To have my dog put to sleep?

[NotAHun]

Not sure this is the right place to be posting this. Long time poster but name changed for privacy...

We have a small ish breed dog. She’s 5, over the last year she’s bitten 2 of my dc one twice, and two other times when people have knocked at door, once when taking a toy off of her, she’s also bitten me hard enough that I lost my nail. She just punctured ds’s arm right on the bony bit and through a long sleeved top and jumper because he tried to push her away as he opened the door to let me in (I hadn’t knocked and she would have heard it was my voice the other side of the door.

I cannot walk her off lead as she would definitely bite a toddler unprovoked she hates tiny children! My dc are all over 5. I don’t feel comfortable re homing her because no one can guarantee that they never come into contact with children and I feel responsible.

It’s awful because we all love her but if ds had been wearing a t shirt and not a jumper she could’ve done serious damage. I feel so guilty at the thought of having her pts but no idea what to do.

I am dreading it

Rescue centres rehome loads of dogs who don't like kids, they just make sure it goes to a family who don't have any

It's bitten op as well. And other dogs. Not just kids. It's for op and the vet to decide the best course of action, for all parties.

I can only imagine how your heart must be breaking. But you are fulfilling your responsibility. X

@CymaticPrincess88 Why? @NotAHun is obviously a caring pet owner. She has other dogs that are not a problem. What she is doing is being a responsible pet owner. She is not doing it lightly. The dog has had several chances, she has sought help. Imagine if the dog was rehomed and attacked a small child. The people advocating the dog being rehomed with someone who will keep it away from kids are unrealistic. My neighbour has two lovely dogs. She keeps them under control. One day one of them slipped her lead and chased our cat through our living room window and up the stairs. If she'd been going after a child, we would not have been able to stop her. You don't take risks with other people's children because of some misguided ideas about saving every dog, no matter what their problems.

Just want to say that I think you are doing 100% the right thing both by your family and also your dog. In your position I would do exactly the same. I say this as a lifelong dog owner of both rescues and non-rescues who has consulted behaviourists for dog issues. Biting, however, is where I would absolutely draw the line. Well done for making such a difficult decision, but ultimately the right one.

@NotAHun you are doing the best and most kind thing you can do. its hard,but there is no alternative.

@CymaticPrincess88 why? The OP is clearly a loving and careful owner. You've added no possible solution at all. Lots of people me included think she's doing the right thing. Should she wait until the dogs badly hurt someone, would that really be sensible?

I'm sport OP it was a tough choice but one you had to make.

I'm sorry not sport!

You’re doing the right thing. Unfortunately I think this is the right outcome for many of the dogs who end up in shelters. Controversial I know. But you have to consider how many people would be willing to take on a rescue dog in the first place. Of those, how many would take in a dog with a history of biting? And then with the rules rescues put in place about working/garden size/children etc, there are not enough homes to go around. You have to consider the quality of life of the animal too, moving around foster homes away from the family then know and love or being placed in kennels.

There are wider issues to consider obviously about the disposable attitude people seem to have to pets, and the availability of puppies to people who are wholly unsuitable to be owners in the first place.

In this instance though OP you are doing the kindest, most responsible thing. I’m very sorry you’re in this situation.

@SerenDippitty that would be like you spending the rest of your life in jail.

It’s done. It was instant and peaceful and I still know it was right but I still feel awful

@NotAHun be kind to yourself, you made the best choice in difficult circumstances

Even the right decision can be painful.

I am sorry for your loss. You did the right thing. It may not feel like it at the moment, but it was the right decision.

Your mind was made up from the get go. Nobody here could change your mind anyways. For that YABU. I hope she’s at peace & your other dogs + kids can relax ☺️

To an extent yes, my mind was swaying towards pts, because I know my dog. But having spoken to a vet and a vet friend I do think that it was the right choice

You definitely did the right thing for everyone including ddog

CymaticPrincess88 how vile. And imo wrong.

@NotAHun Sending a hug.

@Proseccoinamug I agree.

@NotAHun you did the right thing, and a very brave thing. i wish there were more pet owners like you.
Having a pet means doing what is best for them - and this was the best alternative unfortunately
Virtual hug

Your children are your priority, but it's not the dogs fault. Be open with a rehoming centre. There is a home perfect for her somewhere ❤️

Sounds like you've already made your mind up.

If you can't be bothered to spend the time training and correcting the problem, you should send her to be rehomed with someone who will make the effort.

I'm sorry OP. It sounds like absolutely the right thing to do. Be kind to yourself.

@45andfine no , there really isn’t. dogs that are lnown to be aggressive and have bitten multiple times just get put down, but first go through being away from their family and stuck in a cage. it is a very cruel and cowardly thing to give a dog like that to a rescue. The op did the right thing - put her down, and stay with her until the end.