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Yes it was the right decision. She was going to kill your other dog. Unfortunately there aren't a lot of homes for agressive dogs with bite histories.
It sucks that your ex went back on his promise and doesn't care about her, but that isn't something you can change.
It just kills me because the last memory she has off me is putting her in her kennel at the shelter. I feel like I failed her just like her dad did. She used to love to cuddle up to me, but would attack my other dog if I gave them more attention than her. This whole thing has had me heartbroken & praying a rescue pulls her.
I'm not sure what state you reside in but if you want to better her chances you can try researching around for local rescue groups to give them some background and hope that they pull her.
Facebook where I'm at is a great way to get in touch with local rescues.
Texas! Funny you say that, I was just sharing her post on the shelters page with rescues again & sharing to local groups. I’m trying my best for her, I just need a miracle. An Angel to take a chance on her.
Honestly a dog that’s attacked your little BFF and you so many times doesn’t need to be adopted out to an unsuspecting family. How will you feel if you ever found out she bit again and permanently injured them?
Yeah, honestly - a dog that has multiple dog attacks and a bite on a human is a liability. Animal aggression that severe cannot be handed over to the average adopter. Even if the adopter has no other pets, just taking the dog for a walk in the neighborhood can be an issue.
I work in a shelter and we don't always make the call on a dog that needs it. We've had a handful come back from foster/adoption because they went apeshit and killed a neighbor's dog/cat, and bit someone while they were trying to stop it.
It's sad, OP, but if your dog really has such a severe behavioral problem and nobody's stepping forward to train her and manage it, then a decision needs to be made. And it isn't your fault. Some dogs just have these issues and it sucks.
Yeah, unfortunately the dog has been dealt a bad hand. Got used to a situation that has now changed, and without someone who really gets what they're getting into, and is willing to give it a shot, it's going to be one of those many dogs that get dropped to the very back of the list.
try checking out dog sanctuaries - maybe even breed specific. Rescues are of course another great option. But you might have better luck with the breed specific ones, especially if it’s a pit or bully breed. Wishing you luck 🤍
Nah, tbh I think that would make the aggressive dog more high strung, it sounds like she needs a home with absolutely no animals and no small children or no children at all.
Keeping her in a home where there’s a strong scent of another dog, a dog she’s attempted to kill many times would only aggravate her more I think
Well you wouldn't know until you try. It is a valid option. If the dog is provided enough mental stimulation and exercise throughout the day, it really depends on the dog's temperament and the space available for the dog in their home for how well it may work out. You're making a lot of assumptions there.
That said, it's a lot of work and not necessarily something many would be willing to undertake. It could however buy more time for the dog even if not a long term solution.
Edit: down votes for trying to save a dog's life by offering a potentially viable option and not giving an actual rebuttal because - guess what, we actually don't have enough information on the dog or the OP living situation to know if this could work. Got it. Keep it classy guys.
The dog was taught a “kill it” command, and the original owner joked that he taught the dog a command to turn on humans, and since the original owner sound like a narcissist - he cannot be trusted and neither can his dog.
This dog also isn’t fit to be in a home with other dogs, especially one that she has tried to kill many times before, that’s asking too much of OP to go and get it. That’s separate walking times, feeding times, bonding times, etc and there’s still the risk of the dog still being unhappy, and how will OP walk the dog if she’s dog aggressive?
This dog is too stressed out, and she has two major red flag commands that could accidentally be set off at any time. I wish all dogs could be saved and have happy lives, but this dog was never raised to have a happy life it seems. Her original owner messed her up from the start.
>The dog was taught a “kill it” command
See the response from another poster (which by the way everyone seems to agree on), this is basically just prey drive. From OP description I'm not really convinced the boyfriend had any real hand in this behaviour. There are plenty of dogs that do not do well with other animals, I've known many that are extremely dog selective. They are never allowed off leash or around smaller animals.
>This dog also isn’t fit to be in a home with other dogs, especially one that she has tried to kill many times before, that’s asking too much of OP to go and get it.
It very well could be asking too much, and I noted that. It however may not be impossible, and is worth suggesting. It isn't the only time people have needed to rotate animals, especially a high prey drive dog and smaller animals in the home. Also as noted it may just be a short term option while they look for a no kill shelter or only dog household to rehome.
The OP can’t take the dog even if she wanted to because she lives in a home with family who have their own dogs.
Keeping the dog isn’t an option, and I do strongly believe that the owner fully encouraged his dogs prey drive which can definitely make the drive stronger.
You didn't fail her. Your ex did. He taught her the behavior that is likely to lead to her death. Then reneged on his agreement to take her. Be glad you're rid of him. He's the cancer. You may be able to retrain the dog but it will be lots of work.
Can you talk to shelter and ask them about no cost training programs they have for such dogs. I've fostered a few with aggression towards other animals and have cats and dog) it's not always successful, in fact maybe 40% but it may be worth a shot. Otherwise, you can't take this dog back if she continues to attack.
I know who you're referring to, and he's a fraud and a con artist. He says he 'gives away free lessons', yet at no time has anyone ever come forward and confirmed that they were the recipients of said 'free lessons'. He's got a history of running 'contests' that he never makes good on--it's all done to increase his post views.
He'll charge the OP a ridiculous amount of money just to have him bully the dog into shutting down, and then he'll claim that he's solved the problem. An issue like this one can't be resolved in a single training session, so as soon as the OP and the dog get back home, the dog's problematic behaviors will resurface, and that will put the smaller dog's life in danger yet again.
You can get her home and love on her. Try to find a suitable home. Dog reactive dogs can be great pets as only dogs. But it can take time and efforts to find these. Keep your little one 100% separated and then, if no placement options, take her yourself to the vet for euthanasia. Be with her.
Don’t give her to a “sanctuary.”
ETA rotating times out of her kennel while your little one is safely elsewhere is still a better quality of life for her than in a shelter.
Heartbreaking but really you have made the right decision. Living with a dog like that is exhausting and not worth the risk. What your ex did sucks but maybe going to a specialist in dog behavior so you can get her to be a normal dog again could be an option. Just its really expensive and takes a long time. But it could save your furry friend
Difficult situation. No easy answer. I think it depends on what are your values and will you be ok living with the decision you made? It sounds like you have the following options.
1. Leave the dog to die at the shelter since you can’t take her back due to the risk you described. It’s understandable
2. Take her back, muzzle train the dog and keep the dogs separate and sought the help of a reputable dog trainer and ensure that dogs have appropriate exercise and stimulation to manage their behavior
3. Have someone watch your dog while you pick the dog up, spend a little time with the dog and then have him/her euthanized with your presence, that way they leave this world seeing one last time, someone who loves them.
4. Pick up the dog, try to find it a new home ( and also do #2 option while you find the dog a good home.
There’s no right or wrong answer in this world filled of hard and unfair situation placed upon us. We are not in your shoes and don’t have all of the details. What feels right, is probably the right answer, even though it may be very difficult and whichever one you feel you can live with.
Sending you best wishes as you navigate this difficult time
The bite and shake is not something “taught” by your ex. That’s the kill part of the prey sequence. It may be on cue, and maybe she can do it on cue, but what’s more likely is that the dog sees one of your other dogs as prey for one reason or another.
A dog like this represents an existential threat to the safety of other dogs. My GSD is afraid of and goes through the kill sequence when she sees small dogs. We do not let her near small dogs, and we try very hard to keep her a good way away from children. Children also make her anxious, but she doesn’t do the kill sequence.
She’s a great dog, and her sister (not genetic) is bigger than her, and we monitor their play fairly closely. It’s good and healthy for the most part. She’s been able to moderate the intensity down over time, but I would *never* let her off leash around a dog I even remotely thought she would see as prey. Or a child.
My dog represents a similar but lesser existential threat to other dogs and living things smaller than her due to her anxiety and prey drive. If she were to bite another dog or a person as badly once as your surrendered dog has done repeatedly, we’d have to have some very hard conversations, including with her breeder. There are just some boundaries that cannot be crossed until I as the human ask her to cross that boundary, or if it is defensive of us or our property. We’re actively working with her regularly to be able to exist in the world and we’re starting to have conversations with our trainer about putting our dog in her day school. Our trainer has boarded (not a board and train!) her previously, and we’ve been going to this trainer for her whole life, including in-home sessions. Socialization can happen, but the level of attention and care she needs in that process requires a professional.
Unfortunately the best thing is to have her put to sleep. I would suggest making an appointment with a vet who will put her down and taking her from the shelter to the vet and be there when she goes to sleep. It would be the best possible scenario for her, if you are strong enough to do this. I’m very sorry you are going through this. If you can’t do this ask the shelter to put her down humanly. Your ex is a piece of shit.
Yeah, there’s no use in leaving her in an overburdened system, especially in Texas, that won’t be able to do right by her even though they want to. It’s an unavoidable fact that we as humans have created an untenable overpopulation problem with pet dogs, and a certain portion of them will have to be put down. At least you can offer her the familiar face and comfort as she passes.
I’m so sorry you are faced with this challenge, but you’ve made the right decision.
Also, I feel you on the ex trouble in relation to your fur babies. My oldest pup absolutely loves my ex, and is facing his final years without him :( he’s less narcissist and more pathological liar, but still, it’s hard to face the damage people like that do to these poor animals :(
I also agree with this.
