Help! Do i finally have my aggressive staffy PTS????

[gem4lee]

Hi all! So, I have found myself at a heart breaking crossroads in my life.....do I finally call it a day and say goodbye to our family dog? We rescued taz in 2009 (pre children and responsabilities) from a rough family claiming they had to get rid of him asap, taz was 9 months old. We got him in the car of which he was more than happy with and made our way home. when we arrived, nx door came out to see when suddenly, unprovoked he launched himself at him....barking, snarling........aggressive. It was then we realised we had a huge problem. Every adult this dog met he was hurling himself at but was perfect with me and my husband. Every cat, every dog, every adult (men more) he went for. At home he is wonderful, quiet and kind with my small daughter but he cannot leave these 4 walls. its been 5 years now and im exhausted, nothing has changed. we have had the police called when hes escaped, dogs being attacked, strangers threatened. I have spent years trying to work with him to stop this and proffessionals have washed their hands. He have never actually attacked anyone but shows all the signs and I wont put him in that position. I cant do it anymore, I have a family to worry about and want to lead a normal life and have people in my home without being fearful for them. don't get me wrong, I truly love my dog, but hes unhappy and has no life, I cant walk him for fear my 3 year old daughter will get hurt if a fight breaks out. am I the one being cruel keeping him hidden? or am I just waiting for the day someone gets hurt? do I put him down or not? Advice please!!!!!! like I said, wonderful family dog but cant leave the house xxxxxxxx thanks for reading xxxxxxx

 

[bonny]

For me I can't believe you have carried on so long and I would have him pts now.....that's no life for him or for you and what's the point in any of it?

 

[AdorableAlice]

Make the phone call now. You have done your best.

 

[MurphysMinder]

As above, you have given him every chance and have nothing to feel guilty about. Time to call it a day.

 

[gem4lee]

Thanks guys, in writing its sounds so awful but its been a difficult situation for a long time, the biggest problem is that hes sooooo wonderful at home which is why he has stayed, I take him in the car to my mums sometimes but never walked in public. he is fine with people and dogs he knows well, its just that initial meeting.....im just making excuses arnt I! What do you guys think of maybe a guard dog for someone? Its crossed my mind.....he would be fab at that! I could give him a wonderful life as im always out and about, its an awful shame and waste of a loving family xx

 

[MurphysMinder]

If he was mine I wouldn't consider rehoming him, he could end up being passed on from home to home and end up heaven knows where. It might be hard for you but I honestly believe pts is the kindest and best solution.

 

[gem4lee]

yea I agree, the truth is im a real believer that a dog is for life and it makes me sick to my stomach all these people abandoning their dogs and pass them around like toys, but Im scared I am being just as bad! having my dog put down because he is a problem and not working til the bitter end. I am experienced with staffys but the problem is when is enough enough? when he escapes and eats nx doors jack russel? my husband isn't keen on the idea which makes me feel like a monster considering it. he says "hes alright, hes happy enough at home" but I disagree xxx

 

[Elsiecat]

PTS. You've done everything you can.

 

[AmyMay]

PTS. Please do not think of passing him on.

 

[Clodagh]

If you PTS him he will know nothing about the procedure (maybe a lady vet) and you will have done exactly the right thing by him. Don't pass him on. He has had a good life with you and will go to sleep knowing nothing but happiness.

 

[lamlyn2012]

Do not pass on. New owners may not be as vigilant as you and someone could get injured.

 

[Booboos]

Don't rehome him you will regret it - someone is bound to make a mistake with him and he will bite. It's a horrible decision to make but if you have tried everything there is sometimes you have to accept that PTS is the kindest thing to do. I feel for you.

 

[Spudlet]

I don't think a dog that reacts as you describe is a happy dog - not for want of trying on your part, but if he is reacting in that way I would say he's in mental distress in some way, at those times. With that being the case, and remembering that as a dog he can't rationalise his feelings and he doesn't have any concept of the future and his own mortality, I would see PTS as being a kind and responsible thing to do.

Passing on a dog like that would be just begging for him to be used for dog fights, which is not a fate I think any of us would choose for our dogs.

 

[whisp&willow]

agree 100% with Spudlet.

xxx

 

[LittleMonster]

Sorry but i would but to sleep, too much of risk and if something did happen that would be his fate anyway....

 

[SusieT]

What professionals have been involved and to what extent?

 

[Cinnamontoast]

PTS.

 

[Elsbells]

I really feel for you OP as I've been in you position, well not for as long as you have but the same non the less.

I brought home a beautiful brown Dobermann bitch that my sister had had from a pup and couldn't handle. She was poorly bred for sure and I believe now almost blind. At home with us she was an angel, but strangers coming to the house or when she was out on walks she was a real danger, she could and had bitten, including my sister when she'd been surprised by another dog. The bites weren't nips they were meant. She would bite not once but several times and the bites would be deep and scarring!

Why we tried so long and so hard I don't know, but to be fair to her, she was sweet, gentle and had this vulnerable air about her at home with us and we loved her. It was only when she attacked a bit a lady who bred, showed and lived for Her Dobes who'd tried to help her that I made up my mind, it couldn't go on.

I booked her in and cold hartedly took her to our local vet. She was muzzled for the safety of the vets and I held her as he gave her the peace in death that she couldn't find in life.

I really believe now that there was a sight problem and that she could see shadow and light but not recognise faces or even what the shapes were. It would explain why she felt secure at home and why she took to me immediately as I sound and probably smell etc just like my sister.

We loved that girl and I'm crying as I write this.

