Rottweiler dogs get a second chance

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - The Lafayette Animal Control Board recently made an unprecedented decision. Instead of euthanizing two Rottweilers, the board allowed a dog trainer see if he could rehabilitate the dogs that attacked another dog and bit a boy.

Dog Trainer Mike Bryant of 'Let's Talk Dogs' in West Lafayette led Nico out of her kennel at the Almost Home Animal Shelter. Nico and Dainjer have both been at the shelter about a month as their fate was decided. If the dogs can be retrained, they'll go to new homes. Bryant has no doubts they'll soon be adopted to families.

"They've been fantastic," said Bryant.

Bryant has been training the dogs for three days and has already seen better, more obedient behavior from them.

"They've never tried to bite me in any way," said Bryant.

He is using pack structure training to show the dogs that their owner is the pack leader and they are to follow that person's rules.

"If the dogs pull me too far, I'll stop and I'll wait for their response to look and then I'll come," added Bryant.

Bryant said he's not sure how long it will take to fully train the dogs. Adoption will be the final step, but first the two will move to a foster home. Hoofstock veterinarian Catherine Alinovi from Pine Village will keep them until new owners can be found.

"I think part of the problem with these dogs is there is some breed stereotyping, and I'm not scared of Rotts. Rotts are wonderful dogs. Worst bite I ever had was from a Dachshund," said Alinovi.

Bryant hopes to find two separate families for the different dogs.

"I would personally prefer they go different places. For each dog I'm looking for a certain individual," said Bryant.

Bryant is volunteering his time and expertise to rehab the dogs. It's a lot of work, but said he is rewarded every time they follow a command and show they are not vicious at heart.

Bryant is keeping a blog about the dogs' rehab.  Click here to read it.