In this country, so many non aggressive dogs are euthanized just because no one wants them and they could easily be a loving partner for someone who has an extremely aggressive dog that they cannot control. I took her word for it until it happened right in front of my face. I am pregnant and there are two kids in my home. If a mistake is ever made, and he does bite someone, you will feel even worse. He has only ever bit myself and my husband. Thank you for giving me hope that I might not always hurt this badly. He was a retired greyhound. April 7, 2016
We all took turns taking care of him. All times were totally unprovoked and needed treatment. Has anyone read my story? He doesn't stop and managed to slip out of his collar. She was so perfect most of the time, car rides, playing fetch and with toys, doing tricks everything. Pablo suffers terribly from anxiety and we thought he just needed love and a new home. He has not bit anyone else in our presences, but he has bitten us several us several times. This on top of the regret and fact that I saw him everywhere was simply too much to bear. Three months later, Sherman attacked her 8-year-old son's foot, leaving eight puncture wounds. My husband and I just had to make the very painful and heartbreaking decision to euthanize our aggressive 14 month dog. Over spring break in April we took the kids to the beach, Sofie stayed with my mom, but Remy couldnt. Shes only 2. My family have sought advice from trainers but her obedience is not the issue as she has been to classes and can walk with other dogs as long as they keep their distance. he is very aggressive and that was ok we handle it until He attacked my old american bull dog and drew blood. He loved 6 people in the world. I did everything right, no food out, no toys etc. This however was beyond sad, how could he bite his master? It happens. Please write back and keep us posted. Thank you so much for sharing this deeply personal experience. The dog cant control it and how would you feel if he really did some damage to your son? Love isnt enough here. He was only 7 months. He did great in puppy classes and loved to go on walks with our other dog. Today I made the very difficult decision to euthanize my beautiful lab x Heeler rescue. I posted a piece on my business blog about him, because I know it won't be going away any time soon. He is high strung on walks, tries to eat cars, does not like any small dog on a leash in our plan, etc. The decision has been made to take her to the vet in the morning to be euthanized. So I have made plans for the mobile vet to come tomorrow and take our dear Ruby. And I read. Thanks for listening. He was also placed on fluoxetine. A few months later he nipped a friend in the lip. Even if Im getting up too fast, is he going to attack or if you yell in your own house Is he going to attack? Maybe we were just fooling ourselves thinking we could help himbut I truly don't believe anyone else would have given this much effort, time, and love to him thus far. Let me assure you that Maddie's biting is not your fault. I wish I would have paid the $600 for him to see the doggy psychiatrist. Over the years she has occasionally nipped at a man (she was abused before I rescued her) but never broken the skin. I'm still counting the minutes/hours/days since it happened and it's still as painful now as it was six weeks ago and I just can't move on - yet. Currently he's on more medicine than a human could likely tolerate and remain upright, and yet he's still so anxious and easily triggered. I am so sad. Intellectually I know you cannot have a dog that attacks unprovoked (and it was getting worse) but his soulful eyes and gentleness otherwise were unparalleled. My dad then stomped his foot and screamed 'IN YOUR CRATE' and he immediately legged it to his crate-where my dad crashed the door shut and locked him in. Then four escalating episodes in the last week, one against the cats, one against our older dog. We gave medicated him with anxiety medication with no success. I never thought I would be someone considering rehoming or euthanizing my dogs. originally from a Rescue in the North West of BC he has come across the country to live with us in TO. I rescued two loves, one was 6 months old and bit me the night I rescued him and another in the face. He is great with us. Yesterday I was in constant contact with my ex-wife. My husband has little experience with dogs and sometimes acts too much like a child with Jack. Nicole, I totally understand. We have a calm household. He's been loved and spoiled his whole life. we get them separated and my old male did some damage to her ear. It was horrible. I have made so many excuses and isolated myself from my family and friends but the emotional stress and fear are becoming too much..the only problem is I love him so much and will miss him dearly! My husband refuses to do that so he wound up with Harley barking, lunging, and snapping at him. Quality of life has to be for everyone, the dog (she sounds anxious and fearful) and you (you are stressed) and your family (they need to feel safe). Animal control came and i sent them away, she was not going back to the shelter to be in solitary confinement. We, ultimately, had a special crate built, but still can't have company. I kicked him off me and he got my hand. June 24, 2022
We would go into petsmart and he was in heaven id let him pick his toys he was sweet made me so happy. She had become so anxious all the time, crying a lot, wanting to be by my side constantly. My heart is with you. My grandson, whom I have raised, has been attacked at least three times by aggressive dogs, the firs time when he was only 3 years old and on a field trip with his pre-school class. It's a terrible situation in which to find yourself, loving a dog who loves you but mentally is a loaded gun. A few month later was the first instance, she snap at my friends hand trying to fix her bowl for her. Toni
He can't help it, its just the way he is wired. We never know when he's going to snap. He is my only companion, and has been by my side since I split with the ex, and moved from home with her and my kids, to live alone, with just Dog Dylan. Plus, his life is becoming more and more restricted, as he has to be confined almost 24/7. Debby
