Upset Help!!!!!

[JDUCE]

As you know, Duce got neutered April 1st. We thought this would help take away some of his attitude. Pryor to this we had one incident with him. I was sitting on a chair petting the top of his head and his back when he flipped out and jump, growled, and tried to get my hands and arms. I was able to push him away, but he got my hand. He left some bruising but no blood. He received a new toy that day and it was put away for the day and it was in his toy box. We had no idea what to do. We talked to Judy C and we all agreed that he did not respect me and he needed to go back into training.

He got neutered and he acted a little weird, but we thought well, he just had surgery and he is in pain and he is on meds. Three weeks went by and he was perfect. No Problems. Keep in mind he had little contact with people and we watched him like a hawk. He had to gain our trust. During these three to four weeks he acted weird but we had no problems.

A week ago I was laying on the floor and Nathan was sitting behind me on the floor. Duce came over and laid next to me. He had no toys around and he was fine. He buried his head under me and I was petting his back and rubbing his ears (which he loves). He pulled up his head and I thought I saw his pull his lip back. I asked Nathan if he noticed anything and he said no. I went to shift me weight/get up and Duce lunged toward me. He showed his teeth and growled. No warning. Again we disciplined him and crated him. The next few days he was sorry and the trust we were trying to get back was lost.

He has been to puppy class, obedience 1 and has been around various people/kids and situations. We tried the best we knew how to socialize him. He has food issues as a result of his litter mates, but we have always worked on this. (NILF) He is not allowed on the furniture and he is a well behaved dog. He loves kids and people. At this point we did not know what to do. I thought oh “rottie behavior; he is coming into his own.” I again talk to Judy C. At this time we were going out of town and Judy was going to pet sit. This was this past weekend.

Long story short he went after her (she was trying to put his leash on), and he went after Kenny (Kenny was trying to put the water bowl down – Food Issues the problem here.) We took him to the vet last night and he growled and tried to get her when she went in front of him and looked at his eyes (dominance). He was muzzled and held down. He has a bad hip, but he shows no sign of pain or discomfort – the vet checked this. She is doing a full blood panel and thyroid work up.

At this point with talking to our vet, Ken and Judy, and our breeder . . . . . we have decided to have Duce checked medically (results later this week), but we know in our heart and our minds Duce is not a well dog. We have decided at this point we will probably put Duce down. I guess looking back over the past 3 months, something changed and he is no longer the dog we grew to love. WE CANNOT BE A PRISONER IN OUR OWN HOME AND I CANNOT LET HIM HURT HIMSELF OR OTHERS. My heart is breaking and I cannot stop crying. Nathan is a mess. We go over and over what did we do wrong, can he change, what should we do?

Then we think about what is said on the forum how many attacks is too many (Judy W), if you get a dog you should know eventually you may have to put it down (??). I am second guessing, and I look at him and he is perfect. He is beautiful and healthy. He is so young he is 16 months. He has not had much of a life. The problem is he has a switch and we do not know what it is. His warning signs are inconsistent and so are the triggers/times.

Is he a loaded weapon? Are we doing the right thing? How do we get over this? I cannot function at work. I cannot eat, I feel so sick. Please let us know your thoughts and opinions. We are going to wait and see what the vet says. Please keep us in your prayers.

[Denise L.]

Oh Jo I am so sorry.

You and your family and Duce of course wil be in my prayers.

[lblax]

Originally Posted by JDUCE

The problem is he has a switch and we do not know what it is. His warning signs are inconsistent and so are the triggers/times.

Is he a loaded weapon? Are we doing the right thing? How do we get over this?

all dogs have switches that turn on and off the differances are in normal dogs the switches are readable and controllable. a dog that is fine in a situation then goes off in the same situation is a loaded weapon.. you really cant just keep him away from other people as a answer because he has directed it to you.. you were just petting him and the switch turned on.. you have pretty much answered all of your own questions and you know the right thing to do..
our thoughts are with you it is always the hardest to do the right thing......

[Patty1231]

My heart goes out to you guys but I think you are doing the right thing - and you know you are. Duce has something wrong somewhere and will be at peace this way. I know this does not make what you have to do any easier but please take comfort in knowing you are doing the right thing - for you, your family, and for Duce. Bless you.

[Bucky's Mom]

I am SO sorry - I am sure you are heartbroken.

[Karyn]

I am so very sorry for your pain. There are no words to ease your pain.

[eva247]

I can't give you any answers but just wanted to wish you all my love and support for whatever you feel is necessary to do.
You will be in our prayers.
Love,
Eva

[JDUCE]

Thank you. . . I guess I felt I need reassurance. I just wish this pain would go away.

[samanthac]

I am so terribly sorry to hear this. I know it is hard, but I tend to agree with Larry. I am so very proud of you that you have the honesty and integrity to look at the whole picture honestly and make an honest assessment. You ARE a responsible owner that truly has their pet's best interests at heart understands and is capable of making these types of decisions even as heartbreaking as they can be.

Our hearts are heavy here in the Canuso household today.

[JamesT]

My first thought was why were you down on the floor with him?

I haven't followed the whole story on this dog, but as a general matter I would have thought that dog on floor, people on furniture would have been cardinal rule and that someone on this list would have already told you that.

I don't generally start looking for mysterious switches until the basics of how to manage an ordinary large usually dominant breed are being followed. And that one failure--to follow the dogs on floor, people on furniture rule, would suggest to me that much else in basic dog management is not being followed thus for me it would not be a surprise to see a lack of respect from the dog developing. Wouldn't myself think of hormonal causes for aggression before the basics of respectful relationship have been established either.

[LUVMYROTTNBOY]

I had to deal with a situation very simular to this with a dog I tried to adopt. I'm sorry, I know you will do what's right. I wish your family the best.

[Brooke&Ryan]

Whew!

This is one of the most difficult decisions to make. Like Samantha said, I think that it is amazing that you are honestly looking at the situation in an honest light.

My thoughts & prayers are with you & your family at this time. I'm so very sorry.


Brooke

[Patty1231]

JamesT, I beg to differ. My dogs are allowed up on the furniture with me (although not my bed) and I do get down on the floor with them. My male is 22 months and my female 4 years. I have never had any problem whatsoever with my dogs and not once have either growled at me, much less snapped at or bit me. Allowing furniture/floor sharing does not lead to this behavior or disrespect for the "alpha bitch" in the house (which, if you have not figured that out, IS ME!! )

[jakesfostermom]

Jo, your decisions are yours to make, in the best interest of yourself, your family and your dog. I also admire your honesty, your courage and your willingness to come here and post this, so others might learn from you....My heart is heavy for you...I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers as you face this difficult decision.......

[poohbearsmom]

JDUCE, I'm sorry you're going through this right now. Peace be with you in your decision. My thoughts are with you...I have to agree with Larry as well.

JamesT, with a "normal" dog (i.e. a dog without behavioral issues and "faulty wiring"), getting on the floor and relaxing with a dog can be a very gratifying experience, and quite a nice time for the dog as well... given proper leadership has been established, and is consistant. MrPooh's favorite time of the day is after dinner, when he sprawls on the floor, and the dogs line up for rubs.
Much to my mother's chagrin, our dogs are also allowed on the couch, and Mr Pooh constantly lets them up on the bed. No growls, no threats, not one little shred of aggression.