I need advice- sensitive subject

So my parents rescued an 8 month old dalmation from basically an abusive situation about 6 months ago. My father LOVES this dog and has done everything for him. The dog was pretty aggressive when they got him so at the vets recommendation they had him neutered. He has since bit several people. My dad has tried every behavioral intervention recommended, they have had trainers come to the house, he is still snapping and biting people. Finally they had a behavioral evaluator come over and the dog bit him.

My father is so upset and just doesnt know what to do. He is afraid to leave the dog alone for a minute, and mostly is afraid he will hurt my son. (or anyone for that matter). He is heartbroken to think about giving the dog away but has been considering it. Now the evaluator told him he cant give the dog away because the dog is "vicious" and he would be repsonsible if anythign ever happened.

I know giving pets away has been a heated topic here, and I am in no way trying to start drama. My parents are big time pet lovers, but what do you do when the pet you have is violent and you have been told there is nothing that can be done to change it???

Re: I need advice- sensitive subject

I have no answer, just to let you know that I feel really bad for your dad. I know he is very attached to this dog. I don't know what I would do once I was told the dog was untrainable.

Re: I need advice- sensitive subject

Find a dalmation rescue in the area. I don't think they would take the dog, because the dog is a known biter, but they would help out. I know what you are going through. My dog is a rescue and he bit me. He warned me first, but I didn't get the hint. We gave him a second chance and he has been okay, but sometimes snappy. So far that is the only time he bit anyone. We had him neutered and had a trainer.

Message edited 11/21/2006 2:27:02 PM.

Re: I need advice- sensitive subject

he has bitten more than 5 people

Its so sad because aside from these unpredictable episodes he is a great dog.

Re: I need advice- sensitive subject

I know how you feel. My 6 year old dog just started getting nasty and bit someone. We really struggled with what we were going to do because it is unfortunate to have a dog that you can't have around people but those are pretty much your choices. You either make the situation work which is VERY difficult or the dog is put down. I don't think giving it away again is fair to anyone. No one should be getting a dog who bites, the dog will probably get worse if he is moved again, your dad will probably feel so bad, and the problem has not been solved just moved along. My advice is, decide what will work best for you. Unfortunately dogs like that are usually put down.


ETA: Dalmations are known to be one of the three nastiest breeds.

Message edited 11/21/2006 3:16:01 PM.

Re: I need advice- sensitive subject

My dog is somewhat like this. But doesn't sound nearly as bad. He's bitten 3 of us in the last 5+ years...we try to be firm and let him know he did something bad. You can tell he gets it, but it doesn't stop him from being mean at times still.

Re: I need advice- sensitive subject

Posted by mikeswife06

I know how you feel. My 6 year old dog just started getting nasty and bit someone. We really struggled with what we were going to do because it is unfortunate to have a dog that you can't have around people but those are pretty much your choices. You either make the situation work which is VERY difficult or the dog is put down. I don't think giving it away again is fair to anyone. No one should be getting a dog who bites, the dog will probably get worse if he is moved again, your dad will probably feel so bad, and the problem has not been solved just moved along. My advice is, decide what will work best for you. Unfortunately dogs like that are usually put down.



ETA: Dalmations are known to be one of the three nastiest breeds.

Re: I need advice- sensitive subject

I honestly dont know what to say , Not many options left. I would ask the dalmation rescue group what they suggest. If they suggest putting him to sleep, it might be the most humane option there is.

I dont envy the porr decision your parents will have to make

Good luck to them!

Re: I need advice- sensitive subject

I feel bad for them. what a horrible situation. At least they tried to get the dog training! I have no advice just big

Re: I need advice- sensitive subject

My dog is also wonderful in between episodes. He is playful and affectionate and even gets along with other dogs.

Have you been able to determine whether he is bad in specific situations???????????????

My dog is very protective of anything he considers to belong to him and that is really the only time he would be mean, but he is awful at those times. In the dog world, they call him a "resource guarder." Now that I know this, I have been able to read a lot on the subject. As a side issue, some dogs are also protective of their space as a resource. My dog can be mean if he senses that we are trying to move him physically. Usually, though, the issue is all about his toys. We have learned some tricks to deal with it (trading for food, etc). Once he got really nasty because he stole a pack of gum and was CHEWING IT and I tried to get it from him!!!! I almost got bitten that day. Hang in there.

