I have an extremely vicious dog on my hands?

Question

I volunteer at an animal shelter. Last week I was working and this really, REALLY mean dog came one day and they were going to euthanize him, but I said I would take him.e is a pitbull-German shepherd mix, 4 years old, and apparently was one of the friendliest puppies in his litter. He was kicked and cruelly abused while a young puppy (ex. his first owner actually GOUGED OUT HIS RIGHT EYE because he snapped at him one time while he was kicking him), because he was born and bred especially to be a vicious guard dog, and then later was actually used in dog fighting. Then he and 2 other dogs were confiscated for animal abuse, and turned over to us.
He is MEAN. He hates all people and animals, and would bite your hand off as soon as you touch him. I took him because I believed after he was treated kindly he would make someone a great pet. Euthanization and killing are out of the question. It's not his fault he's been tortured. So far I've been keeping him in a pen. What should I do?

Answer 1

First of all, you have a tremendous heart and are doing just what God planted you there for! An amazing resource that has a 911 e-mail available where you can get help is Cesar Millan, the Dog
Whisperer; it will blow your mind how this man can get into the head of ANY dog with ANY problems and he can help. This is the link to his site, PLEASE contact him right away: [e-mail]

I KNOW he can save you and that precious four legged critter; poor soul that we humans once again let them down. Too bad they don't REALLY put these creeps in the same straights as they do others, you know, leave them in a pen with no food...chain them....and all the other atrocities, trouble is, they wouldn't get it, the fools. I think the Golden Rule truly applies and its time the codling ends, do unto others as you would have them do to you.

Sending you the best, and my thanks as well; you are an angel.

Answer 2

Some times you just cant rehab dogs that have been put in that type of enviroment for such a long time. If you seriously want a really realistic veiw from someone that has already rehabilitated dogs with an aggressive past, try to contact Dr. Ian Dunbar. He is an amazing behaviorist and has worked extensively with aggressive dogs. He uses methods that a dog can understand without having to use force, many times that just makes a situation worse. He really is a genius at what he does. And even though you really want to help this dog in particular, try to keep a realistic view and understand that he may be past the point of no return. It is indeed not his fault, but if he is truly not a safe animal, a life caged at all times isnt really fair either (unless you were able to set up a zoo like enviroment for him where he wouldnt have to interact with people or other animals). Please keep in mind that his life right now is extremely stressful for him too. He is uncomfortable with humans, because all history thus far proves to him that humans are horrible. He is under constant anxiety and strain. It may be possible that he can still be helped, but this is a situation where you really need qualified professional help to determine your best course of action. I have trained many species of animals and have dealt with many problem issues in the past and even I would not give you advice on the methods of behavior modification that will possibly give you the outcome you are looking for. I too have been involved with animal rescue work, there are always stories of hearbreak and many times animals that dont even have behavior issues dont ever make it to their second home. I would also consider how many other animals that you could help if this one wasnt taking up so much effort and time. It does sound like this particular dog means something to you, and just maybe he has a chance. Dr. Ian Dunbar is the best source that I know of that will help you deal with this dog appropriately, or truly be able to help you make an informed decision about this poor boy. Best of luck to you both.

PS- In my observations of the small behavior issues he deals with, I do not think that Cesar Milan is capable of dealing with this level of aggression.

Answer 3

Get lots and lots of insurance. Because one day he is going to attack someone and you and the shelter is going to get sued big time. I can't believe they would even release this type of dog to anyone.

Don't get me wrong I totally feel sorry for the dog also. But he should have been euthanized as soon as his hold time was up. And you are actually considering finding him a new home. Yes get lots of insurance. What person in their right mind is going to take him? No one you would be willing to give him to.

I worked as an animal control officer for 3 1/2 years and I have seen some horrible things. Actually it totally amazed me how some people treated their animals. And in the case you have described he is better off in doggy heaven.

Keeping him confined in a pen? What kind of life is that? You can't take him out. And eventually being in a cage constantly is going to drive him nuts and his behavior is going to get even worse.

