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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
EggcornAcorn · 22/05/2024 11:00

Is the 4 year old on the premises? If so, get him away to somewhere safe until the dog is removed. The dog warden is your best bet, to get the dog contained and then next steps considered.

IkeaMeatballGravy · 22/05/2024 11:00

This should have been investigated at the first signs of aggression. Now you have no choice but to have the dog put down, it cannot be responsibility rehomed and it cannot live in a house with a child.

If a vet won't even come out to it, you need to get the police involved.

SherrieElmer · 22/05/2024 11:00

You need to put it down. Sorry.
But you can't endanger the health of your child.
Your partner will be fine.

rwalker · 22/05/2024 11:01

I’m sorry I think you know it need to be PTS
the risk is enormous to your child especially but also you and your partner

even if you got a behaviour therapist could you honestly relax and trust it with your child

it’s a heartbreaking situation but everyone including the dog is suffering at the moment

please don’t look at it being re homed

Bemusedandconfusedagain · 22/05/2024 11:02

Could you ask the vet to prescribe some sort of sedative that you could disguise in some food, then once he is sedated pop a muzzle on and get him to the vet to be checked? I appreciate that likely means pipping to Pets at Home or similar to get a muzzle.

TomeTome · 22/05/2024 11:02

Call the dog warden. They are very kind and will know how to handle the situation and explain the options. Your 4 year old needs to go somewhere else and the dog may have to be killed as things have got so bad.

Balloonhearts · 22/05/2024 11:03

Leave him to calm down for a few hours then see if he will come to you. He sounds like he's in a lot of pain or possibly has something wrong with him neurological. Can you get hold of some metacam or something to ease pain and put it in food he likes? Then if he's aggressive due to being in pain, he might relax enough for you to get him to a vet.

MrsPinkSky · 22/05/2024 11:04

It doesn't necessarily HAVE to be PTS if for example it has an ear infection, which is a common reason why dogs attack people who come near them.

They appear territorial but they're just protecting themselves.

Bemusedandconfusedagain · 22/05/2024 11:04

For everyone wanting the dog PTS I think the dog should at least be checked by a vet first as it is possible the dog is in a lot of pain which has caused the change in behaviour.

Muthaofcats · 22/05/2024 11:05

Yes he will need to be put down. Do you want to risk keeping this dog around your child?

Hoppinggreen · 22/05/2024 11:08

people should read properly.
The dog has been becoming increasingly aggressive so its not a new thing, although it could be medical if it hasn't been checked and there is no suggestion of the dog being abused by anyone.
OP seems to realise that euthansia may be the best option but in order to do/investigate that she needs to get the dog to a vet - which is what she is asking for help with
Will the vet give you sedatives for the dog OP? Or if you leave him alone will he calm down enough do you think?
It sounds very difficult for you all, I hope your Partner recovers well and you manage to find a safe solution for all of you

MrsGhastlyCrumb · 22/05/2024 11:09

With a sudden onset of aggression like this, pain absolutely needs to be ruled out as a factor before anything else. Obviously the safety of your family comes first, but if the dog can be sedated and seen ASAP without risking any further harm to anyone that is what I would be trying.

PalePurplePumpkin · 22/05/2024 11:09

Hoppinggreen · 22/05/2024 11:08

people should read properly.
The dog has been becoming increasingly aggressive so its not a new thing, although it could be medical if it hasn't been checked and there is no suggestion of the dog being abused by anyone.
OP seems to realise that euthansia may be the best option but in order to do/investigate that she needs to get the dog to a vet - which is what she is asking for help with
Will the vet give you sedatives for the dog OP? Or if you leave him alone will he calm down enough do you think?
It sounds very difficult for you all, I hope your Partner recovers well and you manage to find a safe solution for all of you

The dog has been becoming increasingly aggressive so its not a new thing

Which is why it could've been in pain for months.

MrsGhastlyCrumb · 22/05/2024 11:11

As @PalePurplePumpkin says, although hands up for posting before seeing the update about there having been a more gradual onset.

BodenCardiganNot · 22/05/2024 11:13

@FlangeBoil

So he took him to a vet then to see what was up?
Did you ask the OP if she took her dog to the vet to see what was up? Or is it just a way to blame the man?