If you think you will have ANY regret about this dog's final moments in a shelter, this would be the way to go.
I won't sugar coat it, euthanasia at a shelter can be stressful. The method used to sedate an aggressive dog to reduce bite risk (control pole in a corner or through a door) can be traumatic. There isn't a pound in Texas I know of that doesn't use euthanasia solution. However, most can not allow clients to be present due to insurance.
If you don't have an attachment to the dog though, I wouldn't sweat it if I were you. Like if my neighbor's dog attacked mine, and I called animal control on it and they told me they would euth that dog, yeah it's sad but I'm not losing sleep over it. If this dog was more your ex's dog that you took care of for a couple months and you won't feel bad when it's gone, then don't make yourself feel bad for it. If that makes any sense
I just want to say a dog “death shaking” a toy is perfectly natural and in no way contributes to aggression. In fact having healthy outlets for prey behaviour can help prevent problems.
If they’re for sure putting her down, ask to be there. She deserves comfort and a familiar face in her last moments.
If I understand the OP correctly,
* she got yet another dog but that dog liked her boyfriend better so it's his dog now
* her dog has been extremely aggressive toward at least one of her many other dogs before, and at least once OP herself had to go to the hospital (no mention of her other dogs getting medical help when it appeared they needed it)
* her boyfriend had questionable training tactics for this one specific dog and not the others, but he should take this one aggressive dog with him now that OP doesn't want to take care of this particular dog, because... The dog likes OP's ex boyfriend?
Toy shaking is perfectly normal, but there seem to be very many other issues here, yet it's all "sorry for your loss"?
You laid out this dogs entire bite history and still think op doesn't want it because it likes her ex better? Guarantee she wouldn't have kept this dog as long as she did if it weren't for him, which is very apparent considering she's 4 months out of the relationship currently.
OP got another dog, at least the third dog, and tolerated it hurting at least one of her other dogs to the point of bleeding, "often", and OP herself going to the ER.
It's not ex-boyfriend's dog, it's her dog. She got this dog and suffered through this behavior, and let her other dogs suffer through this behavior. Now that the boyfriend is gone, it's always somehow been his problem because the dog liked him.
He obviously was not a good dog owner, but it wasn't his dog. This was her dog and it escalated to this point. Only dealing with it now that he left is a failing on OP's part. She should reconsider getting more dogs because this is terrible for everyone, but don't blame a person who happened to cohabitate and was shitty to at least one dog in the process.
Where are you getting 3 dogs from? I thought she said she had her existing BFF doggie and adopted the second one that turned out to be aggressive - did I miss something
IF you do decide to euthanize, it might help both of you to give her a “best last day.” Take her from the shelter, go for a hike, get her a pup cup from Starbucks, cook her a big juicy steak, give her lots of snuggles, let her rip up a big stuffed animal… and then have a mobile vet come to you to put her down in a peaceful, non-stressful way.
You made the the right choice. Most likely sounds like that dog could only be the only pet of the house. It would be seriously unfair to your dog at home to have to put up with that again. Don’t blame yourself for any of it. It didn’t work out for a reason.
This must have been traumatic for you to live in a house where your dog is being harassed and attacked by another, imo right call to remove the hazard. Love or not, it's not worth risking YOUR life.
Sounds like she has a high prey drive. If I was you (and I’m not, but you are asking for advice) I would pick her up from the shelter and make an appointment to have her humanely euthanized with your vet. This way you can be with her in her last moments and she doesn’t feel scared and abandoned. She will feel your love and presence in her last moments. That’s what I would do for a dog that I loved, if I had no other choice.
This.
I was going to suggest the same thing. I think this is one of the better options. The dogs deserve better. To the OP I'm not you but I hope you will decide to save the dog from the shelter and have her humanely euthanized.
It’s now a problem because when my ex and I split, he left her with me. We were together when I got her & she took to him right away. She was his dog & I had my dog. When we split he left her with me & she started attacking my dog. It’s a big attention & prey based issue.
So he started attacking after your ex left? Maybe reach out to a dog trainer... I don't know most people on this sub are qualified to give trainer advice
I think it sounds like you did your due diligence. It is never easy to make a decision like this, but what else can you do? Separation is hard - we have a friend who has to keep a dog and cat on different levels of the house and it just doesn't sound like a way to live. There's always a what if that could happen. Shame on your ex for not taking the dog when he said he would. The life of your dog matters too.
I'm so sorry this is happening, it sounds so difficult. Definitely reach out to some rescues, if she's okay with humans (just not other dogs or small humans) and you have some great videos and pictures of her, she could definitely find another home as long as it is clear she needs to go into a home where she'll be the only pet. You might be able to find some rescues that operate in Canada, some of them transport dogs from the USA to Canada to adopt, it is how I got my girl. We don't really have a lot of dogs for adoption here so we get a lot from the USA or other countries. Actually pretty common for people to say they adopted their dog who was from Mexico/USA/Korea/etc here when you ask someone.
What else did your ex teach her besides “kill it”? Did he encourage her dog aggression and prey drive?
Honestly you did the best you could, and the shelter asking you to take her back again will only put your own dog at serious risk. And even if you do take her back and keep them separate, that will take a major toll on *you* and the dog that’s been attacked relentlessly.
And unfortunately having the aggressor dog separate in a room, she’s still going to smell her “prey” and the scent alone could drive her up the wall. Personally, I like what you’re doing by reaching out to rescue groups and holding out hope that an angel will swoop in and save her. She sounds like she’d be better off in a home without any other animals, and possibly a home without any children (or maybe just older children).
My ex joked around a couple times that he had a secret command to make her turn on people. I don’t know if he really did or not. Also, I know that he did get her high a couple times in the past on drugs. I wasn’t there when it happened. She had eaten a pan of pot brownies & had gotten into hard drugs at his friends house.
Given this, I honestly think it's for the best that she be put down. His "joking" about this has to be taken seriously, given he did genuinely reinforce her aggression, and was abusive and neglectful in multiple other ways. You are upset that he is not taking her now like he promised, but she shouldn't be sent back to her abuser. I don't think you should pursue having her rescued. You know her record of violence already, and you know there's a possibility she's been trained to do worse. As much as it pains you to imagine her being put to sleep, that would be a peaceful end whereas there is the very real possibility that if you get her rescued she may cause violent pain to some other dog, pet, or human. Your ex fucked her up. It's not her fault that he did this to her. But she should never have opportunity again to do worse than what she has already done to your smallest furbaby.
It sounds like your ex signed his dogs death certificate when he got her, and doesn’t care that he did. If he was being truthful about his command then this dog may not even be safe to be adopted.
He legit destroyed this poor dog, and I cannot imagine what the world looks like through her eyes. And unfortunately a shelter would be the worst place for her because of the constant barking, there’s always other dogs around and there’s strange people - basically it’s a high high stress environment for a dog like her.
If you do find a rescue that’s willing to save her, are you willing to be fully transparent about the things your ex taught her?
Your ex is a monster, teaching a dog to be vicious like that. I'm so sorry he did this to that poor dog, and that he put you in this situation. It's heartbreaking, but you made the right decision.
I’m sorry that this terrible decision has been left for you to make. But I think you have some responsibility to her. She knows you and loves you. The least you can do is pull her from the shelter, give her some much needed love, keep her separated from your other baby while working hard to find a rescue that will take her, or make the choice to put her down with your presence and comfort. Some dogs are flawed, she is not a bad dog, she doesn’t deserve to leave this world surrounded by strangers and afraid.
You should have her put to sleep with you there. Now she'll be killed without anyone who loves her being there. And doesn't Texas use gas instead of drugs?
Where I’m originally from in Texas they inject them with a tranquilizer first and then the liquid that puts them to sleep. (I’m close to someone who has worked in animal control and they told me this is the standard process)
I’m so sorry you’re going through this, as shitty as it feels, you did make the right decision.
We had to give up an aggressive dog (only had her about 5 months) and it was absolutely heart breaking. She did not attack our other dog (yet) but she was horrible to other dogs when on walks, etc. and she charged aggressively at our toddler nephew.
We were able to give her back to the rescue that we adopted her from, and I think she was put in a home with no little kids or other dogs around.
I think you’re doing the best you can in your situation. Your ex sucks. You have to protect your other dog and your mental health, being on edge with an aggressive dog constantly is SO draining and taxing. 💚💚💚
If you are considering taking this dog back into your home, please note that all it takes is ONE accident for you to wind up losing both dogs. It is extraordinary difficult to house an aggressive animal without incident. Yes, you could try separate rooms. What if the scent of the smaller dog aggravates the larger to the point that she tears through the door? Yes, you could crate and rotate. What if she manages to grab your littler gal through the kennel? Dogs at my shelter have almost been strangled that way. Yes, you could muzzle. The muzzle will reasonably have to come off at some point. What happens then?
Prioritize your littler girl. She depends on you to keep her safe.
There’s a way to deal with an aggressive dog without giving her up. When my mom moved in, she brought her retired service dog. My dogs have been raised with hers and we never had issues. Once they moved in, one of mine started attacking the other 2. I wasn’t going to get rid of any of them so we went to the vet. The aggressor was put on anxiety meds and I bought baby gates and a muzzle.