We wanted a companion that would live a long and wonderful life with us. We came back home, I grabbed a shovel and started to dig, we put his bed and him there, then I gathered his favorite toys from all around the house and yard so he could have them with him. She said "No, Ringo!" I have a gorgeous Stafford Terrier Pitbull. I don't know if I can end his life.. i know I wouldn't dare rehome him. December 10, 2021
The most recent bite incident was last weekend. It is difficult none the less but if she were to cause any additional harms I know that I would never forgive myself. The big dog was so intent on harming them he chased me up the sidewalk all the while trying to snatch one of them out of my arms. Reading through all the comments it seems eveyone has done this and felt as a last resort they had to put the animal down. But we figured thats ok and would work on it. The last straw was a few days ago. My bf took her to a 5 week training program and she did well, but she jumped allover me non-stop and drove me bonkers! We could try medication, but the only way to know if that works is to wait and see. Also ripping hole clothes trying jump at us. We are ready for our second hunting lab to be bought but have not bought due to this mean guy. He was the runt from my mom's dogs 1st litter of puppies, his fur momma passed away just two months ago at 13 and a half. But I do question, are there any diseases that are common among the breed? I recognized the look and told her to look away and as I was about to reach for his collar to pull him away and ask my aunt to do this another night, he lunged up at her face and bit her. Thank you for showing me that I may heal, and that I'm not alone in my pain. I was skeptical, and feared I would one day have to put him down. Teresa L Harman
He has had a long history of biting my 3 sisters, dad, boyfriend, and even my 2yr old niece. We thought about giving him away, but do not want to give him to another family, knowing he has bit people and could possible maim someone. But maybe in some small way knowing others are going thru the same pain and grief and we are not alone, gives strength to us. He had valley fever and it got to his brain. Then he bit a worker at doggie daycare. Putting the safety of you and your family first is very important. While he hasnt bitten anyone yet, he has almost bitten peoples hands when they attempt to pet him: no triggers, no warnings except a lip curl ( no growls or raised hackles etc). If you'd like to, you can read about our experience, our decision, and one of the best friends I've ever had, here: http://blog.joneswriter.com/heartbreak-hard-decisions-love-darwin/ I miss him terribly, every day. This was my thought when this happened. But she always looked funny at small kids/toddlers. I have a third dog who's been attacked twice by the aggressive dog without injury. I think we will have to put him down, but he has so many good days that seems wrong. I am also of the belief that "you can't save them all" and sometimes it's better to open up a spot in your home/rescue/wherever for a dog that has no issues rather than spend a lot of time on a dog that clearly suffers from some major demons. My girls have never offered to hurt him. When he got into his fearfulness and aggression, nothing could snap him out if it. We have only given her a loving safe home. I was left completely and totally devastated and full of anxiety. We had him on Prozac twice a day and a tranquilizer at night. As time went on, other concerning incidents occurred which resulted in us stopping any of our nieces or nephews coming in to the house. My Mason attacked me. I can also see where euthanizing him yourself would be extraordinarily difficult emotionally, and not something the vast majority of pet owners would be able to handle at all. I thought. We had a full blood panel done 2 years ago and all checked out. She got over many of her people issues, but I would still deny certain people the right to touch her. Patti K
I am still dealing with the hurt of that. I don't know what she experienced the first year and a half of her life. The aggressiveness was getting worse. I wish she could have been helped, or something that we did to help her would of snapped her out of it. Thank you for openly discussing this issue, on so many different levels. We have had Mr. Brimley, a Tibetan Terrier mix, for over two years. My guess is he did not want to put the dog down and passed the issues onto me. To us she was a princess. She had 2 previous owners due to her high anxiety. We have found ways to deal with that. Hi Tammy, 18 is not a trivial number of bites, and being rehomed would only increase his stress. When the police finally figured a way to get the stroller in the car i drove her to my vet, with out once looking at her, screaming and crying all the way, in bewilderment. The recommended treatment is to have the dog thoroughly checked by your vet and then to contact a behaviorist to then begin a treatment program. The act of doing that compounded my grief and guilt. But I had nothing significant to base this on. She's also quite weak in the back legs, which doesn't have anything to do with her injuries, per sae. We simply cannot put dogs ahead of more bits and getting sued. A mark but no blood. What he did say quite clearly is that he has severe fear aggression. Nothing worked. He has a constant reminder of scars from what our boy had done to him but my husband doesnt blame him and still loves him but he knows he had something that he could not control. One night, with me right beside him, he lunged for my one son who literally just walked through the room and was tracking/stalking from across the room my other son. I don't feel alone and I know I am making the best decision for my family and ultimately, for Linus. We had tried separating but it was hard when there's 2 adults and 1 toddler and remembering which door this dog is it. I see him bite. The problem started with a bite to a young girlwe thought she startled him. Coco comes home and I fall in love. we are tired and just cant cope. People will buy them to train them to become vicious and I feel that's what occured in his case..
