Advice on aggressive dog/ BE

[u/DogsBooksCommunity]

Hi Redditors
I’ve been reading posts and have seen how helpful and supportive this community seems to be
I am faced with a really shitty decision and I know that the decision is mine but I would really appreciate some advice and feedback from people that understand
I have a large (85lb) mixed breed dog and he is so sweet all the time to his family -I’m the owner I got him 8.5 yr ago when I was single. He’s loved boyfriends and friends and my parents and sister and aunt and uncle , etc.
He has strong protective instincts and has had some bites - the first was probably at around 1.5 yr old - it was initially explainable and he had a few random ones sporadically in following years. Always men and while nobody did anything aggressive towards me or him, I could excuse it or make sense of it and got more and more careful with him
Fast forward. The pattern has worsened with age and probably as a result of some moves/ changes and he just had the worst bite. Probably #10 if I’m being completely honest.
My aunt who he has met a few times came to visit and he attacked her to the point she needed stitches (level 4 bite)
He bit my partner’s Dad last month and our friend in February
It’s 100% my fault for allowing him to even access people and i know i messed up repeatedly
He is unpredictable and is nice to most strangers but I’ve taken too many risks
After this last, worst bite I am faced with the reality that I’ve given us too many chances and may need to euthanize
We live in a condo building with neighbors and there is a zero tolerance rule regarding bites
I’m afraid to jeopardize relationships if I don’t act on my responsibility, but I am very scared to make this decision.
I should add i have done obedience training and also 1-1 training after some incidences and have used a halti head collar and these all help and the alternative is of course crating and boarding but at what point am I an irresponsible owner if I don’t act

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Behavioral Euthanasia (BE) for our dogs is an extremely difficult decision to consider. No one comes to this point easily. We believe that there are, unfortunately, cases where behavioral euthanasia is the most humane and ethical option, and we support those who have had to come to that decision. In certain situations, a reasonable quality of life and the Five Freedoms cannot be provided for an animal, making behavioral euthanasia a compassionate and loving choice.

If you are considering BE and are looking for feedback:

All decisions about behavioral euthanasia should be made in consultation with a professional trainer, veterinarian, and/or veterinary behaviorist. They are best equipped to evaluate your specific dog, their potential, and quality of life.

These resources should not be used to replace evaluation by qualified professionals but they can be used to supplement the decision-making process.

• Lap of Love Quality of Life Assessment - How to identify when to contact a trainer

• Lap of Love Support Groups - A BE specific group. Not everyone has gone through the process yet, some are trying to figure out how to cope with the decision still.

• BE decision and support Facebook group - Individuals who have not yet lost a pet through BE cannot join the Losing Lulu group. This sister group is a resource as you consider if BE is the right next step for your dog.

• AKC guide on when to consider BE

• BE Before the Bite

• How to find a qualified trainer or behaviorist - If you have not had your dog evaluated by a qualified trainer, this should be your first step in the process of considering BE.

• The Losing Lulu community has also compiled additional resources for those considering behavioral euthanasia.

If you have experienced a behavioral euthanasia and need support:

The best resource available for people navigating grief after a behavior euthanasia is the Losing Lulu website and Facebook Group. The group is lead by a professional trainer and is well moderated so you will find a compassionate and supportive community of people navigating similar losses.

Lap of Love Support Groups - Laps of Love also offers resources for families navigating BE, before and after the loss.

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[u/Jd_2747]

You and any others are not safe around this dog. BE is the only option here. And it is the kind choice. I know it’s so brutal…I went through it myself.

[u/Audrey244]

You know what you must do, even as hard as it is. Buy him some cheeseburgers and say goodbye with love. Dogs don't understand the concept of their last day. Ten bites is nine too many, and a level 4 with a dog this large can mean the next bite could be way worse

[u/Existing-Will-1466]

Dogs should feel safe in their daily lives. A dog that has bit people that many times is a dog that does not feel safe. He thinks he is fighting for his life. Now he is entering his senior years, and he is unlikely to start feeling more safe or comfortable.

[u/Front-Muffin-7348]

I'm so sorry that you are facing this, but your dog is dangerous.

you have legal liabilities now and what would you do if he bit a child? And you were sued for a massive amount of money?

It's a very very tough decision when one has a reactive and biting dog. I know it will be terribly hard but please don't rehome this home. He'll still be a biter, just in another home.