We recently got a rescue dog (mid October) and things had been okay with him up until today when he bit my father-in-law. We met my in-laws for breakfast this morning and afterward they came back to our house with the kids and my husband and I ran an errand. When they came into the house my MIL went upstairs to change the baby's diaper and my son and the dog followed. A minute later my FIL followed and the dog met him on the landing of the steps, barked a lot, my FIL stepped back and said "It's just me Sam," and put out his hand for him to sniff him. (The dog has met him several times before and spent quite a bit of time total with him.) At that point the dog lunged at him and bit him once on the hand, once in the groing and twice on the knee (tore his pants and broke the skin). We think he felt threatened and was trying to protect the kids, but it makes me nervous that he would bite someone he's met before. We are supposed to be out of town for the holidays and have people let him out for us and he'd be staying with us at a relative's house for a period of time too. Now I'm nervous that he will bite one of these people who are helping us out. Worse, I am nervous about this behavior having 2 children. My husband and I were just discussing how much work the dog has been. He's fairly high anxiety and we can't leave him for more than about 3 hours. After doing some reading it seems like training might help, but in all honesty I don't think we have the time or money for special behavioral training that might take months to work. I don't know what to do. Any suggestions??
EDIT: I just wanted to clarify that the people letting him out over the holidays are family who have met him, but given what happened with my FIL I was still worried. Also, we did ask the shelter about him and they had no indication that he would do this. They knew we were a family and I asked lots of questions. He has just become very possessive of us, but without having a "family" to protect at the shelter I'm not sure they would have witnessed this behavior.
Right now my husband and I are debating whether we should take him back to the shelter. I know he is our responsibility because we rescued him, but my family's safety is more important to me than the dog. Even with the training I don't know how long it would take for me to trust him again...
Thank you all for the advice. The dog is going back to the shelter today. In the end we decided that if it was just me and my husband we would take the time and money to try behavioral training with the dog, but I'm not willing to take the risk with my children and their friends. I have thought long and hard about it and cried over it, but I know I would never forgive myself if he bit someone else in our home again. Thanks to those of you who were supportive.
Possessive dogs and. Hidden not a good match. You said you do not have the item or money to train hi, well then why did you get him.
Hi, S.:
Did you call an animal trainer?
How about getting the dog a muzzle when folks are coming over.
You wanted the dog. The dog is like an undisciplined teen-ager.
Learn some skills.
Good luck.
D.
You are right to be concerned about people's safety around this dog. He was more than protecting his family. He was aggressive, biting your non aggressive father-in-law more than once and biting aggressively enough to tear clothing and cause injury. I would not keep him. I would contact the shelter and see if they would take him back.
Sounds like you're leaning in that direction anyway. If you did want to keep him, I'd talk with an experienced veterinarian. You certainly are not responsible for keeping and training him just because you rescued him. It's not a good fit. There will be someone else who can take him and since they'll know this history will be a better fit.
I would contact the rescue you got him from and see what they suggest. However, it's been my experience that a dog that is showing aggression and anxiety issues, for whatever reason, really needs an evaluation by a behavior specialist (your vet should be able to suggest one) and probably some training/behavior reinforcement on your part. If you don't feel you have the time or money to invest in the care he needs, then maybe owning this particular dog is not a good fit for you.
I had to put a dog down because of this very issue. I hated to do it because most of the time she was a sweetheart. But in a 5 month period she atacked my two smaller dogs and total of 10 times and knocked my 16 - 21 month grandson over and growled and barked at his throat twice. I talked to several knowledgeable people about this, 2 vets, the Humane Society, Saving Paws, a dog training specialist and an attorney. Basically it goes like this YOU AND HUBBY are completely liable for whatever this dog does. If he bites again you are liable for any and all expenses, if he kills someone you are liabile for medical & funeral expenses and possibily a wrongful death lawsuit it could run into millions of dollars of liability. Since the dog has a bite history, he can not be re-homed, even if you warn the new owner, you are still liable. If you return him to the shelter and tell them he attacked your FIL they have to put him down. If you don't tell them and the dog attacks someone or kills a child could you live with the decision that caused another person's harm or death?
I couldn't -- I put the dog down, she was only 15 months old. I cried for a week before I put her down and I am still sad about it, but it had to be done. My daughter who was the one who actually rescued the dog, is still not talking to me and it's been over 3 months.
