My 30 pound dog was attacked by three unleashed pit bulls

[Carolina]

131. so true, but almost all my dogs have been

adoptees and Oscar, the terrier mutt with the cutest face and seemingly lovable demeanor, was the first dog I had ever had a problem with.

I, too, had toyed with returning him to the rescue group, but through training, vigilance and frequent leashing he has progressed immensely and is a keeper. With me and my other adoptee -- a beagle -- he is very sweet. In part, it comes from having a schedule. He realizes he gets fed and allowed out in the fenced yard at regular times. At meal time, he literally has to sit in the corner until I release him (clicker) to come eat. As a result, there is no longer any food aggression and this has translated into good behavior at other times as well.

When people come over, I tell him to "go to your rug" (a cushy, bone-shaped mat) in the family room and he sits quietly there among the visitors. I have also taught guests to ignore him despite the precious face that beckons them to do otherwise. Leaning over to pet him provokes anxiety and hence aggression, so he has to sit/lie on his rug until released. On walks, he is always leashed, and sometimes muzzled, because he does not care for young children who tend to lunge at and/or grab him thanks to the cuteness factor

We're still working with the grooming (paws, face are difficult), but even my vet -- a no nonsense, brilliant guy -- marvels at how far Oscar has come.

Sorry your adoptees didn't work out, but one thing I have learned in the process, is to be ever vigilant with a dog I didn't raise from puppyhood.