To know you lost it. Its probably silly, but that experience left me so broken that Im just terrified the same thing will happen with another dog that I get. Euthanasia is so hard but if they are wired wrong dont let them feel abandoned, let them go. Recently he bit and punctured my baby's hand and my husband and I have finally come to terms with putting Linus down. December 6, 2014
November 1, 2016
We managed his problems ok but he still showed signs and over the last few years he has been more aggressive when trying to groom him. I would get home looking like I had run a marathon..covered in dog hair, peanut butter, sweat and crying. We are in close quarters. He bit people unprovoked, would actually run after people to bite them. My 20 year -old son is against it, and very upset. If anyone has any input it would be greatly appreciated. I believe that I made the right decision, but the guilt and grief persists. He required 12 stitches, glue, sutures and his hand was very swollen. I still remember that sad experience. He's perfect with us, but totally unpredictable with non-residents. It still pulls at my heart strings thinking of her and seeing her pictures. My guess is if she had the dog for 5 yrs and at 9 yrs, of age it became owner aggressive, there was something physical going on even though he got a clean bill of health from the vet. February 16, 2020
We started him on trazadone and faithfully gave him his meds. I wish more people would take the responsibility of owning an aggressive dog seriously, as you did. We love him so much and have cried many tears over the thought of having him euthanised. She makes a good guard dog, incidentally but it's due to her fear of anything and everything that approaches. This is the fourth time he has bitten me and the second time he bit my husband. I want to die with the dog. I switched vets multiple times hoping for more advice about how to deal with her but never getting much more than a smile and a talk about the typical behavior of labs. Is it fair to find him an only dog home, or would he be better off euthanized? So I thought it was the same here, but it's not. And now recently he did the same thing to my mom. Beau was toy aggressive and the one year old got too close to her and she growled and lunged at him. We avoided the triggers before they happened. Kimberly owns a 24/7 operation that breeds bernedoodles a mix of Bernese Mountain dogs and poodles that bear a striking resemblance to teddy bears. And putting him on a chain would just be cruel. I have a bully I got at 8 weeks old from probably the worlds shittiest backyard breeder (I didn't know this upon arriving to the house to get him). Even after they would leave, he would charge around the house for 5 minutes barking and looking for someone to attack. . I am writing this because I want people to know it is hard to make this decision but sometimes we have to. A real spirit with SO much personality. She has bitten my husband several times (puncturing and drawing blood once in his foot) and me a few times in the hands (no blood). Jay
Dear Fran, We're all so sorry for your loss and grief. DGB
I've been bitten a dozen or more times and this past weekend, he bit a dog trainer at his "trainers's daycare" facility. He was tethered to my body almost all summer. We know our beloved sage is in a better place where he doesnt have to be afraid and can enjoy life. The straw that broke the camels back was when he lunged and my daughters 15 yer old friend and bit her in the face. I need this so, so much. I hate that my kids have to experience this. If he is this bad before he's a year old, it's painful to imagine what he would be like in a few years. You will always have some grief, but it will become tolerable after a really long time. Annie
Dr. Oursler consulted veterinary behaviorists, as we know many because we work at the Veterinary Information Network. And again. I have always gotten down on the carpet to play with him. guilt. Its just a matter of choosing between bad and worse. Ms Curtis: We are so sorry that you and your dog are going through this and we all feel for you as well as the dog. December 14, 2015
I have cried for days since his last attack. She is right. No vacations, no visiting friends. Dr. Oursler consulted with veterinary behaviorists who told her she could not cure Sherman, and that all she could do was improve his behavior and try not to put him in any situation where he could cause harm. He was displaying aggressive behaviour at a very young age already but both my wife and I were inexperienced handlers and I blamed myself for most of the incidents. !thanks for listening. I feel guilty in that I adopted another dog, making the situation worse. Making her feel like I dont take it seriously that he makes her nervous. I did a little time out for each of us, then went to do it again. My worries have since escalated seeing as he bit my sister again very badly yesterday . The behaviorist and trainers all agreed that our dog will never be able to be trusted around people, even on the medication and with the training, and that the escalation of him now transferring the aggression towards us, is sign that none of the treatment and training is working, and that the most humane thing to do is to have him put down. To everyone suffering from the grief that comes with this decision my heart goes out to you all. The American Veterinary Society for Animal Behavior suggests early socialization as does the Pet Professional Guild - and they have a terrific puppy education section