Call the shelter you adopted him from and ask them for advice. Also call your vet and a shelter near you for advice. What ever you decide, remove that aggressive dog from your care ASAP before he does SERIOUS HARM to you!!

It is SOMETIMES possible to break a dog of aggressive behavior but not always. Some trainers know how to do that or can teach owners how, it can take a lot of hands-on time.

There are others who say that once a dog has demonstrated repetitive aggressive behavior, whether toward humans or other dogs, the likelihood of correcting their behavior is low. It's dangerous to have an unpredictable dog around, I think you realize that. If you're on the fence about what to do, come down on the side of protecting yourself and the rest of the family.

Good luck. You tried, it isn't your fault that your effort to improve this dog's life is heading toward an unexpected early conclusion.

It's such a tough decision but I echo what everyone else has said. Maybe he is just too damaged by his life before you adopted him to overcome his aggression.

I once adopted a dog like that from a rescue and put him down at the vet with us by his side 3 days later. He'd been re-homed 5 times. It's an act of love for a dog like that. Being in a shelter may have made him the way he is. Taking him back to a cage is only going to add to his misery. Sounds like he has cage rage on top of all else. The last thing i would do is give him back to the shelter. Don't pass an aggressive dog to someone else. Love him enough to help him across the rainbow bridge where he can find peace.

He doesn't have just a problem with other dogs. He has a problem with people. He bit YOU! It could be a child next. Do the right thing. Let him go gently and surrounded by love.

No kill shelters are a good idea in vision but not always a good idea in reality. Sometimes helping an animal across the bridge is the kindest thing one can do. Be that person.

I know it's a tough decision.....if it makes it any easier, think of the possibility of him getting loose accidentally, and getting hold of an innocent child. That should help you make your choice. Do know that you have been kind and caring and have done everything possible to retrain him. It just wasn't meant to be.

I have to agree with what everyone here has said. About ten years ago, my daughter was involved with springer rescue and we fostered a dog for a while who had some aggression issues. We ended up having to put the dog down.

You've gotten great advice here. Yes, put the dog down for safety.

From what you've written, I'd have to agree that the best choice is to have him put down. He is a physical threat to you and others.

I'm in total agreement with all above posters. The dog needs put down for everyone's safety.

You have my sympathy, Sleeperblues. You gave it a good try, with the best of intentions. I would ask the shelter for advice, just to make sure I covered everything.

I'm so sorry that you're having to make these decisions. Your poor mom must have been horrified. Peace to you, sleeperblues.

What a tough decision. I have to agree with everyone here. The safety of you and your family must come first!

You're a very kind person to work with this damaged dog, but I agree with the rest. He needs to be put down before he really hurts someone or kills one of your other dogs.

What if it had been your elderly sick mother he attacked since he was in her bed . She would not have been able to fight back. If blood is drawn on more than one occasion it's too many . I personally would contact the shelter you got the dog from and give all the details to them explaining your current situation and ask for their assistance in either having someone in your current area come get the dog or tell you where you can take it . Let them then make the decision on how to handle the dog. You did not sign on with them to home an aggressive dog so they hold responsibility too. I would not take the dog to be put down let them come take care of the situation . I can't imagine if they had that dog in their possession for very long they didn't see some tendency towards aggressive behavior at some point . You did your part to help the dog it's their turn to be responsible .

There is a holiday coming up, asking the shelter to pick him up may extend the time you have him to a week. Now that you know that he is an unprovoked biter there is some liability. For everyone's sake I think you should have him put down today, even if it involves some expense.

I understand that you are a kind person and that this is a difficult decision. But every day you have him is a day that he might damage an innocent person.

I'm sorry this hasn't worked out well, but...it hasn't and it won't.

The dog has to be euthanized. It doesn't matter where. Call the police where you are. It's your dog and your responsibility, not the shelter's.

Hope your mom is improving! It took me many months to recover from pneumonia. I remember the many times I'd be sitting up in bed, reading, then waking two hours later. It took that to prove to me how hard my body was fighting.

