Unsuccessfully re homing a dog

[matt21]

Got a worrying issue with one of my dogs.

I have two, one in particular very lively and playful over the last 6 years or so. They didn't always get on but they existed happily enough. However, last week the lively one, who to be honest has a little bit of hunting in his bones, attacked the not no lively one causing a £300 vet bill and a serious injury.

I am 99% sure this is a one off, but the fact it happened has me worried sick with two young children around.

Looking to re home him, a farm would be ideal, but no one is willing to take him due to this incident. Seems we have two options, continue to risk him with the kids and the other dog hoping lightening does not strike twice, or have him put down, which would be heart breaking.

Any third options?

[Piglet]

What breed and have you tried a breed rescue?

[bexVN]

Find out what caused the fight and seek a good behaviourist to help restore balance.

These things rarely happen with no provocation or reason. Often tension will have been building for a while with certain stress responses not being picked up by an owner until such point the dig can't cope anymore and ends up in the sort of situation you ars in now.

Breed rescue is worth a go but in the meantime I'd be wanting to find out what caused this incident and seeking professional advice.

[Jasandjules]

AS Bex says, what was the cause? Food? Protecting one of you?

[matt21]

The dogs breed is a mix, Doberman, staffie and collie cross.

[Superficial]

You absolutely cannot assume just because he attacked your other dog he will attack your children. It is far more complex than that. I'd recommend getting a behaviourist in who is APBC registered as you appear to be anxious about a re-occurrence between the dogs. A behaviourist can advise on whether the issue is likely to reoccur again, how to avoid conflict, detect it before it escalates to the point it did, and more. They can also advise, and most likely reassure you, about the situation with your children.

The dog I grew up with for most of my childhood disliked other dogs, and would think nothing of getting into a scuffle with one who he was unfamiliar with. He never, ever showed any sign of aggression to me or my younger sister.

How many dogs do you know who would attack a cat? Do they try to savage children too? The two are 99.99% of the time mutually exclusive.

[thepeoplespal]

'RE: KIDS- do you reinforce the positions within your pack? i.e. kids but no dogs on sofa or beds, kids take priority through the door, food given by kids etc.

My pup isn't always brilliant with other dogs if he or they are on a lead, but is very good with children. We always try to reinforce his proper position in our pack, which helps him know we are in charge.

[BlackVanDyke]

I'd definitely be worried about the interaction between the dogs but I really wouldn't off the back of that incident be worried about safety with kids - it's very very different. As such please don't persuade yourself that the dog should be put down - he might possibly need to live somewhere where he's an only dog, if problems continue, but that's all. The Dogs Trust should be able to help if it DOES emerge that rehoming is the right thing to do, although you may need to wait for space to come up as they're under a LOT of financial (and therefore practical) pressure at the moment.