If you had to rehome one dog ...

[PissyPantsPeach]

Sensitive subject but ...

I have two dogs. A 4 year old French Bulldog (male) and a 1 year old Doberman (female).

All was well for months but recently they have gotten into a few fights. The Frenchie always starts them. He gets nasty, growls at her if she goes near him (sometimes, not always) and he is food possessive and possessive over treats and bones. My Dobie is 100% trustworthy, I can take anything from her mouth without so much as a second glance. I couldn’t do that with the Frenchie as he’d go for my hand.

I love both of my dogs and have no intentions of rehoming either of them but after a nasty fight last night where my husband ended up getting bitten (by Frenchie) as he tried to separate them but thought has been sifting through my head that it might have to be considered at some point.

Now obviously I’ll get a behaviourist in and work on it before doing anything else but if push came to shove ... one of them could end up being killed (let’s be honest, it wouldn’t be the Dobie).

In my mind, if It came to it I think it would have to be the Frenchie that was rehomed. He’d be much more rehomable due to his size and breed. My mum has already asked a number of times if she can have him as both her and her husband love him.
My Dobie would end up stuck in a shelter and I dread to think of where she’d end up. She’s not the easiest dog to handle and couldn’t be around kids.

I don’t know, it’s not an option I’m genuinely thinking about right now but after the fight last night I can’t help but think we might have to at some point 😢 AIBU to think of it did have to go that way, the Frenchie would be the obvious choice even though we had him first?

Unless your Mum is prepared to put a lot into training with your Frenchie then they're going to be a ticking time bomb unfortunately. This behaviour needs to be stamped out before it gets any further because by then it'll be too late and the only option left will be to pts.
I would contact the French Bulldog breed rescue for help rehoming. Right now it's not too late for them to turn things around. They know the breed backwards, will be shit hot on behavioural issues and are very very picky with who they rehome them with, making sure they only go to a home they can trust will be devoted to your dog and continue to work on any issues. I think they have quite a waiting list of fantastic homes so if at least have a chat with them and get some advice.

To me the solution seems obvious. The Frenchie goes to live with your Mum. You know he will be loved there, presumably you know your Mum will be a good owner, and you will still get to be a part of his life.

I rehomed one of two dogs I had years ago. They didn't fight, but one had a very large and bouncy personality while the other was shy and timid. He was completely dominated by the other dog. In the new home, my shy and timid dog flourished and became so much happier and self-confident. It was hard to do, but it became very quickly clear that it was absolutely the best thing to do.

Stop giving them bones and free access to food together for a start. The Dobbie might not seem to have issues yet but that’s absolutely no guarantee that it’ll forever put up with the Frenchie or anyone else after being used to getting into bar brawls for a biscuit.

You’d be easier to rehome a “safer” large breed than a dog who has bitten and gone for people on several occasions.. remove size and breed from the problem. Dog a is known to be aggressive and resource guard, dog b is not, generally a playful clumsy pup but otherwise sound.. what dog do you want? The biter or the pup?

Dm is a good solution even with a behaviourist in tow, giving Frenchie space to be calm and not on guard while learning to cope with the clumsy mammoth you brought back. And if they can’t cohabit you’d know he wasn’t being passed like a parcel because he’d nipped xyz or they’d had a baby etc.

It doesn’t sound like separating them is a very good option you need to be able to relax at home without worrying. If your mum wants the little one and she can love him and care for him then I would let her have him. Your Dobbie can then be the lovely dog he sounds he is and everyone can be happy. Plus you can still see the frenchie it’s not like your rehoming to a stranger and not sure of his happiness. Best thing for everyone x

You sound like you love both your dogs and this must be an extremely heart breaking (and terrifying!) situation for you. I’d definitely suggest rejoining your frenchie with your parents if the behaviourist doesn’t work - at least then you’ll have peace of mind that he’ll be well cared for. Definitely not an easy decision and not one id want to make in your position either

Your dobie is growing up and less likely to let other dogs walk all over her.

I'd vote for rehoming the frenchie to your parents' house, too. That way you will still be able to visit him and it's not an unfamiliar territory for him either.

Dogs do not really care about firsts, but they do care about peace.

I’d rehime the Frenchie to your mum pretty much now, alongside booking the behaviourist to work with him and your mum. Pay for the behaviourist and keep paying his insurance etc.

Both dogs sound like they are escalating.

A dog with a bite history is much more likely not to be rehomed and could end up getting put down. If your mum will take Frenchie and is able o cope with his aggression issues that sounds like a good option - but I would avoid taking Dobie when you visit her. If she can't cope and you have to take Frenchie back, then I would rehome Dobie as a better temperament and younger will be easier to rehome despite the breed.

It sounds like both your dogs would be happier as only dogs.

Sorry you're in this situation.