What should I do about my dog? Put him down to plz neighbors or keep him for my son who loves him dearly?

Question

I gave my 10 y/o son a 2-3 yr old male Lab for Xmas from the humane societywho was completely trained, he adores the dog and the dog him. The dog wasn't neutered when we got him, so we got it done about 4 mths afterwards. (I had talked to vet about dog's aggression, he suggested neutering because the dog had bit 2 neighbors.) The dog is tamer and calmer around people now, and listens well to my commands. My son undoes this training, then the dog gets in trouble (by letting him in the house when I say no, letting him do whatever he pleases after I taught my son the commands, etc so dog doesn't control him) Well my son didn't think much of it one day when neighbors cat was outside, and brought the dog over there. Needless to say the cat died due to the rough playing by the dog. I like my neighbors very much, and want to continue having a friendship with them, and they are also going to be doing some work for me. They want the dog put down, my son is very upset...what should I do?

I offered to pay vet bill for cat and also to get a new cat for them, I feel real bad about their cat..very nice cat. And I do understand their feelings about the dog too, but my son is so sad right now?

To That Girl, I am responsible to the dog, excuse me!! I had the dog neutered, brought him up to date on his shots and made a loving home for a sheltered animal, give me a break!! My son was looking for companionship, as he doesn't have many playmates in our area. So that is why he got the requested gift of a beautiful animal. Not because we plan to neglect it...geeesh!!

Answer 1

Keep the dog for now. Enroll him in obedience class and have your son participate. Explain to your son that he needs to help turn this dogs aggressive behavior around. Go online and look at some alpha-training techniques and let your son practice them with the dog. Explain to your neighbor the steps you're taking and ask them to be patient. Tell them if you see no improvement over the next few months you will find another home for him but that he deserves another chance. Then stay true to your word... Most likely there will be an improvement and your problem will be solved. If there is no improvement then obviously you really do need to find him a home with someone who can handle his aggression.

I WOULD NOT PUT HIM DOWN.

Answer 2

You sit the kid down and tell him straight that you made rules for the dog to keep things like this from happening and HIS irresponsible behavior with the dog will cost the dog his life.Don't try to sugar coat it cos this fact needs to sink in.Send him to his room and let him think about it and ignore the crying and screaming.Make him sit there all day if necessary.
Tomorrow enroll the dog in training classes and MAKE YOUR SON TAKE HIM to EVERY CLASS!No excuses.
Offer again to replace the neighbors cat and explain that you've enrolled your son and the dog in training classes because you feel that this could be a valuable lesson for him and more good will come of it than the harm that'll be done by putting the dog down.
After each class you tell your son to keep the dog he must take him out EVERY DAY and practice what they learned in class for at least 20 minutes and he's responsible for walking the dog so be prepared to go with them DAILY for at least a 30 minute walk.No excuses from you either!But you remind your son that while the dogs getting a repreive if this happens again you'll have to put him down.
You'll probably lose your neighbors as friends and that's unfortunate but they'll either get over it or they won't.

Answer 3

If your dog bit two neighbors they can probably legally force you to put it down. I would have it put down, what if it bites your son next? The dog should never have been near that cat. It needs to be kept in a secure location (that means properly fenced or inside) at all times. You should consider taking it to an obedience class. I would hope you'd pay the vet bills, it was your fault not their's. If you think buying them a cat will help, how about we take away your dog, give you a new one, and see how you feel. Oh and dogs don't accidentally kill cats. They know the difference between play and real fighting. Besides its not rough play unless the cat considers it playing too. You need to at the very least read some dog manuals and learn the basics about dogs. Don't blame your son, its your job to take care of both him and the dog. If your son can't take care of the dog either teach him how are say goodbye to it.

