Only dog lovers will understand

That must have been distressing Dinahmo

Yes, I shouldn't perhaps have mentioned the bad experiences I know of with friends who adopted rescue dogs but it was just a warning and it is well to check very carefully with a reputable centre.

I'm very happy to hear that you've managed to rehome him and I hope that it works out well.

The problem is that occasionally you get a dog whose brain seems to be wired incorrectly. In December 2019 I had my fox terrier put to sleep after he bit me so badly that I needed stitches.

The first thing that he did was to attack us if he saw us carrying a kitchen roll. He also used to attack me when I was trying to cut my other dog's hair. We put it down to the fact that his tail had been badly docked, leaving a very tiny stump which he couldn't wag. He was one of 4 puppies that had been handed to a charity and we concluded that someone had done a bad dock of the docking and therefore couldn't sell them (Docking was then still allowed in France - not sure if it is now).

Over the 6 years that we had him whenever he fell asleep at my feet he would jump when I got up and attack me. I have several t-shirts and blouses with tears - he could jump a few feet of the ground. I discussed this with vet who recommended a behaviourist but they're not that common here and some of them only do work for court cases.

In France, if you have to have a dog put down you have to wait for 15 days (if they are well) so that checks can be made for rabies. So we lived with for 2 weeks and I was constantly thinking that I'd done the wrong thing.When the day came I said to the vet who told that it was the only thing to. I could not stay in the room and left my husband with him. Previously I'd always been with my other dogs.

I think about him often and am feeling very sad as I write this. After he'd gone, we realised how strange his behaviour had been, unlike any other dog that we've had.

We adopted another dog last January, aged 8 1/2 - he is like a goatskin rug - 50 shades of grey - and also blind. My other dog, Ruby, who is now diabetic is also blind in both eyes now but we manage OK. Both of them are soft and affectionate.

Callistemon Apart from one puppy that I bought (a Cairn terrier) all my dogs have been adopted - 2 puppies and 7 adults and apart from Django, the foxy, they have all been fine. There are plenty of dogs in the shelters whose history known.

Chardy

Yes you've done the right thing, but you know that Sarnia. All I have to add to what's been said is that the animal rescue people often have dogs whose owners have died or can no longer walk them. These are lovely animals, so deserving of the love you guys have to offer. Good luck

Chardy, yes you are right. We took on a dog whose owner had died, he was the one which was into 'resource guarding' but he was small and could be controlled!

However, not all rescue dogs are lovely, we have heard of more than that one which have been very difficult and had to be put down in the end, sadly.

Very sorry to hear about your dog Sarnia rest assured you did absolutely the right thing in rehoming him. Sounds like you are quite a busy household and need a dog with a calmer temperament. Don't think about getting another dog just yet, you all need a break to recover. I have three rescue dogs,all settled well no behavioral issues,good with children etc. As someone else said rescue centres are very good at matching dogs to families. We had to wait to find another dog who was OK with cats and would fit with the rest of the family but it was worth waiting and searching, our Molly is a joy.

Yes you've done the right thing, but you know that Sarnia. All I have to add to what's been said is that the animal rescue people often have dogs whose owners have died or can no longer walk them. These are lovely animals, so deserving of the love you guys have to offer. Good luck

My JRT snarls and guards on rare occasions. As far as I'm concerned this reaction is unpredictable and subjectively unpleasant . The dog is very sensitive and intelligent and immediately apologises. I think in the case of JRT s and similar hunting/killing terriers it's not a defect but goes with the territory.

Caleo

Is this a genetic defect significantly among some strains of cocker spaniels ?

I don't know that it's a defect but some cockers are meant to be working dogs and not just family pets.

Caleo

Is this a genetic defect significantly among some strains of cocker spaniels ?

I heard about another one recently that had to be rehomed, very upsetting but he has happily settled with new owners with no children.

I'd be very careful adopting a rescue dog as you don't always know the background; a friend did that but he was aggressive and even the dog behaviourist couldn't do anything with him.

How lucky you are to have found such. Suitable home for your dog. Will it be possible for you still to see it, and maybe take it for a walk. This could help you decide whether you like another.
I’ve just adopted a puppy, after not having had a dog for a good number of years. It’s hard work when you live alone. He does bite, but this is getting less. My main problem is car sickness and my grandchildren being frightened of him.

