Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Original poster

URGENT - DOG ATTACKED PARTNER **Please read OP's latest updates** [edited by MNHQ]

780 replies

FlangeBoil · 22/05/2024 10:37

Hi all, my 6yo JRT has attacked my partner twice this morning. He has recently developed some territorial aggression, and we have to 'coax' him away from his bed each morning. This morning was as normal, but he wouldn't come so we just left him. My partner went to get milk, about 2m away from him, and the dog lunged and has bitten his hand fairly badly. We managed to lock him away whilst we sorted things, and have since boarded a section of the kitchen away so he can get outside but also can't get to us.
Anytime we enter the kitchen he viciously barks. I have a 4yo at home, so this isn't something I can risk.
He has since bitten my partner again when we went to open the back door for him (by leaning over the barrier we've created) and it's really bad - blood everywhere and he is now in a&e.
I cannnot get near the dog. How do I get him to a point where I can get him checked out - or as I'm probably denying to myself, put to sleep..?
I'm in absolute bits - I just need advice please urgently.

To note - I can't get a vet to come to him, I have already called around

  • [Note from MNHQ: We've already edited the title to ask people to read the OP's updates before responding (just click on the See All tab). As that doesn't seem to have worked, we feel the need to explain here in the opening post that the OP's dog has been put to sleep by now as he was found to be suffering from a brain tumour. The OP is obviously in pieces about this so please be sensitive when responding.]
OP posts:
Thread gallery
16
CissOff · 22/05/2024 10:40

I’m so sorry this has happened. You must be in bits.

I would ask my vet for advice on what they suggest in the meantime. He’s clearly dangerous to be around. Could they prescribe some kind of medication to subdue him enough for you to take him in? Like a doggie diazepam?

Kpo58 · 22/05/2024 10:40

Have you tried a dog behaviour therapist? They may be able to figure out why the dog is suddenly aggressive and may be able to sort out the issues.

How long have you had your partner and has the aggression only started since they have been with you?

rumred · 22/05/2024 10:40

Can you ring a local dog rescue for advice /support? The dog's clearly distressed for some reason, if this is out of the blue.

Original poster
FlangeBoil · 22/05/2024 10:41

@CissOff the vets couldn't suggest a lot. I'm now left with the option (provided by the vets) of calling the dog warden or the RSPCA.

I'm at a loss.

OP posts:
PalePurplePumpkin · 22/05/2024 10:41

If a 6 year old dog has started randomly doing this, they're probably in pain and therefore protecting themself.

My DH's childhood dog started randomly snapping and it turned out he had an ear infection.

It does need to see a vet but quite how you're going to get it there, I have no idea.

Secretarirat · 22/05/2024 10:42

The vet should be able to prescribe a sedative so you can safely get the dog to be checked.

Is this out of the blue?
If yes have the dog checked and take it from there.
If no then have the dog pts.

Original poster
FlangeBoil · 22/05/2024 10:42

Not a new partner, aggression has been getting more prominent in the last few weeks. Sorry for short replies, I'm just at a loss.

Will he need to be put down?!

OP posts:
Mangococktail · 22/05/2024 10:43

The vet is correct. A dangerous dog is a police / RSPCA issue not a vet one.

MaidOfBondStreet · 22/05/2024 10:44

You have a young child who could be fatally injured. That is your priority I'm afraid. I'm really sorry though, it's tough

OpusGiemuJavlo · 22/05/2024 10:45

Can you call the PDSA for advice? As pp say the most likely cause is that the dog is in pain. The vets not able to help a sick animal are crap and should be ashamed of themselves.

Secretarirat · 22/05/2024 10:45

Was there previous behaviour before the last few weeks?

I think he needs a vet check before you decide anything, but if this is behavioural not physical then yes I’d pts 😞

haveibeenscammedd · 22/05/2024 10:45

Have you got/can you get a crate to transport him in? If so throw a towel over him to pick him up and get him in there (quickly), then at least you can get him to the vet's and you'll have more hands to assist with getting a muzzle on him while they look at him.
Agree with others if it's a new thing he may well be in pain but sensible to explore all options, especially with a child at home.

