Rupert hurt my brother.

**Muddy4paws** · 11-07-2006, 11:12 AM

You need to remember that dogs are animals, they cant express their opinions the way we can by shouting at each other they react in different ways, I wouldn't leave my dogs in the company of kids on their own even though I believe my dogs wouldnt hurt a fly they are still animals and they can snap at any time, not necessary out of rage but out of fright or excitement. As others have said you did do the wrong thing by telling him off after and sending him to the garage but I wont repeat what others have said. Just remember you cant punish an animal for something they have done a while back, I hope your brother isnt too shook up and I doubt that Rupert meant any harm it sounds like he was more frightened than anything.

EDIT..

I just read about your mum having him put down? what happens if something else scares him?

if your mum has him put down she doesnt deserve to own a dog or any other animal.

**buttercup132** · 11-07-2006, 02:08 PM

Thunder "attacked" me too and bit my in my temple when I was younger.

But its because I startled him, he wasnt punished or anything. As soon as he herd me cry he came over and was licking me. Hes never done it again and he is the sweetest dog.

Dogs dont remember things liek that especially later in the day. So locking him in the garage did not but be cruel on your part. Also he wouldnt just attack while you all are sleeping so it was pointless..

I think it would be stupid to have your dog put down for that, its not like hes constantly attacking or anything.

**CathyBogart** · 11-07-2006, 02:18 PM

Rupert had NO idea why he was being punished, and I can't believe someone would actually have a dog PTS for being startled!! That's just disturbing IMO...He didn't react aggressively.

**areias** · 11-07-2006, 03:44 PM

Honestly, this isn't directed at you, but if your mom can't handle having a dog than she shouldn't have one at all. God, if I put my dogs to sleep everytime they jumped on me or knocked my brother over on accident, I wouldn't have any left. Small children and excited large labs sometimes don't mix. Has he ever had obedience training? Why don't you fix the problem instead of just getting rid of the dog (or putting it to sleep

)? The dog obviously thought the whistle was exciting, and it was his reaction to it. You even told the kids to be quiet.

Please do not put that dog to sleep. He was NOT in the wrong, your mom is. IF anything, please rehome him. Maybe you guys would do better being dog-less for a while. Did Max ever go the home with the girl? You never said anything more about that. Or did he go "somewhere else"?

And I say no more whistles, and definately obedience training.

**junescrater716** · 11-07-2006, 11:32 PM

I took him down and put him infront of my brother.I told him that he was a bad dog and made him stay outside. I told my brother to take a nap becuase whenever he saw Rupert he would start to cry.
My mom said he has to sleep in the garage tonight.My mom said that if he did another thing like that that we would have to put him down.Are we being to hard on him? The reason I was so hard, was becuase I want him to be a good dog.

I don't mean to offend you in ANY way possible but dogs shouldn't be punished by sleeping outside he probably already forgot what had happend and you would technically be punishing him for nothing in his eyes. Take him to obedience classes and watch what you do around him. DO NOT TEASE HIM!!!! I learned that the hard way and I have the scar to prove that on my eyebrow. If your brother was teasing him don't punish the dog punish your brother. Imagine if you were a dog and some kid ran up to you right in the face what would do? First instinct is to attack. Make sure you get the TRUTH out of your brother and sister about what happend.
Dogs don't attack unless they have a reason. Someone might have accidentally taken his toy or food away from him or something.
If absolutley NO ONE was teasing him take him to obedience classes and explain to the "teacher" what had happend and what needs to be worked on. Best of Luck!

**junescrater716** · 11-07-2006, 11:36 PM

Excellent choice of words areias!!! Of course the dog would attack if he heard a loud whistle. It's hurts their ears. Dogs have 10,000 times better hearing and smelling than we do. Why do you think dogs sometimes howl when they hear someone singing REALLY loud?

**Vela** · 11-08-2006, 03:39 AM