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If you've followed my posts here, you know about Hobbs, our lab/pitbull adopted from the shelter a couple months ago. Shortly after adoption he bit my husband in the face, causing a nasty wound so we monitored him closely and worked to show, in positive ways, we are the alphas. Hobbs was settling in, overcame separation anxiety, learned some basic obedience (including housebreaking),and learned to leave the adult cat alone. I read books, consulted a behaviorist, and spent a lot of time with this dog, and learned to love him. He was even doing okay with the new kitten. Now this week Hobbs has bitten my husband again and made one more attempt. My husband loves animals and has trained hunting dogs--he is a gentle man. I'm faced with the decision to euthanize Hobbs because clearly he cannot be trusted--would he bite a child???? Will he attack my kitten? I'm feeling intense anger at whomever owned him before because they seriously damaged this poor dog. I need some support in my decision here--I'm an emotional mess. Please, if you don't understand and agree, just don't post? Thanks.
Oh no I'm so sorry... I read your original post about this and was hoping it was over. I'd be incredibly worried about him possibly biting a child or the kitten as well (and of course, you and your husband). Is this triggered by anything? Or is it just absolutely unpredictable? I'm so sorry you even have to make that choice, but I support you 100%. I'd be a wreck as well...
Oh no I'm so sorry... I read your original post about this and was hoping it was over. I'd be incredibly worried about him possibly biting a child or the kitten as well (and of course, you and your husband). Is this triggered by anything? Or is it just absolutely unpredictable? I'm so sorry you even have to make that choice, but I support you 100%. I'd be a wreck as well...
The bites were a reaction to 3 very different situations.
I understand your frustration. I don’t think it is fair to ask you to keep him.
Is it possible for you to find a no kill shelter so someone else (hopefully, a good dog trainer or behaviorist) can take a look at him to see whether he should be euthanized.
Sun - at the end of the day, you are the only one with the first-hand knowledge needed to make this judgment call.
It's a tough and a very lonely place, I know - and you have my sympathy.
But you also need to put it into context. You need to ask yourself the "what if" questions. Plus you really - but really - need to look at this from a purely practical perspective devoid of emotion. It isn't a nice picture by any means, no - but the reality of trying to place a known biter in today's litigation-happy climate makes for simply overwhelming odds. While miracles do happen (or so I'm told), this doesn't sound like the kind of situation where you can just wait for the visitation to show up at your front door.
Bear in mind one thing: there are fates far worse than a peaceful passing.
You poor thing. I remember your previous thread and expressed my concern at that time about Hobbs' ability to function in your household. I'm so very sorry that it's not working out and I truly understand what you're going through.
I've been through similar experiences and know how hard it is to make that decision but FiveHorses is right in saying, "... there are fates far worse than a peaceful passing." Take care.
Wow that is terrible. Sadly if a dog can't be trusted he can't be kept. Specially if other small animals or children are involved. Giving him to a shelter in hopes of re-adoption will be a tough one too, assuming you tell the truth about why you are giving him up. A dog that bites, specially with the kind of work you guys have put into it, rarely finds a good home.
I would do the same though. He would have to be given up if after all the work he is still biting. Aggressive is bad enough but actually drawing blood... he'd have to go. There is too much at risk to risk it. After all you can always open your heart and home to another animal in need in the future. Eventually you will find a perfect fit and everyone will benefit.
I'll repeat, ask the shelter you got him from to call Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. They are in southern Utah, near Kanab. They won't take dogs from individuals but will from a shelter. If they can help the Vick pitties, they can help Hobbs! Or else, he'll have a forever home there.
It is a very tough decision indeed. Not being able to put trust into your family pet must be nerve wracking. The potential danger to you and your family, both 2 legged and 4 legged, must be thought of. If you think you have satisfied every possible solution, than so be it. You tried and have nothing to be ashamed of. Virtual hugs to you.
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I'm so sorry... I read your original post about this and was hoping it was over. I'd be incredibly worried about him possibly biting a child or the kitten as well (and of course, you and your husband). Is this triggered by anything? Or is it just absolutely unpredictable? I'm so sorry you even have to make that choice, but I support you 100%. I'd be a wreck as well... 