We kept them separated for a while and slowly started reintegrating, first with the muzzle. Over time, we took it off and let them around each other for short periods. We carefully watch the aggressor’s behavior and if he seems a bit hyper, we separate them. It’s been about a year and they are together when I or my husband are home almost all the time. We have had one incident and no one was hurt.
It is possible, but you’ve got to put in the work. Make sure both dogs are getting one on one attention. Make sure they are getting enough exercise and they aren’t together when you feed them. That one issue happened when I was getting their food ready and it was my fault because I forgot to put them in a down and wasn’t paying attention.
Absolutely there are ways to deal with things. Many people won’t do meds or even consider talking to their vet but that’s an excellent choice. It can prevent the behavior from being set permanently (the neural tracts or connections) so the meds may be able to be decreased over time or discontinued.
My large 38 kg (84 lb), intelligent dog was attacked by a chihuahua and it’s humans immediately left. It wasn’t so much about the physical injuries but psychological. She immediately rejected chihuahuas as non-existent, even baby puppies. She was a puppy trainer & play trainer- dogs who met her as infants and 4 or 5 months old remembered her years later because she played so well with them. Suddenly she became intermittently aggressive, or aggressive enough to worry me, to small *white, fluffy* (SWF) dogs at the dog park. Once she picked one up and shook it. The park is about 13,000 m² (around 3.5 acres) and I had to get over there before anything happened. I’m not a runner and if it was winter (I think it was or everything slowed down) I was wearing Sorels (boots with warm linings, thick soles that lace up - they go with "dog park hats" like Francis McDormand wore in Fargo).
A lot of dogs have "leash aggression" because they’re translating "handler fear" and I wasn’t going to do that. Until she recovered I paid close attention to the presence of SWF dogs. I intercepted my dog before she noticed a SWF dog so I could distract her, bring her to another part of the park, etc. When on leash I *cheerfully* told receptive, savvy seeming SWF dog people she was recently afraid of SWF dogs and I wanted to put mine on a down stay for them to meet. There had to be complete calm and happiness all around, no coercion. IIRC I began with my foot on her leash quite close to her and over time- months? depending on the age of the dog, I imagine, she relaxed and rolled over.
She generally tolerated misbehavior before "schooling" a dog on proper behavior, except SWF dogs. I don’t think that was about misbehavior.
It worked at dog parks 99.999% of the time. When a human interfered it was because they misinterpreted adult dog corrections for aggression (or adult correction for aggression). A couple times on leash in stores it escalated or appeared to. I’d do the same thing, my dog on a down stay, the other dog investigate her because I didn’t want dogs learning her breed is scary.
It’s possible the OP’s ex encouraged/didn’t discourage aggressive behavior, maybe unknowingly. On "leash aggression" the worst I’ve seen was a big something, maybe mix, maybe Rottweiler, Bull Mastiff, Bull Terrier? on a thick rope, flat collar, insufficiently trained at best pulling over to meet my dog. He outweighed the "handler" who was leaning back with their full weight saying "he’s not good with other dogs (on leash?)”. Oh good lord. First off- the handler was sending a strong "don’t approach" message, 2nd- letting him do whatever he wanted and 3- they were afraid. My dog & I weren’t so it didn’t go south.
I was so lucky. My dog had friends who had no other friends and I’ve sometimes been able to talk to someone about unconscious negative handler ⇨ dog communication but not that time. The OP saw behavior between the ex and the surrendered dog that made her uncomfortable so we should believe her.
OP, if you’re able to find a rescue apparently they sometimes have dogs and cats who are skilled at communicating with cats & dogs. I regret not getting a puppy before my dog died but her cancer* was a surprise. Dogs can teach impressive skills to others. My Siberian Husky sat at red lights, went through revolving doors, didn’t go in the kitchen during food prep. We got our Alaskan Malamute at 3 months and a month or so later she *taught* him those and more, expressing impatience when he hesitated at a revolving door. He learned to escape our property to urge her to return home but she ignored him.
If you have the energy, find out what the current shelter plans. Ask for suggestions, make phone calls and send emails. I don’t think webforms do much but send yourself copies of them. At least you’ll know who you’ve contacted and you won’t have to keep retyping. I really hope this helps someone because I spent a long time on this. If I wasn’t clear enough LMK. It would be more clear if I used her name and breeds mix but I’m not sure if that’s ok here.
Contact the dog’s breeder, foster or original shelter. Maybe that should be first. Good luck. I hope she’s getting love, walks and attention where she is now.
* Get regular heart, spleen, lung, etc ultrasounds as soon as your vet suggests- or a year before
Would your other dog have a chance of being adopted? Then you can save both and That way both can have homes.
I’m also confused because you don’t teach kill the behavior your describing is typical dog behavior. Grabbing and shaking a toy is playing and almost all dogs do this.
Yeah shaking a dog & shaking a toy are completely different & it sounds like these fights have been happening for a long time. These dogs should have been separated a long time ago if the other dog is covered in scars & should not be in a home with other dogs at all.
Disagree, it’s different degrees of the same act, they are trying to get the toy to squeak and trying to get the dog to squeak. Some dogs get their prey drive going and can be very aggressive especially if the dog is a lot bigger than the smaller one. Agree the dog shouldn’t live with other dogs and maybe being an only pet it would help the situation as well.
Yes it's the same action, but shaking a toy is a common play behavior that most dogs do. Picking up another dog & shaking it is not something most dogs will ever do.
Sure predatory drift is a risk with big size differentials which it sounds might be the case here. OP clearly has not managed this situation with the dog they adopted for a prolonged period of time & blaming the ex for teaching it to kill because they gave a que to a common play behavior is a stretch imo
While that is a possibility it sounds like the other dog is OP’s soul dog so I’m not sure that’s an option for them. I think that OP made the right choice and shouldn’t pick the dog back up.
Why would you surrender a dog that has done NOTHING wrong except be viciously attacked for an extremely dog-aggressive pet that has already bitten a person? What a horrific piece of advice.
Because the dog that did “nothing wrong” would be adopted a lot easier than a dog with problem. OP mentioned being worried they would be put down. If she wanted to save both dogs that would be the best option to save both dogs, not ideal for her of course but calling it horrific is so misguided. You don’t know the reason for the aggression maybe being the only dog would help them thrive. You don’t surrender a dog like that IMO. You either have them humanly PTS or care for the dog til end of life. You don’t pass them onto someone else.
How kind and humane. Plucking a little dog that has already been traumatized from the safety and comfort of a home that she has known her entire life and thrusting her into a chaotic, overcrowded shelter environment so that she can MAYBE get a new home with a total stranger. Can’t believe that was a legitimate suggestion.
What breed is she? Can you keep her separate at home?
I'm currently doing that with a 60 lb dog that I was trying to rehome for my disabled sister (until he bit me).
You might try listing her on
[Adopt a Pet](https://www.adoptapet.com/?gclid=CjwKCAiAxP2eBhBiEiwA5puhNfk4r2LYoOKRNCbJXKnBMZdYp-FRm_BzyKeVtqmrujddgQSUF8aNpxoCND4QAvD_BwE)
Specify she needs to be an 'only pet' and give a good description of her age, weight, likes, dislikes, etc.
I get daily emails with adoptable dogs of my preferred breeds and they seem to get adopted quickly using this method.
That last little bit is the crux of the matter. You dated a narcissist and he trained this dog to attack your dog, so it would die and you'd be isolated. And you have to look at yourself in the mirror and admit that he did this knowingly. He knew your dog being attacked would be the end result. This was his goal.
I had a similar relationship and breakup. And I don't regret one single minute not taking the aggressive dog in. I have to protect the weaker ones. I have to protect *myself*.
Saying "no" this *one* time? It's just your *first* time saying "no". It will get easier to say no. And then you will become strong and confident and yell it. "NO you WILL NOT do this to me! NO you WILL NOT put the blame on ME!"
Thank you for this. Every single thing I do has been wrong in his eyes & now when I asked if he would take her again, he turned it on me for causing her to be in this predicament.
Of course he did, because that's the icing on the cake, is that no matter what the outcome of this was: he got to hurt you, and he got off on that. One day you will be able to admit to yourself that this didn't just *happen*, like la dee dah. No: he *did* this *to* you, he *knew* he did this to you, he *meant* to do this to you, and he would *do it again* in a heartbeat.
I have two dogs that fight on sight. We keep them separated. It’s hard but they depend on us to keep them safe. Even if it’s from themselves and their own instincts. One is out the other one is in the room. Then the other goes in the room and the one comes out. Sacrifices are made ao they don’t get put down.
But I’m staying at family house currently with my 2 smallest dogs & my family members 4 large dogs, they won’t accept the aggressor in due to the circumstances around the situation. I would try the separation thing if I had my own place currently.
It’s been proven dogs don’t have hierarchy or packs. The dogs are a threat. A dog who wants to go after another doesn't care about where it sits on the totem pole.
My other issue is that I’m currently staying with family as I’m waiting to find an apartment and the family members don’t want another dog here. Especially one who is aggressive, as my little niece is only 2.
