a good breeder to sell it on. Firstly as below … well, they need a garden and a large house. Flats they get bored and dangerous in. Secondly,  they are a lovely breed truly magnificent … but they need a very knowledgeable and dedicated individual as an owner. Forgive me but it seems you aren't too knowledgeable on the subject … correct me if wrong … and thus … especially with small children in the house, you are walking yourself into hell.

The puppy should be 8-10 weeks before removed from its mother …. they can be very aggressive but its aggression should NOT be aimed at you ever. Either the puppy has not been able to imprint on an owner or has been treated badly. Please find it another home of an experienced handler, preferably someone who has OCs … these dogs are hard to rehab.

I could try and help you through the feeding and training … and maybe get you to move into a house. but be warned if the CO doesn't imprint & bond with your family you and your family are in danger.

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Answer by Tamara Follett
This is a tough breed. Your pup is a "finisher" which means that it will not stop at catching its prey, but will finish it off (as it demonstrated with your ferret). It is my opinion that NO dog of ANY size or aggression level that is a finisher should be kept around children. The risks are just too great.
Best Wishes, Tamara Follett (Author, "Dogs of Fury: The Solution to Vicious Dogs")

Answer by bergie
The Caucasian Ovcharka's original purpose was to protect livestock. The typical Caucasian Ovcharka is assertive, strong-willed, and courageous. Unless properly socialized and trained, the Caucasian Ovcharka may exhibit ferocious and unmanageable tendencies. It is very brave, alert, strong, and hardy. It distrusts people it does not know and it has a powerful urge to defend. Everything and everyone who belongs to the family, including children, cats, other dogs, etc, will be regarded by this dog as part of "its" family and will be respected and protected.

This dog should not be left alone with children, because if play becomes too rough, the Caucasian Ovcharka my feel the need to protect your child, and may do it extensively. It has no time for strangers, but it will greet family friends warmly. It can be rather dominant towards other dogs it does not know. Some German fanciers employ the dogs as foremost guardians and deterrents. This is not a dog for everyone. It requires an owner who knows how to display strong leadership and who is willing to spend a lot of time socializing and training.

Height: 25-28 inches (64-72 cm.)
Weight: 99-154 pounds (45-70 kg.)

The Caucasian Ovcharka is not recommended for apartment life. They need space and will do best with at least a large yard. Because its thick coat protects it so well, it can happily cope with living out-doors provided it has proper shelter.

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