ManilowBarry · 22/05/2024 10:46

Is the dog only attacking the man?

Does your partner like the dog? Is it possible he's kicked him without you knowing?

OrlandointheWilderness · 22/05/2024 10:46

Is this completely and utterly out of the blue OP?! Has anything at all changed in his behaviour etc? I'm very sorry, but you cannot risk your DC, as you already know. I think he would need putting down. Is he that aggressive that you can't handle him at all? That is very unusual for a dog which has previously been part of the family as I assume he has.

MonsteraMama · 22/05/2024 10:50

The dog warden will have appropriate equipment to get the dog removed safely but I'm not sure what will happen after that.

Poor creature is very likely in a lot of pain if this aggression is out of character and sudden, but regardless of the reason I'm afraid your child has to come first. If the bite to an adult is bad enough to need A&E think what he could do to your little one.

Speak to the warden for advice and ask what they would do, we've had to call him out for a vicious loose dog on our land once and he caught it and took it to a local rescue - but as he's your dog rather than a stray they may transport to the vet directly instead.

Poor mite definitely needs to be sedated and checked over for anything physical that might be causing this before a decision is made. I'm so sorry this is happening, it must be heartbreaking.

OrlandointheWilderness · 22/05/2024 10:52

Will your vet let you collect some sedatives to give him so you are able to take him in?

Applesandpairsofrocks · 22/05/2024 10:53

has this suddenly happened or built up over time?

to be blunt you owe it to the dog to have it pts in the least stressful way. Not just pass it onto someone else

speak to another vets for a sedative so you can get the dog to the vets.

a dog with a bite history and this level of unprovoked aggression is unlikely to be rehomed

Original poster
FlangeBoil · 22/05/2024 10:53

The aggression has slowly ramped up in the last few months but the last few weeks have been horrendous with the territorial aggression.

Partner adores him, is a dog person and I have no doubts of his care for him. The dog will snap at anyone when he is in this aggressive mood, me included.

OP posts:
CheeseandGherkins · 22/05/2024 10:54

Did you take him to the vet when the aggression first started to rule out anything physical?

Sunnyandsilly · 22/05/2024 10:55

I’d hazard a guess the dog is unwell, unless your partner has in some way abused it, Ie hit it or another man has. If not then you need to get the dog to a vet.

PalePurplePumpkin · 22/05/2024 10:55

FlangeBoil · 22/05/2024 10:42

Not a new partner, aggression has been getting more prominent in the last few weeks. Sorry for short replies, I'm just at a loss.

Will he need to be put down?!

It depends on whether the vet can find anything obviously wrong with him.

It's easy to say now, I know but this dog should've seen a vet as soon as his behaviour changed.

If he's in pain and the vet can find out why, they may be able to treat and save him.

PalePurplePumpkin · 22/05/2024 10:56

FlangeBoil · 22/05/2024 10:53

The aggression has slowly ramped up in the last few months but the last few weeks have been horrendous with the territorial aggression.

Partner adores him, is a dog person and I have no doubts of his care for him. The dog will snap at anyone when he is in this aggressive mood, me included.

Partner adores him, is a dog person and I have no doubts of his care for him.

So he took him to a vet then to see what was up?

Bearpawk · 22/05/2024 10:57

With regards to handling the dog, do you have any thick gardening gloves and thick sleeved clothing ? I'd think a jack Russell couldn't do too much damage through that. Then the vet may check it out if you can get it there, see if there's ab underlying cause.

TheBurdenIsMine · 22/05/2024 10:57

I have seen several times in situations where a dog cannot be removed safely from a property that police dog handlers have come to help and transport to the vets to be pts.

If hes bitten, no rescue will touch him and the trust is now gone, hes not safe anywhere near your children.

My suggestion would be PTS im afraid, whether i get flamed for it or not.

StrongTea · 22/05/2024 10:59

Can you place an open crate in the area he is in and drop treats into it, hopefully you can secure him in there. Sounds like he is in pain.