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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

Deciding to have dog pts

51 replies

joystir59 · 10/05/2021 21:26

My JRT bit me this evening because I was packing some of his food up ready for a journey tomorrow. Last week he bit my friend because she pointed her finger near him when he was excited. He has bitten everyone in the family including me several times. Some of the bites have been serious aggressive deliberate bite requiring medical attention. I love him dearly but I cannot continue with a dog when the only way I can keep him and everyone safe is to muzzle him for his whole waking life.

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TracyHorrobin · 10/05/2021 22:24

I think if you make the decision to have him pts you have to forgive yourself by reminding yourself that you and family have given him a kind and loving home for 4 years. I'm sure that your wife would understand that you had tried to find another way but had been unable to. Perhaps it might help if you think about the advice you would give to a friend or family member with the same dilemma.

Welshcakes03 · 11/05/2021 09:50

Yes I have to do the same OP I just keep putting it off. My head is fighting with my heart. I feel for you I really do its a awful decision too make.

DancesWithTortoises · 11/05/2021 09:55

I think you have to, sad though it is.

Original poster
joystir59 · 11/05/2021 14:20

I've contacted a local well respected dog psychologist/trainer who is going to come and do a full assessment of my dog and advise me on what if anything could be achieved to improve his behaviour.

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Floralnomad · 11/05/2021 14:39

@joystir59 at least doing it that way you will know that you’ve tried everything you could .

Original poster
joystir59 · 11/05/2021 14:42

@Floralnomad
Yes.

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Original poster
joystir59 · 11/05/2021 14:45

@fruitpastille
This is so sad. I remember you posting with such affection for your dog before (I also have a rescue JRT so remembered). It sounds like contacting Battersea might be a good first step. He probably can't be rehomed though. Does he seem happy when he's not behaving like this? You shouldn't have to endure you and your family being bitten
Yes, incredibly sad. I've spoken to a well respected local dog psychologist and trainer this morning who will come and do an assessment of my dog's behaviour and advise me on what if anything could be don'me.

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KaleSlayer · 11/05/2021 15:15

Good update OP. I hope they can help. But if they can’t, at least you know you will have tried to do all you can. Best wishes. 🐾

PollyRoulson · 11/05/2021 19:49

Make sure the behaviourist is qualified so an APBC member.

Losing Lulu is a facebook group for people who have gone through having a dog euthanised due to behaviour issues. It is supportive and non judgemental.

Lastchancesaloon07 · 11/05/2021 20:50

I had to do this last year. Our dog we had from 10 weeks turned into a whole new dog at around 2 years old, he was bitten by another dog and his behaviour changed almost instantly. He bit my son-badly on the face, myself countless times and nipped at everyone he came in contact with, he was incredibly nervous and only happy when our running in quiet woods or fields. I tried a behaviourist and medication but neither worked and we had to put him to sleep at almost 4 years old after a terrible incident where he went for me. I won’t lie-it was one of the most traumatic things I’ve been through BUT he would have caused further harm and in no way could he have been helped, ultimately I believe he would have bitten and I would have been forced to put him to sleep. We had a wonderful final day with him and I was able to be with him while he passed away. I’m sending all my thoughts to you, it’s a horrendous choice to have to make and I sympathise hugely.

ThankYouHunkyJesus · 11/05/2021 23:03

I think it would be the responsible thing to do to have him put to sleep. Dogs don't know anything about it, they just fall asleep and that's that. He can't be a happy dog living like that. And to be frank, it's been shown that you can't keep other people safe by the number of people he's been able to bite.

Original poster
joystir59 · 12/05/2021 06:26

@PollyRoulson
Thank you for the link I've applied to join the group.

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Original poster
joystir59 · 12/05/2021 06:43

@PollyRoulson she is APBC qualified with 30 years experience.

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Muminabun · 13/05/2021 09:40

Hi op I am on my third rescue jrt so have some experience of this breed. They are a loyal and affectionate breed. Indiscriminate reactive biting like this is not a characteristic of the breed especially toward the owner. Jacks normally adore and respect their owners. The dog may have fear aggression because he is traumatised which is a difficult thing to deal with and may not be solvable by a behaviourist. The other issue may be pain related or neurological in which case a vet may be of some help. It sound severe and unless you are willing to live with it then putting the dog down may be the sad conclusion but the right thing to do.

Original poster
joystir59 · 14/05/2021 00:23

@Muminabun He does adore and respect me, he is absolutely and utterly loyal. He is also a very worried dog who I believe experienced a big trauma with his previous owner that means he has a very short fuse and will not tolerate anything he perceives as an offence.

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Original poster
joystir59 · 14/05/2021 00:25

He has been through so much.

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Original poster
joystir59 · 15/05/2021 19:25

Just wanted to give an update for all the kind people who have helped on this thread. A behaviourist came and assessed Milo and I today and gave me HOPE!! She suggested lots of practical ways of managing Milo much more effectively and reducing his stress and anxiety. I'm also getting a second opinion from someone else highly respected and I will be speaking to the vet next week. I feel hopeful and feel that with hard work I can make progress and prevent further bites, and manage him when other people are around to make sure they are safe too.

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Original poster
joystir59 · 15/05/2021 19:26

I at least have to try

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XelaM · 15/05/2021 19:30

Your dog is really lucky to have you! Not many people would be willing to put all this work in. On a side note, my dog is also called Milo! We have our fingers and paws crossed for you 🤞🏻 🐾

Aprilwasverywet · 15/05/2021 19:31

Op I have started using some vet recommended herbal pills to our stressed and anxious dpuppy (18 months).. Her behaviour changed withing a fortnight.. Let me know if you want the details PM.
Glad you boy is still with you!

KaleSlayer · 15/05/2021 19:34

Oh OP, that’s really good news. Milo is a lucky boy to have you.
Keep us updated if you can. 🐾

Floralnomad · 15/05/2021 19:36

That sounds great @joystir59 .

Original poster
joystir59 · 15/05/2021 19:45

To be honest I know if I have him PTS without really trying I will find it very very difficult to move on.

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Original poster
joystir59 · 15/05/2021 19:46

What is key is me recognising that he will always have to be carefully managed or he will bite. I can't ever expect that time patience love and luck will sort him out.

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KaleSlayer · 15/05/2021 19:52

What is key is me recognising that he will always have to be carefully managed or he will bite. I can't ever expect that time patience love and luck will sort him out.

Bless you OP. I really love my dogs and it would break my heart to have to have one PTS due to behaviour. But in your position if I got my dog in as good a place as he can be, using professional help, I would then judge if it was something that I could manage...and if he had a good quality of life. I think you can’t be constantly on alert, that’s not good for anyone.
See what the next few weeks/months bring, but no one will judge you if you try everything and it’s still to hard to manage. You will have done everything possible and you shouldn’t feel bad.

But for now, take all the advice, put the work in and pray it gets to something you can manage. ❤️