I LOVE my dog but.... a bit O/T

[Serendipity40]

ahh such a tough decision to make & in your dogs case this is right decision but i can understand how sad it makes you...

we have 3 dogs who were utterly spoilt until first DS arrived, slept in bedroom with us etc, we have got through 6 years with one of our dogs who has ocasionally snarled at DH or me when tired..but never bitten anyone..but have never in those 6 years left DS alone or in close contact with him or any of his friends..it can be hard going but we have got through it...it really depends on dog & circumstances..

Now got Ds no 2 arriving anyday so will start all over again...

just wanted to add this as helping out with a rescue centre over years, amount of people who give up their pets because a baby is on way is amazing...yes i agree when a dog is very aggressive like this one & hard to control there are good reasons but many people just think oh no cant have a dog & children.....

with a bit of effort most can live together happily..my Ds has gained so much being around our dogs....

i am sure this one will get a great new home though as you are sending him off with such love.....

 

[PrincessBaker]

I don't think anyone could be judgmental of you! You've done the right thing for your baby and your dog. By taking her to a no kill shelter you've given her such a gift. They can find her a home where she'll be spoilt rotten and your baby will be safe with you. Do not feel guilty for doing what's right for your family, which includes your dog!! I think often the judgment comes when people have their pets put down due to behavioural issues. That's not right but what you've done is brave.
Good luck with your little one. And big hugs for the loss of your dog, I know it must hurt. xx

 

[mama_t]

we have thought about putting her to sleep for a split second but we know better, she is a great dog for a strong hand and so we are truly hoping the shelter will find the right person!
Thank you again for your support!

 

[Nikki1120]

We're facing the same decision...sort of, our dog is 10 and has always been grumpy and growled, but recently he's started to dominate area's of the house, show his teeth and attempt to bite, we have two cats which adore the dog, and have always slept with him, but recently he's tried to bite them, so we've had to keep them apart, only problem is we've phoned shelters and they've said point blank that he wont get rehomed and if we don't keep him, he'll have to be put to sleep, we've tried intense training and it hasn't worked, he was castrated from a pup, hasn't worked, it's a heartbreaking decision and we've been putting it off for 8 weeks, but with a child anytime now and two cats that i've raised since 2 days old we have to do something soon as he's becoming worse and now snaps and wont let anyone in the kitchen, i know how hard it is, but you have to do what's best for your family and the people around you. x

 

[TP123]

We're facing the same decision...sort of, our dog is 10 and has always been grumpy and growled, but recently he's started to dominate area's of the house, show his teeth and attempt to bite, we have two cats which adore the dog, and have always slept with him, but recently he's tried to bite them, so we've had to keep them apart, only problem is we've phoned shelters and they've said point blank that he wont get rehomed and if we don't keep him, he'll have to be put to sleep, we've tried intense training and it hasn't worked, he was castrated from a pup, hasn't worked, it's a heartbreaking decision and we've been putting it off for 8 weeks, but with a child anytime now and two cats that i've raised since 2 days old we have to do something soon as he's becoming worse and now snaps and wont let anyone in the kitchen, i know how hard it is, but you have to do what's best for your family and the people around you. x

Sorry to hear about your situation. It might be worth taking him to the vets for a check over, as an older dog he might have some pain somewhere or even be losing his sight or going a bit senile. There may be something you could do to help him.
Unfortunately rescue centres are bursting at the seams with fit, healthy, rehomable dogs so you can see why they can't always say yes.

 

[Nikki1120]

We're facing the same decision...sort of, our dog is 10 and has always been grumpy and growled, but recently he's started to dominate area's of the house, show his teeth and attempt to bite, we have two cats which adore the dog, and have always slept with him, but recently he's tried to bite them, so we've had to keep them apart, only problem is we've phoned shelters and they've said point blank that he wont get rehomed and if we don't keep him, he'll have to be put to sleep, we've tried intense training and it hasn't worked, he was castrated from a pup, hasn't worked, it's a heartbreaking decision and we've been putting it off for 8 weeks, but with a child anytime now and two cats that i've raised since 2 days old we have to do something soon as he's becoming worse and now snaps and wont let anyone in the kitchen, i know how hard it is, but you have to do what's best for your family and the people around you. x

Sorry to hear about your situation. It might be worth taking him to the vets for a check over, as an older dog he might have some pain somewhere or even be losing his sight or going a bit senile. There may be something you could do to help him.
Unfortunately rescue centres are bursting at the seams with fit, healthy, rehomable dogs so you can see why they can't always say yes.

