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Only dog lovers will understand

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Sarnia Thu 13-Jan-22 11:03:21

I live with my youngest daughter, son-in-law and 2 granddaughters aged 7 & 8. We had wanted a dog for several years but didn't want it to be left at home on its own all day. During lockdown I retired from my job so we decided to get a cocker spaniel puppy. From day 1 he wriggled his adorable way into our hearts and we have all had so much fun with him BUT he became a biter. The vet recommended a canine behaviourist and after some blood and poo tests and working with him for a morning she diagnosed a genetic imbalance causing resource guarding. This condition makes him very protective towards certain people, food, toys and anything they perceive as theirs, such as their basket. If anyone came close to our dog when he was guarding something, he would bite. It can't be trained out of them and doesn't make for a family dog. My son-in-law got badly bitten last week and needed a trip to A&E and the decision had to be made. Our dog walker adopts problem dogs. It's just her and her husband and they offered to adopt him. He has gone this morning and I am so very sad. My head tells me it's the only option we had but my heart is heavy. I shall miss the lovely side of him, licking my ears, cuddling up with me and just being there. Life seems empty today.

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DeeDe Mon 17-Jan-22 06:04:01

Sorry to hear this, but it had to be done though, hopefully he will settle and be happy in his new home, and how fortunate to find one
We have had similar problems with our westie Jack cross, it was a bad experience at a vets when he was only a 12 week old baby that caused him not to trust people touching him
And because it wasn’t his fault and his been amazing in every other way, we managed to keep him, he will be 16 years old in a couple of months and we love him dearly
But avoiding being bitten has been on going especially if he needed anything done has been a problem, thank heavens for the mussel, and fortunately our children were grown up at the start, or we couldn’t have managed or would have taken the risk,..
Perhaps your son will think about to join the family in the near future ..
But again you had no choice x

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Sarnia Mon 17-Jan-22 11:54:50

Thanks again you lovely ladies for your support and kind words through a difficult time. His new Mum, our lovely dog walking lady, sent a text to say he has settled very well and her and her husband who are both qualified canine behaviorists are making a start on his training. Thank you all once again. thanks

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BelindaB Tue 18-Jan-22 11:13:36

I have had dogs in my life since I was born - my mother was a dog trainer, among other things and since I grew up and left home, have had more and more to do with dogs.

When I retired, this became a "cottage industry", i.e doggy day care and doggy holiday care, as well as volunteer work for Pug Welfare. I have dealt with many, many problem dogs and only last week dealt with EXACTLY what you are descibing. It took just one session and the matter is dealt with. The owner called me 2 days ago to say that she could not believe it but it is true.

Your problem wasn't just resource guarding, it was buying a puppy from a breed that is renowned for having mental problems because of the way the dog has been deformed, to suit the taste of the show ring etc.

If you really want a dog that isn't going to turn on you - go to a good rescue and get one of those! Make sure it has been assessed and take it for a trial period first.

There are lots and lots of good dog therapists out there! I've only known one other who recommended that a problem dog be destroyed - that Victoria wassername whose new series just started. I've never forgiven her and won't watch her shows.

Try not to let it put you off getting a dog!

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