Sharon, I had actually seen your post on the other site because believe me, I've been doing a LOT of research. I hadn't heard of it before I saw your post but right after, I asked that he be tested for lyme disease. He was and that's not it. His thyroid levels look good. Your post is very important though for people looking for an answer so thank you for cross posting here.
Andrea, no you don't have a depressing pov, just a realistic one. Please understand that the only way I would even consider rehoming Joey is if he went to someone who had loads of experience with aggression and actually knew what they were doing and were kind with their discipline. As far as the training we received, I know there are rum dum trainers out there too. Just because they may have received a certificate means nothing to me but everything she said made sense to us so I trust her opinion. I think the idea of physically restraining a raging dog is ridiculous and dangerous and the thought of being remotely physical in terms of disciplining is unconscionable. We only do positive reinforcement and give instructions and discipline in a calm manner. Not saying we're perfect but I really think we've really stepped up to the challenge. We know we can't treat him the same as our other dogs but it's the only way we could even try to manage him. He's been a huge learning experience and when you have a dog like this you learn awfully quick.
I really think (and yes, maybe I'm being naive here) that he'd absolutely thrive in an environment where he was the only dog and he could be given lots of work to do with a person who knows how to handle aggression. So I've been emailing some trainers to see if they might be interested. I'm eating and breathing this because I'm so freaked out about what's going to happen come Monday. I almost wish we knew he couldn't be rehabilitated because the thought of having to make the ultimate decision is heart wrenching. When do you stop trying to find answers?
I really think (and yes, maybe I'm being naive here) that he'd absolutely thrive in an environment where he was the only dog and he could be given lots of work to do with a person who knows how to handle aggression.
Ah, but that's so hard to find. People who love dogs and know how to handle dogs like this have dogs. And unfortunately, the liability factor with taking a dog like this . . .
It really sounds like something neurological is going on - either disease, siezure, brain tumor or ???
If you're really committed to this dog, I'd find a vet school or try to get Dr Dodman at Tufts for a consult.
http://www.tufts.edu/vet/facpages/dodman_n.html
Or McConnell
http://www.dogsbestfriendtraining.com/index.php
(Seems like she talked about some extreme cases in one of her books, but i don't remember which book.)
As to when to call it quits, well that's a personal discision and I don't think anyone here will second guess you. Honestly, it sounds like the dog is in a LOT of emotional/psychological pain and euthinasia may be the kindest thing to do. Sorry to be such a downer.
IMO, and of course, probably mine alone, based on the description you have given here, I would euthanize this dog..period. There are very few physical problems that can cause this kind of aggression, and even if one is identified, they are difficult to medically treat.
I don't know what kind of techniques your trainer is using…but I would make SURE that they are not confrontational, as you will make the dogs behavior worse. Even a well respected trainer could be using inappropriate methods when it comes to aggression.
There is no ethical way that you can rehome this dog. If you choose not to euthanize, I think it is your responsibility to manage his behavior and try to improve his aggression. If you rehome him, he will bite the next family too.
Sorry to have such a depressing pov on this subject; I hope you find a solution.
I agree. Several years ago I had a similar situation with a rescue. I worked at a vet clinic when a stray hit by car lab mix was brought in. He was about a year old, skittish, and would growl at people from his cage. He had a broken hip among other injuries so it was hard to distinguish how much of the behavior was due to the pain. Another vet tech and I were able to build some trust with him and so my parents agreed to adopt him and work with him.
I don't know how your guy is with strangers but Homer, the stray, never trusted strangers but he bonded with my family. At first we had no problems with him. He was never aggressive with those of us he trusted until a few months later. Over the course of the next year he became progressively worse. He finally got to the point where he would turn on us all of the sudden. Things finally came to a head when my grandmother was visiting the house one day. Homer knew my grandparents very well. They "babysat" him at their house while my parents worked and had bonded with him more than anyone else. Homer was in the den by himself when my grandmother walked in the room. He jumped up with his hair standing up, and was growling and bearing his teeth at her until he had her cornered against the wall. My grandmother was able to move sideways against the wall till she could reach the door and get out.
After this, we called our vet who (again) consulted with a veterinarian who specialized in behavior. Based on the history, she felt like it was a serious fear based aggression and that it was doubtful that rehabilitation would be succesful. So we talked about it at home and decided to euthanize him. We knew that we couldn't risk him hurting someone one day. Even if we kept him in our yard or house all the time there was always a chance that he might get out by accident some how and that could have been very dangerous for our neighbors, their children or any other stranger he might encounter. It was one of the most difficult decisions anyone of us have ever made. I had to call the vet to set it up because my mom was so devastated about it.