I can't believe you'd think about letting people who are strangers to the dog come into the house to take care of him after he bit your FIL. He's clearly territorial and protecting his home and family. He's not going to allow strangers into your home. You need to board him. What kind of dog is he? Different breeds have different dispositions. I'd definitely contact the rescue. They should have told you about his personality. This isn't the right type of dog for a family with children. I'm sure he would never bite them because he considers them part of his "pack", but I think this dog requires more training than you have the time for. If the rescue didn't warn you about any of this they're very irresponsible. If you're not prepared to put in a lot of work with this dog you should give him back to the rescue. Any responsible rescue will take him back. It's not fair to you or the dog to keep him if you don't have the resources and time to properly care for him. Sorry this happened. Next time make sure to specify a family dog with a calm disposition. It was great to get a dog from a rescue. Don't let this stop you from trying again. There are many older dogs that need a good home too. I'm a huge animal lover, but I don't feel like you can handle this dog. I think the best thing for you and the dog is to take him back.
We had to put our dog to sleep because of biting., He was my first baby, and I loved him so, but his anxiety was awful, and no matter what we did for him (we spent thousands on training, medicine, etc.), he didn't improve.
I wold not allow a dog in a house with kids that is a known biter.
If you can find a rescue group that will take him, I suggest you do that. I tried that too, but no one would take a dog that was a known biter.
I'm so sorry this happened. I know what it's like to get a dog, learn to love him and then have to send him back to the shelter. Been there, done that. The dog I had was re-homed to a single, retired man that had the time and money to train the dog. And he is doing great now. But it took lots of work!
Please don't think you have done anything wrong. Or that you have failed the dog in any way. Because the dog was on the stairs when all this happened, he may have felt cornered by the confined area so he reacted by biting. But it's something that could easily happen again. And the next time it may not be an adult. It could be a child. One of your children or a friend of one of your children. You have no way of knowing what type of home he came from before being placed in the shelter. The people that brought him there obviously didn't tell them he was a biter because they knew the shelter wouldn't take hm if he was. Or maybe it just never happened to them. But they gave the dog up for some reason. And that may be why.
In my opinion, you have done all the right things with/for the dog, but some things are beyond your control. I would take him back to the shelter. Tell them what happened and let them decide what has to be done with him. They may be able to find someone that has the time and money to do justice for this dog. And whatever you do, do NOT feel guilty! You have done everything you can for the dog. I wish you luck.
Once they bite. They will bite again no matter how much training your dog has had. I understand you love this dog and put lots of time into training him. But one of your children could be next. Do not ever say he would not do that. He is an animal and some dogs just do not make good pets. Maybe your dog would be better of with a single person. I feel for your decision , its going to be hard one. I hope your dad is ok. How does he feel about your dog now.
What breed is he?
Can you call the place you rescued him from and see if they have any suggestions? Your vet would be a good place for information as well.
My opinion? You rescued this dog, so it's your responsibility to do as much as you can to work with this dog until you've either reached a point where there is no more biting or there is just no more that you can do.
Oh that is so hard!!! Having a dog that doesn't behave is as stressful (even more so) then a child having behavioral problems. The only thing I'd really think about is the liability this dog will cause you. As well - for not knowing the dogs history - who's to say the dog won't bite your kids in the face because they startle him, etc. Imagine it happens and then say - was it worth it to keep the dog?? Your kids probably have the most adorable faces and you don't want to put them at risk. Just think about the priorities here.
Second - long term -what if your kids have friends over and he bites one of them?
This just screams liability nightmare - it's so not worth it. We are dog owners and lovers but you have time in your life once your kids are bigger to take on this extra work and responsibility. Do not feel bad in the slightest for looking for a new home for him. I would have the dog out of the house yesterday if it were me.
Please please - think about it. Find a new home for the dog. Your kids are worth it. (obviously you know that ;-) ) :-) best of luck!!! crappy situation but the solution is so clear to me.
I would have him put to sleep. I do not believe that you can ethically return him to the shelter - you would be morally responsible if he is adopted out and attacks someone else. Even a small dog can severely damage a child's face or destroy an eye. This dog attacked an adult he had met before. Even if you invest the SUBSTANTIAL amount of time in behavioral therapy and training with a professional - will you EVER completely trust him with your kids?
If you are unable to make this decision before the holidays - I recommend boarding with your veterinarian - with the information that your pet bites. The veterinary staff will be more able to prevent human injury (and make your pet's stay the most comfortable) than friends you were planning on having pet sit.
You can talk to trainers (make sure they use positive methods only) and see what their advice is, also a behaviorist might be the best answer. It is possible there is help and a rehabilitation program could work out great and he could become a wonderful family dog. It takes a lot of time and patience though.
