Dog, mental disorder, attacking children?

Hi, my husband and I adopted a puppy when my daughter was close to a year old. He was a male australian sheperd/sheltie mix and at the time we did know they were lying about the mom being a sheltie(she resembled a lg. tan rat with very little hair anywhere on her body) they said they got her from an aussie breeder who bred her to aussies to make small versions and that they beat her there and that was why she was so cowardly? hid in a corner of the barn the whole time we were there. we originally had went to look at their purebred aussies but they were terrified of people so we decided nay on them but this sweet not terribly cute but wonderfully outgoing puppy came up to us and climbed in my lap and snuggled. Needless to say Philo became a well loved member of the family. we went on walks every night, spent the weekends hiking, boating etc and when 2 weeks later we found out the birth control didnt work(again folks I thought the shot was 100 percent but oh well) we were ok with it

Dog, mental disorder, attacking children?

I am sorry that you are so upset about this, but he has attacked everyone in your family and seriously injuried your 2 year old. There is no question. Even before your hubby gets back, the dog must be put down. I believe you already know this, but are looking for support.

Try going to petloss.com, you can even post a memorial to your puppy.

UPDATE

OK, so I see your q now. No, do not get another dog yet. Let Sophie take her classes and adjust to the new home environment, same with the kids. Understand, this has been stressful for everyone in the house.

After everything is settled down, go the animal shelter. You do not need to take a dog just because you went, wait until your new friend is waiting for you.

When I lost my dog of 17 years, I grieved and then took my daughter to the shelter. We went multiple times because our new friend wasn't there. Finally we found our new best buddy and we can all relax and have fun.

Dog, mental disorder, attacking children?

by the time the baby gets here the dog will know justhow much he is loved and that it is ok. I do reccomend taking a recieving blanket with you to the hospital and getting the baby's scent on it and take it home before you and the baby come home so the dog knows its a family member. it helped with our skittish dog.

Dog, mental disorder, attacking children?

I'm not real hopeful about this situation from the history of the dog's background that you described. He came from an unethical backyard breeder who was breeding "aussies to make smaller versions". So she was breeding runts to runts.

You say the mother resembled a large tan rat with hardly any hair on her body. That dog was obviously very sick. Puppy mills will breed a female four or five times a year until her body is literally worn out. That sounds like the mother dog you saw.

Then you say that the pups they had for sale were terrified of people. I'd wonder why. Either they weren't properly socialized, which would be counterproductive for a breeder who wants to sell the puppies. Or they had behavior or mental problems from the foolish interbreeding the breeder was doing.

Your dog may have uncorrectable mental problems, sad to say, both from his genetic makeup and the way he was raised as a very young puppy. I know you love the dog, but I would listen to the vet. He has twice recommended the dog be put down, and there is no reason he would make that recommendation except for thinking it was best for the dog and everyone concerned.

Dog, mental disorder, attacking children?

Unfortunately, I agree that putting this dog to sleep may be the only alternative. It is no life for your family to be afraid of the dog. Its also no life for the dog to be anxious and see fearful that he would bite his own family members. It sounds like you have done everything you can. Don't wait until he bites your child - because it sounds like it will happen.

Ok, so I think no one realized you were still writing. About Sophie - training, training, training. And I mean literally don't stop training. Just keep putting her in more classes, its strengthens your bond with her, socializes, and give her confidence because she can understand what you want from her. Also Aussies are great agility dogs. Look into putting her into agility or fly ball classes or groups.

Dog, mental disorder, attacking children?

you really need to put this dog down before he does serious damage.

he is a real danger to you, your neighbors, friends %26amp; anyone he comes in contact with.

you have been told this by every professional you have taken this dog to, I don't understand why you hesitate. I understand you love him, but he can't be fixed. it is a shame what he has already done to your other dog.

please have him euth'd. he can't be a happy dog

Dog, mental disorder, attacking children?

Long question. Are you asking if you should keep this dog with a new baby coming into the house??? If you are the answer is no. This dog right form the start had a horrible beginning. This is in his genes not in his head.

You've been through several trainers already. What you should do now is up to you but I would not want this dog with these problems in a home with a new born.

OMG now he has attacked your child and your still wondering what to do? Wake up and smell the coffee! Take him and have him put down.

NOTE: This was a very long way to ask about getting another dog. Right now I'd say no. Wait until your new baby is older and then make up your mind. Get Sophie into classes and then look at other breeds there at the class and talk to others there who have children and see which breed you will like and who Sophie likes. Talk to the trainer also they will guide you in your new search too. Good luck!

Dog, mental disorder, attacking children?

It sounds like you need professional help ASAP!! Don't give up trying to find a trainer who is willing to help you. They are out there and there's no such thing as a hopeless dog. In the meantime, don't let your children around him, especially when there are toys or food around. Find out what triggers the aggression--is it dominace, fear, or overzealous herding instinct? While you're looking for a trainer, you could try keeping a leash on the dog 24/7 and immediately correcting unwanted behavior with a snap on the collar. Hope this helps, and good luck!

Dog, mental disorder, attacking children?

I'm so sorry about your situation. Just from reading what you told me, it would probally be best for the saftey of your children and others that he be euthanized. You obviously put alot of effort into trying to get him help. Behaviorists, vets and trainers work with people who have dogs with problems everyday. The one I know really do think of things that may be possible to avoid having to euthanize a dog. But in this situation with so many animal professionals suggesting you euthanize, i think i would agree with them. I know it is so hard, you love him and he is a family member, but he is endangering other family members. What if he attacked your child in the face and left permanant deformities, or worse. What if your children learn to fear dogs because of him. Even worse, what if he bites someone who sues you for everything you have. Having this dog around is very dangerous. I'm so sorry, but it would probally be best for everyone if you euthanized him. I don't even thing giving him to people that didn't have any children would be a good idea with his history.

Dog, mental disorder, attacking children?

For what it's worth, I think you did the right thing. You probably went further to save this dog than most people would have. It sounds like Sophie is a sweet dog and hopefully her socialization can progress now. I'd like to recommend a book for you and your husband to read. It's called "A Good Dog" and was written by Jon Katz. I'm sorry about Philo. I know that despite his problems, he was part of your family and I'm sure you loved him. It's a heartbreaking situation.

Dog, mental disorder, attacking children?

Sounds like your dog came from a puppy mill or BYB who did nothing with the dogs.. It sucks but if the dog is attacking your 6month old baby just because you picked him up means you should do one of 3 things.. Try and find a place for the dog where he can live out his life without being a danger to others.. sometimes there are people who have shelters where even dangerous dogs can live out their lives. 2) you can try to contact a different professional trainer experienced with "red zone" dogs, maybe your dog could still be rehabilitated but you cant keep him near your children anymore its not safe. Go here to find trainers in your area... http://www.dogpro.org/

or finally you can have the dog euthanised, if you feel he is a danger and will never be rehabilitated. I dont know what to say other than you cant keep the dog if he is endangering your children.. he has severe aggression problems and it could be breeding, psychological or mental, or just behavioural. It really sucks that nobody has helped you out so far... maybe you can find some advice here as well.. http://en.allexperts.com/q/Dogs-701/Over...