If you can afford an experienced dog trainer. Contact one immediately. And get lots of property insurance you will need it.

Answer 4

If you're just keeping him in a pen with no human interaction (he doesn't WANT any anyway), he's still not living the rich full life you are trying to give him. Unfortunately, I think the only option is euthanasia. Dogs like this that have been mistreated since birth are only going to view humans as mean, no matter how nice you treat him.

If you took a lot of time and many years of therapy with him, he MAY turn around, but those tendencies will still be there, and who knows what will trigger him to be aggressive again? What if he escapes, and kills or injures a child? Keeping a dog like this is not fair to the community, and it is certainly not fair to the dog. As horrible and sad as it is that this poor dog has been treated the way it has, all that can be done is to relieve his suffering with humane euthanasia. No, it's not his fault, it's his owner's fault, but unfortunately there's really not anything that can be done to retrain a dog this aggressive.

Answer 5

I work for PAWS and I can tell you that he is never going to change. I have spent over 30 years working with dogs.

If he is a truly viscious dog, he is going to hurt someone really bad, and you will either be liable legally, or you will be injured, yourself.

If you have children, you must conside their wellbeing first.

This dog is never going to change, but that doesn't mean you didn't do everything possible for him.

You have done more than anyone else would have and you have given him a chance, and loved him. Unfortunately, sometimes they are just too far gone.

A pittbull/shepherdx can do some major damage and I am sure you don't want a murder or disfigurement on your hands, either. Sometimes, hard as it is, we have to make the right choice.

Kudos to you for trying!

Good luck. I truly hope this works out, but if not, please don't feel guilty for doing what you have to do.

Answer 6

This dog should be euthanized...I hate to see it happen but he will never be rehabilitated. I mean he could be rehabilitated but by the time that happened he would be too old to live a good life for very long and in the mean time he is not having a good life.
It is nice that you want to save him, but it just won't happen, the damage has been done and it sounds pretty bad.

I would also like to add that anyone on here telling you how to train this dog on your own, is an idiot for suggesting you handle this animal alone without a competent, experienced professional. You could end up maimed or dead if you try to do this on your own.
this poor animal is a monster now thanks to the jerk that owned him before.

Answer 7

As sad and unfortunate as this may sound, maybe euthanasia is the best thing. If you can't work with the dog to make him nice, and be able to take him for walks, be able to give it medicine, take it to a vet without the dog biting the vet, trim his nails, and clean his ears, ect. then you might want to look into it. Think of it this way, if the dog is so consumed with anger and aggression that it is a danger to you and other people and animals, and it can't live a happy life in a pen for the rest of it's life. You need to do what you think is best for the dog and others around you.

Answer 8

thats really sad that people can do that to an animal. i would read up on it. watch animal planet. for information. the pen is a good idea being he's mean. spend alot of time next to him with out touching him or going in his kennel. let him know ur not going to hurt him. this will take a long time for him to trust you. when he starts trusting you and ur brave enough go in the pen but still dont pet him. give him lots of treats from the beginning to the end of trainning. always use a calm voice even when bad. make him ur friend not to be afraid of you any more. show you are not afraid of him when he gets mad. just talk calmly to him feed him give him yummyies. let him eventually come to you. he comes closer and closer to you or doesnt bark as much u know ur making progress. go very slow with this. do not rush him. treat him kindly no matter how he treats you. Good Luck he probably wont be able to get along with other animals ever or for a lot longer time after knowing people. but get him to like you and after you introduce to other adults but dont let them pet just talk calm and let him come to them. i hope all goes well and nothing bad happens where u have to put him down. Make him a good dog. i believe in you!! your a good person for taking him and trying to help him out.

Answer 9

You cant save that dog and shelter you volunteer for is liabkle and stupid to let you have him. Take him back and have him put down before something really terrible happens

Answer 10

face the fact that sometimes there is nothing you can do and that euthanasia is the best. What if he gets out and bites or mauls a child in your neighborhood or worse kills you??????