Sleeper, I got so caught up with the dog situation, I forgot about your mom. I had two hospitalizations in May (one a UTI and A-fibs). I considered myself a very active person.....was still playing 18 holes of golf three to four times a week, but the May ordeal set me back quite a bit. Still fighting anemia. I'm 79, your mom's a bit older. I just wanted to say that it seems to take a lot longer to bounce back than it use to! Have patience and your mom has to also. My best wishes for her speedy recovery.

What if the dog had turned on your defenseless mother instead of you? It could still happen.

I'm so sorry that you are dealing with this; it's heartbreaking.

The thing is, with a dog like that, you will never be able to trust him again. Not with your other dogs, not with other people and not even with yourself. The dog will pick up on that tension and it could very well make him worse.

I think what I would do if it were me, is try and avoid sending him back to a shelter out of compassion. He will be terrified if he ends up back in that sort of environment. If at all possible, it would be a kindness to have him put down in a more peaceful environment such as a vet's office or even at home by a visiting vet. Realizing, of course, that doing something like this will be difficult because you are currently out of town and not able to see your regular vet. Perhaps you could call your vet for suggestions on how to handle this?

How it's done is totally your call, but he can't be passed on to another unsuspecting family. Something in his past has damaged him beyond saving or perhaps he was born that way. No one will ever know.

There are so many wonderful dogs in shelters who have the temperament to live with a family and other pets. Putting him down would put him out of his misery and possibly allow another dog to be saved.

Best of luck. I can imagine how sad and upsetting this must be for you.

Sleeper, cover your butt by calling the adoption agency asap! In many cases you are obligated to notify them before any kind of action is taken. I know you are in a situation that needs immediate attention but if possible, notify them.

Spotty internet. I appreciate the feedback and I agree with all of it. I don't think he is redeemable, and I am heartbroken. I will contact the shelter when I have time, pretty busy with nursing visits and caring for my Mom. I know many won't agree but I didn't know what to do, so I put him on a long lead with access to water (in the house) and gave him some benadryl. He is calmer now and can't get at the other dogs. He has to ride in a travel kennel because he freaks out in the car, and I think the 6 hours (with a small walk/potty break at a rest stop) put him over the edge. I don't feel comfortable bringing him to a random vet and just putting him down, I would prefer to bring him back to the shelter I got him from. Don't worry, they will be aware of everything--there are way more issues that I have not even gone into.

You might not be able to find a vet who is willing to put this dog down. I would call the shelter where you adopted him and let them know you are returning him because he is aggressive with your other dogs. That is a legitimate reason. The problem now is that you are afraid of him and he senses that. He would need a really strong trainer to break him of his bad habits. I think you are just going to have to return him to the shelter even though it's a huge inconvenience.

Benadryl is a very safe drug. You have to deal with it in a way thats comfortable for you. I agree totally with how you are handling the situation. Just remember when things calm down with the dog that it will happen again. I'm so sorry for you and your dog.

i think you are making the right decision to call the shelter where you got him and put him down there.... my vet says that if a dog bites its owner, its time to put it down. sad but true when u think about it. You are the pack leader other family members next, then all your animals... once they feel they are higher up the chain, then problems occur such as this.... sad but necessary

Unfortunately, when dogs bite, that kind of signs their death warrant when it comes to dog shelters. They don't want to risk someone being hurt or another animal being hurt. But I do agree to first contact the shelter, they may have had you sign a paper that said that they will want the dog back if you cannot keep them. I know that my dog's rescue had this in writing when I got her. Having a vicious dog is no laughing matter either, it's very serious when someone gets attacked. If a dog bites a child, it can be devastating! I don't agree with jerzee, I know that vets will and do put down dogs if they are vicious! I know a lady that adopted a pure breed German Shepherd that bit her numerous times and she had him put down before the dog injured someone.

