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

[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)

[lizbud]

It's a shame that training wasn't continued with Murphy.Training a 10 yr
old dog does not happen overnight.If he is good health & his problem can
be solved by living as a shop dog, it might work out.

[clara4457]

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)

Actually, there is Best Friends Animal Society in Utah - they have many sanctuary animals that may live out their lives in their care if they can't find the right homes for them. Unfortunately, we have a lot more special needs animals than places for them.

I have to tell you that life in a cage doesn't sound very appealing to me. This dog will go from being a family pet in a house to living in a dog kennel. Almost any animal behaviorist will tell you that that is a lonely existence for a dog and causes many behavioral issues. There is the issue of "quality of life" that needs to be considered. I guarantee you that dogs that live outside or in kennels are easily forgotten (out of sight ... out of mind). They are going to have to make a serious commitment to continuing to either work with or rehome the dog and use the work kennel as a short term solution. Otherwise, they should do the right thing and take him to the vet, hold him, tell him they love him, and then quietly let him go.

JMHO

[pitc9]

Thank you all for your opinions and the link to the Springer Rage link!!!

Clara - He will only be in the pen at night and when no one is there. He goes to work with her everday now (and has for almost a year now) and stays in her office with her as he would once he's "moved" there full time. Her boss is offering to make him an outdoor pen only for potty and play. He will not be in a pen 24/7. But it still isn't going to be good for him to be alone everynight and most of the weekends. She's just trying everything so she doesn't feel like she didn't try. I'm sure it won't be long after he's moved in before she starts seeing that living there is not the answer.

ChrisH - You sound like the person that we've been looking for to take him! Someone that would know and would be willing to handle him with kid goves! I'll ship Murphy to you right away!!! He's great with other dogs and he loves to play!