Reply to is there hope for a dog once it bites and shows aggression?

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]OP- I'm sorry--and double sorry that you're getting a lot of negativity in such a hard situation. Sometimes it's hard to know what a dog will do until they do it, and no one is perfect.

I also have a dog with some hard-to-solve anxiety issues- the difference is that she's 16 pounds, not a German shepherd- so in practical terms, less of a danger and easier for me to contain and control. I know that's harsh, but your dog is the size to truly traumatize or severely injure or kill a person or another dog in an attack. She is already medicated, and it hasn't changed things.

A vet specialist might encourage you to consider putting the dog down- my experience is that they are pragmatic about aggressive dogs.

*If* you decide to keep the dog, you need to be prepared for containment. Leash and muzzle or crate if anyone but immediate family is in the house. Walks during odd times when fewer people/dogs are out, and a full muzzle and harness that provides you with a lot of gentle control. Significant training to lessen your dog's issues, but not your vigilance over time. No surprises--no unexpected visitors just walking through the door before you have a chance to contain your dog (this is very hard when your kids get older and have neighborhood friends). if you can't do this forever, then you shouldn't keep the dog. [/quote]

Yep. If you can't be super vigilant every day forever, please find a rescue to take the dog.

If not, OP, this is how you and your family can expect your kids' childhoods to go:

No unexpected visitors. Ever. Be ready at all times to grab the dog. No kids just appearing at the door to play with your kids. Word will get around that you seem to be nervous around your own dog and alwsys restrain or crate him, so parents will learn not to send kids over much.

When others' kids do end up at your house, constant concern: Is the dog securely crated? If the dog's in the yard--wait, did I just hear the back door open--I told the kids not to go out there because the dog's there...

No impromptu trips for your family because what if  the dog would freak out at a dog-sitter coming to the house and/or be anxious and get aggressive at a kennel? Planned trips? Maybe, if you do a ton of prep for the dog and find a kennel that works for him.

If you're up for the dog having that level of constant vigilance in your everyday life year after year, keep this dog. For me, there would be none of the happiness and relaxation that a pet can bring but there'd be a lot of daily concern. If you're fine with that, OK. But it seems like a stressful life for the humans AND for the dog. Your kids couldn't play with or walk the dog without at least some level of worry.

Surely some rescue group can find him a home where he can live without being constantly curbed, and you can find a dog that doesn't have his issues and anxiety. [/quote]

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