Chewy, I need elp on the most important decision ever

[lovemyshiba]

Originally posted by mugsy
Let me second what Mike said. We will come and get him if you will allow us to.

That is so incredible of you to do, you two are truly dog heroes.

By the way, if you go to get Chewy, I'm pretty close, you should come by and meet Kito and Abbey!!!!

[RockyRoad]

I just saw this thread.

Ash, my heart breaks to hear about Chewy. You have always worked so hard to help him when something went wrong. I remember I made you that picture of Chewy a long time ago when he bit Teddy. I hope you don't get mad for whatever reason, but I want to post it again.

Anyway, that is a very brave decision you have made. We all know how much you love Chewy, and how many things you did for him. You have our support as well.

[Jessica12345]

omg! I just saw this thread and i am, very, very, sorry. I know how hard this must be, but i stand behind your decision. **HUGS** Im crying so hard right now! *tissue box please*
I still cant beleive this. God bless you and chewy.
I think i would also get a knew dog soon. I wish you all the luck in the world.

take care,
Jess

[micki76]

Let me second what Mike said. We will come and get him if you will allow us to.

Ash, I think you should consider this offer before you put Chewy to sleep. Then if things still don't work out, you know you really did EVERYTHING for him and I'm sure you could still be there if he still needs to be put down. Mike and Molly may have more resources to try to get him help. You never know Ash. And you'd know what happened to him in the future, good or bad. If they didn't have this offer on the table to you, I'd say put him down. But with this option, my opinion changes.

Mike and Molly - you are wonderful people. That sounds so inadequate, but I think it sums you up.

[luckies4me]

I agree with micki76!


If after trying this he does not get better the only thing left to do would be to euthanize him.


As far as me saying he should go to a farm, that was before I KNEW he had had ongoing problems for while. Some herding dogs like this breed can be great if giving a positive thing to focus on, which in case would be herding.


If he is truly agressive, than yes it's common sense to put him down. There would be no safe place for him.


While working at the training center there was a dog there who was VERY agressive. He would lunge at people for no reason. The trainers worked with him for several months and eventually he became avery loving friendly couch potatoe dog.


But some dogs can't be fixed and if he can't there is no reason to put your lives or other innocent peoples at risk.

But please let Mugsy help. If after that they seem he would be unfit as a pet etc. then euthanasia would be best. Either way I fully support your decision and this must be truly heartbreaking for you and your family. I am very sorry this is happening to both you and Chewy. My heart goes out to all of you.

[KYS]

Ash,
I respect your decision and know your heart must
be breaking. I just want to make sure, that you have rulled out
Chewy's behavior is not a medical problem?
IF not I would do a complete blood work on Chewy
etc. to make sure he does not have a medical problem
such as Thyroid.
If he has no medical problems, than you know
your dog better than anyone.

[Sudilar]

Ash, I'm so sorry you have to go through this.

Was the behaviorist that you have taken Chewy to, a Specialist in Dog Aggression? Being the owner and foster home for GSDs, a breed that can show aggression, I am familiar with what your concerns are. In my area, we have an aggression behaviorist. In fact, he is the one who evaluated my assigned (but declined) first foster, Pete, who almost removed my nose. He was only 8 months old. He is now in training to be a police K-9. Something was able to be done for him, if not, he would have been pts.

Good luck to you and Chewy.

[Aspen and Misty]

As I have said before in this thread I don't want to give Chewy to Mike or Molly because if they got bit by your dog how would you feel? I can't even imagine the guilt I would have if Chewy grabed one of there none furry dogs by the neck and threw it around the room like he did to Teddy. They have to many dogs and Chewy would not be happy. He has to be the alfa dog and he can't with 20 other large dogs. Also, there is always that one last thing you can try and you can always hold on to that hope but we have to learn to let it go, Chewy is agresive and I think we jut need to accept that. I mean how can he be? Look at him over in the corner eating Bunny poo, so adorable, lol. I promise to make his last week a special one. We plan on going to the park TONS of times and he is going to be bloated on dog biscuits. He doesn't have to eat dry dog food this week only wet. he will get a new monkey to tear apart in 2 days and he will be loved till no end.

On the issue of another dog we have deced on a Doberman, now I know what you are thinking they are mean agressive dogs and you don't want me to go through that again. We will be getting an older one, from a rescue. There is someone named Ronnie around here who is planning on giving up there 11/2 year old Female Dobie and we plan on talking with her about her. We called some rescues and the lady is having knee surgery and has no Dobies. We are also planning on going to the SPCA to look and see if they have any. We do plan on doing a temperment test on the dogs we get and we wont be getting any younger then a year. We will be looking at the dogs extensivly before even considering getting it.

Ash

[AmylovesMisty]

Originally posted by slleipnir
I think your last resort should be giving him to a home who can help him out of this habbit, someone who knows dog behavior and can care for him. I don't think you should put him down :[

I agree!

[Sudilar]

ASH, has Chewy been evaluated by a DOG AGGRESSION SPECIALIST?

[Sudilar]

Originally posted by Sudilar
ASH, has Chewy been evaluated by a DOG AGGRESSION SPECIALIST?

Ash, there is a huge difference between a behaviorist and a dog aggression specialist. It could mean Chewy's life or death. Try to find a specialist. Please, for Chewy's sake. He may need a strong handler. You may not be what he needs to control him.

[mugsy]

Yes Sue, I totally agree. That's why I wanted to take him. I am perfectly willing to accept whatever Chewy wants to dish out. I'm just concerned that he's not seen the people necessary to fix his problem. We have had 3 dogs with major aggression problems and they have been worked out. I'm sorry Ash, but I cannot in good faith support your family's decision.

[Sudilar]

Ash, what could it hurt to send Chewy to Molly and Mike. They are familiar with aggression and if he can be controlled, they are the ones to do it. Why would you kill him if he has a place to go? If Molly feels that he is hopeless (after exhausting ALL avenues), then I'm sure she will do the right thing. Sure sounds better than immediate death. Sorry to sound harsh, but we are talking death and I've seen too much of it lately. If there is a chance, why not give it to him. Just my opinion, sorry.

[micki76]

Ash, Why not give them a chance with him? I'm starting to question this an awful lot. Someone with a wealth of experience and complete knowledge of his issues has offered to take him and work with him and you still say no. You'd rather put him down????You ask how would we feel if our dog bit them or their family member? Well, I'd feel bad if they didn't know the risks, but they do. I'd feel much worse putting Chester or Millie to sleep if I could possibly avoid it. They would, I'm sure have him supervised at all times until they either got a handle on him, or could predict any bad behavior before it happened. I will be VERY disappointed if you follow though on this decision without giving them, and him a chance. I know Chewy isn't the dog you hoped he'd be, but he still deserves a chance. He may be a totally differnet dog with them. Dogs can adapt and change their personality with different people.
An extremely confident and strong hand may be what he needs. You may also find out that he doesn't need to be the alpha, or maybe he would be the alpha in their pack.

[mugsy]

I have been informed that we have had more than 3 dogs with aggression issues and after thinking about it that's right. Mike has dealt with each and every one of them. Trust me on this one, we have seen just about everything there is to see when it comes to behaviors. I am here in front of everyone on Pet Talk to say that I accept any and all liability to Chewy. I am even offering to drive out to PA and pick him up. He would be crated when we aren't home until he has been evaluated by us and the other poochies. I trust he won't be alpha, but, I think he'll try. He will learn quickly that the only true alphas in this society is Mike and me. Some how I would think that 20 dogs who already make up a pack would be slightly daunting for one medium size pooch.