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My Sister has been given notice to move out of her rented house and can't find anywhere suitable which will take her two dogs, one is fine and is going to my Mum's, but the other can be very protective and aggressive with strangers, he's a lovely dog with people he knows, but bit a woman who was where she shouldn't have been a few years ago when they had a pub (resulted in court case etc) and so has a formal history of aggression.
He's an eight year old black lab and she's having difficulty re-homing him because of his history. She's asked around, but no luck and all the vet recommended was a sedative before taking him in to be put down 🙁 So can anyone suggest anything that we may have missed? Thanks.
Try the Dog's Trust. They're truly excellent people, and never put a dog down.
The Dogs Trust - they will put a lot of effort into 'rehabilitating' dogs with aggression issues. Most will be rehomed, with any potential adopters being aware of any prior aggression issues or triggers (we once looked at a collie who had literally bitten a toddler's face, he disliked children). The ones that are a bit too unpredictable for family life get kept at the centres, and a few become sponsorship dogs.
More info here: http://www.dogstrust.org.uk/rehoming/hardtorehome/default.aspx#.UjxGiD9vpYE
http://www.dogstrust.org.uk/sponsor/default.aspx#.UjxG8T9vpYE
EDIT: Curse you Flashy, and your fast and concise replies!
Great minds, Mrs Toast, great minds...! 🙂
They have a waiting list though
"A handover waiting list exists at all of our centres and dogs will be assessed before being taken in. Priority is given to dogs most likely to be re-homed."
double
[i]"A handover waiting list exists at all of our centres and dogs will be assessed before being taken in. Priority is given to dogs most likely to be re-homed." [/i]
sounds like they never put a dog down because they don't accept dogs that might need to be?
Its still worth calling them to ask though.
I think she's already contacted Dogs Trust, but had no luck. Any other suggestions will be greatly received.
you asked the expert for advice, and they gave it - take it
you asked the expert for advice, and they gave it - take it
That's easy in principal, but it's much harder with a family pet she's loved since a pup!
It's true she has an emotional commitment to the animal but I can't see anyone the dog doesn't already know and trust ever taking it on if it is likely to bite them as they are a stranger?
It's a tough decision for her to make but really, she only has one course of action to take and all you can do is support her through it?
Why not just put a muzzle on it when out and about?
You have 2 options then.
1. She tries harder to find accommodation that take pets. They do exist.
2. They put the dog down.
I'm sorry to be that harsh as I'm an animal lover but that's the way it is. Nobody will want to take a dog whose had a "conviction" for aggression.
Have you tried a reputable behaviourist ([url= http://www.apbc.org.uk/ ]APBC[/URL])
There are not many places (in fact I don't know of any) that will take on a dog with a bite history. Rescues can't in good conscience rehome such a dog knowing there is the potential for repeat incidents (especially in today's litigious climate), and don't have the funds to kennel every dog that's in need - which is no life in itself long term.
What your sister is looking for is someone to relieve her of her problem/responsibility. You'll be extremely lucky to find someone willing to do this which leaves the option of:
a)keeping the dog.
b)having the dog PTS.
If the dog is so disturbed that it is aggressive with strangers, then having the dog PTS - as difficult as that may be - might be the lesser evil.