on their website. We walked on eggshells and altered our lives for months to accommodate him. Recently (despite training, exercise, special diets, and anti-anxiety pills, allergy treatment, and treatment for IBD), he'd started acting more anxious than ever. If he was at home with his fur sister and the rest of our family, he was not aggressive- just typical pesky juvenile pup. I'm dreading making this decision for our beautiful big boy. Speaking with the most recent behaviorist and the vet, we are positive now, that we can't help Rems. We had such a strong bond and I trusted him and this time he had attacked me and drew blood. The only bad thing was she threw up and/or heaved after every meal, so we switched her food and added digestive enzymes -- marked improvement!! Too many people seem to choose dogs based on their looks, even whether a breed is in 'fashion' at the time (i.e. It was a moral responsibility but I know his spirit will always be with me. I fought this decision for 2 years but the time has come to take action because I know it is just a matter of time before someone is hurt or worse. Any idea as to why this happened? I have never in my life loved a dog or shared a bond of this magnitude with a dog. Beau was toy aggressive and the one year old got too close to her and she growled and lunged at him. Shortly after he bit my young cat 5 times on her ears. Emotional pain and confusion and disbelief all wrapped up in a deep love that says tomorrow will be different or maybe such and such caused that episode. It isnt fair to him if hes miserable, or my other fur babies. The only reassurance I have is that he feels no pain now, as he was an amputee with multiple health issues. Like everyone else, I thought I could love and train him through it, and I did, for 6 years. However, it does help knowing that others have felt or feel the same way. We are all so sad. He wants to be with us but then he can go off. Then I will feed him this big steak I cooked for him. Rudy was a 4.5 year old cocker spaniel. I lied to family/friends and I made excuses to myself believing I did something to spook him or someone else did. The get out was immediate. Coming home from school yesterday was hard, I asked my dad where she was and he said that we euthanized her. It took all my strength and body weight to stop him. I have just scheduled the appointment to euthanize my dog, Jude, who is a 200+ lb English mastiff. That week before the incident I had bought calming bites, a muzzle for him (as I was afraid to treat him if he was injured incase he might bite me), and PetSafe spray shield to try to separate the dogs if he fought with one of my girls (and we always seemed to be bit during the process). I think he is grateful and thankful that he now has a safe environment. I sat there and cried because I knew my dog had already been through so much and now, he was being thrown around all over again. The vet told us that it really is impossible to keep a dog that you can't leash. They deny a problem and while it is their choice to take the risk it's not right to impose such risks on the tenant or the public. Now he's harmed one of the little dogs and I believe we could be next. Until last night. The breeder felt since it was just nip I could train him out if it. She has a history of running out of the dining room at night where shes relaxing and charging my hubby. Biting when pulling him back away from the door; trying to bite guests/visitors, growling at our toddler, repeatedly coming back to bite again and finally when he was caught counter surfing; he attacked my fianc and we knew that an attack was eventually coming down the pike for our toddler or me.
I know Id suffer terrible guilt having him put down, but the truth is, he dominates my life and its making me depressed. We can't have any strangers in the home. I got a call from my ex-wife and this was the second time the dog, Wiley bit my son, age 22y/old. We need to think about the overall safety of our families and neighbors. My son and his girlfriend had an aussie healer, was a lot bigger than any I'd ever seen so I think there was a mix in there. It was not his first attack that he bit a child but never as severe as he bit my daughter on her left cheek and throat. I've told myself that I would never make that kind of decision again, and I have regretted the decision that I made every day since. She was emaciated but friendly. He was very smart and michevious dog. This Monday was a normal day, everyone's normal routine. He was always in the same room with us and wanted to be close to us. In hindsight the dog had been doing everything in her power to NOT bite for a long time and she managed to release and only bite once. Monica, I'm afraid I don't have any personal recommendations, but I looked around and see that some veterinarians recommend sites such as www.petloss.com. Except he wasnt. We didn't trust ourselves to not make another mistake after a lifetime of owning many dogs, all with quirky personalities, but all dogs who really wanted to be part of our family and just wanted to be loved. He loved us. She was gone for 3 weeks and when she came back seemed slightly better with strangers and visitors we prayed that finally we could live in harmony with all 3 dogs. If it wasnt for that heartbreaking decision that i had to make we would not have this joy in our lives today. It's so hard to feel like we haven't failed himbecause that is exactly what it feels like. The dog's aggression began when he was a puppy and has continued to worsen.