Yes, this dog needs to be put down. Even if you found a shelter that would keep him, that is a miserable life for a dog. He is better off with a peaceful death. My friend and I were out for a walk recently and were attacked by a pitbull. He bit my friend's arm and ran off. We reported it to the police who said the dog has bitten before. Fortunately my friend and I remained fairly calm and did not antagonize the dog. A child or someone who kicked and screamed could have suffered worse injuries. It was just awful and now i carry Haltz with me. Get rid of that dog before he escapes and does serious damage. It is only a matter of time.

If you said, I didn't see it, what size dog are we talking about? Is it a wee tiny dog or a large dog that can do damage if they bite? That could make a difference as to how the shelter will handle him.

Sleeper, it's an extremely sad situation, one I've been in twice during a span of 30 years. Both dogs had to be put down. From my observation, once a dog starts in on fighting/biting, it's almost impossible for it to stop. Unless you spend all your time with the dog which is impossible.

I thought only male dogs were aggressive with each other. But my second pair of dogs were female littermates and one of them started fighting with her sister at about a year old, just out of the blue. Once it started, it became a frequent habit.

Because your dog is now biting you more than once, it's become a dangerous liability, to yourself and others. Until you decide what to do with the dog, do not let him around people under any circumstances.

"You might not be able to find a vet who is willing to put this dog down. "

Really? I think any vet will euthanize a dangerous dog. Why do you think otherwise?

This is a very hard situation and I feel for you. I have a rescue dog that can aggressive. It took me a full year to be able to grab his collar.

We have been through many different styles of training with this dog. Unfortunately, it's as good as it's going to get. My job, is to keep him out of trouble!

That said, it sounds like you have tried your best with this dog. Some dogs just cannot be socialized. It's sad, but a reality.

How sad. I'm really sorry, sleeper. My heart aches for you. I love dogs, but people have to come first.

I didn't have time to read all the comments, but if it was me, I would take him to my vet and have him put down. I prefer to do these things myself, rather than have him picked up by animal control. I am sorry it didn't work out. I would look into taking in another dog after a little while.

Whatever you do, don't feel guilty. You opened your home & heart for him. There may be someone who can handle the aggression, but it's not you. And it's not a fault in you. Hugs

First, let me thank you all for your kind words and support. Arkansas G-he is a 17 pound yorkshire terrier who is all muscle. He has sharp, white teeth and is really fast when he bites. I talked with the shelter today extensively and the shelter got the health department involved. She was unsure if I could transport a quarantined dog (which he is now) over state lines from Illinois to Wisconsin. I asked the lady in charge what would happen to the dog, and she said he would finish quarantine and they would have a quorum about what to do with the dog. She said euthanasia is a probable option, due to liability issues. Marilyn, I just couldn't handle that, I was in tears just talking to them. Georgysmom, thanks for the well wishes for my Mom. I know she will be weak for awhile and she is sleeping much of the day. She has afib, too, along with aortic stenosis so they easily fluid overloaded her in the hospital and had to chase her with lasix. Chi, I remember when you were so sick. We were all worried about you! Glad to hear you are on the mend.

I can't stress enough how valuable all of your input has been to me. I knew what had to be done but had a hard time facing it.

I commented earlier, but after reading your update wanted to say that I am really sad for both you and Cujo. You had your heart in the right place and the best of intentions and he must have had a bad start in life that has made it nearly impossible for him to live with a family and/or pets. It's not your fault or his fault, but it's just something that can't be allowed to go on. Maybe if someone took him on, just him and some really intense one on one training, but that's asking a lot when so many pets are in need.

Just know that you've done the best you could, gave him a chance at a better life. He just wasn't able to overcome his past.

Best wishes to you - it's a really difficult thing you are dealing with.

Euthanasia is sad, but one of the most humane things we, as humans, may need to do. I volunteered with different rescue/shelter groups in the Chgo area. When you tell them the dog has bitten, which ethically you should do, even the no-kill shelters will euthanize. It is too big of a legal risk for them not to.

There are too many homeless dogs - without any behavioral issues that are euthanized to keep a dog that has known to have bitten.

Yes, the contracts say to return the animal to the group, but even with purebreed purchases that is hard to enforce. You have a human safety issue, do not take unecessary risks.

