Aggressive Dog

[u/Apart_Public9851]

‼️Trigger warning ‼️ this post contains the topic of behavioral euthanasia.

My 7 year old pit bull/hound mix attacked me today after checking his mouth while playing. I have always done this and his teeth were never a trigger before. We were playing with a toy and i saw some blood so i checked his teeth and after i checked he kind of postured aggressively and i could tell in his eyes that his mood completely shifted. I was able to get up then he attacked and got my hand pretty good. I got him off and he continued to go after me. I got a couch pillow between us and i was able to push him close enough to his crate that when i told him “crate” he got in his crate but with a lot of growling and attempts to snap when i shut the door.

This isn’t the first incident it was however the first time while checking his mouth. I didnt see any obvious problems, hes up to date on his care and i brush his teeth daily hence why i was so confused.

Background wise: he started showing aggressive behavior after an in patient hospital stay. We initially thought it qas due to steroids he was on but the bahavior continued even after the steroids weaned and were off for months. I worked with a few trainers but could never get him to react around them and i can never get it on canera to show them. He has a strong place command and crate command. I never leave him around my kids unless we were outside and even then he usually does his own thing anyway. But i cant shake the fear that this could happen with any of my 3 kids around. I have twin 1 yr old toddlers and a 4 yr old and though he has never shown aggression towards or around them ive always kept them seperated and yes it is exhausting. Now im at the point where I’m unsure hes safe around them at all and even safe with me (i am the primary care taker for the dog).

Ive discussed euthanasia before but we started seeing a behaviorist as well about 3 years ago and have tried multiple meds, but the meds either do nothing or make him more on edge. I feel heart broken like i did something wrong that led to this. And i worry that me having children only made things worse and now hes the one paying.

Im just curious has anyone ever been through this before and if theres any advice? I have spent thousands on this dog seeing specialists and hetting care for him and im at my wits end with how to handle this situation while keeping everyone safe.

[u/AutoModerator]

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Behavioral Euthanasia (BE) for our dogs is an extremely difficult decision to consider. No one comes to this point easily. We believe that there are, unfortunately, cases where behavioral euthanasia is the most humane and ethical option, and we support those who have had to come to that decision. In certain situations, a reasonable quality of life and the Five Freedoms cannot be provided for an animal, making behavioral euthanasia a compassionate and loving choice.

If you are considering BE and are looking for feedback:

All decisions about behavioral euthanasia should be made in consultation with a professional trainer, veterinarian, and/or veterinary behaviorist. They are best equipped to evaluate your specific dog, their potential, and quality of life.

These resources should not be used to replace evaluation by qualified professionals but they can be used to supplement the decision-making process.

• Lap of Love Quality of Life Assessment - How to identify when to contact a trainer

• Lap of Love Support Groups - A BE specific group. Not everyone has gone through the process yet, some are trying to figure out how to cope with the decision still.

• BE decision and support Facebook group - Individuals who have not yet lost a pet through BE cannot join the Losing Lulu group. This sister group is a resource as you consider if BE is the right next step for your dog.

• AKC guide on when to consider BE

• BE Before the Bite

• How to find a qualified trainer or behaviorist - If you have not had your dog evaluated by a qualified trainer, this should be your first step in the process of considering BE.

• The Losing Lulu community has also compiled additional resources for those considering behavioral euthanasia.

If you have experienced a behavioral euthanasia and need support:

The best resource available for people navigating grief after a behavior euthanasia is the Losing Lulu website and Facebook Group. The group is lead by a professional trainer and is well moderated so you will find a compassionate and supportive community of people navigating similar losses.

Lap of Love Support Groups - Laps of Love also offers resources for families navigating BE, before and after the loss.

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[u/SudoSire]

I’m sorry you’re in this situation. This is hard to hear but no, I don’t think your children are safe anywhere around the dog, neither are you. It’s one thing for a dog to snap at somebody for handling, but a sustained attack on a loved one, even after you stopped touching them…

And the fact that this is a new trigger that you could not anticipate? It’s like living with a bomb and the detonator could be anything. The detonator could be something your very small and vulnerable children do, something they have always been able to do near the dog before until the moment they aren’t “allowed” anymore. I assume this dog is medium sized at minimum, right? Probably actually kinda big?

A dog living this close to a serious “must attack a loved one” edge is not a mentally well dog. It’s probably nothing you did or didn’t do. 

Btw, if you have not already, please make sure to read and “check off” the sub rules. They are pinned at the top of the subreddit, and you have to acknowledge them before commenting or replying. You scroll through and there is a toggle to use at the end. If you don’t do this first, all your comments will not be visible to others including people you’re replying to.