Your advice for an agressive dog, please!! - Page 7

I agree with Don & Nate too.  You have already spent a lot of money on this dog who has become physically healthier but emotionally worse for what ever reason (not necessarily your fault).  Based on what you have already spent to help this dog, I would imagine you can aford to have a professional evaluate him and then follow their suggestion.  I think that would be money well spent and a better alternative than hospital bills for one of your family member and/or a law suit because at this point it sounds like it's a matter of when this dog takes a bite out of someone, not if it does. :o(  

At the same time, this dog is already 4 to 5 years old, you could spend the rest of it's life throwing a lot of money down the drain in vain and still never help this dog.  Sad but true.  If you already are uncomfortable with this dog in your home, will you ever be able to trust it????  And passing the issue to someone else is only putting someone else at risk.  You tried to help this animal but as said before, they all can't be helped.  The damage already created in this dog sounds like it runs very deep. :o(   Sometimes it is very hard to see that putting an animal down is better in the long road for it and/or others.  While trying to help this dog, he may see it as harrassment due to his past experiences and that is what is causing the aggression, "the aggression is a way of getting everyone to leave him alone".  Sounds like that is the hammer hitting the head of the nail to me.

There is not dishonor in trying.  When you feel like you've done everything in your power you could SAFELY do, it is time to pull the plug and put the dog to rest.  I am sure this has been a tourmoil for your family.  Best of Luck.

Teri          

Was looking over the Messageboard because I haven't been on the computer very much lately.  I have a dog that is similar to what you described -- although I don't think he is as bad.  I bought the dog and sent him back to his breeder for his SchH II and III and life breed survey.  It is difficult to get the true story on this dog but I am sure he was mistreated as a young dog (breeder bought him back from whoever bought him as a puppy).  He is the only animal that I have owned that has bitten me. M ost of the time he is a very loving dog but he can change in an instant if he perceives anything you do as a physical correction of any sort.  He doesn't even look like the same dog.  The expression that comes over his face is very scary.

I am to old and arthritic to fight with a dog - also I am afraid to as I am usually alone and am not at all sure I could win.  I deal with him by being very careful and always to have treats on me as he is very food motivated.  This is definately not what the "experts" believe one should do.  I have also started using some drops called "Devil Be Gone" that I purchase from KV VET.  After he has had them 2 x/day for a week or so they do seem to make a difference in his his attitude.  He stops snarling when I feed him and is generally a happier dog. 

Probably euthanasia is what should be done in both our cases but I can't do it - yet anyway.  I honestly wonder if physical force is the answer for dogs that have been mistreated.  I am sure that whatever you choose to do will be the best for your dog and you.

Judy