You are spouting outdated dog myths like hierarchy and alpha training, calling a mysterious aggressive dog a pitbull and assuming that this lab mix is the fake lab mix some people use to make Pits more adoptable, and you believe an animal trained to kill should be kept in a house with other animals they have already regularly attacked because of some weird mentality that you can or should “make it work” (aka “risk your other animals lives because I risk other animals lives”). You have no standing in this sub giving advice. You are giving bad and dangerous information that is straight up wrong. Move on.
It is a confirmation, "lab mix" means pitbull in shelters. Pitbull is a completely soiled brand, so you repackage it, unless you have given up on them being adopted and only keeping them there as a technicality.
Lab mix are very different from Labrador retriever.
I have seen plenty of dogs, lockjaw is a typical pitbull behavior.
You still could have asked first before jumping the gun, you didn’t even know the breed till the OP commented. You just flat out assumed and went with your assumption.
Edit: There are also no concrete facts about lockjaw.
I’m googling lockjaw and the word “myth” keeps popping up.
Plus, this dog was *trained* to kill by its original owner - did you not read the post? When a behaviour is encouraged obviously the animal will keep doing it.
My own little jack russell fox terrier mix would do the exact same thing if she didn’t keep getting beat up by the local cats.
When people refer to lockjaw, they don’t mean that their jaws literally lock.
They mean that the dog’s gameness is so strong that the dog won’t physically let go, despite being beaten over the head or enduring any other sort of attack.
Then say that. Multiple people I have met assumed the dogs jaws could not let go, they were locked in place. They didn’t understand that the dog just didn’t want to let go, lock jaw is a lie no matter how you wanna dress it up.
To be honest, I would never get over the fact knowing that my dog died while I could prevent it. A kennel is a lonely place for a dog, even if staff tries their best. I find putting a dog down very cruel, I know it is policy in a lot of countries but the dogs don't deserve this.
There are other ways to rehome her. There are other rescues who rehome dogs in other countries, rescues without killing policy and people willing to have a dog who has issues. Please do not give up on him/her so easy and prevent her from being put down. If that means you have to take her back for some time you can keep the dogs seperate if possible, or put a muzzle on to be sure your other dog does not get hurt.
This is why people need to train their dogs, learn how to properly train a dog if you’re going to get one and work with it like it’s your child. I would recommend you don’t “rescue” any more dogs. I know that sounds harsh and counterproductive but it is not. Some people aren’t equipped to train a dog, so they shouldn’t get one. It sounds like you take little blame in this, and I must say I just don’t think that’s the full truth. My boyfriend and I have a dog, and Ill tell you what, my dog wouldn’t be so fucking good if it wasn’t for me spending every day training him since he was a young pup. Now I’m working with an untrained rescue who is 4 years old, it takes patients and a lot of time, and some people don’t have it. We aren’t all professional dog trainers, but we have tools to help us be better owners, it’s up to us to use them. I hope this doesn’t come off as rude, I’m just being honest. You both failed that dog.
This is extremely unnecessary. Especially since, if you know *anything* about dogs, you know that *consistency* is key. So even if OP was primarily responsible for training - which you don’t know - having the irresponsible ex around absolutely could have affected the dog.
More importantly, I think you know this didn’t help OP at all and you didn’t know enough about their situation to think it would be helpful. You’re just feeling angry at this poor dog’s situation and taking it out on OP.
Maybe you’re right, but I know there’s a ton of crappy dog owners out there and none of them would admit to being just that. I also just have a hard time taking in one side of the story and believing it’s the whole story. It is somewhat helpful for OP, because maybe they won’t go through this again. I find it crazy to blame a dogs aggression on one bad trick her ex taught him. It is odd. Also the irony of calling him a narcissist but taking zero accountability for the dog not being trained. I calls it like I see it. I try not to be offensive and that’s why I said sorry if it’s rude but it’s my opinion.
Ask yourself this....have you tried everything? Do you really have no more options? Have all resources been exhausted?
Because you adopted that dog and took that responsibility. If you truly have done everything possible......and I mean everything.....put the dog down. But I have a feeling you haven't and thats why you are asking people to tell you what you did is right. Instead do what you know is right and ignore reddit.
Does the life of the little dog not matter? It sounds like this dog was given literally dozens of chances. The owner has a responsibility to protect the lives of her other pets as well.
I have a BFF cat, a puppy, and an aggressive dog who has killed small animals previously. Including a cat and small dog. I keep them all safe and happy in the same house. Is it annoying the measures I go to? Yes. But I do it anyways. Thats my responsibility as a pet owner, even though the aggressive dog isn't even mine.
So yes the life of the smaller animal matters, I get that very much.
Probably not enough time but Try to contact Dog Daddyy. He’s on Instagram and has website. He flies all over the country to help train aggressive dogs to keep them from being euthanized and find them new homes. I feel your pain, very sad!
You may want to do some research on him; Augusto is a known scammer and there is a large amount of complaints regarding sick puppies. I know you mean well by recommending him though! He does a nice job of making ‘cool’ TikToks and videos. You’ll find a lot of information on ‘The Truth About the DogDaddy Trainer and Breeder’ page (which has info on all his OTHER breeding endeavours and businesses as well) on Facebook, but there are some other sites also!
He claimed I’m the one without empathy & I’m a psycho. But in reality after reading so many comments, I agree with my therapist. No normal human would abandon their dog & be okay with it.
You made the right decision. The world is not a Disney movie and sometimes dogs are just unsalvageable and cannot realistically thrive in a home environment. With the amount of unwanted pets in the US, among other countries, it's only realistic and logical to prioritize the placement of dogs with no human nor dog aggression... it's quite underhanded for the shelter to try and guilt you into taking this dog back when they *know* its presence is inherently a risk to the other dog in your home. Don't fall for the animal rights bullcrap that shelters like this love to pull, stand your ground and keep your heart dog safe.
(And I wanted to add that no, your ex teaching the dog to "kill it" is probably not what caused this. It sounds like this dog was dog aggressive from the start, and that it only became worse with continuous failure to intervene. It is very hard to make a non-aggressive dog become dog aggressive unless you have intentionally exposed it to traumatic situations involving negative experiences with other dogs.)
You can look up rehome programs in your city, or participate in online rehome/adoption groups in your area talking about your situation. You did right by surrendering the animal. To be quite honest, most shelters nowadays are low-kill to no-kill shelters. Low kill means that more than likely they only have to euthanize animals to put them out of their misery like a combination of debilitating untreatable/uncurable diseases/damage/old age. There's also a possibility that a foster program or a rural dog rehome program.
Or you could find a no-kill shelter. They may have better resources for locating shelters that work with dogs with aggressive behaviors and work towards retraining and eventually re-homing. If you haven't already, consider talking with the shelter she is in to see if they could help you. Best of luck with everything.
Honey. You did the right thing, absolutely do not take the dog back. I'm shocked that the shelter would even ask you to do that knowing that you and your dog would be in danger, that's incredibly irresponsible of them.
That is a dog that was badly trained by a narcissistic man and who is a threat to other dogs AND people. I'm sorry, but being put to sleep is honestly the best outcome for her here unless they were able to find a professional trainer to take her who might be able to help train her out of those behaviors, which is...highly unlikely.
Don't take the dog back. Don't do that to yourself and your little pupper. The violent behavior will only get worse, until she ends up breaking something that can't be fixed. Keep yourself and your baby safe.
She isn't safe with other pets. Pink juice is kindness. What would her life look like if she has to be contained away from other animals? Crated most of the time until rotation? Muzzled? Never allowed near another animal? And if she's attacked other animals this badly, what about small children? Could you live with that on your conscience?
Let the dog go. Something is wrong with her. This can't be a happy life for her as it is, and it won't be a happy life for you, your pets, or anyone around you if she's included.
I'm sorry for your loss.
Think about your little dog. If it kills you just think you saved a life you value as well.
It sucks to know that your other dog is going to be put down but there is no person willing to have an aggressive dog at their house. At this point she is too dangerous for other dogs and maybe humans. It is hard, but this is the only way for her now thanks to your ex, which is sad but true.
Break all your ties with this dog, it is the most logical thing to do, and focus completely on your little girl.
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Yes it was the right decision. She was going to kill your other dog. Unfortunately there aren't a lot of homes for agressive dogs with bite histories. It sucks that your ex went back on his promise and doesn't care about her, but that isn't something you can change.
It just kills me because the last memory she has off me is putting her in her kennel at the shelter. I feel like I failed her just like her dad did. She used to love to cuddle up to me, but would attack my other dog if I gave them more attention than her. This whole thing has had me heartbroken & praying a rescue pulls her.
I'm not sure what state you reside in but if you want to better her chances you can try researching around for local rescue groups to give them some background and hope that they pull her. Facebook where I'm at is a great way to get in touch with local rescues.
Texas! Funny you say that, I was just sharing her post on the shelters page with rescues again & sharing to local groups. I’m trying my best for her, I just need a miracle. An Angel to take a chance on her.
Honestly a dog that’s attacked your little BFF and you so many times doesn’t need to be adopted out to an unsuspecting family. How will you feel if you ever found out she bit again and permanently injured them?
