My daughter's 5 months old. My husband's deployed. I have two dogs. I have no yard. Both dogs must always be on a leash. The weather is getting bad. And . . .
The older dog, the lab mix, my husband's dog . . . is being a jerk. No, seriously. I'm sorry if you're a huge PETA person and you think that dogs are the same as people, but they are not. And he is a jerk. Jersey has been being nasty lately. He's bit at me twice now. Not nipped. Bit. He has tried to attack another, larger mind you, dog in the neighborhood - twice. He has tried to bite at a man moving some people in. I know when you take a dog in, as my husband did for Jersey from the shelter 4 years or however long ago it was, that you are supposed to be a responsible pet owner and keep the dog forever and blah blah blah. Well, he's well treated here. He's fed, watered, given treats, petted, given toys, doggie beds x 2, bathed, I leave lights and radio or t.v. on for the dogs when I'm gone. Still he does these things, and did I mention pee in the house too? Yeah, he also has peed in the house quite a bit since we moved here (he's been house broken for YEARS). And now he has taken to getting on my bed when I'm gone. The other day Kaia and I walked back in the house and he was laying on the couch like he owned the place. When I raised my voice at him to get off he finally sauntered off, went over to his doggie bed and pissed on it. He won't go to the bathroom when I take him out on his leash now. And I have to drag the baby out into the cold with us when we go because I'm here alone. Then, yesterday, he ran out of the house when Kaia and I came home from the grocery store and tried to attack the German Shepherd on his leash (who could, like I said, actually eat Jersey if his owner had let him).
I have explored various options on what I could do (there are fewer options than you may think). I even called an animal behaviorist people. I'm at my wits end. I don't think I can handle it anymore. I think I'm going to have to get rid of him.
What would you do? I have a baby, a sweet little baby, who's getting drug out into the cold. Who might be next on his bite list. Honestly, if you were me, what would you do?
Monday, December 6, 2010
What Would You Do?
Posted by TheBabyMammaChronicles at 1:21 PM
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14 comments:
Oh my gosh... dogs are so wonderful but so much additional work! I have just been researching a better way to let our two dogs outside verses leashing them and have come up with nothing. I don't have any solid advice for you as a new dog owner but I feel your pain!
Blessings,
j
www.beneaththeacaciatree.com
Ugh, this stinks. I don't think I'd have much patience for this. Is there a way you can crate him for extended periods of time? I know that stinks, but sometimes helps with the peeing in the house thing. I hate to say give him up, but, at the same time if he's showing aggression toward you, he could easily do that to Kaia, too. Yikes! Or, maybe you can get the opinion of his vet? Sorry, no real help here...
I would get rid of the dog.. I know, I know it sounds harsh, but thats what I would do honestly. I hope you can figure something out, but it sounds to me like you have tried everything.
Good luck
Khara, this is so tough. I would give him a chance with an animal behaviorist if you can find one that's affordable. Sometimes, they'll work with you for less if they understand it's either their help or getting rid of the animal. Bringing babies into the house can be very unsettling for some pets and with your husband gone, poor Jersey has various things that are probably instigating his aggressive behavior. Jersey is lucky that you've given him a home for 4 years. Maybe just one more chance? I'm a huge animal advocate and although I don't think animals are people I do believe we owe them a chance to improve.... Hope this helps. I hear your frustration.
mama- i want to share something with you, not to scare you, but just give you my two cents and hope that you are at peace with whatever decision you make.
when i was growing up, we had a lovely, lovely dog that was our family pet for years. when he was about six years old, he started biting people. At first, it was just a nip here and a nip there. then, it got more aggressive and he got just a little more jerky. finally, when i was about seven months pregnant, i went home to visit my family and i bent down to pet the dog and he bit me all the way down my face and neck. i immediately put my arms up to protect my stomach and he bit my arms. he also nipped me in my stomach. i had to have lots of stitches down my face and it took a long, long time to heal those wounds, both physically and in my heart.
i couldn't reconcile the fact that he had gotten to be such a jerk because i loved him, but i knew i could never bring my baby to a house that dog was in. my parents gave the dog away.
most of the scars on my face have been fixed (thank GOD) but i am just so glad that dog did not do anything to Cal, nor did we give him the chance.
I'm not an animal person. So you can probably guess my suggestion...
That's tough. What does the hubby have to say? Is he ok with whatever you decide?
Right now we don't have pets because I have no desire to care for another living creature.
But, the fact of the matter is, if the dog is biting, it's a HUGE problem. Especially if he ends up biting your sweet girl, or you when the only other person around is your daughter. Because she's really not going to be a help in that situation.
Regardless of whatever reason the pup is exhibiting these behaviors, he simply has to go. It's not in our nature to put another living creature out, but I would be so heartbroken if I read that you, your daughter or someone else you cared about was hurt!
This has got to be really stressful for you! Your situation kind of reminds me of "Marley and Me."
I know that I would have zero patience for pets, despite absolutely loving dogs. I can understand why you'd need to give him up - and hopefully you can find him a place to live where he'll fit in better?
Oh gosh, that's a tough one.
I have never owned a dog, but I don't think I'd need to in order to sense what I would do.
You've got your little one to be concerned about first (as you mentioned).
It sounds like he is pissed off about something and trying to assert himself. I don't know what to say.
Have you tried contacting Ceasar Milan?
Good luck with whatever you choose.
I'd get rid of the dog. The last thing you want is for him to bite your daughter or someone else in the neighborhood. There has to be a better home for him some place else, with a family who doesn't have a little baby.
Wow, thats just crazy. Obviously something is up with this dog.Was he all well and perfect and then just turned into this jerk? I wonder if he is in some sort of pain...? Maybe thats why hes acting out. ?? I dont know. I would probably take him to the vet, just to be sure.
You have a little girl. Her safety and health is priority number one. Period. It sucks to give up a dog but she's all that matters. That's what I think.
Thank you all so much for your support, feedback, and support! I will continue to keep you updated on the situation. I am looking for another happy home for him with no luck yet. Thankfully the animal behaviorist advice has made a slight improvement in his behavior. Fingers crossed for a permanent solution soon!
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