need advice...please

Pat - posted on 08/21/2011 ( 9 moms have responded )

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we just moved, have a 4 yr old black lab. she is on a tie out for a few weeks since we have to build a run still. she has always been a bit 'off'. she has tried to bite before. not serious, couldve done damage but just nipped at the neighobors kid, some kid on skateboard. my ex did not treat her right and i think that is why she doesnt like men. she has tried to bite my dad, my first =ex husband, and went after his dog(we were gonna see if they 'got along'). she keeps getting out of her harness,.so got a smaller one which i caught her chewing. if she gets loose, not only can she hurt someone, but if they sued..id lose our property. she took a nip one time at my daughter, daughter had rubbed ears, we didnt know she had ticks at the time. i have some people saying to get rid of her. some say she is good protection(which she is).. i dont know. if i take her to a shelter, she will get put down. she is 4, not spayed, can be aggressive. that breaks my heart. but do i take a chance that she could turn on us? she may be protective to a fault..but an animal is an animal... i hate this. the first thing the girls do in the morning is look for the dog(she sleeps inside).. thanks ladies. i need wisdom and peace on this one. i am such an animal lover.

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9 Comments

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Angela - posted on 08/25/2011

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Hmmm, maybe you shouldn't rush into getting a cat then, Pat.

Jennifer - posted on 08/25/2011

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Sounds like I'm a bit late, but here goes anyway......I've done rescue for 20 years. My breeds are Rotts and 'bully' breeds, including pit bulls, although I will work with any. I absolutly refuse to re-home any dog that I feel may bite a person or attack another animal unprovocted. I feel there are too many happy, healthy and secure pets that are killed each day. Why rehome an animal that may end up hurting someone? Not to mention legal issues that may arise! Rehoming stresses an animal and causes them to be even more insecure(most bites are fear based) and protective. I just wouldn't do it. Also, although cats can be wonderful pets, they are not any safer than a dog! They may bite or sratch, and their bites tend to get infected much more often than dog's bites. I love my cats, all 5 of them, but my kids know to respect the cats even more than our dogs!

Angela - posted on 08/25/2011

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Great advice there from Carla. Cats are easier, definitely.

See if you can find a home for your dog by advertising. Some dog charities re-home, you know? Do a bit of research into it.

You don't want to lose your home after all the other stuff you've been through. And if your dog DOES end up getting put down, at least she's had a great life with you & your children.

Carla - posted on 08/23/2011

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I know this is difficult, Pat, especially with all you have been through. Maybe for now, get a kitten for the girls. Cats aren't as much work, can be great fun for the girls, and won't bite. Some animals just can't handle change, and there's been a lot in your household lately. I pray comfort for you guys and peace.

God bless

Josslyn - posted on 08/23/2011

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I have a similar problem, we have an elderly poodle, also becoming a little nippy and grumpy, He has a history of biting children from his previous home and my little one has just turned one year old and started exploring, I cannot care for him the way I used to before I was pregnant, I have also thought of having him put down but it breaks my heart, but unfortunately, I'm not going to wait until the day he attacks my child or dies from neglect, If I cant find him a home shortly then I will have to have him put down. Think about it, are you going to wait until you have endless medical bills and a child with a physical and emotional scare that will last him his life of are you going to let your motherly instinct take over and do what is right for your children and for the poor animal.

Pat - posted on 08/22/2011

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thanks. we took her to the shelter today. they claim to have a very low kill rate. i asked if they would please call if they have to put her to sleep. i know they may not. she has been aggressive on a few occasions. she doesnt like men at all, and i dont know any single women without kids who wanted her. i just have to keep praying God will send someone there for her. i havent been this heartbroken in a long long time. it was easier to kick out my husband!

Anna - posted on 08/22/2011

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That is such a tough thing. I agree with the others that possibly having someone you know take her might help. However, what if you spayed her? Lots of animals calm down after that and their temperament becomes gentler. Also, a good trainer can help you keep such behaviors under control and teach her when she needs to be calm. A trainer might even be able to tell you why she acts like that. I would try everything you can before you get rid of her. Unfortunately, sometimes getting rid of a pet is necessary to keep your family safe.

Crystal - posted on 08/22/2011

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What a tough thing! I too am an animal lover, and I just moved in with my parents before I had my baby girl. They have several dogs, but only one kept inside and she's a great dog! However, she goes wild around babies; so we had to chain her up; even that was heart-wrenching.

I'd suggest finding someone trustworthy to care for the dog if you can, but also while doing so look into dog training or something. Do you know of the Dog Whisperer? I never saw the show, but I've read some of his stuff and I think his ideas on dog behavior are right on. His website has a lot of information and I think you can ask 'him' a question. http://www.cesarsway.com

I'll keep you in my prayers this week!

Kayla - posted on 08/22/2011

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Honestly I'd find someone you trusted to take care of the dog. If he tends to be that agressive and has tried to bite your daughter then he/she may be ill oneday and snap and id hate to see what would happen to your child.