[jesyliz]

I am absolutely devastated. He was only 2 but had so many aggression issues. We tried everything, behaviourists, medical tests, repeated training and socializing but nothing worked and he kept biting. He was scared of so many situations which made his aggression worse. I'm a competent dog owner and he was extremely well trained with agility and learning tricks but he became really unpredictable and frankly dangerous when he was uncomfortable, he even bit the neighbor. The vet and behaviorist agreed that we had exhausted all options and the best thing for him was to be put to sleep which we did today. I just feel so angry that I couldn't help him. He was so lovely most of the time. I didn't want him in kennels as it would have been awful for him and most wouldn't have him anyway. I'm just gutted but I had to be sensible and think of others, plus we couldn't keep him locked up forever, that's no life.

[Sach2K10]

(Original post by jesyliz)
I am absolutely devastated. He was only 2 but had so many aggression issues. We tried everything, behaviourists, medical tests, repeated training and socializing but nothing worked and he kept biting. He was scared of so many situations which made his aggression worse. I'm a competent dog owner and he was extremely well trained with agility and learning tricks but he became really unpredictable and frankly dangerous when he was uncomfortable, he even bit the neighbor. The vet and behaviorist agreed that we had exhausted all options and the best thing for him was to be put to sleep which we did today. I just feel so angry that I couldn't help him. He was so lovely most of the time. I didn't want him in kennels as it would have been awful for him and most wouldn't have him anyway. I'm just gutted but I had to be sensible and think of others, plus we couldn't keep him locked up forever, that's no life.

Sorry to hear it but it sounds like you spoke to the right people and made a tough decision that had to be made, scant consolation though that is

[Suzanathema]

(Original post by jesyliz)
I am absolutely devastated. He was only 2 but had so many aggression issues. We tried everything, behaviourists, medical tests, repeated training and socializing but nothing worked and he kept biting. He was scared of so many situations which made his aggression worse. I'm a competent dog owner and he was extremely well trained with agility and learning tricks but he became really unpredictable and frankly dangerous when he was uncomfortable, he even bit the neighbor. The vet and behaviorist agreed that we had exhausted all options and the best thing for him was to be put to sleep which we did today. I just feel so angry that I couldn't help him. He was so lovely most of the time. I didn't want him in kennels as it would have been awful for him and most wouldn't have him anyway. I'm just gutted but I had to be sensible and think of others, plus we couldn't keep him locked up forever, that's no life.

I'm so sorry for your loss


I have a dog so know how devastating it must feel. I hope you have some supportive people around you to help get you through it. At least you know you did the right thing in a horrible situation

[xxm]

That was a brave decision. Kudos.

[Kerrias]

I'm sorry about your dog, you obviously cared about him and this is a last resort. Don't feel guilty, you did the right thing. Some dogs have naturally very aggressive streaks that would require very serious attention and expertise that it would be impossible for you to give. It wasn't fair on either you or your dog to keep going. Remember the good times you'd shared and know you made that you made the right choice for you, your situation and importantly your dog. Hugs!

[CSM1996]

My condolences

[Ham22]

Sorry for your loss op.

[bestofyou]

What type of dog was it?

[SnoochToTheBooch]

(Original post by jesyliz)
I am absolutely devastated. He was only 2 but had so many aggression issues. We tried everything, behaviourists, medical tests, repeated training and socializing but nothing worked and he kept biting. He was scared of so many situations which made his aggression worse. I'm a competent dog owner and he was extremely well trained with agility and learning tricks but he became really unpredictable and frankly dangerous when he was uncomfortable, he even bit the neighbor. The vet and behaviorist agreed that we had exhausted all options and the best thing for him was to be put to sleep which we did today. I just feel so angry that I couldn't help him. He was so lovely most of the time. I didn't want him in kennels as it would have been awful for him and most wouldn't have him anyway. I'm just gutted but I had to be sensible and think of others, plus we couldn't keep him locked up forever, that's no life.

the way you describe it, it would have been inevitable that your dog would attack someone/thing and get put down anyway, so you've probably done the best thing.

[Niki_girl]

(Original post by jesyliz)
I am absolutely devastated. He was only 2 but had so many aggression issues. We tried everything, behaviourists, medical tests, repeated training and socializing but nothing worked and he kept biting. He was scared of so many situations which made his aggression worse. I'm a competent dog owner and he was extremely well trained with agility and learning tricks but he became really unpredictable and frankly dangerous when he was uncomfortable, he even bit the neighbor. The vet and behaviorist agreed that we had exhausted all options and the best thing for him was to be put to sleep which we did today. I just feel so angry that I couldn't help him. He was so lovely most of the time. I didn't want him in kennels as it would have been awful for him and most wouldn't have him anyway. I'm just gutted but I had to be sensible and think of others, plus we couldn't keep him locked up forever, that's no life.

