Feel so bad.

JCR

I just had to pop in again when I saw the comments made by speranza - what a narrow minded way of looking at things and very mean spirited. As previously commented, you can take all the responsibility possible, buying from a reputable breeder, taking the dog to training classes, following all the guidelines and advice given and still you cannot overcome certain dogs nature.

From the OP's thread it is obvious she loved her dog and deserves some kindness at this time.

relay

Probably not the most subtle reply from Speranza i agree, but i think there was a genuine message behind it - just not at the right time for the OP.

These situations are sadly very common and although not always preventable there are measures you can take to lessen the unwanted behaviour.

As in the example i gave, my Rottweiler is a much persecuted breed & would not get away with a single bite, yet smaller dogs get away with it all the time because people do not see it in the same way, which i feel is unfair on the owners of certain large breeds because inevitably the public expect more from people like me.

The message here is that breed is not relevent - bad behaviour is bad behaviour regardless of breed & should be treated as such no matter what size the dog might be.

None of this of course will help the OP (who must be devastated) to feel any better about having to make such a heartbreaking decision BUT it does not need to have been in vain - a lot of good can still be learned.

I am not the most perfect owner & sometimes i find it very hard because i feel i am judged on my dogs behaviour in public, when all too often it is not the big dogs that are the problem.

Psykicpup

Pebbleblue, you have my deepest sypathies, it is a heartbreaking decision what ever the reason & knowing you are doing the right thing barely helps at all. You have lost a family member, take time to grieve & know you are in my thoughts
Pup

pebbleblue

Just wanted to say thanks for all your support and replies.

bank_of_slate

It's all very easy to judge and say what an owner could/should have done, but it's important to remember that animals are ANIMALS!!!
No matter how well trained an animal it always has the potential to turn on someone.
You always hear the families of dog attack victims saying 'I don't understand it, he has always been so soft and loving.......'
...Linda xx

shelley_crow

bank_of_slate wrote: »

It's all very easy to judge and say what an owner could/should have done, but it's important to remember that animals are ANIMALS!!!
No matter how well trained an animal it always has the potential to turn on someone.
You always hear the families of dog attack victims saying 'I don't understand it, he has always been so soft and loving.......'
...Linda xx

Well said. My godmother kept yorkies year ago, one got to a few years old and turned from a loving dog into a nightmare. He started barking at people, nipping them and if you were sat on the sofa, he'd try and get your achillies heel. You did the right thing to protect your children. big hugs

Gale_10

I have to say that I did the same thing.

I had a gorgeous staffie who I treated too much like a lap dog. He thought he was the top dog, and over time, got more and more bossy. Eventually, friends came to our house, with two little girls, and so I had to put him upstairs. He decided he didn't like this idea and took a chunk out of my stomach and bum. I didn't have to have stitches but he did rip my clothes and my skin, drew blood etc. My daughter was only about three at the time, and so I couldn't keep him. I took him to the vets and cried my eyes out, but at the time lots of staffs were being fought at the time, so rather than risk that I had him put down.

It was my fault, I should have known more about staffs before I got one, there are loads of things I would have done differently. I have two dogs now, and they both know their place, I am definitely leader of the pack and they are happy dogs. I really regret what happened to my dog, and its something I just have to live with. We all make mistakes, and some of them are sadder than others.

Just so you know you are not on your own.

Gale

Chia

Training/treatment of the dog aside, I have to ask - whatever the reason for his aggression, why didn't you give him to a shelter so he could be re-homed with a family that doesn't include children? From your post, it seems that children were the people most vulnerable to his aggressive behaviour. I am not trying to make you feel bad or to be mean-spirited here...it sounds like you were a very loving owner. I just don't see why he had to die when he might've been able to join a new family successfully.

Contains_Mild_Peril

Sorry to hear about your dog, pebbleblue. *hugs* I hope sharing your story has helped you feel a little better.
If you do decide to get another dog at some point in the future, a shelter belonging to a reputable charity is a good place to look: most are very careful about rehoming dogs appropriately, and if they have none which are suited to your family and liefstyle they will tell you that and you can ask them to let you know if a suitable dog becomes available. I know you don't want a new dog straight away, and it's probably best to wait until your youngest son is a bit older anyhow, but perhaps a small pet like a hamster or something could help the kids to feel better in the meantime.

Karensteps

I was once bit on the wrist by a terrier when I was younger, it wouldn't let go, so I punched it in the nose and it did! Apparently if you punch a dog, it learns your the boss. Never tried it myself as I don't own a dog but it's just something I heard.