SherrieElmer · 22/05/2024 11:18

Kind reminder that it was only yesterday when a woman was mauled to death by her own dogs.

So do the right thing: get rid of the dog. Ideally, put it down.

PowerTulle · 22/05/2024 11:20

OP you need a crate. Just lock the dog in the house now and go out now and buy one. Get the dog in there using food. Then at least you can get the dog secure and yourselves immediately safe from harm. You can then transfer to vet.

No rescue will take a dog with a serious bite history. Vet is your only option and they can sedate and check the dog over, or pts.

Brain injury or disease can occasionally cause this behavior which will only be diagnosed with X-rays.

scrapsontheside · 22/05/2024 11:20

The dog regardless of size is dangerous, I had the most loving terrier cross who was gently & loving then one day bit my face, I'm not sure who was more surprised her or me, we had other dogs and young family members/friends with kids who visited often. We knew she could not be trusted, she had to be crated separately.
She got worse seemed to be in a daze was on and off aggressive then her lovely self obviously we had her checked over but no signs of why she was hurt or acting out. Her aggression got worse and she was sad, nothing like herself.
We looked at loads of options but knew she couldn't be rehomed as it was passing on the problem we had to have her PTS she needed so much extra of the drug for it to work it was awful. The vets suspected she had a brain bleed or stroke which had "rewired her brain" or she was on. Instant pain that why she had changed so much. She was a healthy four year old cross bread with zero issues before this.
When you own a pet you have to make hard decisions

maw1681 · 22/05/2024 11:24

I'm a dog owner and lover but no way I would have this dog around a 4 yo, it's not worth the risk.
I know you love the dog but it's time to say goodbye. You could see if there's a rescue place that would consider taking it and rehoming but not sure how likely that is for a dog that's been aggressive. Being PTS might be the kindest thing

Peach0123 · 22/05/2024 11:35

Is there any way you can guide the dog away from its territorial area? I really feel for you OP, been in same position with a very large breed dog. No one would come help. Police (last resort) said if they attended with a handler I would be charged for keeping a dangerous dog. Whether that was to put me off or what, don't know. In the end got him away from the bed area and he calmed down enough to muzzle until we got to vet. No pain issues, it was behavior related (rescue GSD, we were not informed of the issues by them).
Maybe try posting on fb and get hold of someone to help and or a muzzle to borrow until you can get him to the vet. Best of luck 💐

PalePurplePumpkin · 22/05/2024 11:42

BodenCardiganNot · 22/05/2024 11:13

@FlangeBoil

So he took him to a vet then to see what was up?
Did you ask the OP if she took her dog to the vet to see what was up? Or is it just a way to blame the man?

It was me who said that and I said it in response to the OP saying...

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

If the OP had said that about herself, I would've asked her 🙄

Thisoldheartofmine · 22/05/2024 11:43

@Hoppinggreen
people should read properly.
The dog has been becoming increasingly aggressive so its not a new thing, although it could be medical if it hasn't been checked and there is no suggestion of the dog being abused by anyone.
OP seems to realise that euthansia may be the best option but in order to do/investigate that she needs to get the dog to a vet - which is what she is asking for help with
Should -but won't
What a distressing situation .Hope the OP gets help.

LadyR77 · 22/05/2024 11:45

There is no way on earth I'd risk having the dog anywhere near a child now. Really sorry, OP, but I'd say the only option is to PTS.

Thisoldheartofmine · 22/05/2024 11:45

OP you need a crate. Just lock the dog in the house now and go out now and buy one. Get the dog in there using food. Then at least you can get the dog secure and yourselves immediately safe from harm. You can then transfer to vet.

No rescue will take a dog with a serious bite history. Vet is your only option and they can sedate and check the dog over, or pts.

Brain injury or disease can occasionally cause this behavior which will only be diagnosed with X-rays.

this^^

Cantgetausername87 · 22/05/2024 11:45

Is this even a question? Get the dog warden over ASAP. I hope your husband is OK. If you can't get the dog removed you need to keep your child away from the house