Goodbye everyone. A Sad Ending for Soldier

[RebeccaK]

Goodbye everyone,

Yesterday was a very sad day. I had to take Soldier in to be euthanized. His aggression was getting worse and on Saturday he attacked my husband, since day 1 Soldier has LOVED both my husband and I, and we don't yell at him, hit him etc.. we only were using positive renforcement training. Saturday morning was no different in routine than any other morning and when my husband was leaving for work he was petting the dog and saying bye to the dog and I (like he does EVERYDAY) and all of a sudden the dog looked tense, hair standing up, tail down, so my husband backed up, and I called the dog to come, the dog came and everything was fine -then a while later after the dog was calm and happy again my husband went to pet him and he snarled and BIT MY HUSBANDS HAND! - (my husband is a welder, he can't have a broken hand!!!!). The bite wasn't bad enough to break skin, but it made clear marks.

I called our behaviorist we hired and we had a long talk.

(at this point we decided we were still going to keep him and not give up (we had agreed after he bit the FIRST person he bit (back when we got him) that if he EVER bit one of us we would have him out down - but we decided we would give him another chance.)

Now that the bite towards my husband occurred we were going to be A LOT more cautious around him - we now knew what to look for in dog behavior to see stress, aggression etc warning signs (part of the training for the behaviorist we hired). He was booked in for the 22nd to get neutered too. We understood that he wasn't bonded to us fully yet as that can take months- so we were just going to slow things down with him.

Monday - my husband was getting ready for work and the dog was in a great mood - playing, he had just ate, had some treats, did some tricks with me and was enjoying getting his neck pet. My husband was standing in the middle of the kitchen and the dog was sitting next to him and I was sitting at the table facing them about 4 feet away. My husband wasn't even facing the dog, leaning toward the dog or anything and the dog gave NO warning sign and just jumped up to attack my husband! My husband has fast reactions and moved and the dog only bit his hand (other hand than last time)- this attack was completely random - no warning signs at all (and no I didn't miss them (the warning signs) I was sitting 4 feet away and all I was doing was watching them at that moment). As soon as it happened the dog ran over to me and seem started by what happened... he didn't seem to realize what he had just done... it was strange.

This bite was even harder than Saturdays bite (still didn't break skin (as in a puncture) but it was bruised and scrapped the skin off a bit).

We decided at that point to have him put down. I called our behaviorist again and she said that I can NOT feel guilty about this decision. We did everything we could. He has a mental issue or something wrong in his head, could even be a brain tumor (she made it clear that she is not a vet and wasn't offering medical advice, but she had a dog that had a brain tumor and her dog started to get aggressive randomly and wouldn't seem to realize it - it became unpredictable, and started to turn on people she loved since a puppy). We had been to the vet less than a month prior for a complete check up and was "physically" great (expect his undecended testicles - which were scheduled to be removed on the 22nd)

Since we got him just over 1 months ago. He has successfully bit and drew blood once (my friend now has a scar on his eyebrow from it). He has successfully bit 2 times without drawing blood, just scratched skin and caused bruising to husband. He has unsuccessfully (thanks to a leash and FAST reflexes) tried to bite (in the form of lunging with teeth showing) but was able to snap without harmful contact 5 times to strangers and 1 time to a friend. And when I was walking him and we randomly ran into his previous owner he tried to rip his arm off when he tried to pet him and went crazy on the leash trying to get off to attack him!

That is 10 attacks in bout 40 days. And now he has started to turn on us. Our behaviourist and the vet over the phone agreed that the bites will get harder and the attacks will become worse if this is how he progressing and that we did all we could and there is something not right in his head. ( I spoke to my vet regarding the tumor theory and he said it could be, but if it is a brain tumor causing this aggression it would be a lot of tests needed to find out and the end result would be the same, and even if surgery were an option there would be no guarantee that it would fix the aggression and that of course was EVEN if the "THEROY" was correct.

They also agreed that putting him down was the right this to do and to know just give him to someone else, as that would be just handing off a problem that in getting worse and would just put other unknowing people in danger (for the record, we never even thought of giving him away, that was never an option to us). He had to be put down, if he started turning on us - then who was next? no one would be safe, us, friends, strangers. Can't live in fear or with a muzzle on your dog 24/7.

I'm so sad. I didn't eat a thing yesterday and after taking him in and putting him down, I went to a friends and she fed me glass after glass of wine to feel better - but having not ate a thing yesterday - today I REALLY feel like crap and it makes my sadness feel so much more worse.

