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.

Im with you iridog, and hope that the breed rescue may be able to suggest a suitable home?. Im a vet nurse and have successfully rehomed dogs that have bitten to people - in the right home(without children, or a man in this case) it can work. My dogs have bitten and pts isnt something id consider myself, and i adopted them knowing they were bitters. They are so small a bite is never going to actually do any harm (i know i probably took the worst bite from one of them when I broke up a fight). I think this dog is small, id say rehoming to the right place through breed rescue might be an option.

I dont want to be causing you anquish by coming out against the consensus, But wanted to say my own feelings about my bitting dogs as its very one sided on here about what you should do, and only you know the dog and your situation. Its clearly a really hard time for you and your family and theres no nice solution and hope you are all ok.

Unfortunately this dog has had enough chances.
Im sorry to say, it's time to pts.
I say this as a dog lover but with a child in the house there is no other option imo

Trying to sit on my hands so as not to reply but why on earth would you put your dd at risk (along with all of the other people the dog has nipped/bitten?

I just don't see why you would consider anything other than finding the dog a new home and until then, not letting it near anyone...especially your dd.

If the breed rescue gets back, and if they can come up with a sensible alternative which won't just cause the dog more stress, then fine - but the OP and her longsuffering DH can't maintain this situation much longer.

I think the OP said the pts appointment is for over a week away - so plenty of time to give a good try to finding a new suitable home. Good luck & hope it works! id speak to the vets & behaviouralist too in case of a new home- most vet nurses I know have adopted a bitter from this exact situation happening! If the appointment was made in my practice wed have been ringing breed rescue for you rather than agreeing to pts - last time someone asked to pts a small dog biter (a minature poodle-hardly a serious risk!) poodle rescue found a suitable home for it nearby that morning and I took him over myself. Am I wrong in thinking this is a small young dog? I do think theres a good chance of a new life for him in a home with no children.

Ah apologies- I now see the breed comes in large size! is he big or small as bigger will be more risky and harder to home yes.

Viva, just know that everyone is sharing your heartbreak and knows you have done your utmost. He sounds like a woman only dog. But if that is not realistic, then you are right in your decision. And will think of you on 7th.

But do get.dd and DH to choose a puppy together as soon as you can. We all say never again at that age, but the former dog has taught us to love and there will be a dog shaped hole in all your hearts.

If you can all exercise it, lab rescue is always looking for homes.

and what will she do when the new dog has issues............

FGS Iridog, Viva has done her best by this dog! Her DP has to HIDE FGS! I think if their next dog has issues the Viva will do her best by that one too.
This dog has bitten women and children and is now actively seeking out her DH to attack him. Where do you draw the line?

Please don't make me out as the sort of person who'd have a dog put down at the drop of a hat. I really think this is more than "issues"

We've had this dog for four months and he's been a near constant grind of stress and upset. Constantly having to reassure him or intervene and I mean constantly. I can't answer the phone / go to the loo without something kicking off when dh is home. If dh is downstairs and the dogs upstairs with me and the dog hears dh move/sneeze he tears down the stairs to growl and bark at him. I know dogs can be hard work but this is ridiculous.

Even today the dog seems stressed, I think because dd isn't here. He has spent most of the afternoon with his front legs wrapped round my arm while frantically licking by arm non stop for hours. Which isn't normal. And I can't see why he would be so stressed apart from dd not been here.

I cant believe the number of people saying find the dog a new home - when will it stop for this poor dog? Shunted from home to home getting steadily worse and all the while biting people until he gets put down after doing serious damage to someone. OP as hard as it is, you have to do whats right for the dog - in this case it isn't uprooting him yet again for more uncertainty - he may not end up with someone as caring as you next time.

The site linked to earlier does not seem to be updated very regularly and the Health Co-ordinator seems to be the breeder that Viva bought the dog from in the first place!

This club might be more helpful - in their statement of ethics (scroll down in the link) they say that any member who is kicked out of the Kennel Club will not be able to remain a member!

Even if you are not in their area, I really think it might be worth ringing one of the committee to see what they suggest.

Good luck!

Viva, I don't think anyone really thinks you're taking an easy out, here. It's obvious that you love this dog. Fact is (and it's an issue I struggle with myself, as I have a fear aggressive dog) a dog is supposed to enhance your family life. You didn't get this dog expecting to have to revolve around its complex needs. You're out of your depth, and while yes, there are some people who are willing to work with dogs such as this one, I can't imagine you'll find them queuing around the block. I, personally, don't blame you for feeling that you, and the dog, have got to the end of the road. There are worse things that can happen to a scared dog than going to sleep in its owners arms, imo. If the rescue gets back to you, and they can help, brilliant. But if they don't or can't, I think you're very brave to take such a difficult decision.

