Gutted :(

Yours was a depressing story with an ultimately tragic outcome, but there was only one possible outcome and it's still awful having to call time on an otherwise healthy dog who could never be trusted or rehabilitated.

I do hope this was more a nature than nurture thing, as it would be unforgiveable to ruin a dog's temperament so comprehensively.

At least you tried and he did have twelve months of love and fun.

Sleep well Rossi.
 
I am so sorry. You must be devastated at your loss even though you know you did the right thing.
You gave him every chance and cared for him when lots of folk wouldn't.
RIP little Rossi and hugs to you
 
I'm sorry to hear that you've had to take the decision which you have. In my opinion, you have done the right thing. My understanding is that it's far more common in show bred cockers, as opposed to work bred dogs, to see such spiteful and unwarranted attacks.

We can only assume that the previous owners, handed him into a rescue centre, without explaining his issues, or their inability to cope with them, and it really only reinforces my view that however well intentioned, rescue centres all so often encourage or at least perpetuate, by recycling the dangerous or difficult dogs. Unwittingly perhaps, but they do.

All so often such behaviour can be of genetic origin, or, and this also applies to sheepdogs, the lack of mental stimulation can build up behaviour patterns which take some dealing with.

Dogs of 4 years of age are generally "made", and altering their mindsets, even if it's successful, calls for daily maintenance. They all so often aren't worth the grief or bloodshed.

I bought in a delightful cocker pup, a couple of months ago, and from South Wales. I kept in touch with the breeders, and told them that I was thrilled with this puppy. A week or so later, I had a 'phone call from the breeder to ask me if I'd like another one of the litter. Apparently they had sold a puppy to a guy, for his 9 yo daughter, and she suddenly decided that she didn't want it. I thought that a bit odd, but agreed to refund his purchase cost, providing that he delivered it. He agreed.

This nice and normal 10 week old puppy arrived, complete with her own bed, wardrobe and toys. I didn't explain to him! ;)

After a week, I bent down to pick her up, by her scruff, and she rounded on me as a terrier might. She was all teeth and tits, and she meant it. I scruffed her properly, gave her a couple of serious slaps across her face, and a huge dose of verbals. To this day, she is the most well mannered and delightful puppy. It may well be that this puppy had turned on the child, and rather than being assured enough to be able to square the puppy up, the immediate reaction was to get rid of it. I'm glad that they did, she isn't a minute's trouble, now! ;)

It may well be that had Rossi's aggression been dealt with, from the outset, and by his original owners, then you wouldn't have been in the awful position of having to make an entirely understandable, and correct decision.

One last question, do you know how he was bred?

Alec.
 
How right byou are Alec, most disposed of dogs just needed the correct dampener when they first try it on. I had a bull terrier bitch returned for being "unruly" which actually I quite expect in a year old bitch.Wel actually she is the best trained bitch of her age I have come across,some people just cannot be pleased.
Whereas with horses I would porefer it if there were not any "questioning" with dogs I almost chuckle withn delight at the prospect of seeing a dog right.Simply love turning them around for a bright future.
 
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