This was a few years ago and I can still see her. Sweet dreams my girl, I'lmeet you at the bridge.

You must do what is right OP and more so, what is safe. It's your responsibility.

 

[ladyt25]

Is this post real?

Just seems a bit odd to me. You put up with this behaviour for 5 years yet now you think enough's enough? You say he can't be outside of "these 4 walls". Does that mean he doesn't get walked? Not really surprised he's acting this way if he never gets out and never gets any stimulation! If I have got the wrong end of the stick then I am sorry.

I got a rescue dog who was similar in her behaviour and who was/is dog reactive on a lead. Once she knows said dog she is fine and actually she would never attack, she just looks like she would and I have and do work on this with her. Ultimately it's your choice but, from what you describe it does not sound like you are providing this dog with the right exercise or stimulation and don't appear to have enrolled the right 'professionals' to help.

 

[Leo Walker]

I don't think a dog that reacts as you describe is a happy dog - not for want of trying on your part, but if he is reacting in that way I would say he's in mental distress in some way, at those times. With that being the case, and remembering that as a dog he can't rationalise his feelings and he doesn't have any concept of the future and his own mortality, I would see PTS as being a kind and responsible thing to do.

Passing on a dog like that would be just begging for him to be used for dog fights, which is not a fate I think any of us would choose for our dogs.

This! It hurts us way more than them, and in this case its a kindness. Imagine the stress and anxiety of living on your nerves like that. Cant be fun for him

 

[Copperpot]

I agree with Ladyt25. I have a rescue staffy who is reactive to other dogs and was clearly not socialised well as a puppy. He lives happily with 3 others dogs now and if introduced to another dog correctly will get on well. He has accepted 3 foster dogs into the house and got on with them.

However he is an extremely high energy dog and if not walked he would go insane within a week! And I'm sure would become more reactive to anything. He actually is more excited than aggressive towards meeting a new dog, but if excitement is channelled or controlled it can lead to aggression.

 

[EAST KENT]

If he is a good dog at home just make sure the fences are good, a few baby gates are a boon.A good strong Vari kennel indoors, or kennel and run outside are a great stress reliever for you.He does not need to go for walks if he is played with energetically enough,however ,if you feel it is needed, drive out to a country area.If approached make sure of a check chain and know how to employ avoidance training.Consider a muzzle.I p[ersonally see no jusification in killing a dog who is a good family dog at home.

 

[LC90]

Such a horrible situation but you must not feel guilty. You have given him a lovely life but its something that unfortunately you can't take the risk with.

 

[Alec Swan]

....... its been 5 years now and im exhausted, nothing has changed. we have had the police called when hes escaped, dogs being attacked, strangers threatened. I have spent years trying to work with him to stop this and proffessionals have washed their hands. .......

For me I'd say that you have done your level best. Passing such a dog on to any rescue centre would be highly irresponsible and should be unthinkable, without making it quite clear what issues the dog has, and having explained the problems, I'd be surprised if anyone would want the poor creature. Why take on such an animal when there are dogs which are relatively normal who they're are also struggling to find homes for.

The fact that the dog could probably be stopped from attempting to attack strangers, is immaterial. The fact is that it's 'you' who are unable to manage it, and that's the point. If I had such a dog, then I would put it down. It may be a pity, but it isn't a crime.

Alec.

 

[Adopter]

I agree with Alec, you did not make him the way he is, his first few bad months have conditioned him and in five years you have not been able to resolve the issues.

You say you have had other staffies, so you know the breed. It is not your fault, you have given this dog years of love, time to move on. The dog will know nothing about it.

I have been through something similar with a border collie, it is heart breaking but sometimes you have to acknowledge that the dog can not change and the risks are just too great of a some serious injury or hurt.

Better the pain of doing the right thing than the guilt that you should have acted sooner.

 

[Saneta]

I agree with Alec and Adopter. Right now I'm looking after a smashing Staffie, ex Battersea. His owners are doing a great job with his training, but he has the sweetest nature anyway fortunately. Even so, it is sad to see some people's reaction as we approach...

So sorry all your hard work has seemed to come to nought, but in truth, you've given this dog the best chance in life he could ever have hoped for, and now it seems you have to do the final loving act we all find the hardest thing of all...

 

[ktj1891]

Personally for me I think you have 3 options, carry on as you are, try something different maybe you haven't done before or PTS.

I think he has no life atm, ALL dogs enjoy going out for a walk and it sounds like he probably has years of built up tension which does result in attacking. Can you not muzzle him and walk him, take him for a really exhausting walk, lead on bike?

I am a great believer in Cesar Milans methods and think hes fantastic, maybe something to explore if you hadn't already?

 

[siennamiller]

I can't believe no one has mentioned the fact that you have a small daughter around an aggressive dog, aren't you worried abt her? I agree, don't pass the dog on, it is kinder to the dog to pts

 

[Leo Walker]

I am a great believer in Cesar Milans methods and think hes fantastic, maybe something to explore if you hadn't already?

Please, please, PLEASE dont go down that road!

 

[honeymum]

What professional help have you tried? If he was mine I would get him vet checked and then get the vet to recommend a qualified, force free behaviourist, please be careful which 'professionals' you use as the dog training/behaviour industry is not regulated and anyone can set up as a dog trainer whether they are experienced and qualified or not. Please also steer clear of Cesar Milan type trainers as 90% of problem dogs just get worse with trainers like that. If you really can't keep him then do the kindest thing and have him PTS don't pass him on to someone else. Good luck in whatever you decide to do.