Temperament Problems and Euthanasia

Dog Temperament Problems and Euthanasia

Hi,

Two years ago we got a hunt-away puppy for my son. We are having serious dominance problems with him. The other day I pulled him away from someone entering our house, and he tried to nip me.

Our vet is basically telling us we should put our dog down because he is high risk. Is there anything we can do? We don't think we could do that because we love him so much.

~~ Debbie

Expert Reply

Hi Debbie,

I won't have the opportunity to meet your dog, so I don't feel I can offer an adequate evaluation of your situation. However, I firmly believe euthanasia should always be a last resort, not a first solution.

Let me share a few of my thoughts.

• Have you put your dog through an obedience training class yet? If not, it's a great way to begin establishing some much needed dominance over your wayward pup.
• A professional dog trainer could be of great assistance in evaluating your dog's true temperament based on the way the dog reacts to a variety of situations. A good trainer can discern a confused pet from a dangerous one, and many are willing to come to your home to observe your dog in his own habitat.
• If the first two suggestions aren't completely helpful, then I would turn to an actual canine behaviorist for help. These professionals are the most adept at figuring out why dogs behave as they do, and this may be your best and last chance to put a stop to your dog's aggressive behavior.

You have your work cut out for you, but I honestly believe any of these suggestions are a better approach than simply putting your dog down. If you finally come to the decision that euthanasia is necessary, at least you'll have the comfort of knowing you did all you could possibly do to rectify the situation.

Thank you for your question, and please know you have my very best wishes for a happy resolution to your problem.

~~ Kelly