Answer 4

I wouldn't put him down. Technically it wasn't his fault, it was your son's fault. You need to have a serious talk with him about this. Your son is 10 years old and he should know better. I even wonder if he did this on purpose. Everyone from the age of 2 knows cats and dogs do not get along. Your son cannot continue to disregard your dog's training and your rules and orders. Tragedy has already happened. Personally, I would give the dog to someone else (out of the neighborhood), or give it up to the Humane Society. Your son has proven beyond the shadow of a doubt that he is too immature and irresponsible to own and take care of another living creature. The dog would be better off with someone else who can keep it in proper control.

Answer 5

Oh dear. This is really tough. Your dog has very, very aggressive tendencies. That isn't rough "playing" - that's an animal killing another one. That is solid predatory behavior. Its only a matter of time before he hurts another human - you could be sued for that, and for an enormous amount of money. What if the dog attacks your son (you may think that will never happen, but it can and it does), what would you do then? As heartbreaking as it is, that dog is potentially dangerous. You have to make your son understand that. Talk to your vet as well. Chances are, he will either recommend the dog be put down or returned to the shelter (which, of course, is very preferable!).

I'm truly sorry.

Edited to add: I can't believe people are referring to the killing of the neighbor's cat a "little mishap"! What the fresh hell is this? What if someone's larger dog came along and killed their dog? They'd be screaming bloody murder. Buying a new cat is a kind offer, but simply doesn't help. People get very attached to pets. Just because they're cats doesn't make them disposable or less important then dogs. I have 2 cats that I keep indoors to keep them safe. They are my furry "children". An old neighbor of mine in my apartment complex kicked one of them (hard) out of the way when he was at my place to talk to me. I belted him in the face. Sorry for the rant. Back to your regularly scheduled post.

Answer 6

How old is your son? It sounds like he is very young. If that is the case, then I would return the dog to the Humane Society and explain to your son why you had to do this. If the dog was truly aggressive, then the Humane Society wouldn't have adopted him out. Your son is not responsible enough to be expected to take care of a dog. An animal is a huge responsibility. Doesn't sound like you are responsible enough to take care of the dog yourself. Yes, the dog may have been a present for your son, but you, as the adult, still hold the responsibility to care for the dog. You can't expect your son to act like an adult. He wants to play with the dog, let the dog on the furniture, eat people food,etc. You are the one responsible for the health and well being of this animal. I would wait until your son is a little older, and you have the time to truly take in an animal and show it the proper love and attention it deserves. Just because your son loves this dog, doesn't mean you should keep it. And just because you can't control this dog doesn't mean it should be euthanized.

Answer 7

There are origination's that take in such dogs.See if there is one ne'er you. The Animal shelter may have some suggestion's of who to go throe. Also if you fined one trie to orange a visiting arrangements.Or get a friend or relative out of town to take him.Sometimes it is the dog's surroundings that makes them aggressive.My cousin had a dog like that and she gave the dog to her mother who lived in a Small farm town,it changed the dog personality 100%.I remember the dog being verie loving and friendly after the move.He was a big black Lab with the name Satin.

Answer 8

well as you have offered to pay the cats vet bills i would warn your boy that all this happend because he didnt listen to what you said. i wouldnt put him down this time and tell the naubours that you will make sure the dog wont do it again and tell your boy if something else happens then the dog will have to be put down. also you could try makeing sure that you or an aldult is allways with the dog when your boy is with it.
good luck

Answer 9

I would never, ever put my dog to sleep to plz my neighbors...i can understand their sadness about their cat (my neighbors dog killed my cat) but ur dog should not have to be put down over it....at the very most give him to new owner and get ur kid a new puppy that u can raise around cats....your neighbors are very selfish to ask you to put down ur sons beloved pet over their cat. I could never do that to a kid.

Answer 10

There is no reason why you should have him put down.. maybe give him away to someone if that. Your neighbors will forget about it sooner or later. If it were me I'd take it to a friends house until they quit mentioning the little mishap.. then bring him home. BUT try to figure out a way to train him so he doesn't act this way around cats. It is hard but I am in the same situation! I actually just posted a question about. Good luck and please don't put him down!