I am so sorry because I do understand how you feel. Just from my experience I think that unprovoked aggression is very serious. I would try to help him as much as I could but if you ever get to the point where your afraid or uneasy of his behavior (especially when he strikes out unprovoked) than euthanasia is the right thing to do. In our case, it was the kindest thing to do for Homer. We don't know what happened to him before he came to us but he had obviously been pretty traumatized. That being said, I have heard of some success with aggression using clomipromine (i think thats how you spell it), an anti-depressant. I would NOT rehome him. First, the rehoming process is stressful and that could escalate his aggression. Second, if he ended up seriously hurting his new fosterers/owners than not only would you feel awful but there could be some legal consequences because you were aware of his behavior.
It is never easy whatever you decide. I'll be thinking about you guys.
The more I read everyone's posts the more delusional I think I am in thinking we can rehome him.
Agilebasenji, you're absolutely right. People who deal with this stuff obviously have their own dogs and probably aren't going to want to introduce an off balance (that sounds so much better that sounds than crazy) dog to the mix. But thanks for the links. I'm a die hard so I'll definitely check them out.
Quercus, what an awful story but how good of you to do that for your parents because that had to be agonizing. Unfortunately, I'm sure a lot of us on these message boards can relate.
I think we know how this is going to turn out but I just can't face it. However, the last thing I want is for him to be in pain - or anyone else get hurt - so as hard as it will be if it comes to that, we'll do the right thing.
Thanks so much for everyone's support and taking the time to tell me your stories. It's helped a lot and I appreciate it more than you know.
In both cases the dogs were put down. The Doberman was not mine, but a friend's. It became so unpredictable and finally went after the owner's husband. Much like what happened here. I am not saying this is what is wrong, only that it seems soooo familiar. They did do an autopsy on the dog and this was when it was discovered that there were actual holes in the brain matter. With the other dog, I took him to the vet and asked the vet to put him down, the vet asked if he could try to find a home for him with people who specialize in these cases (at the time I was seven months pregnant and could not take any chances with this dog). I said if he could then fine, but asked him to hold him for a few days before he did. The vet called me a few days later, apologizing profusely for not believing me. He said the dog was so wound up and out of control on a normal basis that he had to put him down because he was not neuroligally correct. I'm so sorry that this is happening to you.
Many years ago I rescued a chow that was locked in a gargage, never had much attention and was never brushed. His hair was matted to the skin and he had to be shaved completely. His previous owner also had a westie that he was so proud had bitten 6 people. Lets you know what kind of situation he came from. While at the vet for the day to get all of his mistreatment taken care of he became very aggressive. The vet explained dogs that bite to me and said she felt this dog bit to kill. Well that rocked my world as we had never seen anything like that He truly was sweet. We thought he just hated vets. We kept him for years but what the vet said lingered in my head and I was always on gaurd. Not good for either the dog or me. We eventually had to have him euthanized we moved to a new house and he could not handle it as much as we tried nothing worked He walked around growling With what the vet had said it made it impossible to thing of re homing Broke our heart as we felt we had failed him but I finally came to terms it was his first home that ruined a good dog and not us Its a tough decision to make but sometime its the only decision
I have to tell you my thinking on putting a dog who is aggressive down.
In my mind this dog is scared, very scared and reacts when it doesn't need to..taking clues from the damage done to it before we get it.
Giving the dog the PEACE of the rainbow bridge can be the kindest thing we can do for these dogs.
Its takes the stress off of all…the humans, the possible target for their aggression, and most of all the dog, who can't control itself and needs to lash out.
Its not a fun thing to do, but in my mind, its the right thing to do.
I do think this is the kindest thing in the long run.
I have to tell you my thinking on putting a dog who is aggressive down.
In my mind this dog is scared, very scared and reacts when it doesn't need to..taking clues from the damage done to it before we get it.
Giving the dog the PEACE of the rainbow bridge can be the kindest thing we can do for these dogs.
Its takes the stress off of all…the humans, the possible target for their aggression, and most of all the dog, who can't control itself and needs to lash out.
Its not a fun thing to do, but in my mind, its the right thing to do.
I do think this is the kindest thing in the long run.
As always, Sharron… well said....
Pat thank you.
I hate these type of posts.
I want every b' well any dog to be mentally happy and able to bond with any family they have*.
THIS is the ideal, but the reality is that we have some very damaged b's out there.
We need to give them peace.
