Biting Dog Advice... Update - pg. 4

[sanctuaryworker]

My boston was a known biter before I took him in... His old mom warned me that he doesnt like men or new people... but guess what with proper training and exercise he hasnt bitten and even greats visitors to the sanctuary... everyone loves him and remarks on his wonderful behavior.

I think you should talk to a rescue or even a place that takes in "red zone" dogs... chances are your doxie doesnt need to be put down... he just needs someone who knows how to help him.. .

I wish you were in florida because I would come and get him. Too many dogs go into the shelter and are euthanized as it is, and many of them for no reason.

If your dog is biting there is a reason, instead of blaming the dog you should ask yourself what about the situation is making the dog bite, and fix it.

I think the whole situation sucks... if no one in your family could properly care for him he shouldnt have been put on anyone no matter what the situation, he should have been found a new home. It was irresponsible of everyone in this situation to sacrifice what was best for the dog for their own selfish reasons.

I hope you do everything you can before you put him down.

 

[JenEric Farms]

I think the OP is trying to contact a rescue. Also, she did the right thing by trying to keep the dog with her dad and it's just not working out.

It seems a lot of people just aren't in agreement with trying to work with the dog and have decided putting the her down is the only solution...

 

[Dar]

I have not read the entire thread but has someone suggested going to the vet for blood tests?

A low thyroid level in a dog can make them aggressive.

a simple blood test and it may all be solved

 

[Stina]

A twice proven biter has had a chance already.

Not if nothing happened in between the incidents to prevent the 2nd one.........how is that a chance?...​

 

[amyc]

I have sent out emails to rescues, just waiting to hear back now. The two bites were very different circumstances - and I can't really blame the dog for the first one. He is overly protective with me (which I have worked on with him) and was sitting next to me on the couch. My 7 year old (6 at the time) ADHD "active" child was playing and jumped up from behind the couch and pulled his nerf gun on me. Riley snapped and bit him out of fear (he doesn't care for my "active" child as is, and really dislikes guns). After this bite we worked on his overprotectiveness of me, and for awhile he had been better.

The second time though he ran in from another room and completely unprovoked bit my grandma - no warning whatsoever. My grandma is a dog person - she's raised coonhounds and had dogs her entire life - she knows how to act around dogs. Plus, Riley has met my grandma - although she's not over daily, she's by no means a stranger.

There are a thousand would've, could've, should've-s in this situation. I'm hoping to be able to place him in a rescue, but I'm not optimistic that I'll be able to find one. I wish that I had the time & money to be able to train him properly, but I don't. Ultimately I have to protect my children and myself, and I can't put the dog above them.

 

[bheila]

Your in a really hard situation...I can understand wanting to keep the dog if it was my moms. I can also understand wanting to get rid of him because he bites. With that being said...My daughter was bit a few months ago by one of our friends weiner dogs

All she did was walk in the yard and the darn thing attacked her leg. My friend apologized and said she doesn't understand why he acted that way and he just bit someone else a month before that too. I was furious

She asked what I would do if it was my dog. I told her my husband would take care of him for her

I wish you good luck in what ever you decide

 

[mekasmom]

Quote:
The children are always the first priority. And you will always have to consider the fact that the dog could bite another person's child too. A doxie won't kill anyone, just nip, so it doesn't really have a lethal potential, and that's good. Some people with potential deadly dogs aren't smart enough to realize that the children are the first priority. You have more common sense than that for which I commend you. Good luck with the dog.
I hope you find peace in whatever you do.

 

[amyc]

UPDATE: After a number of emails, I was finally able to find someone (through a rescue) to take Riley. They have experience with aggressive doxies, and are willing to take on Riley. Riley really seemed to like them, and the woman who took him reminds me a lot of my mom (Riley was her dog originally).

Even though it was for the best - I still cried the whole way home. Even though he was a little pain, I'm still going to miss the booger.

We also put down our oldest dog on Friday, so now I'm down to just two dogs - the house seems so quiet now...

 

[JenEric Farms]

I'm so glad you were able to find someone to take him in.

I bet it was tough, but so much easier than the alternative!