I understand your apprehension. I have thought and re-thought this a thousand times. Simon is gentle with people. He must remain an only pet and on leash unless the owner works closely with a certified trainer and works for a long time on his issues. He is a Husky cross, so high prey drive. He missed several really important weeks with his mom and siblings, that can never be ‘made up’. Maybe it was play that got out of hand. Maybe not. I don’t know, I didn’t see it happen. I told the new owner that I would NEVER trust him with another small animal. It’s not worth the risk. I would never have him off leash around other dogs. Same reason. But I have also fed him by hand and removed bones, etc from his mouth. So has my daughter.
So, despite the ‘only dog’ necessity, he is gentle.
I had a german shepherd who provoked attacks. I had him at my vet for surgery three times to repair where the other dogs had torn into him, and yet he kept at it, antagonizing them. Finally I was literally crying on the phone to my vet, saying I couldn’t see any alternative but to put him down. My vet had me sign Wylie over to him, he did a last surgery for free, kept him almost 6 months to heal and found him a home where he’s the only big dog. His new family loves him, he’s great with dogs smaller than himself. This is the first time in my life I’ve ever given an animal up, but he is in a better place. He has the home that I just couldn’t provide for him. I love my vet. I hope so much that this new home works out for Simon. I had a doberman named Simon, a wonderful dog.