HELP!!! I might have to give up my dog. (Please serious responses only)?

Question

I have a 7 year old cockapoo. He bites under certain conditions: 1) when you try to take away an item he has that does not belong to him, 2) when you touch him when he is resting.
I have been to 2 behaviorists, a veterinary behaviorist, I watch dog whisperer, read books on aggression, tried prozac, absolutely everything! He bit my mother-in -law last week and we had to take her to the emergency room. I am so devastated at the thought of giviing him up! If I take him to a shelter, how likely will it be that they can place him, given his issues? Vets have told us that it is genetic and the ONLY thing we can do is avoid the triggers that make him bite.(Not always that easy). Last week's incident was the last straw. Does anybody know of anything we could do to get him to stop biting?? Any suggestions on how to find him another home? I love him to death and I am so distraught about this! Please-someone, HELP!!!!!!

Answer 1

Hi. I tried to send by email but your email address wasn't recognized for some reason.

I rescue dog (cockers specifically) and just dealt with a biting 6 year old that had been on a chain her entire life. This will sound mean & cruel but it DOES work; I have used it on the biting rescues & larger breeds such as rotties & it does NOT hurt them. If going to a shelter they will more than likely put him down unfortunately.

The next time he growls and snaps grab him up by the scruff of the neck or keep a collar & leash on him (when you plan on working with him) & jerk him up by that then grab his muzzle with 1 hand & firmly squeeze it shut--he will be growling & yelping & trying to bite but he isn't hurting & with the other hand firmly wrap it around his throat like an alpha dog would, & flip him over on his back & make him submit to you all the while firmly yelling NO!

I only had to do this 3 times with the 6 year old cocker I just placed; she now no longer tries to bite & is as loving as can be. She too would bite when you touched her when she was sleeping or lying down & when you came near her.

It sounds to me more of a dominance issue than a genetic issue. For the taking of the items from him; do the above & take the toy anyway & do NOT give it back. Only when he has submitted may he have the item back & then he must allow you to take it back from him. If he growls give him the above harsh correction & take it. I had to do this with my aggessive Rottie & it worked wonders!

Answer 2

I can tell you that if you take him to a shelter, he will certainly be euthanized if he shows any aggression or if you tell them about the biting. If he is truly dangerous, you could get him a certain muzzle that he can wear when he is around people. You could also make him a fenced off area in the backyard or some type of spacious sheltered area so that he is separated from people.

I have a really hard time believing that this is genetic since it just now showed up at the age of 7yrs. I can tell you from my experience in animal behaviorism that he would most likely have showed these aggressive behaviors early in life. I wouldn't know for sure, though, since I haven't worked with him.

What type of training have you done with him? Also, have you tried xanax or clomicalm? There are very few meds available to dogs suffering from psychiatric conditions, but if his aggression is not too serious maybe you can find a med that will at least allow you to work with him, since he only bites when he gets spooked or when someone tries to take something away.

I have also had experiences with an aggressive dog, so I understand the stress and pain you are feeling.


Good luck!

Answer 3

You obviously have tried everything - and now the best thing would be to have him euthanized. Do not feel bad about this choice (as you have gone above & beyond what the majority of people would have done already) & PLEASE do not attempt to re-home him - you will only be passing on these problems to someone else. It would not be fair. If the vet says it is genetic, believe him & make the right choice, no matter how hard.

And please, do not buy a 'cockapoo' or any of these 'designer dogs' in the future, for your families sake. These are often two very poor quality purebreds bred together to make these mixes, and what you have encountered is not uncommon. Always buy from a reputable breeder that is breeding to improve a breed, belongs to their breeds club (find at www.akc.org) and does genetic health testing on their breeding dogs. I suggest you check into the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - a very sweet tempered, mellow breed for your family. I hope all turns out for the best.

Answer 4

Why can't you keep him away from people? That would be the first thing to try. You could call a rescue and tell them your problem and maybe they would take him. Go online and Google cockapoo rescue in your area. I really don't want to bring up the alternative.
Have you had the dog for 7 years?

Answer 5

I have a Jack Russell who does the same thing. No one could get him to stop biting. Then someone suggested put him in another room when I had people over. Then when I had to take him I bought a muzzle so he could not bite anyone. I have had no problems since.

Answer 6

He sounds like a nasty dog, if this behaviour is genetic then the kindest thing you can do for him is euthanize him. He cannot be adopted to other families because of his biting. With everything you have done to correct his behaviour not working, you don't have many options. Especially if he is biting hard enough that someone has to be taken to the Emergency Room or a doctor.

Answer 7

I work at a shelter and I can tell you, either keep the dog or YOU have it put to sleep. They cannot rehome a dog like that. It is WAY too risky!!!!! He would be euthanized!! He would be better off at least being with people he knows while it is being done. Don't dump your problem on the shelter and make them do the dirty work. Dogs like this cannot be rehomed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I can assure you 100% that no Cockapoo rescue will take a dog like that. There are SOOO many dogs that need homes, rehoming a biter is wrong and too risky for any organization.

Answer 8

There could be a large variety of issues from the stuff you suggested: Legs: German Shepard's have an quite great hazard of legs issues in approximately mid-existence, it particularly is paralyzing, in specific circumstances deadly. Over-eating, no longer eating: canines can enhance diabetes and those are indications of ok-9 diabetes, bypass decrease back to vet and have her blood sugar checked. Ignoring instructions, human beings, or no longer appearing to sounds: She is in all hazard no longer feeling properly if her indications are brought about by the above. She would have a flu. bypass to a vet and demand they do an entire verify, have them verify for the failings I even have suggested. The leg factor has no treatment, you merely could take solid care of her until eventually she passes (usually interior of 6 months of the legs giving out)

Answer 9

I know this has got to be hard but I know a simple trick that is pretty good. Next he tries to bite, grab him firmly by the nape of his neck then yank him up towards you. Wrap/clamp your hand around his snout, or muzzle, whatever you call it, and say NO. Firmly, but do not yell. Grab him on the neck and flip him to his back. Still saying no. Thanks for reading!

If you ever need to talk e-mail me and I will try to cheer you up in the best way I can!

Answer 10

Alot of shelters won't take a dog that has bitten. Has he been to obedience class? You could muzzle him when you have company over. It wouldn't be easy to rehome him because of his problems, if you really want to keep him I'd work on trying positive reinforcement....give treats when you take stuff away and he behaves or if you touch him and he doesn't react in a bad way. Good luck