Re: I need advice- sensitive subject

Re: I need advice- sensitive subject

Re: I need advice- sensitive subject

Have they spoken to dalmation rescue? Some rescue groups have specific people who take in the more difficult cases. Good luck, it sounds like quite a heartbreaking story

Re: I need advice- sensitive subject

I was going to suggest putting him on some kind of medication. When he bites...is it snapping, or like a ferocious bite. Does he growl, is it a prolonged episode...or just like maybe he lost his mind for a minute.

Is he crated when no one is there? If he's not, then your parents should absolutely start crating him...he'll start to feel safer, it's like a den, and he can go in there even when people are home if he's scared.

They should also invest in a muzzle. Then have training/learning sessions where they put the muzzle on him and bring new people around, or bring your son around-that way the new people can't be bit, and the dog gets used to being around people without biting them.

Your parents must be sick over the whole thing...but it might just be a matter of working with the dog for another 6 months to a year....my dog is head and shoulders better than he was when I first got him, and he gets better every month. He still gets scared, but he's getting more and more secure.

I was so afraid that I was going to have to put him to sleep. But I kept reiterating the lesson that I'm in charge, and that he's not allowed to bit me or anyone else. When he got himself whipped up into a lather I would throw a blanket on him and hold him tight so that he couldn't bite me, and I'd hold him until he stopped fighting me.

Maybe another trainer, or someone from dalmation rescue will have more insight....

good luck!!!! keep us posted!

Re: I need advice- sensitive subject

i was going to ask the same thing, what are his bites like?

you say he attacks? do you mean he growls, bares his teeth and lunges and doesnt let go? is there blood?

or does he snap?

does he have food aggression?

Re: I need advice- sensitive subject

Have they spoken to their vet about a possible medication?

Sorry they have to go through this. Also please know that in certain areas if the dog is responsible for a number of reported bites, the ASPCA may become involved and not leave them with any options.

ETA: Also, is the dog deaf? Dalmations are known to have genetic deafness. Is it possible that the dog is being startled before it bites?

Message edited 11/22/2006 2:29:15 PM.

Re: I need advice- sensitive subject

What did the evaluator suggest? They obviously are trained for these instances and know more then any of us?

Sounds like your parents will probably try the medication...I hope it works...

Re: I need advice- sensitive subject

Re: I need advice- sensitive subject

thanks everyone. OK, when he bites there is usually no to little warning (my mom says sometiems she sees "a look") , and it is often when someone is petting him.

They are going to try a muzzle, they havent so far because they felt it was inhumane. He is crated when he is alone. The vet wants to do some bloodwork and then will start him on meds.

The evaluator pretty much told my parents that they can never trust him alone with strangers, that they may be able to train him to their voice, but that he should never be trusted and never be left near a child.

My dad told us yesterday that he stays up at night crying over not knowing what to do and the thought of putting him down, so I believe they are going to continue to exhaust every option.

Buddy was really good the past few days, we were staying in their small Maryland house, so BUddy stayed in the garage (heated) during the day. I would go out to play with him and he was soooo good.

I hope this gets better. I really do.

Thanks for everyones advice and support. I know this is a very sensitive subject so I am very grateful not to be flamed

Re: I need advice- sensitive subject

I hope everything works out.At least you guys are TRYING everything, I pray it works out!

Re: I need advice- sensitive subject

I hope everything works out!

Re: I need advice- sensitive subject

Posted by rose825

thanks everyone. OK, when he bites there is usually no to little warning (my mom says sometiems she sees "a look") , and it is often when someone is petting him.

They are going to try a muzzle, they havent so far because they felt it was inhumane. He is crated when he is alone. The vet wants to do some bloodwork and then will start him on meds.

The evaluator pretty much told my parents that they can never trust him alone with strangers, that they may be able to train him to their voice, but that he should never be trusted and never be left near a child.

My dad told us yesterday that he stays up at night crying over not knowing what to do and the thought of putting him down, so I believe they are going to continue to exhaust every option.

Buddy was really good the past few days, we were staying in their small Maryland house, so BUddy stayed in the garage (heated) during the day. I would go out to play with him and he was soooo good.

I hope this gets better. I really do.

Thanks for everyones advice and support. I know this is a very sensitive subject so I am very grateful not to be flamed