I miss him already. He was so smart, I taught him 5 tricks in the time I had him!

So this is it. Goodbye everyone.

My husband is going to get me a puppy in the next few months, not an adult dog, because the people you get them from rarely tell you the truth as to why they were rehoming. (Soldier CLEARLY had to have been showing aggression BEFORE we brought him home - vet and behavorist and vet agree, and the previous owners are still sticking to there "shady" story) As much as I love boxers after this experience my husband and I don't want another one. I know that chances are if we got a boxer pup he would be WONDERFUL, but overall they are not a healthy dog, the list of health conditions they are predestined for from overbreeding over the years is a very long list.

 

[CoraBoxer]

So many thing wrong with this post apart from my feelings about you ending him... 1 month?! None of us would have a dog at home if we didn't work through a bruise or two. You got a purebred rescue and you're talking about health risks?! Tricks??? Don't get another dog until you're ready. I won't go into it.

 

[johann]

I'm sorry that adopting Soldier didn't have a happier ending for him or your family. My thoughts are with you, and I hope you find comfort in knowing that Soldier is peaceful now.

Please think carefully about getting a puppy and do a lot of research on the breeder should you chose to get one. All purebred dogs (and mixes too) have inherited health problems from poor breeding practices.

 

[brodieboxer]

I, unlike several others, agree with what you did. Random attacks of a vicious nature (especially when the attacks are increasing), are nothing to take lightly.

I once returned a boxer that I'd adopted (on probation status) from my SIL's next door neighbor. She didn't tell me his whole story, and he tried to attack a toddler in my neighborhood (full of children!) while on a walk, as well as acting aggessively towards every dog we passed on daily walks for a month. Thank God, I had a firm grip on his leash, and I was across the street, or it wouldn't have been pretty. Come to find out, at his original owner's house, neighbors walking their dogs cleared the street when they saw him coming. When I called her to let her know I was bringing him back (which she said I could do if it didn't work out), she tried to tell me to have him put down - really? I told her that was it her job to do this, if she knew he was aggressive, not mine. BTW, she still has the dog... he goes to a trainer - the only one who can handle him, apparently...

Not everyone is a dog whisperer, who can "cure" every problem. I know I'm not, although I'm good with most dogs. Bless those who are! Please know that I think you did what you could, given your experience. It's better that you put Soldier down than to turn him into the pound, where he would have been put down anyway, b/c he had shown aggressive behavior.

I'm so sorry for your loss.

 

[Brindlegirly]

I'm sorry this all happened. :( But I agree with what you did. It would never be comfortable in your home or on walks with a ticking time bomb. If he did it to you, you may not be so lucky as your husband.
Every breed had their flaws and health issues. Please don't hate the entire breed because of this one experience.

 

[whiskers]

Please put a lot of thought and research into your next dog's breed and breeder.

I am sorry that you felt this was the only option.

 

[MrsBeeks]

I am so saddened to read your story, I am sad for you and your husband, and I am sad for Soldier. :( Please do not pin one bad experience on the whole breed....if I had done that after our bad experience with our boxer, Gauge, we would not have Dutch today. My husband and I adopted Gauge when she was about 6 months old, and found out the hard way that she was unsocialized, and came with a boat load of issues. We hired trainer after trainer, and more than one behaviourist to help us, and nothing seemed to improve things no matter how hard we tried...just when we thought we were making great progress with one trigger, another one would surface. Gauge eventually started to turn on me and attacked me more than once, leaving puncture marks and bruises, and so it got to the point that it wasn't safe for her to be in our home anymore, because if she would attack me, it wouldn't be long before she would bite someone else, and then it would be game over for her. In every other way, Gauge was an awesome dog, so smart, so loving and so full of joy, so we put our heads together with our friend and breeder, and we found her a new home with people who were fully aware of her issues and her past and who could keep her away from her "triggers". I am so happy to say that nearly 2 years later, Gauge is still living on her farm, she has a best boxer buddy and a field full of horses to play with, people who love her just as much as we did, and no fears to trigger aggression....and...I can visit her when ever I want!! My point is, that after going thru this experience, I thought long and hard about whether or not I would have another boxer....I was fully afraid of dogs after Gauge, and I was unreasonably pinning a lot of my fears on the boxer breed. Logically tho', any dog can have things like this happen, any breed of dog, big or small can have aggression issues, physical and mental health issues...so please don't condemn any breed based on one experience.
Take some time....lots of time, to heal from this hurt, and consider long and hard before making the decision to get another pup, no matter what breed, or age or sex. I did....and we now have Dutch....who is just what I needed, and as much as I have taught him so far in our relationship....he has taught me more, and I am so very happy that I waited and listened to my heart, and not my own fear. I also must say that I am also thankful for Gauge, because what we went thru together, has made me a much better mommy to not only Dutch, but to my own human kiddo's too.
Once again, I am so sorry for your loss, and know in your heart that you gave Soldier a wonderful home and lots of love and kindness for the last months of his life.

