(sister in-law)Making the decision to euthanize for aggression.

[cloverfdx]

Sadly i think the best thing would be PTS, it is just not worth the risk of another bite & by rehoming him could your sister live with the guilt if he did some serious damage if there is a next time .

I dont agree with rehoming dogs that bite, not when so many stable healthy dogs die every day .

[Catty1]

Would it worth trying something like a 'doggie tranquilizer'?

Also - has anyone reported this 'breeder'? Or are there no laws in your state?

It would be great if they - even with all the trouble - could get the news about this breeder into the local newspaper, media, etc. That can wipe someone out of business faster than any weak law!

Prayers for Murphy and your SIL and good luck!

[elizabethann]

When the behaviorist was called in and the family started working with Murphy, was it actually working? Was Murphy's behavior getting better?

You said the family eventually gave up on it because it was too much work and then they had a baby and everything kind of went down hill from there.

If the family were to adopt him out to the boss and he was to stay at his place of work, would a behaviorist be called back in? If everybody at this place of work was in agreement to all try to work with Murphy and they brought a behaviorist in, I don't see why Murphy couldn't stay at work. It would be a great experience for the workers - a bonding of sorts. But it sounds like he might be alone for long periods of time. Am I correct in saying that? If that's the case, I don't think that would help his behavior.

This sounds like a case for the Dog Whisperer.

It's a shame they would have to put him to sleep. Springer Spaniel's make good hunting dogs. Maybe a hunter would want to adopt him if it is spelled out that he has aggression issues and needs serious training.

I don't know. This is so sad. At the same time you don't want Murphy seriously injuring a human or a dog or cat.

Good luck.

[cyber-sibes]

Angie, call Nancy E. & talk to her about him. She may be able to give you some invaluable insight into what's going on in Murphy's head. She's really amazing, and it's certainly worth a try since so much is in question here. Call or pm me if you need her number. Paws crossed for Murphy.

[pitc9]

Pat- I gave my SIL Nancy's info and I've asked her twice to contact her. I don't know if she will.

elizabethann-At the time they told me yes, the things they were doing were working. But now she tells me that she doesn't really think they were.
If he were to stay at her place of work, she would still own him, she wouldn't be giving him to her boss. Yes, he would be alone from the time the shop closes around 4 or 5 till the next morning during the week and on weekends no on is there. She said she would be checking in on him on Saturday and Sunday. I don't think that would help his behavior either. Personally, I think it would make him worse.

Catty - Her vet said no to a tranquilizer because he's already so unpredictable and they may make him worse. The breeder is a low life back yard breeder and couldn't give a crap less what happenes to the dog.

Thank you all for your comments, I just got off the phone with her and she's going to move him into the shop soon. I told her that him being alone so much may make him worse, she said she's aware of that, but feels like she needs to try this for Murhpy's sake.

[Karen]

If, when he's at The Shop, he still gets plenty of exercise, that's the only way this could work. Springers are active, energetic dogs, and a bored Springer is going to be even more of a problem.

This is so sad, poor thing. I hope it works.

[Pam]

It sounds like a *no win situation* no matter which way she turns. I agree that less time around people may make him worse but I also see the point in them wanting to try every possible solution. This is a decision that is going to be painful no matter what the outcome.

[Ginger's Mom]

Angie, I am attaching an article on Springer Rage. I know, I know that term isn't used any more, and it isn't accurate, but that is how I found the article. It is rather lengthy, and I will admit to not reading it thoroughly. But near the end I believe it does go into different situations where euthanasia may be necessary. Not a decision I would want to make either way. Good thoughts and wishes going out.

[ChrisH]

Reading about Murphy gave me chills, my Bob is nearly 10 years old and has always been 'his things' (including crate) aggressive, and can get nasty about holding on to his collar too. Has he ever bitten me or anyone in that regard? No. Because I know where the danger lies and so avoid it.

For example if I really need him to give up an item that may be dangerous to him (or valuable to me) I use some sort of distraction, perhaps hiding something he really wants behind a closed door. At this he usually drops the thing he's been holding on to and by the time he's found what's hidden I've retrieved the item, which he has already forgotten about anyway. And when playing with something, a ball maybe, and he drops it for me I always send him back a ways before picking it up.

But of course none of that is of any use to your sil. Knowing and living with similar dog I totally agree that Murphy would be a danger to a child. But I disagree that his aggression is unpredictable and he should be put to sleep. I am totally surprised at the rescues contacted in giving up on him. In my opinion, with training, in a new home with no children and a knowledgeable owner Murphy could be fine.
I only wish there was a rescue organisation equivalent to our Dogs Trust in your country, they evaluate and if a dog like Murphy cannot be re-homed they will spend the rest of their lives happily in their care. (I sponsor one such dog)