I am sitting here crying - opinions please! (Update)

[hunterjumper999]

you have two options-

to put him down to avoid the hassle of rehoming

or rehome to a home where there are no critters and someone can handle him better (NOT that you're doing a bad job- just maybe the persons more phsically able!)

I have pit bulls, and on the pit bull forums there are alot of ... reactive... dogs. to kids. to animals. to whatever. and most of us work thru it, or find the dog a better home for its personality.

I suggest you try a venue other than Craigslist. Perhaps google to see if there is a dog club in your area. Contact breed rescues ( chow people may be able to help you with the animal agression issues short term)

you said :
I hate to rehome him because it is not like we can't care for him and I don't want him to become somebody's else problem.

his problem is reactivity. Something someone with no other animals will have to deal with. and the fact that you can still care for him doesnt mean he should end up dead vs. trying to find a home for him. He could still be a good dog for someone, just not you guys.

if it were PEOPLE agression i'd have told you to put him down yesterday.

 

[Wolf-Kim]

momma's chickens :

I agree, but it is really hard. My 14 year old ds was just sitting here with my crying heartbreaking sobs. I need to add that he is 90 pounds and can drag me around the yard when he wants too and yes, I have resorted to a shock collar. My mom was the one watching him when the goat got out and he pulled her all over the yard and skinned her up badly. I guess when I write that, and read it from another person's standpoint it is apparant he isn't safe.

This sounds like the antics of an overgrown and unruly puppy. Hire a behaviorist or rehome him. Knowing that he acts this way with your family, lets us know that he is not well trained. No need to euthanize a dog for being a big puppy, just rehome or train him. By the sounds of it, you are sick of him, so rehome him to someone that can give him the excercize and training he needs and wants.

 

[momma's chickens]

Wolf-Kim, thank you for your suggestions. We also have two cats and another year old golden lab and he is great with both of them. Getting rid of the other animals is a no-go 1) because I love spending time with them and 2) they are my daugther's 4-H projects.

I will continue to think about this and appreciate all replies.

 

[mamaKate]

All dogs are "killers." Some have a stronger predatory drive than others. Some are obedient enough to suppress the drive. I think you have a couple of options. Continue to keep him but don't have any prey species inside the house; or find him a different home. You needn't assume that he's hopeless. Your family may just be a bad match for such a strong willed dog. I do have one added concern, though. A large breed male dog who clearly isn't in full subjection to you could become a threat to the kids. I do know how this feels. I had a poorly bred Great Dane when I was a young mom and I had no strong sense of authority. I didn't train him well and he did (at age 4) become aggressive with my 4 mo old daughter. I decided to have him put down. I cried for a month and then healed the wound with a new puppy. Prayers that you can find a good solution.

 

[momma's chickens]

Wolf-Kim, we are NOT sick of him, this is heartbreaking. I have taken him to 2 obedience classes in our area and the leader even had a hard time making him walk with her but we did it and passed. The only reason he pulled the lease with my mom was because the goat was out; otherwise he walks on a leash. He sits, lays down, comes when he is called unless he is chasing sometime. He is crate trained and housebroken. I do appreciate your suggestions just want you to understand that he is not an unruly dog unless there is an animal (besides cat or another dog) out. We live in an area with lots of deer and they drive him mad.

 

[chinbunny]

I am so sorry. Its ahrd deciision to make. i think a lot of us have had to make the same chioce, and its never fun. You either have the dog, or you have your other pets. Once he gets the taste of blood, and figures out that it is fun to kill the other animals, you will never cure him. I bet that was the reason he was taken to the pound. Maybe he was killing his previous owners pets. And if thats the case, they shoul dhave never have adopted him out. I am so sorry about this. If you have to put him down, it will still be the right choice. You have to protect your other pets. When I was akid, we had a dog that started killing animals. Then she started biting. We had another that liked to eat chickens, but was otherwise a great dog. We kept her.

 

[PotterWatch]

How much exercise does he get? Dogs tend to get into a lot more mischief when they don't get regular exercise. If I were in your position and I had the means, I would probably build a secure and large kennel for him to be in when he is outside and I would start taking him on as many walks, hikes, jogs, etc. as I could.

 

[lurky]

Another suggestion........... a harness makes it alot easier to control a big strong pulling dog. It takes away a little of their leverage when the pressure is pulling up from the chest. It made a huge difference with ours.

 

[thecochincoop]

This is a very difficult decision and should not be taken lightly. You need to decide if you like the dog or other pets in the house more, other pets could be put in another room or barn. Obedience training is a must in some degree for ANY dog. It does take time and dedication so be prepared for that and if you dont' have the time or dedication then I would say maybe look for a new home. They have to have a leader and if you don't take over the role, then they will. A pinch collar will make him controllable on the leash and is NOT inhumane it is actually better than a choke collar and is the equivelent of a dog correcting another dog by nipping the neck so they actually understand it. If you decide to keep him then make sure not to let him out loose and under no circumstances let him off leash. As long as he is good with kids then there should be no problems in the house. Dogs are predators and it is natural, some just don't have as much drive as others. As for when you have to leave I would get a kennel and put him in there wire on the bottom and top so he can't dig or jump out and lock the door so he can't be accidentally let out by kids. I just can't stand the thought of a dog being put down because of his natural instincts, now if it were people he was attacking that would be a different story, but in the end YOU know what is best for him so my prayers to you that you make the right decision

 

[Wolf-Kim]

momma's chickens :

Wolf-Kim, we are NOT sick of him, this is heartbreaking. I have taken him to 2 obedience classes in our area and the leader even had a hard time making him walk with her but we did it and passed. The only reason he pulled the lease with my mom was because the goat was out; otherwise he walks on a leash. He sits, lays down, comes when he is called unless he is chasing sometime. He is crate trained and housebroken. I do appreciate your suggestions just want you to understand that he is not an unruly dog unless there is an animal (besides cat or another dog) out. We live in an area with lots of deer and they drive him mad.

In better words, I meant that you are exasperated with him. After all, you are here crying over what he's done and the stress of figuring out what to do with him. I didn't mean "sick" as in we're done taking care of him, so we'll just get rid of him. I realize that is not the case. Forgive me for the misunderstanding. I know it is a hard decision.

If it is only his prey drive that is the problem, then rehoming will be the most likely solution. Find him a home where he will be the only pet.​