This is really long. Sorry.
DH's dog is very very old and has an enormous list of problems, but essentially is still in sickeningly good health physically. He and I have never really gelled but I'm really fond of the old codger, and I've done most of his care for years and years.
We've recently had a lot of upheaval and the dogs have unavoidably had a shit time, disrupted routine and confusing things to deal with. They've had supplements to help them cope, and DH's dog is on medication to counteract anxiety anyway.
The dog has, over recent years, become very grumbly and even aggressive at bedtime. He doesn't like being roused to go for a pee (fair enough) but he also struggles to go all night without wetting so we have had to be diplomatic and coax him out carefully to avoid conflict.
Since the upheaval recently he's started to go up to our bedroom and guard the bed. Tonight I tried to coax him off so I could get in but he became really aggressive and eventually cornered me, snarling at the backs of my legs for a minute or two before calming enough for me to edge away, at which point he followed me and I couldn't go further because the door opens inwards. He has history of biting, but not for years and it was always because we'd handled situations badly. Latterly, once we understood him better, we had no further problems. But I have no doubt that tonight I came close to being bitten.
Now, I deal with dog behaviour on a professional basis, and for that reason I'm giving myself a really hard time. I feel that I shouldn't be having these issues. But I also know I've been as diplomatic as possible with this dog, I've avoided conflict, rearranged situations to keep the peace and always tried to incentivise him to avoid aggression. And that's worked well. But he's too anxious to leave alone at night but dangerous if allowed to be in with us where he wants to be (he's crated in the kitchen tonight and not happy about it, but after what happened DH wanted him there, understandably I guess).
DH had said he thinks that it's time to put him to sleep. I'm not sure - it seems like the poor dog has had a really rough week and we should try harder to manage the situation. But DH is also worried about the DC. The dog has never shown any aggression towards them and is never in a position where they could be at risk from him, but I sympathise with DH because tonight was scary.
Honestly I was scared - I deal with dogs which are stressed and aggressive every day, but I've never really felt cornered like I did tonight and normally if he gets grumpy I can placate him by backing off. This time he just kept coming. Who knows if there are other physical issues at play. So maybe it's time. But I just don't know :(