Giving up your dog

This is not an easy choice for most of us, but sometimes this is the only option. When ever possible, ask yourself if you have explored every option to rehabilitate your dog. Some dogs may simply be too damaged.

The loss of a pet can put a family into crisis and create true and intense grief and this has been well identified for pets that have been placed or euthanized. Other pets also grieve for the loss.

All too often people put down dogs for aggression without exploring all their options, because their community around us convinces us its the best thing to do. We forget that a dog's aggression problems are usually natural,even if not exactly normal and further developed by us.

If you are interested in working with your dog, no matter how horrendous the problems, you should be encouraged to do so.[1] If you are fearful you won't be able to make the necessary changes seek a truly qualified behaviorist.

At the Behavior Clinic at the Veterinary Hospital at University of Pennsylvania in 1993, 100% of the clients were told by someone - a veterinarian, a friend, a trainer, or family members - to euthanize the animal and that they were "crazy for putting up with this behavior"[1] Many were too afraid to seek help because this is what they were afraid they would be told.

However, if you don't want to do the work, know that you will most likely make your pets problem worse. Do all you can to find a new owner who will be willing to do the work, rather than having your dog put down. Many behavioral problems can improve in a new environment because the stimulus may not be there, or the new owners will be willing to do the work. It is absolutely imperative that the new owner has all of the records, and the previous owner and consultant are clear and honest about the problem and the work that needs to be done. If they are willing and they understand the nature of the problem, then there is no reason why placement should not occur if here is potential for improvement in the new environment.

Co-ownership

Don’t sign over complete ownership unless you are confident the new owners are responsible and will provide a good home for your dog. The best legal way to protect your dog is by drawing up a detailed contract including a statement that defines you as a co-owner of the dog. In many cases, dogs are legally considered property. Co-ownership gives you rights over property in the eyes of the law. Check the law where you live. However, you can also be held liable as well.

Whatever you do, don’t downplay your dog’s problems. That might result in your dog being put down. Forewarned is forearmed.

Insist on being able to contact the new owners in a contract at reasonable intervals. Most new owners will welcome this.

If the person or group re-homing discourages this you have to ask yourself if it is because they are not informing the new owners of your dog’s potential for aggression. This is plain irresponsible. Otherwise can you be sure “re-homed” dogs are not being sent to fighting organizations, or being out down, sent out for research or sent to a humane society? They may not be making money doing this, but if you have already paid them to place your dog, or to rehabilitate them, etc., then they have already made their money.

A consultant offers to re-home the dog for you

If a training consultant offers you a guarantee that he will rehabilitate your dog to your satisfaction or re-home your dog, you should be very wary, and do extensive research on this organization or person first. You are better off finding an organization,such as breed rescues, that deal with re-homing dogs as their specialty.

Unfortunately, we have heard of some people who offer to do this who have appeared to be very sincere to the owner, only to discover the consultant was untrustworthy. Don't be in a rush to take the easy route out. If you make a mistake, its is difficult to live with.

Difficult, but not impossible

Depending on the nature of your dog’s aggression you may be able to find a home for it if the owner is willing to do the work. Another owner may not have the issues you have with the dog, or may not have children or other animals in the house, if this has been the issue for example.

If you can't find a new owner ask yourself again: is it possible to live with your dog if you keep you a Gentle Leader and take all steps to protect the people and other animals around you (See keeping people and animals safe from your dog)? Have you explored every option to work on rehabilitating him? Have you seen more than one trainer / or behaviorist ? Are you sure the trainer or consultant is truly qualified?

In many cases people just become worn down and give up. Owning an aggressive dog can be stressful, and can cause additional conflict in the home.

Sometimes taking time, taking a break from your dog and putting them in a kennel for a couple of weeks (provided the kennel understands your dog's problem), and finding some good support and understanding from people who are also dealing with dog aggression is enough for us to become renewed and try again.

After all, your dog is a member of your family and relies on you for everything. Many people have discovered that working with their aggressive dog, not only teaches them about themselves, but it is one of the most rewarding challenges in life they have faced.

If Euthanasia is your only option

Euthanasia is permanent. There are no second chances. There are no resurrections. Replacing the dog with a new puppy will not make the choice go away. If you at all uncertain, don't go through with it. Ignore the advice of friends or family, or neighbors, that are telling you its the right thing to do. They do not share the bond you have with your pet.You need to discover if this is true or not for yourself. Make sure your dog can't harm anyone and put off making the decision for a little longer, until you can think clearly and make the right decision for you and your dog. Send your dog to a kennel so you can get an idea of what it is like not to have the dog.

You and your family need to know that you tried everything and tried your best. It will be a little easier to live with the decision after its happened. It is much more difficult putting a dog down for a behavior problem than one who is clearly suffering. Guilt about the behavior can also become compounded with the guilt at having to make the decision. It's usually after it's happened that you start to wonder if there was not some other option. If you discover there was, it can be difficult to get past the grief.

Often children don't understand and may be angry at the adults in the family, even if the child has been bitten. It is important that you don't lie to them about the reason for the decision, even if they cannot intellectual understand the reasoning.

Children may also fear that if they misbehave, the same thing will happen to them. You need to reassure them that it won't happen to them. This is easier if the family has seriously tried to overcome the problem.[1]

References

[1] Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Small Animals, Karen L. Overall, M.A., V.M.D., Ph.D. Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Behavior, Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. Pennsylvania, Mosby, Inc. 1997

K9aggression.com is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of aggressive dogs, their owners and those around them. By providing education, inspiration and support through online communication we hope to promote responsibility, action, and understanding.

"Suggest temporary boarding first when confronted with behavioral euthanasia", By Dr. Karen Overall regarding those who made the choice to euthanize.