Bloody dog just bit dh on the face.

[VivaLeBeaver]

I'm in bits, I really thought things were getting better.

We've done everything, behaviourist, etc. only had the dog since May and he's been aggressive since we got him home. Initially with me and dh, now he's fine with me but still nips dh. Though its always been on the back of the leg before. Dog has always been fine with dd, always.

Dh bent down to pick a Pringles tube up off the floor and says the dog just launched himself at dh. I didn't see it happen, dh is dripping blood.

My head tells me this is the end of the road for the dog.

sorry to hear this. Have you had him from a puppy? It's sad but you must of course put your safety first.

Oh Viva :( You've done so much. I'm so sorry. I'm not going to tell you what to do, just say that I understand how hard you've worked and how heartbreaking this must be. Is your DH badly hurt? Does he need to go to A&E?

So sorry to hear this but at least you know you've really tried with this dog . Hope your DH is not too badly injured .

Oh Viva , you were doing so well, you've all being trying so hard. How is dh?

At least you know there will be good advice and support coming soon.

We've had him since he was six months old, I think he was very unsocialised. Dh isn't a dog person so that doesn't help. He's made a real effort with the dog, playing with him,etc.

But it's things like when he moves towards the dog he doesn't talk to the dog. I would imagine he didn't acknowledge the dog before going to pick the Pringles tube up and the dog freaked out. But I feel like I'm always making excuses for the dog.

Dh doesn't need a&e. he's put some pressure on (and savlon), its stopped bleeding. He's not in a good mood now, which I can understand.

Dd is not going to take this well.

:( Did the breeder ever get back to you?

Viva, whatever decisions you have to make next you and dh have considered the dogs welfare. Keep doing so, dd will be upset yes, but if its getting too much for you she will have to understand x

No, never heard from the breeder.

The dogs just been in kennels for 4 days so I suppose might be a bit unsettled. But then its not exactly out of character for him??? He does nip dh quite a bit but the last few weeks he's only been snarling/growling rather than nipping.

What does your DH want to do?

Was he snappy with the people at the kennels ?

I'm really sorry. Horrible when a dog's had a bad start in life - responsible people always end up feeling guilty about it when its the irresponsible people who let it become undersocialised in the first place who should be feeling guilty. The thing you need to remember is that its really stressful for dogs to be feeling nervous enough to have to attack, so euthanasia can be the kindest thing for them.

Ah Viva. What a sad situation for your family and you have tried so hard.

May I ask how much pleasure your dog brings to your family? I know the young dog phase is bloody hard work regardless but you have been through a lot already.

Sympathies anyway.

Dh currently isn't talking to me but I know he'd have the dog put down without hesitation. He would have done before this to be honest.

How much joy does the dog bring us? Well he brings dd a lot of joy which brings me joy. He's like her shadow. I enjoy walking him in the morning after dd has gone to school.

In the evenings and at weekends it's as stressful as hell as the dog spends most of his time lunging at dh. He chases dh upstairs, if dh shuts himself in his office the dog literally prowls in circles outside waiting for him. Dh can't move, talk, sneeze without the dog growling and snarling and me having to intervene.

TBH I can see why your husband is pissed off ,he should be able to move around his own home without fear of being attacked . Perhaps there is a possibility of him being rehomed if he finds a family with no men that he doesn't like rather than PTS , although that will be a difficult ask . Do pordengo s have a breed rescue that could advise ?

Agree with Floral tbh. It might be best to get some expert advice on where to go from here. There are no easy answers :(

It isn't just dh he's bitten though.

He's bitten my mum, my sil, my neighbour and be of dd's friends. All nips rather then bad bites but enough to bruise badly. So I don't think it's just dh he hates....rather he only likes me and dd.

There is a breed rescue so I,ll talk to them next week but to be honest I feel it would be kinder to the dog to pts rather than to stress him out more. Rescues are full of non aggressive dogs so the chances of him been rehomed are slim. I'd rather take him to the vets and hold him myself while he's pts rather than him been scared with a stranger doing it after a few weeks in kennels.

Umm, it sounds as though your dog has broken through a really important inhibition barrier. If he can do it with DH he can do it with others.

I'm afraid I am with DH on this dog, although you could think about rehoming.

Before you have him PTS, might be worth talking to your behaviourist to see if they know anyone who might be able to take the dog on.

It's clear that you and your DH aren't happy to continue with the dog, and I'm in no way saying you should keep him if it's going to lead to injury and unhappiness all round, but am just hopeful that there might be someone with more time/expertise/patience/whatever it is that this pup needs to rehabilitate him.

Also, it might be easier on your DD if she knows the dog's gone to someone who can give him another chance.

Do you know if it's a fear of men driving him, or a space issue (i.e. anyone moving unexpectedly too close to him)? Am at work, so can't read your previous posts at the mo.

Really sorry that you're going through this, it sounds like a nightmare situation.

The only practical advice I can give you would be to see if your doctor (or vet) could prescribe some Flamazine for your DH to put on the bite wounds; it's mainly used for burns, but is wonderful on bite wounds; I was bitten by a very frightened ferret at the weekend and the flamazine took any infection away before it set in, as well as soothing the bruising. It now looks a fortnight old rather than 5 days.

Oh Viva. I think you should go with your gut. No one can say you haven't tried your very hardest with this dog. Many would have given up long before x

Sorry, but like you say, there are so many NON aggressive dogs needing homes that there just isn't space for ones that are aggressive having had lots of chances. You can't risk the dog attacking someone more badly. How old is DD? Can you tell her the old line about the dog going to live in the country? If she is older, then it will be a sad but real life lesson. Sorry you have this dilemma.

Oh how heartbreaking, it sounds like you have all tried so hard for this chap.

The problem is this isn't one off, it's not provoked, it's biting people in a fairly ' random' way. This means he is dangerous. Legally and morally you are going to have to keep him muzzled and on a lead at all times in a public place. One bite to the wrong person or in the wrong place could be a serious injury or lead to charges against you.

You are totally correct in the rescues being full to busting of none aggressive dogs needing homes. The chances of someone suitable coming along that could guarantee public safety also is sadly almost nil.

I work with animals and it is heartbreaking, but I feel your only option is to take him and cuddle him while he is humanely put to sleep. I say this as a professional who has taken dogs off people and rehomed them when they came in wishing for euthanasia, I have also had dogs myself that have shown aggression but from the history you are giving of your dog I don't see a workable solution other than PTS.

Sending you lots of strength whatever your decision you have nothing to feel guilt over.