[amandarena]

I have A St.Bernard I really love her a lot but she can get aggressive and I'm afraid she going to hurt someone. She already tried to bite my boyfriend and my dad but she doesn't act like that around me. I mean she growls and barks at everyone. SO out of safety of everyone. I am trying to find her an outside house. My real question is I live in the country and I stay alone at night so I need a dog to bark in case any one comes around that shouldn't. But this time before I get a new dog I want to do my research I don't want another tempermently dogs. So I was wondering if anyone had any suggestsion on what would be a good tempered house dog.:confused:

Almost forgot what ever dog I get has to get along with cats.

[Stormy69]

First of all I highly recommend against passing on an aggressive dog. If she truly has aggressive tendencies, you are risking letting someone get bitten.. and ST. Bernard can do some serious damage. How would you feel if a child was bitten or killed by this dog? Even if you give it to someone one without kids, there is always a risk of her getting loose or neighbor kids getting mauled... Something to think about...
As far as breeds go, any dog can be aggressive or even tempered. Depending on the parent's temperament, the environment of which it is raised, how soon it leaves the litter etc.
Never get a puppy less than 8 weeks old. They need to stay with their mom to learn social behaviors that only a mother dog can teach. I think a lot of problems stem from litters leaving too soon.
Observe the parents of your prospective dog. See if there is any aggressive temperament in either parent. Also check for how well the dogs are kept, is the kennel clean and well kept or is it filthy?
What ever breed you choose, make sure that you have a lot of time to devote to training and socializing the dog.
Dogs are pack animals and need to be social, walked, and have contact with you.
I'm happy to see you want a house dog and not a yard dog.
If sheading is an issu, find a breed that doesn't tend to shed too much.
I am all for adopting from a local shelter or rescue, As long as the dog is young, healthy and will have lots of time and attention. Good luck with your search, and please take in to consideration rehoming an aggressive dog.

[fredg]

Hi,
My suggestion is to NOT get any other dog, until you find out how to train one!
The one you have now is a "working dog". She needs lots and lots of exercise. Take her, everyday, for at least a brisk 45 min. walk. This will help release some of her energy (and aggressiveness). Has she been spayed?
If not, then have her spayed. This will also cause her to not be so aggressive, and when around other dogs, they will know it. They will also not be so aggressive towards her.
Any dog you get is going to bark! Some of the gentler ones will also bite! You have to know what's going on, and how to make them do what you want them to do, and not having them do whatever they want. Any dog is happier, having you in control. They are happier when they don't have to make all these decisions, about loud barking and biting.
You need a good Dog book, about training, or if you can't do it yourself, ask about some training classes for you both, together.
Here is some more information:
I highly recommend a video by Ceaser Millan, a Professional Dog Behaviorist. He rehabilitates dogs, and trains people.

He has his own TV program, the Dog Whisperer, on the NGEO (National Geographic) channel, on Friday nights mainly, but also comes on some other days. This video is available from:
http://www.dogpsychologycenter.com/
I also ordered his new book, "Ceaser's Way", from Walmart online, around $15 US, and it's very good!

There are other good videos available on the web, but this one is really worth your attention.

Also, if you get the TV channel, Animal Planet, look for a program called "Good Dog U". It's also a good one, with training tips and how to calm down any dog. I do wish you the best.

[valinors_sorrow]

I concur that you need to learn how to train a dog. The St. Bernard may have been helped into those very behaviors by your behaviors. I would even suggest you consult a trainer before giving up on the dog you have.

One of the most important things to establish for a dog is that you are "alpha dog". It is just so critical to everything else. Once you establish that, then training is easier. It makes socializing them easier too... so they accept other people in the "dog pack" too.

All dogs have a "protect the pack" instinct, just some breeds more so than others. And for that reason, when you are gone your dog attempts to assume the alpha dog role. That is the reason all dogs are to be considered a bit unreliable away from their owners. If you are not sure about this, consult a kennel or animal shelther sometime!

Besides the great programs and books Fred mentioned, I would only add a great little easy reading book to all dog owners called The Hidden Life of Dogs
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/067...lance&n=283155

It explains a great deal of any dog's reasons for doing what dogs do. Makes learning how to train effectively much easier when you can "think like a dog"!

Without taking some of the actions suggested by all of us here, I believe its far too likely that you will take the problem with you to the next dog.