Is this a genetic defect significantly among some strains of cocker spaniels ?

I feel for you, Sarnia, we had a beautiful cocker spaniel but the children were very young and I was worried he might bite, although he only bit DH once, and we had to rehome him. He was a 'one man' dog and would ignore any commands from me. He settled in his new home and was very happy.

I'd not heard the term 'resource guarding' until recently and realised we had a very small dog who did that but he would respond to a telling off and I could handle him.

You have done the right thing although it is very upsetting.

So sorry, it’s really hard to make this decision we had this many years ago with a lab. Heartbreaking but do have another go later, a dog really does complete a home…. ?

What a dilemma for you, and it must have been a very difficult decision to make. I'm not sure I could have done it. Hopefully he will have a happy, healthy life with his new people.

My sympathies, I too had to let a beautiful retriever go as he worried sheep, and we are farmers. The breed society found him a wonderful home in the middle of a town
as the pet of a groundskeeper who looked after the rugby pitches etc. Plenty of space and no sheep.

How awful for you! But you have done the right thing and hopefully he will thrive in his new home.

I’m so sad for you. It’s hard to let a dog go. I had to let my cross breed bulldog puppy go after just three weeks. I just couldn’t manage her. She went to a very good home (friend of DIL) and is having the wonderful life I couldn’t give her.

How sad for you after all the hard work in those first couple of years. You really didn’t have much choice. Cocker Spaniels are adorable dogs and you were just very unlucky. I hope he has a good life with his new owners.

It must be heartbreaking for you, I’m so sorry. Please don’t let it put you off getting another dog. I look after my sons 5 month old Cockpoo once a week and she is just such a sweet dog. I have Border Terriers myself and they make lovely pets too.
Best wishes.

I'm so sorry you had to say goodbye to your dog. They quickly become part of the family.

Perhaps in time you might consider another dog. Three years ago I decided the time was right for a pet and a dog was my choice. I adopted Mya (a four year old rescue dog). The rescue centres are brilliant. They assess the temperament and behaviour of the dogs and you get to meet the dog on a few occasions at the centre. Mya had not been trained by her previous owners but the centre said she could still be trained, even at 4 years old. I worked with a canine behaviourist too as Mya and myself needed help with recall training. That's Mya running off not me ?. Now she is such a faithful, lovely tempered dog that hates leaving my side. I'm glued to her too.

I do hope you try again.

How sad for you all Sarnia, you must all miss him dreadfully. I don't own a dog and haven't done since I was in my late teens and I wouldn't call myself a dog lover now but I do understand.

As others have said, he will no doubt thrive in his new home and I certainly hope he does. Have you thought of replacing him with a rescue dog, one that is a little older with a proven medical background but with a desperate need for a loving home might just fill the emptiness ?

Give it time and then look for another dog that suites you. I adopted a Weimaraner dog years ago when my children were young. I had to admit he was too much for me to handle. I found him a home more suitable he was far too big and demanding. I waited a while before I replaced him with a more manageable dog I had her fifteen years. Don't be hard on yourself it can be difficult making the right decision.

Oh Sarnia, what a distressing decision that you had to make. However, you had to keep your family safe, of course everyone understands. I am sure he will be safe and happy with your dog walker.
My husband and l have adopted 3 problem dogs over the years and it is very hard work. If there had been young children in house we wouldn't have been able to take them on. You did the right the thing.

That is heartbreaking Sarnia. I’ve got a cocker, and he’s absolutely gorgeous, but they aren’t the easiest dogs because they are highly intelligent so easily bored and need constant stimulation, full of energy, clingy and can suffer from separation anxiety. Mine is also obsessed with food - but he’s never been a biter thankfully. The added problem of resource guarding will hopefully be something his new owners will be able to cope with as they are experienced dog owners, I hope he goes on to lead a happy life.
Don’t let this experience put you off getting another dog, they are as different as people are, and have so much love!

I'm so sorry Sarnia but he will be better off in a home with no children and owners who know how to handle a dog with problems.

You've done the right thing as the alternative would have been even more heartbreaking.

Cocker Spaniel owner here.
I understand fully your descriptions of the animals behaviours.
These would have been more heightened in a busier house and now he is in home with fewer people he will settle much easier and become more passive.
You must be very upset about it but be reassured that he will be a happier dog in his new surroundings.