Talk to your vet, you may want to check blood work if you have not and make sure there are no underlying medical conditions, sometimes hypothyroid dogs can have increased aggression. It sounds like the dog was somewhat cornered and reaching out, especially if your hand goes over the top of a the dog's head can be very threatening to a nervous dog.
Rehoming the dog might be possible, if the person really knows what they are getting into and they have time and money for the behaviorist. I would not take the dog back to the shelter, they probably cannot adopt out a dog with a known bite history, double check with them first. I know they will take him back, but not sure if he would be considered adoptable at that point. At that point as much as you love him, it is probably kinder to take to your vet for euthanasia. Not an easy decision, but one that sometimes has to be made. I wouldn't want to go this route if not necessary and if there is another option that will work.
I think it is great that you are looking at different options and it sounds like you have worked with the dog. Some behaviorists can do phone interviews and watch video and help too. Also your vet may be able to help and have more ideas of things, possibly including medication you can try to help lessen his anxiety.
No matter what a dog with a bite history is going to require a lot of special care and monitoring to be safe. You will have to watch your kids around him and anyone who comes to the house, or remove him to another room or crate especially if you are not home. good luck to you and your family and I hope it all works out.
Yes, mom you just have to take him back to the shelter and tell them why. I'm so sorry. It's not your fault that he is a biter. Either the people who gave him to the shelter lied about him being a biter, or the shelter didn't know and didn't tell you that they had no clue. The proof is in the pudding that he is a biter and you cannot trust him with your family or your friends. I don't know what happens after he goes back to the shelter. They should not place him with another family, in my opinion.
Don't feel that you have failed him. He is damaged goods and it's a shame, but it's not your fault.
Dawn
You don't want to be responsible if the dog bites someone way worse than he already did. I would think of other people and take the dog back and see if someone who can deal with it better can give him a home. He could even bite one of your children or you and your husband some day.
If I had a dog who attacked someone, that dog would be gone. My family and their safety comes first. Also if you do not have the time or money to train a dog, then you shouldn't have one. Sorry, I'm not trying to be harsh, just trying to be real about it. I hope your FIL is ok. My mom was attacked my a neighbors dog a few years ago (dog got out of yard when my mom was getting her mail) and she ended up with a very bad infection. She is very lucky to still be walking right now.
I'm sorry. I think you can teach him though. Please give him a chance.
He did not show any agression towards your kids before. He was probably trying to potect your child upstairs from your FIL.
He had shown no agression to your kids prior to this.
You can teach him a few simple commands on your own:
"wait", "stop" etc.
This dog has no doubt been through a lot. He's simply reacting.
You can teach him yourself easily.
Sometimes trainers exacerbate the problem.
It won't take much time or effort on your part.
Just try before you try to give him back to the shelter.
He was simply trying to protect your child upstirs (they form a quick bond w/those that take them in, feed them, give them shelter &love.
He most likely saw your FIL as a threat.
Please try & work w/him. See how that goes first. Give him a chance.
I bet it can work.
I've been through this before myself.
All w/great results.
You'd be shocked to find how they respond to being saved, rescued & shown a loving/safe home.
I have a rescue dog and if he ever bit someone (family or not) he would be gone. You can't trust him and what if he bites someone who's not family or a child? My mother got sued for her dog biting someone, she ended up having to put the dog down and paying medical bills. Her home owners insurance covered it, but why take that risk.
My husband's ex MIL always has 3-4 dogs at a time. Her tactic is to go to the pound, rescue an animal that she thinks will be a good fit (she takes her other dogs with her to see how they interact, etc.) but if they bite or are aggressive with her cats or other dogs, she takes them back and explains the situation to the pound. Her take is that there are loads of sweet, adoptable animals being put to sleep everyday and those are the animals she is trying to get/save. Not that you don't want to save the others. There are some amazing souls out there that have the time, patience, means and environment to attempt to help them but she is not one of those people. It sounds cruel at first but she really does have a point. That dog belongs with a single person who can attempt to train them and/or is happy that they are so protective. My point is, you do not have the right environment for that dog and you are making the right choice even though I can sense from your words, it is a hard choice.
My parents rescued a dog years ago-and from time to time-the dog would bite someone she knew-weird. As far as training and the expense-it is part of ownership-and if you can't afford it-that's one thing-but if you don't have time to ensure that your dog will not bite your children or other family members-then you shouldn't have a dog. I don't mean to be harsh-the kindness you showed might not be enough-dogs are a lot of work and responsibility. It would be great if they would suddenly just be happy to be adopted and things would be perfect-sadly-that is just not the case-best of luck-I know this is difficult.