 

[Draymia]

I don't know what else you could have done. Your poor Soldier should have never been adopted to you. The original owners knew he had major problems and took the chicken way out.

Sadly there are some dogs that will never adjust. Maybe it was their upbringing, breeding or who knows. These dogs are dangerous and you did the only thing a responsible person could.

Take care and please don't be scared away from a Boxer in your future. And for the genetic problems, all breeds and even mixes have problems.

 

[LILYLARUE]

I am sorry you had to make this difficult decision. BUT please don't lump all boxers into a catagory that only a very small percentage fits.......as with all breeds.

3 years ago, I rescued a staffy. I had her 1-1/2 years before she attacked my two dogs. One of which was her best, best friend, Lily.

I learned so much through my short time with her. She was an absolute doll baby and loved everyone she met, as well as, win the hearts of those who had a bad image of pit bulls.

She showed signs of a brain tumor the whole time I had her, but no one put all the pieces together. Nothing noted aggressive tendancies, it was the complete opposite. But one day, out of the blue, no triggers, no warning, she attacked Lily then Buster. I had to pry her mouth off of Buster and when she released, she acted like she had no idea what the heck just happened.

It was the hardest decision I ever had to make. So many lessons I learned. The main one-no two females bullies in one house. The second, patience for those who may need it. And thirdly, the pit bull breeds are such amazing breeds!

Did I hold her actions against all the bully breeds? Nope. What the experience has given me is the passion and desire to change the perception of these amazing dogs. To be shown that previous histories of dogs never leave them and shape who they become. With lots of love, patience, perserverence and soft hand, most can recover as long as the human understands that not all is forgotten and must be considered, always.

I now am owned by two pit mixes. One that came with issues, had some major anxieties, and both that would not be here today if I had not stepped up to save them. My 3 years now with these boys have been the most eventful, happy, and educational experience for all in the home. My previous dogs have learned to trust dogs again. I have a purpose to do what is right by my pibbles, as well as, change peoples opinions by having great dogs who are friendly and lovable.

By continuing on with open heart and mind, we all can acheive so much! But once the heart and mind is closed, nothing can penetrate the soul, not the good or the bad. Being closed also closes off one to having amazing experiences, receiving indescribable love and giving of ourselves to those who are in need. This includes dogs and all creatures.

 

[pghboxers]

I believe, given your skill set with dogs and knowledge of dog behavior, you did everything in your power to help him. A person with more dog skills and ability to read dog behavior would have likely given him more, gotten him neutered, and worked extensively with a behaviorist. If you are scared of the dog in your home, and feel as though you did everything you could do, then I believe you made the right decision for yourself and your family. And, after all, all that matters is that you can live with your decision.

Do realize that puppies are a great deal of work. There are a huge commitment. You can't just put one to sleep if you begin to have problems. Some problems are inherited, after all. If you don't go with a great breeder, you can set yourself up to fail easily. When you adopt an adult dog, you know its personality. You see its behavior. Sure, some people aren't honest. But there is where adopting from a reputable organization comes from. They have the dog living in a foster home - with other dogs, people, cats, children, etc. They get to know the dog very well, and can tell you everything about them (and honestly, at that). I honestly think you should rescue an adult dog, rather than a puppy. Don't just adopt an adult dog off the street, but go through a rescue. One that does home checks, background checks, etc. A lot of people give dogs up for reasons other than "they're bad dogs"...moving and can't take the dog is one of the top excuses people give for getting rid of a dog! That is certainly not the dogs fault.

It can take years for aggression to become apparent in a puppy - once they get to adulthood. I don't believe your equipped to deal with those sort of issues that may present themselves, and I can't imagine having to make a decision to put a dog to sleep that I've had for 2 or 3 years because of aggression issues. It would be a lot harder than the decision you made to have Solider put to sleep.