Vallhalla, please help!

[izzybiz]

Hi, a friend of mine has asked for advice over FB regarding her 10 year old Staff, she has always been a little nippy, but has recently attacked another dog and bitten its owner (he was trying to seperate them) and now the staff has bitten one of my friends Dc.
The vet has advised her to have the dog PTS, she obviously is heartbroken, but is worried for the Dc now.

I have told her I'll try and get her some numbers of someone that may be able to advise/help in a better way.

We are in Hants by the way- hope you can give us some advice.

Crikey... firstly my advice would be to change vets. Seriously. Not only is the current one's advice cruel it's also unnecessary and I'm shocked and disgusted at them.

Next, ensure that the dog has been or will be checked THOROUGHLY for all possible health problems which could have caused this... a full body check, blood tests, dental check, the works.

Then if they all come up clear the next move should be to consult a qualified behaviouralist. A decent vet, reputable rescue or trainer should be able to recommend a good one - ensure the owner goes to a registered one.

Meantime, obviously use a stairgate to seperate dog and children and muzzle the dog using a Baskerville type muzzle as opposed to a fabric one when in public. Depends on the current set up in the home but the family might consider that a crate and/or a very clear area such as a bed in the corner of kitchen is an idea so that pooch can retire there when fed up with the chaos of family life and know that he'll be undisturbed.

Depends where in Hants you are but I do have a volunteer friend in the New Forest area (lucky cow!) who may be able to suggest a more sensible vet and support if you are in that area too. Let me know if that helps.

Am trying to "think on my feet here" and not being very productive - others will have far better advice than I. Minimu is a professional trainer - I'll direct her this way and have a think and will come back to you asap when my brain's in gear.

Thanks for that Val, what I'll do is private message her on Fb and copy & paste what you have put. I haven't heard from her today, am really hoping nothings been done yet.

All your advice is greatly appreciated, thanks again.