So, please, don't pass these dogs on, you can be libel , but more over, you can send a damaged dogs into a home where further damage can be done.
Hard decisions.
BUT its the right one for the dog.
IMO.
I'm certainly not going to rehome him. We're bringing him back home tomorrow and like I said in a previous post, I realize I was being naive in thinking he could possibly be rehomed and in major denial of how serious the problem was. This is my baby, foster or not, and we see him being nothing but sweet and loving 99.9% of the time so it's easy to be a little deluded right after something like this happens.
We're meeting with a trainer/behaviorist this week to try to get some answers and help dealing with him. We need to give him a chance because right now we just don't know enough to make a major decision like putting him down. We only have Joey's best interest at heart and we above anyone don't want him to suffer so if it comes to that then it does.
I have kept biting b's.
Hubby and I both were nailed.
After a period of time, we learned to read his "signals" and I could tell when he would react.
We loved him dearly.
However, we ended up managing him.
We had folks over the dog was contained, always.
He was always on a leash when out and we made sure No one come over to "pet the puppy" kids were the worst for this.
It was hard, but we made it work.
Just know it can be done…
You have to make the commintment sp to the dog at all times.
Once you decide that, you can make it work.
But you have to protect the dog from "triggers" and the people from harm.
Good luck.
I wish you well.
Please keep us informed and believe we only want the best for you and this b.
There has been many of us on this Forum that that has had to make that really, really hard decision to "let" one go… it is never easy... I have been there... and I know that Robyn (Sherwood Basenjis) with a rescue dog has too ... it is not easy... but in the end.. it was the right thing for everyone, including the dog.... peace comes in many ways...
We do what we can... and if and when the decision comes that the best we can do is send them over the Rainbow Bridge to be free.... there are many, many here that will support your decision and cry the tears with you.. but know that you made the right choice....
Don't worry about denial.. those that have been in this position have been there, done that.... you are not alone.... there are many here that will support you.... if it comes to that choice.....
Thanks Pat…well said.
Sharron, I would love to ask you a question about Joey's behavior since you've had similar experiences with Basenjis but it's too in depth to do here. Would it be at all possible to chat with you for a few minutes in the next couple days? I won't take up much of your time but I have this niggling thing that keeps bugging me and think you could offer a good perspective.
And sorry to anyone if I sounded short in my last post. Everyone's been so supportive on here and I really appreciate the input, regardless of your opinions. It's just been an awfully long week and I'm stressed because he comes home tomorrow and I'm pretty clueless as to how all this is going to turn out.
Thanks Pat. Again, I appreciate the support. It means a lot.
Ok, I posted to admin to let them give you my info.
BUT if you want to go the BRAT site, and look under Wa state.
That is me!
http://www.basenjirescue.org
Good luck…direy01... certainly you are trying to do the best possible that you can... .... certainly you have support here...
I am home today, please phone before 7pm.
We try to keep the evening for family time.
I had a similar situation years ago (but not nearly as bad) with a german shepherd mix. She was about 2 when we adopted her. She was able to bond with me and my boyfriend–but I spent the next 12 years providing special care/management for her. I had a trainer evaluate her early on, and she distinguished between fear based "defensiveness" and "aggression." She said Pepper was being defensive out of fear. I loved that dog with all my heart and provided a good, comfortable, safe home for her until she had to be put to sleep due to kidney failure. I also brought in a basenji puppy (Max) early on, and she was able to live peacefully with him--but it did take special care/management again during the initial stages when we brought him home. She gradually got better as she got older--but also regressed in her very old age to be just very fearful (not defensive).
Good news! I talked with Angie Woods - the Atlanta Dog Whisperer who comes highly recommended by other rescue folks in the area - and we're taking Joey to her place Wed at 10:30 am. She wants him to stay with her for awhile, about a week I think, so we're going to board him one more night so we can just take him there right from the vet clinic. Her regular price is $1,200 but she's giving us a discount rate of $500 given the circumstances with him being a foster, etc. That's awesome!
And I've said it before but I'm just blown away by everyone's support. There are even a couple rescue groups here that are going to try to raise some money to help w/the costs. Absolutely amazing. And Sharron let me call her this morning to pick her brain and was so sweet and helpful. And and and.
I'm so thrilled that we have an actual plan of action now. Thanks so much for your guys' help and input! I'll let you know how it goes.
MaxBooBooBear, I'm sure we're going to have to do exactly what you did with Pepper in terms of taking special care/management for as long as we have him but if that's what it takes then that's what we'll do. Thanks for sharing.