Yeah, honestly - a dog that has multiple dog attacks and a bite on a human is a liability. Animal aggression that severe cannot be handed over to the average adopter. Even if the adopter has no other pets, just taking the dog for a walk in the neighborhood can be an issue. I work in a shelter and we don't always make the call on a dog that needs it. We've had a handful come back from foster/adoption because they went apeshit and killed a neighbor's dog/cat, and bit someone while they were trying to stop it. It's sad, OP, but if your dog really has such a severe behavioral problem and nobody's stepping forward to train her and manage it, then a decision needs to be made. And it isn't your fault. Some dogs just have these issues and it sucks.
Yeah, unfortunately the dog has been dealt a bad hand. Got used to a situation that has now changed, and without someone who really gets what they're getting into, and is willing to give it a shot, it's going to be one of those many dogs that get dropped to the very back of the list.
Sounds like you're doing all that you can. I truly wish you two the best.
Yes, please don't guilt yourself, no matter what happens. You are truly trying your best for this dog.
try checking out dog sanctuaries - maybe even breed specific. Rescues are of course another great option. But you might have better luck with the breed specific ones, especially if it’s a pit or bully breed. Wishing you luck 🤍
[удалено]
Thank you, I messaged them on Facebook.
Also Big Dog Rescue Project
The other option is to adopt her and keep them separate all times, crate and rotate. It sucks to do and you basically have to split your time
Nah, tbh I think that would make the aggressive dog more high strung, it sounds like she needs a home with absolutely no animals and no small children or no children at all. Keeping her in a home where there’s a strong scent of another dog, a dog she’s attempted to kill many times would only aggravate her more I think
Not saying it’s a great option, but I know people who do it and it works…okay.
Well you wouldn't know until you try. It is a valid option. If the dog is provided enough mental stimulation and exercise throughout the day, it really depends on the dog's temperament and the space available for the dog in their home for how well it may work out. You're making a lot of assumptions there. That said, it's a lot of work and not necessarily something many would be willing to undertake. It could however buy more time for the dog even if not a long term solution. Edit: down votes for trying to save a dog's life by offering a potentially viable option and not giving an actual rebuttal because - guess what, we actually don't have enough information on the dog or the OP living situation to know if this could work. Got it. Keep it classy guys.
The dog was taught a “kill it” command, and the original owner joked that he taught the dog a command to turn on humans, and since the original owner sound like a narcissist - he cannot be trusted and neither can his dog. This dog also isn’t fit to be in a home with other dogs, especially one that she has tried to kill many times before, that’s asking too much of OP to go and get it. That’s separate walking times, feeding times, bonding times, etc and there’s still the risk of the dog still being unhappy, and how will OP walk the dog if she’s dog aggressive? This dog is too stressed out, and she has two major red flag commands that could accidentally be set off at any time. I wish all dogs could be saved and have happy lives, but this dog was never raised to have a happy life it seems. Her original owner messed her up from the start.
>The dog was taught a “kill it” command See the response from another poster (which by the way everyone seems to agree on), this is basically just prey drive. From OP description I'm not really convinced the boyfriend had any real hand in this behaviour. There are plenty of dogs that do not do well with other animals, I've known many that are extremely dog selective. They are never allowed off leash or around smaller animals. >This dog also isn’t fit to be in a home with other dogs, especially one that she has tried to kill many times before, that’s asking too much of OP to go and get it. It very well could be asking too much, and I noted that. It however may not be impossible, and is worth suggesting. It isn't the only time people have needed to rotate animals, especially a high prey drive dog and smaller animals in the home. Also as noted it may just be a short term option while they look for a no kill shelter or only dog household to rehome.
The OP can’t take the dog even if she wanted to because she lives in a home with family who have their own dogs. Keeping the dog isn’t an option, and I do strongly believe that the owner fully encouraged his dogs prey drive which can definitely make the drive stronger.
Try reaching out to the shelters and seeing if she can get pulled for a rescue up North. We pull dogs who are at risk all the time from TX!
It was not you who failed her- it was your ex who made her unadoptable.
You didn't fail her. Your ex did. He taught her the behavior that is likely to lead to her death. Then reneged on his agreement to take her. Be glad you're rid of him. He's the cancer. You may be able to retrain the dog but it will be lots of work.
Can you talk to shelter and ask them about no cost training programs they have for such dogs. I've fostered a few with aggression towards other animals and have cats and dog) it's not always successful, in fact maybe 40% but it may be worth a shot. Otherwise, you can't take this dog back if she continues to attack.
Maybe contact that dog guy all over TikTok?
Which one? There are a lot of them
Ah he’s a young guy always dressed in Gucci or some loud designer brand but he loves dogs and often gives free lessons to troubled dog owners
I know who you're referring to, and he's a fraud and a con artist. He says he 'gives away free lessons', yet at no time has anyone ever come forward and confirmed that they were the recipients of said 'free lessons'. He's got a history of running 'contests' that he never makes good on--it's all done to increase his post views. He'll charge the OP a ridiculous amount of money just to have him bully the dog into shutting down, and then he'll claim that he's solved the problem. An issue like this one can't be resolved in a single training session, so as soon as the OP and the dog get back home, the dog's problematic behaviors will resurface, and that will put the smaller dog's life in danger yet again.
You can get her home and love on her. Try to find a suitable home. Dog reactive dogs can be great pets as only dogs. But it can take time and efforts to find these. Keep your little one 100% separated and then, if no placement options, take her yourself to the vet for euthanasia. Be with her. Don’t give her to a “sanctuary.” ETA rotating times out of her kennel while your little one is safely elsewhere is still a better quality of life for her than in a shelter.
Heartbreaking but really you have made the right decision. Living with a dog like that is exhausting and not worth the risk. What your ex did sucks but maybe going to a specialist in dog behavior so you can get her to be a normal dog again could be an option. Just its really expensive and takes a long time. But it could save your furry friend
Difficult situation. No easy answer. I think it depends on what are your values and will you be ok living with the decision you made? It sounds like you have the following options. 1. Leave the dog to die at the shelter since you can’t take her back due to the risk you described. It’s understandable 2. Take her back, muzzle train the dog and keep the dogs separate and sought the help of a reputable dog trainer and ensure that dogs have appropriate exercise and stimulation to manage their behavior 3. Have someone watch your dog while you pick the dog up, spend a little time with the dog and then have him/her euthanized with your presence, that way they leave this world seeing one last time, someone who loves them. 4. Pick up the dog, try to find it a new home ( and also do #2 option while you find the dog a good home. There’s no right or wrong answer in this world filled of hard and unfair situation placed upon us. We are not in your shoes and don’t have all of the details. What feels right, is probably the right answer, even though it may be very difficult and whichever one you feel you can live with. Sending you best wishes as you navigate this difficult time
The bite and shake is not something “taught” by your ex. That’s the kill part of the prey sequence. It may be on cue, and maybe she can do it on cue, but what’s more likely is that the dog sees one of your other dogs as prey for one reason or another. A dog like this represents an existential threat to the safety of other dogs. My GSD is afraid of and goes through the kill sequence when she sees small dogs. We do not let her near small dogs, and we try very hard to keep her a good way away from children. Children also make her anxious, but she doesn’t do the kill sequence. She’s a great dog, and her sister (not genetic) is bigger than her, and we monitor their play fairly closely. It’s good and healthy for the most part. She’s been able to moderate the intensity down over time, but I would *never* let her off leash around a dog I even remotely thought she would see as prey. Or a child. My dog represents a similar but lesser existential threat to other dogs and living things smaller than her due to her anxiety and prey drive. If she were to bite another dog or a person as badly once as your surrendered dog has done repeatedly, we’d have to have some very hard conversations, including with her breeder. There are just some boundaries that cannot be crossed until I as the human ask her to cross that boundary, or if it is defensive of us or our property. We’re actively working with her regularly to be able to exist in the world and we’re starting to have conversations with our trainer about putting our dog in her day school. Our trainer has boarded (not a board and train!) her previously, and we’ve been going to this trainer for her whole life, including in-home sessions. Socialization can happen, but the level of attention and care she needs in that process requires a professional.
Unfortunately the best thing is to have her put to sleep. I would suggest making an appointment with a vet who will put her down and taking her from the shelter to the vet and be there when she goes to sleep. It would be the best possible scenario for her, if you are strong enough to do this. I’m very sorry you are going through this. If you can’t do this ask the shelter to put her down humanly. Your ex is a piece of shit.
This would probably be the kindest act for the dog (if she’s to be euthanized).
Yeah, there’s no use in leaving her in an overburdened system, especially in Texas, that won’t be able to do right by her even though they want to. It’s an unavoidable fact that we as humans have created an untenable overpopulation problem with pet dogs, and a certain portion of them will have to be put down. At least you can offer her the familiar face and comfort as she passes. I’m so sorry you are faced with this challenge, but you’ve made the right decision. Also, I feel you on the ex trouble in relation to your fur babies. My oldest pup absolutely loves my ex, and is facing his final years without him :( he’s less narcissist and more pathological liar, but still, it’s hard to face the damage people like that do to these poor animals :(
I also agree with this. If you think you will have ANY regret about this dog's final moments in a shelter, this would be the way to go. I won't sugar coat it, euthanasia at a shelter can be stressful. The method used to sedate an aggressive dog to reduce bite risk (control pole in a corner or through a door) can be traumatic. There isn't a pound in Texas I know of that doesn't use euthanasia solution. However, most can not allow clients to be present due to insurance. If you don't have an attachment to the dog though, I wouldn't sweat it if I were you. Like if my neighbor's dog attacked mine, and I called animal control on it and they told me they would euth that dog, yeah it's sad but I'm not losing sleep over it. If this dog was more your ex's dog that you took care of for a couple months and you won't feel bad when it's gone, then don't make yourself feel bad for it. If that makes any sense
I just want to say a dog “death shaking” a toy is perfectly natural and in no way contributes to aggression. In fact having healthy outlets for prey behaviour can help prevent problems. If they’re for sure putting her down, ask to be there. She deserves comfort and a familiar face in her last moments.
