My dog, a pitbull mix I've had for 6 years, recently bit my husband and today she tried to bite me, we have 2 young kids and I don't know what to do. I think I should have her put down because I really don't know any other options, what would you do? All shelters in my area put down pitbulls anyway and I don't feel comfortable giving her to a friend or family member because she might bite them.
2006-09-17 16:01:34 · 27 answers · asked by Allison R 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
For the sake of your children, your husband and yourself, the dog must go.
It's heartbreaking because they do become part of the family, but biting is a behaviour that once started is very hard to stop. And with a pitbull, the size of the animal alone makes it even more dangerous; especially with children involved.
Children can be very unpredictable and move too fast to watch all the time and with an animal that automatically reacts by biting, tragedy is only a heartbeat away.
My heart goes out to you with this difficult decision.
Take care!
2006-09-17 16:11:23 · answer #1 · answered by kalyko13 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Please don't have her put down straight away. So many ignorant people think that all pits eventually succumb to aggression, but this is so unfair to the animal. ANY dog CAN and WILL bite, not just pits.
There could be something mentally wrong with your dog, in which case euthanizing would be the only option to ensure public safety....but what if there isn't? Do you really know enough about animal behavior (especially pitbull behavior) to ascertain this yourself?
Please look around as best you can for an organization to HELP you and your dog....not just kill her. If that becomes the last option, so be it....but try to give the girl a chance.
2006-09-17 16:12:15 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I know it would be hard to put your dog down, but maybe there is something wrong with your dog that is making her aggressive. I would bring her to the vet to see what the vet could do, and tell them that putting her down is your last option. My dog was recently snapping at people and it was not because anything we did to her, she actually had teeth rotting in her mouth and was showing aggresstion because it hurt. Maybe she has pain somewhere and that is her only way of showing you, when you or your husband go to pet her in that certain area. Please bring your pet to the vet first and have him do a physical exam along with some x-rays, it would be better than putting her down right away. Until then, keep her away from your children and your husband for the time being.
2006-09-17 16:31:34 · answer #3 · answered by ridingis4life 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Contact a Pittbul rescue group. See if they can help by taking her in. I agree that you can't have her around your kids now that she has shown signs of aggression but they should be able to retrain and rehome her. If I knew where you lived, general area, I would be happy to help you locate a rescue group.
You might also consider calling the dog whisperer show. He often deals with aggressive pitts and calms them down and shows the owner how to properly handle them. It's an option at least.
There is also many training facilities that use the same techniques as the dog whisperer does. I know that www.barkbusters.com is a great one! Personal experience.
2006-09-17 16:07:21 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Do you have any idea why? If you feel comfortable enough to hang onto her for the time being, take her to your vet for a thourough check-up.(Keep her away from the kids for now). If the vet doesn't find anything phsically wrong with her, then you may have to consider putting her down. I'm not sure where you live, but Ceasar Milan specializes in problem(agressive) dogs, so you might even consider contacting him(he's the Dog Whisperer). Go online and check it out. Good Luck
2006-09-17 16:08:51 · answer #5 · answered by pat k 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I know here where I live, you have to report bite incidents to animal control. Then they make you do a rabies quarantine at a vet's office along with a well check. Having her put down is your own decision. If she bit him and tried to bite you, then it's very likely that one of them could do something to upset her just right and she could do the same. It depends on the situation at hand. Having children at home, it's at least a good idea to let her spend a few days with the vet for supervision of temperment.
2006-09-17 16:07:28 · answer #6 · answered by lilbit 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
It is a hard thing to do as I think of my 2 Pitt's as my family! But you should wire fence a section of your back yard and place the dog "outside" permanently it is either that or put the dog down. Was the dog scared of something? Pittbull's have been known to turn on their owners,look at the recent surrounding's. Good luck with whatever you decide!!
2006-09-17 17:45:54 · answer #7 · answered by babyN 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
She did this because she has assumed the dominant role in the family.
Watch Cesar Milan the Dog Whisperer on the History Channel
If you don't have the time to work with her to fix this behavior the best option is euthanasia. And please don't wait until she bites your kid. They are lower than you on the dominance role.
The key to preventing this is training and consistency
2006-09-17 16:20:01 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I would first follow the advice of trying to find a pitbull rescue program. But in the end, the safety of your family comes first. Best of luck to you...I feel for ya. Get shih tzu...mine is a lover, not a fighter. :)
2006-09-17 16:42:26 · answer #9 · answered by BellyRubz 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Please take her to the vet hold her in your arms and have her put to sleep, dont put that responsibility onto a shelter worker or any one else. She knows you and will be comfortable with you and will feel loved. If she drew blood you will have to contact Animal Control to see what the state law is regarding rabies quarenteen, otherwise her head will have to be removed and sent for testing.
2006-09-17 16:10:21 · answer #10 · answered by mips1970 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