Re-home or put down - Paw Talk

Laurie · #1 05-01-2006, 12:12 AM

This is a long story and I don't want to bore you. I'll just state the facts.

We got Cookie when she was three years old. Her background was that she was the daughters dog that never got trained. Always slept between them and they would honk the horn when they got home. "bark"

They told us she was kind of protective of sleeping or sick children.

I had a daycare and found out she was "growly" always telling the kids to be careful. (wrong) She bit my 2 year old in the ear, I thought she had pierced it. I should back up and say my oldest wanted a dog, this one was housebroken and that's the only thing I worried about at the time.

Fast forward...she has biten me, both of my daughters, my son and my husband ( who still has a wound from 4 weeks ago.) With my husband and me it's always when we are checking on the kids at night, (VERY protective) and with the kids it has to do with food.

She is my husbands best friend during a thunderstorm or a good movie.

It is to the point that my girls don't want her to sleep with them anymore (she growls when you move your feet and disturb her) and I don't want our youngest to let the dog sleep with him) = dog bite

The last three nights we have all closed our bedroom doors; and everynight she has pooped and peed on the carpet.

She is almost ten years old, do we place her or euthinize her? My seven year is devastated : "she doesn't bite him" I would love to have a dog that I can call by name and not "the dog" .....she has taken away so much from me, I could not tell my girls good night while they were in bed ( I aways had to be standing) until lately

She is a great dog if it's her way. I forgot to mention she is a shihtzu/ yorkie mix.

My question is do I take her to the humane society or the vet? I don't want her to be someone else's problem.

My seven year old son is devestated.

My MIL would take her, she is 75, if she dropped a piece of food on the floor and wanted to pick it up, she would be missing a finger...adopt or put her down...

Please help me make the decision.

**Scarlette** · #2 05-01-2006, 12:19 AM

Boy Laurie, that's a tough call. She can't be around any children no matter what home she goes to. I was going to suggest a home with an elderly couple but your last statement made me think twice about it.

Maybe your MIL could try taking her in and see how it works but she needs to understand the "food possessive" issue. Maybe your MIL could crate the dog while she cooked and had her meals. If it doesn't work out with your MIL then the dog should probably be put down. Being bounced around from home to home might stress her out even more and make her issues even worse.

Laurie · #3 05-01-2006, 12:45 AM

My Mil has grandchildren that stay every once in awhile. That's what I'm worried about.

Who/what would the perfect home be for her?

She Loves people! But is not obedient trained. Scared of thunder and people chewing gum, but is so very ferocious and protective of food and kids. I'm very torn, especially for my youngest. I've explained to him that a dog should not bite and growl at his dad(or anyone) I know when I get up to get a cup of coffee and want to sit back down ( it was warm there) She should not not growl and try to bite me when I want my spot back.

I'm really trying to think, who would want a dog like this? Why we have put with this for as long as we did? Maybe it was the last bite my husband got and her pooping and peeing that she never does. Is she trying to tell us she is dominant?

kfielder · #4 05-01-2006, 01:21 AM

I think you're right on with the dominant thing. Have you tried obedience training? A good behaviorist might be able to help you teach her who's boss.

I hate to see any animal be put down, but I don't think this dog should be in a house with children. Do you know of any adults who have experience with dogs who might be willing to give her a chance?

HappyDancer · #5 05-01-2006, 02:49 AM

thats a hard choice...I have a yorkie mix and I absolutely adore her, but she gets jealous easily with the other dogs and will start fights, but lately my cocker has gotten tired of it and now fights back, there are days it feels like a war zone, my big dog could care less, just walks over her lol...she doesn't bite people though, I was told its their personality to be posesive and protective...I hope you figure it all out, I am just so sorry you have to even think of making this decision...keep us updated

