Being a responsible pet parent has its ups and downs.  We have dogs because they enhance our lives and make life joyful.  But, what happens if your dog displays vicious traits?   How do you handle this problem?  When is enough, enough?  Now, when I say vicious, I’m not saying that Fido is having a bad day and growls because he doesn’t want his bath.  Vicious for this discussion is when your dog goes after you, or someone you love in full-on attack mode.  Personally, I’ve lived with a vicious dog and learned a lot from that experience.

Vicious traits in dogs can be brought on by a host of medical problems.  Once your vet has ruled out the medical problems, he will evaluate for neurological problems.  Neurological problems are much harder to deal with – and to be honest, after my experience with Rupert, I take a hard line, realistic approach to dealing with this type of temperament issue. 

When I brought Rupert home, we knew right off there was something different about him.  He was very aloof and didn’t want to socialize with the other dogs or our family members.  One evening, I was working with him at a local training event when the lead behaviorist noticed I was having problems controlling my dog.  She pulled me out of the lineup and took me aside.  Carol told me that Rupert’s behavior indicated to her that he had some "issues".  Rupert had snapped at me during our training.  Deep down, I knew what she meant – your gut knows.  My first reaction was to take Rupert to the vet for evaluation.  My vet told me Rupert displayed neurological problems and in her opinion, his temperament could not be trusted.  The attacks would likely continue and get worse.  Her recommendation was euthanasia before he hurt someone.  "Not my dog!  No…I can’t do that to him!".  I left in tears, bound and determined to find some other way of curing my dog.  I worked with behaviorists to no avail.  I contacted his breeder to see if she could help me.  I had this beautiful dog who wouldn’t let anyone near him.  His aggression continued and got worse.

The problem compounded itself because I wasn’t being a responsible pet owner and dealing with the problem responsibly – I was in denial.  I wasn’t able to have my friends come over to my new home to visit because Rupert was a bite risk.  I was risking my first home because homeowner insurance policies were now being modified or denied if your dog was a bite risk.  I was making excuses about his behavior.  He wasn’t always vicious.  Just occasionally something would set him off.  He didn’t break skin when he bit me.  Excuse after excuse to justify his existence.  

I wasn’t sure what caused it, but after time, Rupert’s expression changed.  His eyes became glassy.  He’d sit under a table and stare and growl at me.  The closer I got to him the more threatening his behavior.  Then he did the same thing to my mother.  It was at that point I finally took responsibility for my animal.  I couldn’t risk him injuring my mother or anyone else for that matter.  It dawned on me how stupid I was and what I was risking to keep this dog.  I had given up nine years of my life because my dog was a bite risk.  I ignored the advice of the professionals I hired to help guide me – my vet, trainer and behaviorist were all in agreement.  Heck, I even went for third and fourth opinions with local vets – and they all told me the same thing.  I ignored them too.  I had knowingly put this animal before the people I loved and made excuses for him.

While speaking with my vet, she reminded me why we have dogs in our lives.  They give us unconditional love.  They make us happy.  They bring us joy.  "What kind of joy is Rupert bringing you?"  The answer was simple…he wasn’t.  He was a nightmare.  I was scared of my dog.  I was scared he was going to hurt me…or someone else.  He was a bite risk and that could have caused me a huge financial burden.  I asked her for a sedative for Rupert and made the appointment to have him euthanized.  It was a very hard thing for me to do…but its part of dog ownership and being a responsible pet parent.  Sometimes we have to make tough decisions.  In hindsight, this wasn’t a tough decision – I knew all along it was the right thing to do.  I stood with him as he was euthanized.  It was a very calm and peaceful moment.  The vet and I talked and I felt the weight of the world lift off of my shoulders.  I knew he was at peace and that I had made the right decision for both of us.  

So now I have three wonderful dogs that light up my life.  They inspire me everyday.  I love to play with them.  I love it when Maggie sings to me when she’s happy.  I giggle when Spencer twirls when he’s excited.   I laugh when Pidgey rolls over and asks for a belly rub.  See… this is what having dogs is supposed to be about.  Joy, unconditional love and happiness.  Never fear, never again.

Lindsey and the Canine Commuter Team.