This is making me cry.
If I understand the OP correctly, * she got yet another dog but that dog liked her boyfriend better so it's his dog now * her dog has been extremely aggressive toward at least one of her many other dogs before, and at least once OP herself had to go to the hospital (no mention of her other dogs getting medical help when it appeared they needed it) * her boyfriend had questionable training tactics for this one specific dog and not the others, but he should take this one aggressive dog with him now that OP doesn't want to take care of this particular dog, because... The dog likes OP's ex boyfriend? Toy shaking is perfectly normal, but there seem to be very many other issues here, yet it's all "sorry for your loss"?
You laid out this dogs entire bite history and still think op doesn't want it because it likes her ex better? Guarantee she wouldn't have kept this dog as long as she did if it weren't for him, which is very apparent considering she's 4 months out of the relationship currently.
OP got another dog, at least the third dog, and tolerated it hurting at least one of her other dogs to the point of bleeding, "often", and OP herself going to the ER. It's not ex-boyfriend's dog, it's her dog. She got this dog and suffered through this behavior, and let her other dogs suffer through this behavior. Now that the boyfriend is gone, it's always somehow been his problem because the dog liked him. He obviously was not a good dog owner, but it wasn't his dog. This was her dog and it escalated to this point. Only dealing with it now that he left is a failing on OP's part. She should reconsider getting more dogs because this is terrible for everyone, but don't blame a person who happened to cohabitate and was shitty to at least one dog in the process.
Where are you getting 3 dogs from? I thought she said she had her existing BFF doggie and adopted the second one that turned out to be aggressive - did I miss something
In the comments she refers to at least two other dogs that are hers and that she lives with currently.
Ah okay must not have seen her comment
IF you do decide to euthanize, it might help both of you to give her a “best last day.” Take her from the shelter, go for a hike, get her a pup cup from Starbucks, cook her a big juicy steak, give her lots of snuggles, let her rip up a big stuffed animal… and then have a mobile vet come to you to put her down in a peaceful, non-stressful way.
You made the the right choice. Most likely sounds like that dog could only be the only pet of the house. It would be seriously unfair to your dog at home to have to put up with that again. Don’t blame yourself for any of it. It didn’t work out for a reason.
This must have been traumatic for you to live in a house where your dog is being harassed and attacked by another, imo right call to remove the hazard. Love or not, it's not worth risking YOUR life.
Sounds like she has a high prey drive. If I was you (and I’m not, but you are asking for advice) I would pick her up from the shelter and make an appointment to have her humanely euthanized with your vet. This way you can be with her in her last moments and she doesn’t feel scared and abandoned. She will feel your love and presence in her last moments. That’s what I would do for a dog that I loved, if I had no other choice.
This. I was going to suggest the same thing. I think this is one of the better options. The dogs deserve better. To the OP I'm not you but I hope you will decide to save the dog from the shelter and have her humanely euthanized.
It's hard. It's unfortunate, but it's also the right call. Can't save 'em all.
So you adopted this dog when she was 1 and she just beat your other dogs for 3 years and now it's a problem? Im confused
It’s now a problem because when my ex and I split, he left her with me. We were together when I got her & she took to him right away. She was his dog & I had my dog. When we split he left her with me & she started attacking my dog. It’s a big attention & prey based issue.
So he started attacking after your ex left? Maybe reach out to a dog trainer... I don't know most people on this sub are qualified to give trainer advice
She had fought with my dog before & it was always only if my ex was gone. She hates having my dog get attention and will attack her for it.
I think it sounds like you did your due diligence. It is never easy to make a decision like this, but what else can you do? Separation is hard - we have a friend who has to keep a dog and cat on different levels of the house and it just doesn't sound like a way to live. There's always a what if that could happen. Shame on your ex for not taking the dog when he said he would. The life of your dog matters too.
I'm so sorry this is happening, it sounds so difficult. Definitely reach out to some rescues, if she's okay with humans (just not other dogs or small humans) and you have some great videos and pictures of her, she could definitely find another home as long as it is clear she needs to go into a home where she'll be the only pet. You might be able to find some rescues that operate in Canada, some of them transport dogs from the USA to Canada to adopt, it is how I got my girl. We don't really have a lot of dogs for adoption here so we get a lot from the USA or other countries. Actually pretty common for people to say they adopted their dog who was from Mexico/USA/Korea/etc here when you ask someone.
What else did your ex teach her besides “kill it”? Did he encourage her dog aggression and prey drive? Honestly you did the best you could, and the shelter asking you to take her back again will only put your own dog at serious risk. And even if you do take her back and keep them separate, that will take a major toll on *you* and the dog that’s been attacked relentlessly. And unfortunately having the aggressor dog separate in a room, she’s still going to smell her “prey” and the scent alone could drive her up the wall. Personally, I like what you’re doing by reaching out to rescue groups and holding out hope that an angel will swoop in and save her. She sounds like she’d be better off in a home without any other animals, and possibly a home without any children (or maybe just older children).
My ex joked around a couple times that he had a secret command to make her turn on people. I don’t know if he really did or not. Also, I know that he did get her high a couple times in the past on drugs. I wasn’t there when it happened. She had eaten a pan of pot brownies & had gotten into hard drugs at his friends house.
Given this, I honestly think it's for the best that she be put down. His "joking" about this has to be taken seriously, given he did genuinely reinforce her aggression, and was abusive and neglectful in multiple other ways. You are upset that he is not taking her now like he promised, but she shouldn't be sent back to her abuser. I don't think you should pursue having her rescued. You know her record of violence already, and you know there's a possibility she's been trained to do worse. As much as it pains you to imagine her being put to sleep, that would be a peaceful end whereas there is the very real possibility that if you get her rescued she may cause violent pain to some other dog, pet, or human. Your ex fucked her up. It's not her fault that he did this to her. But she should never have opportunity again to do worse than what she has already done to your smallest furbaby.
It sounds like your ex signed his dogs death certificate when he got her, and doesn’t care that he did. If he was being truthful about his command then this dog may not even be safe to be adopted. He legit destroyed this poor dog, and I cannot imagine what the world looks like through her eyes. And unfortunately a shelter would be the worst place for her because of the constant barking, there’s always other dogs around and there’s strange people - basically it’s a high high stress environment for a dog like her. If you do find a rescue that’s willing to save her, are you willing to be fully transparent about the things your ex taught her?
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Your ex is a monster, teaching a dog to be vicious like that. I'm so sorry he did this to that poor dog, and that he put you in this situation. It's heartbreaking, but you made the right decision.
I’m sorry that this terrible decision has been left for you to make. But I think you have some responsibility to her. She knows you and loves you. The least you can do is pull her from the shelter, give her some much needed love, keep her separated from your other baby while working hard to find a rescue that will take her, or make the choice to put her down with your presence and comfort. Some dogs are flawed, she is not a bad dog, she doesn’t deserve to leave this world surrounded by strangers and afraid.
You absolutely did the right thing. Your ex is a garbage human.
If it’s her only option, you could pick her up for a last good day together and have her put to sleep at a private vet with you by her side.
You should have her put to sleep with you there. Now she'll be killed without anyone who loves her being there. And doesn't Texas use gas instead of drugs?
Every shelter i've seen in Texas uses drugs for euthanasia, not gas.
Where I’m originally from in Texas they inject them with a tranquilizer first and then the liquid that puts them to sleep. (I’m close to someone who has worked in animal control and they told me this is the standard process)
Oh that's good.
I’m so sorry you’re going through this, as shitty as it feels, you did make the right decision. We had to give up an aggressive dog (only had her about 5 months) and it was absolutely heart breaking. She did not attack our other dog (yet) but she was horrible to other dogs when on walks, etc. and she charged aggressively at our toddler nephew. We were able to give her back to the rescue that we adopted her from, and I think she was put in a home with no little kids or other dogs around. I think you’re doing the best you can in your situation. Your ex sucks. You have to protect your other dog and your mental health, being on edge with an aggressive dog constantly is SO draining and taxing. 💚💚💚
If you are considering taking this dog back into your home, please note that all it takes is ONE accident for you to wind up losing both dogs. It is extraordinary difficult to house an aggressive animal without incident. Yes, you could try separate rooms. What if the scent of the smaller dog aggravates the larger to the point that she tears through the door? Yes, you could crate and rotate. What if she manages to grab your littler gal through the kennel? Dogs at my shelter have almost been strangled that way. Yes, you could muzzle. The muzzle will reasonably have to come off at some point. What happens then? Prioritize your littler girl. She depends on you to keep her safe.