RSbunny · #6 05-01-2006, 06:26 AM

Laurie I didn't read the other reply's but I would seek advice from a trustworthy behaviourist. One who will tell you how it is. If you can get yourself a good animal behaviourist that will be honest with you you should be able to work with them and they will help determine whether this behaviour is truly behavioural (ie. training will help) or beyond that (ie. the dog is better off to be put down). I do think the dog needs to leave your home though, regardless. A biting dog is no good around children. Children are too unpredictable and their safety has to come first (IMO of course). A dog that acts out like that is not a happy dog, dogs don't growl and bite because they are happy.
It does sound like the problem is behavioural but finding the right home for a dog like that can be really difficult too, the age doesn't help much. They need to be willing to put the time and energy into correcting the behaviour.

Keritsubo · #7 05-01-2006, 08:34 AM

This is a sad situation. Suggestions made thus far are good, I don't knw if I could add anything more.

I Think seeing a behaviorist is a good suggestion. Although, I don't know how expensive that might be and since you are going to rehome the dog perhaps finding someone who'd be willing to take the dog there themselves?

I agree this dog needs to be taken out of your home and not taken anywhere children live daily. Perhaps your MIL could keep her for a while until you've come to a final decision. When kids are over perhaps best to crate her or lock her into another room.

Best of luck... for her age and behavior itmay be hardto find her a home but hopefully you could. Otherwise, its the best interest of all that she be put down.

Mygala · #8 05-01-2006, 11:02 AM

You might also want to consider the legal implications of rehoming. The dog has a history of biting people. If someone is bitten and decides to sue you and/or the new owner, you are opening yourself up to punitive damages, ...beyond the actual reparations you (or they) might otherwise be forced to pay.

bob

Vanilla_Rat · #9 05-01-2006, 11:40 PM

I am so sorry...all of the advice above me is good...all I can add is I hope whatever you do is what you think is right!Good luck!

Chrissy · #10 05-02-2006, 12:24 PM

I'm also on board with suggesting consulting a behaviorist before any decisions are made.. I'm so sorry you have to go through this

Formula86 · #11 05-03-2006, 04:36 AM

My yorkie acts like this to a much lesser degree. If you pick her up and she doesn't wanna be picked up, she growls. If you don't play with her when she wants, she growls. She has to be the center of attention at all times. If I pay attention to her sister, she runs up to her growling and puts her front feet on her back (her sister is small, too). She is very dominant and I created this monster by spoiling her!

Never again!!

Aaaaaaanyways...........
Sounds like a dominant issue. The dog doesn't see you as its pack leader. And it sees itself as the leader of the children (protecting them). I think obedience training would help. I would also at least talk to a behaviorist.

But I don't think the dog should be in a house with kids. For their safety.

I'm so sorry you are going through this.

cloudybutnice · #12 05-03-2006, 07:02 AM

I hate to think of an animal being put down. I hope you find a satisfactory solution from all the ideas above. Good luck.

Laurie · #13 05-06-2006, 11:15 PM

Thank you all for your suggestions and replys.

This was a hard week for all of us.

I have talked to a behaviorist and have done all they have suggested. I've also talked to my vet.

Monday morning I called the animal shelter and asked if she was placeable. They assured me she was, already had someone in mind. That made me feel better. I took her there with all belongings (that was hard) I had her shot records and heartworm, toys and food. My son did not talk to me that night.

I called today to see if she was still there..and they said she was adopted yesterday by a young lady who has an apartment by herself, no kids. She came and looked at her twice and they loved each other! I am relieved and happy. I really hope it works out for both of them.

Meanwhile keep my youngest in your thoughts. He is somewhat upset with me, but mostly sad. I've explained to him we will have a dog someday again and it will be enjoyable for the entire family.

Formula86 · #14 05-07-2006, 01:28 AM

I'm so glad that she found a good home. Keep us updated.

**Scarlette** · #15 05-07-2006, 11:48 AM

I'm so glad she has a new home and a second chance. I hope everything works out for her there. Someday your son will understand that this was the right thing to do for everyone involved, including the dog.