Rupert hurt my brother.

[dab_20]

No need to get all worked up about this and start arguments.

I believe how you corrected him was wrong. Dogs live in the NOW not the BEFORE. He doesn't know why your punishing him, he just knows your very upset with him for no particular reason. As others mentioned, Rupert probably got upset or excited from the wistle. From what it sounds like, he just scratched your brother by mistake. No reason to even consider putting him down. Just my two cents.

[lovingpaws]

Have you & your mom checkout/get a book called "Don't Shoot the Dog"
It about some training methods you can use, and understanding a dogs behavior. It's easy to read. Then you can take him for some classes as well. Dogs need teaching like a young child does. They need to know the limits & rules, but they have to be able to understand when you are teaching them. This book will help explain that.



http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/cus...283155&s=books

you'll find great reviews of the book listed

[bckrazy]

I just notice a lot of irresponsibility in your family. Honestly, that's the only problem I see here. Maybe not you... but it seems like your parents find dogs disposable and not worth training & spending time on. If my parents threatened to put my dogs to sleep, I would definitely re-home them where time was spent training. Actually, I'd move out, but that's not an option for you.

Furthermore... NO DOG, not even the most mild-mannered, should be left alone with little kids. Especially rowdy, misbehaved little kids as you describe your siblings to be. It sounds like your grandmother would not be able to handle or stop them from mistreating poor Rupert. I don't think that is acceptable at all. I would nevereverever leave my little brother alone with Gonzo OR Fozzie, even though they've never shown any aggression or over-excitedness with him, because the two cannot be trusted together, period. Only your parents/you/your grandmother are to blame for the whole thing, IMO.