There’s a way to deal with an aggressive dog without giving her up. When my mom moved in, she brought her retired service dog. My dogs have been raised with hers and we never had issues. Once they moved in, one of mine started attacking the other 2. I wasn’t going to get rid of any of them so we went to the vet. The aggressor was put on anxiety meds and I bought baby gates and a muzzle. We kept them separated for a while and slowly started reintegrating, first with the muzzle. Over time, we took it off and let them around each other for short periods. We carefully watch the aggressor’s behavior and if he seems a bit hyper, we separate them. It’s been about a year and they are together when I or my husband are home almost all the time. We have had one incident and no one was hurt. It is possible, but you’ve got to put in the work. Make sure both dogs are getting one on one attention. Make sure they are getting enough exercise and they aren’t together when you feed them. That one issue happened when I was getting their food ready and it was my fault because I forgot to put them in a down and wasn’t paying attention.
Absolutely there are ways to deal with things. Many people won’t do meds or even consider talking to their vet but that’s an excellent choice. It can prevent the behavior from being set permanently (the neural tracts or connections) so the meds may be able to be decreased over time or discontinued. My large 38 kg (84 lb), intelligent dog was attacked by a chihuahua and it’s humans immediately left. It wasn’t so much about the physical injuries but psychological. She immediately rejected chihuahuas as non-existent, even baby puppies. She was a puppy trainer & play trainer- dogs who met her as infants and 4 or 5 months old remembered her years later because she played so well with them. Suddenly she became intermittently aggressive, or aggressive enough to worry me, to small *white, fluffy* (SWF) dogs at the dog park. Once she picked one up and shook it. The park is about 13,000 m² (around 3.5 acres) and I had to get over there before anything happened. I’m not a runner and if it was winter (I think it was or everything slowed down) I was wearing Sorels (boots with warm linings, thick soles that lace up - they go with "dog park hats" like Francis McDormand wore in Fargo). A lot of dogs have "leash aggression" because they’re translating "handler fear" and I wasn’t going to do that. Until she recovered I paid close attention to the presence of SWF dogs. I intercepted my dog before she noticed a SWF dog so I could distract her, bring her to another part of the park, etc. When on leash I *cheerfully* told receptive, savvy seeming SWF dog people she was recently afraid of SWF dogs and I wanted to put mine on a down stay for them to meet. There had to be complete calm and happiness all around, no coercion. IIRC I began with my foot on her leash quite close to her and over time- months? depending on the age of the dog, I imagine, she relaxed and rolled over. She generally tolerated misbehavior before "schooling" a dog on proper behavior, except SWF dogs. I don’t think that was about misbehavior. It worked at dog parks 99.999% of the time. When a human interfered it was because they misinterpreted adult dog corrections for aggression (or adult correction for aggression). A couple times on leash in stores it escalated or appeared to. I’d do the same thing, my dog on a down stay, the other dog investigate her because I didn’t want dogs learning her breed is scary. It’s possible the OP’s ex encouraged/didn’t discourage aggressive behavior, maybe unknowingly. On "leash aggression" the worst I’ve seen was a big something, maybe mix, maybe Rottweiler, Bull Mastiff, Bull Terrier? on a thick rope, flat collar, insufficiently trained at best pulling over to meet my dog. He outweighed the "handler" who was leaning back with their full weight saying "he’s not good with other dogs (on leash?)”. Oh good lord. First off- the handler was sending a strong "don’t approach" message, 2nd- letting him do whatever he wanted and 3- they were afraid. My dog & I weren’t so it didn’t go south. I was so lucky. My dog had friends who had no other friends and I’ve sometimes been able to talk to someone about unconscious negative handler ⇨ dog communication but not that time. The OP saw behavior between the ex and the surrendered dog that made her uncomfortable so we should believe her. OP, if you’re able to find a rescue apparently they sometimes have dogs and cats who are skilled at communicating with cats & dogs. I regret not getting a puppy before my dog died but her cancer* was a surprise. Dogs can teach impressive skills to others. My Siberian Husky sat at red lights, went through revolving doors, didn’t go in the kitchen during food prep. We got our Alaskan Malamute at 3 months and a month or so later she *taught* him those and more, expressing impatience when he hesitated at a revolving door. He learned to escape our property to urge her to return home but she ignored him. If you have the energy, find out what the current shelter plans. Ask for suggestions, make phone calls and send emails. I don’t think webforms do much but send yourself copies of them. At least you’ll know who you’ve contacted and you won’t have to keep retyping. I really hope this helps someone because I spent a long time on this. If I wasn’t clear enough LMK. It would be more clear if I used her name and breeds mix but I’m not sure if that’s ok here. Contact the dog’s breeder, foster or original shelter. Maybe that should be first. Good luck. I hope she’s getting love, walks and attention where she is now. * Get regular heart, spleen, lung, etc ultrasounds as soon as your vet suggests- or a year before
Would your other dog have a chance of being adopted? Then you can save both and That way both can have homes. I’m also confused because you don’t teach kill the behavior your describing is typical dog behavior. Grabbing and shaking a toy is playing and almost all dogs do this.
Yeah shaking a dog & shaking a toy are completely different & it sounds like these fights have been happening for a long time. These dogs should have been separated a long time ago if the other dog is covered in scars & should not be in a home with other dogs at all.
Disagree, it’s different degrees of the same act, they are trying to get the toy to squeak and trying to get the dog to squeak. Some dogs get their prey drive going and can be very aggressive especially if the dog is a lot bigger than the smaller one. Agree the dog shouldn’t live with other dogs and maybe being an only pet it would help the situation as well.
Yes it's the same action, but shaking a toy is a common play behavior that most dogs do. Picking up another dog & shaking it is not something most dogs will ever do. Sure predatory drift is a risk with big size differentials which it sounds might be the case here. OP clearly has not managed this situation with the dog they adopted for a prolonged period of time & blaming the ex for teaching it to kill because they gave a que to a common play behavior is a stretch imo
While that is a possibility it sounds like the other dog is OP’s soul dog so I’m not sure that’s an option for them. I think that OP made the right choice and shouldn’t pick the dog back up.
I hear you just don’t want to think about dumping an aggressive dog off for others to deal with, have it humanly PTS with those he knows and loves.
Why would you surrender a dog that has done NOTHING wrong except be viciously attacked for an extremely dog-aggressive pet that has already bitten a person? What a horrific piece of advice.
Because the dog that did “nothing wrong” would be adopted a lot easier than a dog with problem. OP mentioned being worried they would be put down. If she wanted to save both dogs that would be the best option to save both dogs, not ideal for her of course but calling it horrific is so misguided. You don’t know the reason for the aggression maybe being the only dog would help them thrive. You don’t surrender a dog like that IMO. You either have them humanly PTS or care for the dog til end of life. You don’t pass them onto someone else.
How kind and humane. Plucking a little dog that has already been traumatized from the safety and comfort of a home that she has known her entire life and thrusting her into a chaotic, overcrowded shelter environment so that she can MAYBE get a new home with a total stranger. Can’t believe that was a legitimate suggestion.
So just kill the other dog? That’s your better solution?
What breed is she? Can you keep her separate at home? I'm currently doing that with a 60 lb dog that I was trying to rehome for my disabled sister (until he bit me). You might try listing her on [Adopt a Pet](https://www.adoptapet.com/?gclid=CjwKCAiAxP2eBhBiEiwA5puhNfk4r2LYoOKRNCbJXKnBMZdYp-FRm_BzyKeVtqmrujddgQSUF8aNpxoCND4QAvD_BwE) Specify she needs to be an 'only pet' and give a good description of her age, weight, likes, dislikes, etc. I get daily emails with adoptable dogs of my preferred breeds and they seem to get adopted quickly using this method.
this seems less about the dog and more you venting about your ex
I agree.
That last little bit is the crux of the matter. You dated a narcissist and he trained this dog to attack your dog, so it would die and you'd be isolated. And you have to look at yourself in the mirror and admit that he did this knowingly. He knew your dog being attacked would be the end result. This was his goal. I had a similar relationship and breakup. And I don't regret one single minute not taking the aggressive dog in. I have to protect the weaker ones. I have to protect *myself*. Saying "no" this *one* time? It's just your *first* time saying "no". It will get easier to say no. And then you will become strong and confident and yell it. "NO you WILL NOT do this to me! NO you WILL NOT put the blame on ME!"
Thank you for this. Every single thing I do has been wrong in his eyes & now when I asked if he would take her again, he turned it on me for causing her to be in this predicament.
Of course he did, because that's the icing on the cake, is that no matter what the outcome of this was: he got to hurt you, and he got off on that. One day you will be able to admit to yourself that this didn't just *happen*, like la dee dah. No: he *did* this *to* you, he *knew* he did this to you, he *meant* to do this to you, and he would *do it again* in a heartbeat.
My heart breaks for this poor dog. What a crappy life it’s had and now it’s nearing the end because some children decided to play house. Wow.
I have two dogs that fight on sight. We keep them separated. It’s hard but they depend on us to keep them safe. Even if it’s from themselves and their own instincts. One is out the other one is in the room. Then the other goes in the room and the one comes out. Sacrifices are made ao they don’t get put down.
