Comments on: Euthanizing aggressive dogs

By: Lindsay Stordahl

Lindsay Stordahl — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 20:05:50 +0000

I admire 4 Luv of Dog Rescue for taking in so many pitbulls, senior dogs and injured or sick dogs. 4 Luv of Dog Rescue is not responsible or at fault for the death of this Jack Russell terrier. The community as a whole is at fault.

By: Katie

Katie — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 18:47:07 +0000

I think it should be known, though, that 4luvofdog rescue is one of few rescues that does not discriminate breeds (ie, pitbulls). They do a great job of placing dogs in responsible homes. I think instead of “shaming” 4luvofdog rescue for being unable to save this one dog, in which the pound made the decision to euthanize, we should be thanking them for all the work they do in saving many, many others.

By: Lindsay Stordahl

Lindsay Stordahl — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 17:55:09 +0000

Thanks for your comment, Clifford,

It’s scary when dangerous dogs are living in regular homes. I am glad that dane has a safe home with someone who loves him, but I also hope that his new owner will find the right trainer to work with the dog so he can learn to live like a normal dog and not be a threat to someone’s safety.

And now I will judge a dog by its breed: An aggressive great dane is a bit scarier than an aggressive Jack Russell.

By: Lindsay Stordahl

Lindsay Stordahl — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 17:47:47 +0000

Thanks, Sarah. I’m assuming you are referring to Jan’s comment that she was surprised this dog was a Jack Russell. I don’t think she was implying anything about pitbulls, just pointing out the fact that this was such a small dog. If you check out her blog (http://thepoodleanddogblog.typepad.com/), you will find that she is quite the pitbull cheerleader.

Thanks for reminding me not to judge a dog by its size. I was surprised that a Jack Russell could be considered so dangerous, and I question the decision to kill him. I realize small dogs are just as likely (or more likely) to be aggressive, but when they bite they do less damage.

Glad to hear you rescued that pointer!

By: clifford g

clifford g — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 17:42:41 +0000

It’s very sad anytime a dog has to be euthanized. I’m a
volunteer at my local ASPCA in Oklahoma which has a no kill policy. We had in the past a great dane that was so abused he was unplaceable. Our manager of operations was the only one there who could handle the dog. She personally adopted the dog where he will live out the remainder of his life in a good home. A truly “red zone” dog as Caesar puts it is very hard to rehabilitate;it breaks my heart when they are euthanized as people made the dog that way.

By: Sarah

Sarah — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 08:48:54 +0000

I don’t like it when people act surprised that it was a JRT that was euthed. I don’t believe in breed discrimination and to imply that a JRT has less of a chance of being aggressive than say a Pit is incorrect in my opinion. Out of all the Bad Newz Kennel dogs (Vick dogs) there were 69, only two had to be euthed. Pits also scored higher than Beagles in temprament tests and actually came in second with the Goldon Retriever coming in first. I had a Cocker Spaniel as a kid that had to be put down because he was aggressive to strangers and actually bit a child. This was not our choice it was forced upon us by the local authorities. I do believe and with the Vick dogs as living proof that most dogs can be rehabilitated into adoptable pets. My first dog as an adult is a rescued Black Lab mix, he just had his fourth birthday, and I currently foster a Yellow Lab mix who is an amazing animal. I also rescued an English Pointer who had been dumped off on the highway almost 2 years ago. Luckily he was found in time to be helped (I wish the Beagle would have been) although he was on deaths doorstep and nothing but a skeleton I was able to rehabilitate him from a wild dog into a loving family pet. He now lives like a king with my brother and his wife.

By: Lindsay Stordahl

Lindsay Stordahl — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 00:33:16 +0000

Thanks for your input, Ty. Thanks for pointing out the fact that EXPERTISE is the key link that is usually missing when it comes to rescuing or rehabilitating dogs. I often see a problem in rescues where the people are very dedicated dog lovers but they don’t understand dog behavior very well. Sometimes this is a scary combination, especially when there are multiple dogs in one area.

By: Ty Brown

Ty Brown — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 19:58:29 +0000

In my entire career of training dogs I’ve recommended euthanasia in only one case. The dog obviously had a chemical imbalance that didn’t allow him to process stress like other dogs. A dog’s capacity for training depends on their ability to process stress and as a result this dog had very little potential for improvement.

The truth is that the main resource in rehabbing these dogs is EXPERTISE, not necessarily time or effort or a good attitude.

I don’t want this to come across as boastful but I don’t think I’ve ever had an aggressive dog (except for the previous mentioned one) come to stay with me that hasn’t been turned around in a couple days and couldn’t be considered a very low risk. It’s completely dependent on me, though, and that is where I have to work heavily with clients to make sure that they adjust how they interact with their dog.

Once you develop the expertise to fix a dog like this it is quite simple. The bleak truth, though, is that most rescues, foster families, adopting families, etc. don’t have this expertise which is why I can’t fault an organization like this for finding themselves forced to euthanize a dog that seems like a difficult case of aggression.

It’s tough to know where the answer is. Is it in better training education for rescues? Is it better education for dog owners who are typically the ones creating these problems for rescues to clean up? Is it in the education of the people breeding these animals? I think the answer lies in better education for everyone dealing with man’s best friend.

Good post, very thought provoking.

By: Lindsay Stordahl

Lindsay Stordahl — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 19:44:14 +0000

Amy, thank you for clarifying that info.

By: Amy K

Amy K — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 19:17:03 +0000

Just so everyone is clear– the pound that the Jack Russel was in refused to release the dog, due to his behavior. 4 Luv Of Dog Rescue had no choice in the matter, the evaluator (NOT a volunteer with 4 Luv Of Dog Rescue) made that decision.

Let’s all hope his story will educate people on the importance of properly caring for and identifying your pet. I would be horrified if one of my dogs had to meet an end like that JRT, and I will do everything in my power to make sure that doesn’t happen.