It will be hard at first, because it's all you can think about, but gradually you'll remember the happier times of his life, not the way that he died. Just look at it one day at a time, as with anything upsetting, it will take time to adjust to the fact that he isn't here now, but that doesn't remove all of the good times that you obviously had with him. It is naturally to feel pretty devastated at the moment, it just proves your attachment to him!

Luckily you are mature enough to see why his aggression was an issue. Another user has put it very bluntly, but the point is, as you yourself have said, there were no other options to try, and I agree that a dog kept indoors/ in a kennel all it's life would have had an unhappy life. Do not feel guility (although that is natural too), reading through your post it is clear to see how upset you are, and that you did everything you possibly could to help your dog. You are clearly a responsible dog owner, and that comes with making hard decisions, choosing what is right over what is easy.

It'll get better, not instantly, but in a few months something will remind you of your dog, and you'll smile, instead of crying or feeling sad, honestly

[SecretDuck]

I've had this done to two of my dogs and my beloved cat.


They were both very sick and there was no other solution. They wouldn't even eat - it got that bad. But I know that all these three animals will always be in my heart and I remember fondly the good times with them.

I give you my sincere condolences, OP. You are not alone.

[jesyliz]

Thanks for the support its just so raw at the moment. I know we did the right thing but it doesn't stop me feeling guilty.

[madders94]

Sorry for your loss, but you did the right thing my dog was older than yours when he had to be put down, he was 10, but he'd had aggression issues all his life, none of us could touch him for fear of him biting us and he had to be kept away from us at all times, we got him from a farm where he'd been hiding away in a shed and had been treated badly by the farmer, he bit me when I was 5 when he was a year old and I still have the scar on my arm at 18, he bit my parents and my brother, finally he got to the age of 10, he was sitting near us, my mum gave him a fuss (she and my dad were the only ones able to), and he suddenly turned and bit me (if I'd been any younger, I'd probably have lost my finger, his teeth went right through) and as my mum tried to get him off me, he bit her on the arm, and he just wouldn't stop, and we knew it was the time to have him put down.

You made the right decision; it's far better for your dog to be at peace rather than for you to never truly be able to enjoy your time together because you were constantly on edge and it can't be good psychologically for the dog either.

[_Morsey_]

Despite the circumstances and reasons, putting down a dog will always be a hard thing to do.

Last summer, my family and I had to put down our 16 year old dog (black sheepdog cross collie) because she had been suffering from a tumour inside her mouth (under her tongue), but what was also sad before that is that the summer before, our other dog (the son), died suddenly one weekend from what we were told was a blood clot. Having two dogs leave the family in what was just over a year is really devastating, the house was so quiet and empty afterwards.

Even though it is for the best, there is always a horrible feeling knowing you decided to put them down.

Anyhow, a year nearly passed and we have a new collie-lurcher where excited would be an understatement to describe her. Certainly keeps the house occupied and gives it a sign of comfort.

[CasualSoul]

hmm this is interesting..every time I told people that the reason behind my fear of dogs was because they could just 'turn' at any moment they used to reply that it was always the owner that trained them to be that way.....but this post implies that it some dogs are almost like 'born' aggressive...would anyone agree with this?



Also sorry about your dog

[BeccaAnne94]

Well done on making an informed decision, many people would just give up when things get tough and put them down without exploring other options

[Cake Faced Kid.]

I feel for you, because I've both had a dog put down and had a family member attacked by a dumped rottweiler.. In fact, the dog attack caused me to lose a dog. I know how hard it is having a dog put down, but it really is safer if you know there are aggressive tendencies.

[kikukaede]

At least you took action now before things got serious.
Next time maybe seek the advice of some behaviourists before you commit to buy a puppy? Of course you probably already know that now.

Sorry for your lost.

[Anon420]

(Original post by jesyliz)
I am absolutely devastated. He was only 2 but had so many aggression issues. We tried everything, behaviourists, medical tests, repeated training and socializing but nothing worked and he kept biting. He was scared of so many situations which made his aggression worse. I'm a competent dog owner and he was extremely well trained with agility and learning tricks but he became really unpredictable and frankly dangerous when he was uncomfortable, he even bit the neighbor. The vet and behaviorist agreed that we had exhausted all options and the best thing for him was to be put to sleep which we did today. I just feel so angry that I couldn't help him. He was so lovely most of the time. I didn't want him in kennels as it would have been awful for him and most wouldn't have him anyway. I'm just gutted but I had to be sensible and think of others, plus we couldn't keep him locked up forever, that's no life.

In a very similar situation to you OP. 2 year old dog had to be put down, but due to ill health and no quality of life. Know how you feel, hope you're ok.

[Hype en Ecosse]

(Original post by Dalek1099)
People shouldn't own pets because its messing with nature and they should all be sent back into the wild.

I'd argue this point, but I don't want to besmirch this thread.

I just lost my dog the other month, too, OP. I feel your pain, I promise it'll get better! <3