That's what we thought! We got him seen last week but she said she can't find any obvious signs of pain or that he's maybe going a bit mad or demensia (SP?) he's prefectly alert, I wish sometimes you could just shake him and say "STOP!" but they have no clue do they?

 

[vintage67]

The chances of an older dog getting rehomed are pretty small, unfortunately, as most people like to start off with a kitten or puppy. I wish the dog the best. It is unfortunate that we can't just sit down and have a talk with dogs and find out what is bothering them.

 

[tlh97990]

i don't know why anyone would tell you that you are cruel. you'd be cruel if you kept an unstable possibly dangerous dog around your baby!! i know its hard i could never imagine getting rid of either of my dogs and im terrified to see how they will be when the baby gets here. we have two big dogs and neither have shown any aggression ever towards anyone but i know that theres still a chance that they could be different once my daughter gets here but im keeping my fingers crossed!!!

I hope your dog finds a great home!!

 

[jaytee146]

I know how tough of a decision you had to make, especially when our pets become part of the family. I think you made the right decision... It's not like you didn't try and gave your pup up after finding out you were pregnant. I believe you made the best decision for you lo, I know you would have been even more down if your lo got here and the dog had serious issues . It'll be okay

 

[Serendipity40]

Nikki, possibly your dog is aware of the coming upheaval in his life & this is how he is reacting...maybe if at all possible you coudl see how things go for a few weeks after baby arrives...making sure you keep him separated from baby of course...its easy to do that for first 6mths as baby wont be moving much but once baby gets older its much harder..but as i saidn in my post we managed to keep ours separated for much longer...dont give up on shelters ...in meantime ask if you can add him to their list of dogs looking for new homes but he remains with you until you find a home..some people will take on an older dog rather than a puppy....

look at getting tall stairgates, possibly a large dog crate to keep him more confined & see if you can find a good behaviorist who may offer more insight...

 

[Periwinkle]

I know someone who has a dog which can be a bit snappy (they got him as an older dog from a shelter). They've hired a dog psychologist and its been quite successful. Just thought I'd throw that in as an idea for anyone who's having trouble.

Edit: I didn't really mean the OP, it sounds like you did the right thing.

 

[onlyme]

You did the absolute right thing.

 

[mama_t]

I know someone who has a dog which can be a bit snappy (they got him as an older dog from a shelter). They've hired a dog psychologist and its been quite successful. Just thought I'd throw that in as an idea for anyone who's having trouble.

Edit: I didn't really mean the OP, it sounds like you did the right thing.

I wish I had that option, sadly dogs in this country are seen as "Haram" and dirty so there are not many places we can turn to for help! We have been lucky to find a farm when she was about a year old, the man there used to train police dogs in his home country and had her on thew farm for 2 months for training, it was very successful for a little while but it didnt last no matter how hard we tried to keep up with the routine we had established during the training! We have tried other "trainers" but they have all either left the country by now or didnt have available space! Very sad, i really wish it would be easier!
We have done a lot of research on how we can introduce the baby to the dog and bought lots of blankets for my husband to take home every night while we are in the hospital so she can get used to the scent but yesterdays scenario really put it into perspective.
Thank you all so so much!

 

[hulahoop09]

I think you have made a difficult decisuon and shouldnt beat yourself up. We got a 3 yr old yorkshire terrier from a kennels 5 years ago and in first couple of mnths he bit hubbys nose when he was leaningover me for a hug after an arguement. We almost gave him back to tge kennels but kept him and he is a lovely dog. He has many issues and we have a baby gate up at kitchen door which we put him behind sometimes and when baby is having tummy time etc he will go behind gate. When she is growing up she will be taught not to pull at him etc.

We cant take him the vets as it stresses him out too much, we have had to stop having dog groomer. He barks like crazy at other dogs and when babys on tv cry or laugh but instead of muting tv we have exposed him to it and he is getting better. He has other issues but is a lovely dog and other than my parents who are moving away i wouldnt send him to another home and dont want him out down because he had a bad start to life and was mistreated.

I think whatever decision you make you know is the best.

Xx