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I'm sorry that I did not get back to posters about my biting dog. He was euthanized. He was a chow mix (maybe Akita, maybe Pit, maybe lab, but definitely chow), 60 pounds, 5 years old. He had come into our shelter where I volunteer as a stray in Oct. 06 with a bite history, but it was "off the record" and I didn't find out about it until I was practically out the door with him. He seemed fine in the shelter for 8 mos. and they were going to euthanize. I decided to "foster" him and possibly keep him if everything worked out. I have two other dogs and 4 cats. He was really good with them but after a short time, became extremely protective of my apartment and me. mail couldn't be delivered, the dogwalker couldn't come in unless he was confined and she wasn't able to walk him. He began lunging at kids, bikers, anyone on the street. But he was a good boy inside. he bit a neighbor early on. He bit me in the dog obedience class and I realized, I was not in a position to do the work with him that he needed in order to be rehabilitated. And no, I did not reprimand him in class because I was too shocked. I guess I was naive and unprepared for this type of issue. I work full-time and part-time and felt what I was doing for him was probably not enough and was afraid that if he bit me he'd bite someone else. I do not have the money for specialized trainers since my other animals have their own medical issues. So this is what happened, and I feel absolutely horrible about it. Not looking for sympathy, nor things I could have done. I just wanted to let posters know what happened.
I know you said you aren't looking for sympathy, but I'm sorry! It sounds like you tried your best, you did all you could do and that's all you can do. With how the dog was towards everyone he will definitely be happier where he is now than on earth. Again, I'm sorry that things didn't work out differently.
Thanks PitBullMommie. I never want to be in a position like this again, to have to pts an otherwise healthy animal for behavior issues. i don't know how people work in kill shelters and have to make those decisions and witness it. I stayed with him throughout the time he was at the vet and it was absolutely devastating for me. I hope he didn't know. Thanks again.
(((hugs))) You did what could be done to help him. It is gut-wrenching, I know-- I have been there once and hope never to have to go there again. You stayed with him to the end and that counts for a lot. (((hugs)))
Thanks AnyDayNow. I did stay with him and spent a lot of time with him before it actually happened. At least he did not have to go back to the shelter. I really hope he didn't know....I am repeating myself! Thanks.
Thanks AnyDayNow. I did stay with him and spent a lot of time with him before it actually happened. At least he did not have to go back to the shelter. I really hope he didn't know....I am repeating myself! Thanks.
I think what he knew was probably the most love and care he's ever had. You gave him that.
You made a wise, mature decision. You could not have had that dog bite one of your children or anyone else for that matter.
Sometimes it's something genetic that we has humans have no tools or miracles for and we have to do the best for the situation and that you did indeed do.
doghead - Sorry that you had to go through all of that. My aged mini poodle after two years still snaps at my boyfriend on occasion, but he is kept mostly indoors with me and we don't have anyone over to our house. There are also no children near us. Should he be put to sleep? Maybe, but right now he is under my close watch and he is very devoted to me. Obviously, my house is the last home he will ever know.
Miu, there are so many things to consider. Naturally, a larger dog can do more damage (I think) than a mini-poodle. I have a chihuahua who is about 10 with hardly any teeth but she is snappy but can't hurt anyone. Also, your schedule. You might be home more with your dog and can work with her. In my situation, I work 1 full-time and 1 part-time job so did not have the resources (time and money) to commit to rehabbing him. I'm not making excuses, but just saying every case is different and from what little I know about your situation, I would definitely not even consider euth. of your dog. With my foster, I think it was too late for him. Unnuetered most of his life until I took him, in a shelter for 8 mos. with no one working with him seriously, and who knows what prior to that, plus maybe genetics (breed?). Thanks for your thoughts, Miu.
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It sounds like you tried your best, you did all you could do and that's all you can do. With how the dog was towards everyone he will definitely be happier where he is now than on earth. 