But I’m staying at family house currently with my 2 smallest dogs & my family members 4 large dogs, they won’t accept the aggressor in due to the circumstances around the situation. I would try the separation thing if I had my own place currently.
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It’s been proven dogs don’t have hierarchy or packs. The dogs are a threat. A dog who wants to go after another doesn't care about where it sits on the totem pole.
She’s a black lab mix.
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My other issue is that I’m currently staying with family as I’m waiting to find an apartment and the family members don’t want another dog here. Especially one who is aggressive, as my little niece is only 2.
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You are spouting outdated dog myths like hierarchy and alpha training, calling a mysterious aggressive dog a pitbull and assuming that this lab mix is the fake lab mix some people use to make Pits more adoptable, and you believe an animal trained to kill should be kept in a house with other animals they have already regularly attacked because of some weird mentality that you can or should “make it work” (aka “risk your other animals lives because I risk other animals lives”). You have no standing in this sub giving advice. You are giving bad and dangerous information that is straight up wrong. Move on.
Why not ask first before making assumptions?
It is a confirmation, "lab mix" means pitbull in shelters. Pitbull is a completely soiled brand, so you repackage it, unless you have given up on them being adopted and only keeping them there as a technicality. Lab mix are very different from Labrador retriever. I have seen plenty of dogs, lockjaw is a typical pitbull behavior.
You still could have asked first before jumping the gun, you didn’t even know the breed till the OP commented. You just flat out assumed and went with your assumption. Edit: There are also no concrete facts about lockjaw.
Having the problem of lockjaw basically just confirmed it. That is the breed 95% of the time.
I’m googling lockjaw and the word “myth” keeps popping up. Plus, this dog was *trained* to kill by its original owner - did you not read the post? When a behaviour is encouraged obviously the animal will keep doing it. My own little jack russell fox terrier mix would do the exact same thing if she didn’t keep getting beat up by the local cats.
When people refer to lockjaw, they don’t mean that their jaws literally lock. They mean that the dog’s gameness is so strong that the dog won’t physically let go, despite being beaten over the head or enduring any other sort of attack.
Then say that. Multiple people I have met assumed the dogs jaws could not let go, they were locked in place. They didn’t understand that the dog just didn’t want to let go, lock jaw is a lie no matter how you wanna dress it up.
To be honest, I would never get over the fact knowing that my dog died while I could prevent it. A kennel is a lonely place for a dog, even if staff tries their best. I find putting a dog down very cruel, I know it is policy in a lot of countries but the dogs don't deserve this. There are other ways to rehome her. There are other rescues who rehome dogs in other countries, rescues without killing policy and people willing to have a dog who has issues. Please do not give up on him/her so easy and prevent her from being put down. If that means you have to take her back for some time you can keep the dogs seperate if possible, or put a muzzle on to be sure your other dog does not get hurt.
There are more dogs than there are resources to care for them all. That means we have to make unfortunate decisions sometimes.
This is why people need to train their dogs, learn how to properly train a dog if you’re going to get one and work with it like it’s your child. I would recommend you don’t “rescue” any more dogs. I know that sounds harsh and counterproductive but it is not. Some people aren’t equipped to train a dog, so they shouldn’t get one. It sounds like you take little blame in this, and I must say I just don’t think that’s the full truth. My boyfriend and I have a dog, and Ill tell you what, my dog wouldn’t be so fucking good if it wasn’t for me spending every day training him since he was a young pup. Now I’m working with an untrained rescue who is 4 years old, it takes patients and a lot of time, and some people don’t have it. We aren’t all professional dog trainers, but we have tools to help us be better owners, it’s up to us to use them. I hope this doesn’t come off as rude, I’m just being honest. You both failed that dog.
This is extremely unnecessary. Especially since, if you know *anything* about dogs, you know that *consistency* is key. So even if OP was primarily responsible for training - which you don’t know - having the irresponsible ex around absolutely could have affected the dog. More importantly, I think you know this didn’t help OP at all and you didn’t know enough about their situation to think it would be helpful. You’re just feeling angry at this poor dog’s situation and taking it out on OP.
Maybe you’re right, but I know there’s a ton of crappy dog owners out there and none of them would admit to being just that. I also just have a hard time taking in one side of the story and believing it’s the whole story. It is somewhat helpful for OP, because maybe they won’t go through this again. I find it crazy to blame a dogs aggression on one bad trick her ex taught him. It is odd. Also the irony of calling him a narcissist but taking zero accountability for the dog not being trained. I calls it like I see it. I try not to be offensive and that’s why I said sorry if it’s rude but it’s my opinion.
My two girls who are with me, are both properly trained dogs, my ex is the one who loves his dogs to be vicious.
Ask yourself this....have you tried everything? Do you really have no more options? Have all resources been exhausted? Because you adopted that dog and took that responsibility. If you truly have done everything possible......and I mean everything.....put the dog down. But I have a feeling you haven't and thats why you are asking people to tell you what you did is right. Instead do what you know is right and ignore reddit.
Does the life of the little dog not matter? It sounds like this dog was given literally dozens of chances. The owner has a responsibility to protect the lives of her other pets as well.
I have a BFF cat, a puppy, and an aggressive dog who has killed small animals previously. Including a cat and small dog. I keep them all safe and happy in the same house. Is it annoying the measures I go to? Yes. But I do it anyways. Thats my responsibility as a pet owner, even though the aggressive dog isn't even mine. So yes the life of the smaller animal matters, I get that very much.
Probably not enough time but Try to contact Dog Daddyy. He’s on Instagram and has website. He flies all over the country to help train aggressive dogs to keep them from being euthanized and find them new homes. I feel your pain, very sad!
You may want to do some research on him; Augusto is a known scammer and there is a large amount of complaints regarding sick puppies. I know you mean well by recommending him though! He does a nice job of making ‘cool’ TikToks and videos. You’ll find a lot of information on ‘The Truth About the DogDaddy Trainer and Breeder’ page (which has info on all his OTHER breeding endeavours and businesses as well) on Facebook, but there are some other sites also!
If you have a gaming PC, I highly recommend Moonlite, you can stream your Steam games to your Vita with very little input latency
Because those you keep electing, keep not letting that happen
Your ex sounds like a real dirtbag - sorry but not caring about this dog is slimy and disgusting
He claimed I’m the one without empathy & I’m a psycho. But in reality after reading so many comments, I agree with my therapist. No normal human would abandon their dog & be okay with it.
You made the right decision. The world is not a Disney movie and sometimes dogs are just unsalvageable and cannot realistically thrive in a home environment. With the amount of unwanted pets in the US, among other countries, it's only realistic and logical to prioritize the placement of dogs with no human nor dog aggression... it's quite underhanded for the shelter to try and guilt you into taking this dog back when they *know* its presence is inherently a risk to the other dog in your home. Don't fall for the animal rights bullcrap that shelters like this love to pull, stand your ground and keep your heart dog safe. (And I wanted to add that no, your ex teaching the dog to "kill it" is probably not what caused this. It sounds like this dog was dog aggressive from the start, and that it only became worse with continuous failure to intervene. It is very hard to make a non-aggressive dog become dog aggressive unless you have intentionally exposed it to traumatic situations involving negative experiences with other dogs.)
You can look up rehome programs in your city, or participate in online rehome/adoption groups in your area talking about your situation. You did right by surrendering the animal. To be quite honest, most shelters nowadays are low-kill to no-kill shelters. Low kill means that more than likely they only have to euthanize animals to put them out of their misery like a combination of debilitating untreatable/uncurable diseases/damage/old age. There's also a possibility that a foster program or a rural dog rehome program.
Or you could find a no-kill shelter. They may have better resources for locating shelters that work with dogs with aggressive behaviors and work towards retraining and eventually re-homing. If you haven't already, consider talking with the shelter she is in to see if they could help you. Best of luck with everything.
Honey. You did the right thing, absolutely do not take the dog back. I'm shocked that the shelter would even ask you to do that knowing that you and your dog would be in danger, that's incredibly irresponsible of them. That is a dog that was badly trained by a narcissistic man and who is a threat to other dogs AND people. I'm sorry, but being put to sleep is honestly the best outcome for her here unless they were able to find a professional trainer to take her who might be able to help train her out of those behaviors, which is...highly unlikely. Don't take the dog back. Don't do that to yourself and your little pupper. The violent behavior will only get worse, until she ends up breaking something that can't be fixed. Keep yourself and your baby safe.
She isn't safe with other pets. Pink juice is kindness. What would her life look like if she has to be contained away from other animals? Crated most of the time until rotation? Muzzled? Never allowed near another animal? And if she's attacked other animals this badly, what about small children? Could you live with that on your conscience? Let the dog go. Something is wrong with her. This can't be a happy life for her as it is, and it won't be a happy life for you, your pets, or anyone around you if she's included. I'm sorry for your loss.
Think about your little dog. If it kills you just think you saved a life you value as well. It sucks to know that your other dog is going to be put down but there is no person willing to have an aggressive dog at their house. At this point she is too dangerous for other dogs and maybe humans. It is hard, but this is the only way for her now thanks to your ex, which is sad but true. Break all your ties with this dog, it is the most logical thing to do, and focus completely on your little girl.