Please ring the podengo rescue people again tonight. There are two contacts so hopefully you'll catch one of them. They may be able to source a suitable home - they are experienced with the breed & don't just rehome to any old Tom, Dick or Harry like many all breed rescues.

I am really worried that your DD is also going to get bitten especially as the dog is now so very stressed. Please persist with the rescue. Don't delay. You have done your best so don't feel bad.

I think in a case like this the dog will only be Ok if it finds a home with someone very dedicated, who will give it one to one attention and intensive training and be prepared to risk a few bites as well.

I don't know how likely this is - a dog with issues entering into a household filled with existing dynamics is going to struggle imo (I know very little about dogs but would say this about a child, about anything really)

I hope it either finds a home or has a peaceful passing if that is necessary.

I wish I understood about dogs.

If I sound like a bitch Maryz for saying a few words that then what would you call me if I killed my pets. I couldn't care a jot if you think I am a bitch

I am not saying Viva should keep the dog she has proven that she is not capable of this. BUT it is an owners responsibility to take the welfare of the animal seriously.

She has only had the dog for 4 months - 4 months that is no time at all. She has spoken to a behavourist who has not done a house visit. She is not willing to take this any further or muzzle the dog short term. Her DH is reluctant to act on the advice of the behaviourist. So her reluctance over this short space of time has become a death call for the dog.

She will not be passing the problem on if she is honest to the rescue centre and let the professional staff assess the dog. Listening to people on here who have no knowledge of dog behaviour and give the hysterical response when a dog reacts to pts just shows their ignorance.

Anyone who suggest she gets another dog is wrong - it is not the fact that this dog had issues but how she is dealing with it that is wrong. If you take on a pet you must take responsibility for it for as long as it takes, yes this is difficult and yes it takes time and may mean some difficulties but they can be overcome with muzzling etc in the short term.

There are sadly very many perfectly lovely dogs already in rescue of all breeds. Why would one with so many issues succeed when so many others don't?

As harsh as it sounds PTS is the best option for this dog and the family involved. It sounds as though he has many issues which are getting worse not better. Uprooting him will probably only make the issues worse. He is obviously distressed enough without adding to his problems.

It really is the kindest thing for HIM not the OP for him to be PTS. He won't know anything, isn't sat worrying about the 7th and feeling sad that he won't have achieved his life's dreams. He will simply go to sleep in his beloved owners arms.

It's very sad and a very difficult decision to make but the alternative is much worse. He could end up with someone on a ego trip to prove to everyone else that they know how to deal with a difficult dog. He could end up with someone who will try and beat his issues out of him, or simply take him to a moterway and open the door when he doesn't do as he should.

And as for ringing the Podengo Society if his breeder is involved I wouldn't bother. She let this family take him probably knowing that he has issues with men and won't get back in touch. Hardly a glowing recommendation I think.

Maryz, idir is not saying to put the dogs needs about the dd & dh safety - shes saying to rehome the dog - which dd would prefer id imagine? Plenty of dogs that have bitten/bite are rehomed every day. When I adopted my dogs the centre had its own behaviouralist who worked with me as much as I needed to make sure the dogs adapted to their move well. Rehoming is not the big issue people seem to think - especially for an interesting breed and for a young dog like this.

A proper behaviouralist consult in the home & lengthy training program would be the normal thing, and castration is another step that could be done - Im not saying by the OP as of course safety is essential - but in a new home without training things could very well be very different.

I am interested to know the size of the dog, and euthanasia is definitely not the only option - please dont think rehoming is a bad option - plenty of loving homes are out there that might work for this dog.

Maryz I have not said Viva has not tried, I have said Viva has not tried some things and that is a fact.

I have not said Viva does not care at any point at all. In many posts and pm have supported Viva and encourage her to get help ( not sure you have given any practical advice but hay ho)

I have said that getting another dog is not the solution and I stand by that.

If you want to bash me feel free pm me or start a bashin Idirdog thread but I don't think it is adding to this thread or helping the OP or the situation at all.

It also will never ever make me change my opinion on the situation so possibly a waste of your time tbh.

(just realisd my previous post should have said in a new home without children and with training...)