In Chgo, the Anti-Cruelty Society is a large organization that may be a good resource. Animal Care and Control is the municipal alternative, not as nice a neighborhood. The police will respond to dangerous dog calls and arrange for Animal Care & Control to pick up if needed.

If you are in one of the suburbs, the police departments have arrangements (often contracts w/ local vets) to deal with these situations.

Side note: some dogs (and children) may have a paradoxical reaction to diphenhydramine/ Benadryl and experience hyperactivity - so it is not always a "very safe" to give.

Oh Sleeper, you've got so much on your plate. You did the very best you could with the dog, your heart was in the right place, and you really tried.

You wanted it to work (and I don't blame you), but he obviously can't be trusted. Your safety and the safety of your mom is paramount.

Rest assured, you're doing the right thing, and heck I've got tears in MY eyes thinking about it.

((((Sleeperblues)))))))

I had to go with my vet's recommendation, and have my love, much loved doberman put down. Hugs!

When you adopt a dog, you just never know what sort of life the dog had before you get them. This dog could have been severely tortured and is now just too afraid to be around people and may never trust anyone.

I'm now wondering if the shelter knowingly gave you an aggressive dog? If Cujo was aggressive from the beginning, I doubt the aggression started once he came to your house. The shelter could have pulled a fast one on you. Did they mention the dog had a bit of a problem?

I don't think that was the case, Oakley. I just don't get that sense. When I adopted him they had named him Buttons, I'm assuming because he is cute as a button. He never seemed to know his name, and he was full of energy and spunk, so we renamed him Taz, for tasmanian devil. It was almost as if that had been his name before, because he immediately answered to it. He had been a stray, and they had him for about 6 weeks. Kenneled and not in contact with other dogs. We did a meet and greet with my two little guys, a mini poodle and another rescue a little bischon. There were some slight growls, but everything was totally appropriate (until we got home).

I guess I should be thankful he came to me, because on the day I picked him up there was a little old lady talking to one of the other gals lamenting the fact that Buttons had been adopted out. She was saying, oh he would be perfect for me, he's little and he's 9 years old. I felt so guilty, I almost told her she could have him. Thank goodness I didn't, I don't think that would have worked out!

And as far as their guesstimate that Taz is 9 years old, I can guarantee that he is not. I know dogs, and this little guy has way too much energy to be 9. Plus his teeth are pristine and pearly white, and even with regular dentals dogs don't have beautiful white teeth at the age of 9.

What a sad story all around. You do something so kind as to adopt a rescue and now have to face such a hard decision. You will do what's right for you and the dog. You should feel good knowing that if you have to end up putting Taz down, you gave him the best last months he could have.

Good luck!

You know you did the right thing but it's still not an easy decision. My DIL runs a small dog and cat rescue and adoption center in Philly and even though they do a meet and greet they also suggest taking the dog home on a trial basis to make sure they fit into your home environment. They've had animals that seemed docile and even tempered while in the shelter change their behavior when placed in a foster home or adopted. While they try to avoid euthanasia they admit that there are times when it is the only choice.

I'm sorry that you're dealing with this - it's such a stressful time for you. I hope your mother continues to improve and you find peace with your decision regarding Taz.

Sleeperblues -- Please stop diverting your attention to this issue. Bless her, Marilyn C has the best reply.

You know this dog has to be euthanized. There is no responsible alternative. You can keep shifting your focus from your mother's illness to this or you can deal with it and move forward.

I have no confidence that a shelter's "quorum" would not attempt to re-place this cute, little (dangerous) dog.

I know it is a hard thing to do, to have him put down. It is inevitable that is what will happen to him....that is why I said I would have my vet do it. That way there is less trauma for him. There is no telling what happened to him in his prior life that made him this way, and that is a shame. Maybe someone could get him past all that, but I doubt that would ever happen. I'm sorry.

I'm so sorry to hear about this rescue, but now I think you need a rescue. Not making light...but he sounds dangerous. Following all this good advice given here, I wish you the best and want to "thank YOU" for trying to save him.

I am so sorry, you must be heart broken! No advice, just hugs!

Dances.