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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Original poster

Bloody dog just bit dh on the face.

336 replies

VivaLeBeaver · 23/08/2013 16:37

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.

OP posts:
Maryz · 23/08/2013 18:08

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
VivaLeBeaver · 23/08/2013 18:20

Thanks for all the best wishes.

Dh is talking now and says the dog did growl at him first but dh ignored the warning and carried on approaching the dog, he says he was talking nicely to the dog trying to calm him down, etc. which makes me feel a bit better, combined with the fact he'd literally returned from his first time in kennels two hours earlier.

We always muzzle him if people are here or we're out where he will be close to people.

He's fine on his off lead walks every day with my friends and their dogs. Trots along happily and no sign of aggression.

We'll sleep on it over the weekend and see ow we feel next week.

OP posts:
Original poster
VivaLeBeaver · 23/08/2013 18:21

And I think the dog knows he's crossed a line. He's doing big eyes at dh and hadn't growled or snapped at him since!

OP posts:
Floralnomad · 23/08/2013 18:28

Have you tried making your husband the main carer for this dog ? I wonder if he would feel differently about your husband if that was where all the food and walks came from ?

Original poster
VivaLeBeaver · 23/08/2013 18:31

I have told dh this. He won't walk the dog, we got a dog on the understanding I'd do all that as dh isn't overly keen on dogs.

Dh is supposed to feed him but I've ended up doing it again so we'll be stricter on that. Thanks.

OP posts:
Original poster
VivaLeBeaver · 23/08/2013 18:32

Dh does give him lots of treats every day. First thing dh does when he comes back from work is go to the fridge and give the dog bits of cheese.

OP posts:
QuietNinjaTardis · 23/08/2013 18:32

So the dog has bitten at least 5 different people? And you going to see how you feel next week? Seriously? I can see how it's a difficult decision when it's solved family pet but really? What if the next person he bites is a small toddler/child?

QuietNinjaTardis · 23/08/2013 18:34

When its a loved family pet! What is wrote made no sense!

QuietNinjaTardis · 23/08/2013 18:34

Jeez I can't type for toffee today, sorry!

Original poster
VivaLeBeaver · 23/08/2013 18:37

Like I say we muzzle him now out of the house. So I think the chances of him getting to bite anyone are very unlikely.

OP posts:
Maryz · 23/08/2013 18:37

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
VivaLeBeaver · 23/08/2013 18:37

Or if people come here.

OP posts:
Maryz · 23/08/2013 18:39

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

IslaValargeone · 23/08/2013 18:39

He's bitten 5 people, including one of your dd's friends and the last bite was on the face, but because the dog is doing 'big eyes' at your dh you are rethinking whether he needs to go?
I'm a dog lover, but I think he's a ticking bomb and really needs to go.

Lilyloo · 23/08/2013 18:40

I was just going to suggest maybe dh being his primary caregiver. Food , walks and playtime etc. even for just a short time ?
You sound like an amazing dog owner and I cannot imagine what a tough decision you are facing.
Good luck but ultimately you have to what's best for your family as well as the dog.

FannyFifer · 23/08/2013 18:42

Sod that, your poor DH.

I think the dog needs to go.

FannyFifer · 23/08/2013 18:43

What kind of dog is it out of interest?

Original poster
VivaLeBeaver · 23/08/2013 18:44

It's a Podengo.

OP posts:
Rooners · 23/08/2013 18:46

'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.'

No, it means he hasn't bitten you and dd yet, but is more than likely to at some point.

Sorry Viva. I like you and I feel for you but you cannot keep making excuses for this creature.

Original poster
VivaLeBeaver · 23/08/2013 18:47

I can't do anything this weekend anyway. I just keep hoping that things will improve and the last few weeks have actually been really good. The dog has been happy to see dh when he comes back from work and has run up to him wagging his tail. He never used to welcome him.

He's been growling at dh less and what growling there has been has been less serious.

He's been friendly to people when out and about inc people he's not met before. We've been working hard on socialising him.

Ill talk to the behaviourist next week.

OP posts:
Blatherskite · 23/08/2013 18:49

So neither the dog or your DH are comfortable in their own home?! DH because he's pussy footing around the dog and the dog because he is defensive of your DH.

Sounds like a recipe for disaster. They must both be constantly stressed.

Rooners · 23/08/2013 18:50

If things have been improving what do you think went wrong just now?

Floralnomad · 23/08/2013 18:51

Would DH not compromise on doing the walks just for a few days to see if it helps ( could your DD not persuade him) , if necessary you and DD go away for a couple of days and leave them to it ( probably kill or cure ) .

VoiceOfRaisin · 23/08/2013 18:52

You have had near unanimity on this thread. Ask yourself what it would take for you to make a decision to put the dog to sleep. Write it down. When he does that, then implement your decision. Otherwise you will have an ever slipping line. I expect last week you would have said he would have to go if he ever bit a family member on the face... I know this must be hard for you but you have to think about your DH too.

Toomuch2young · 23/08/2013 18:59

Any behaviourist worth anything would advise PTS.

This dog is a big risk. It has bitten at least 5 times and once on a face and once a child.

Your dog could seriously maim someone. You could be sent to prison. In some ways you sound responsible but in others terribly misguided.

A podengo is a difficult breed of dog. It is a primitive breed of dog, harder to train and manage than your average dog and even one brought as a tiny pup needs experienced handling. Add to that a difficult start, missing out on early critical socialisation periods and learning the basics early on no wonder this dog is behaving like this.

The fact you have allowed this dog to not only be in the position to bite family members, but also neighbours and even DDs friend shows you do not have the capability to keep this dog in a safe manner.

I am sorry this sounds harsh and I speak as the biggest dog lover, but I have seen sadly far to often the results of aggressive, unpredictable dogs and the damage they can cause.

Please, please see this from an outsider view and don't let your emotions and bond with the dog stop you from doing the right thing.