Wow. Just wow.

Ditto to what Michael said.

Everything about this just makes me sad.

My training experience may be limited, but even I know that a dog left to his own devices and never trained otherwise will, in fact, behave like a dog.

And Jennifer, now you know why we do not sugar coat things, it is always the poor dog that pays the price for the mistakes made by humans.

Your situation is very manageable.

You have 3 dogs. 3 dogs is as different from two dogs as night is to day. It is a pack.

I have certain combinations of dogs that are only allowed together in the house under supervision. I could let them outside together for a while with no problem and then bang. A bone, a toy, something and all hell breaks loose. And even in the house with certain combinations I'm very careful if a toy or bone is out.

You don't know which dog killed the cat. You don't know which dog started the fight. You have said two dogs have broke thru your fence chasing wildlife. This is prey drive. It's normal. It's not a sign of a dog being vicious. I have a cat who is perfectly safe in the house with my dogs but I shudder to think what would happen if he got outside with the dogs and ran. It would really be all over for poor Monster Cat.

The incident with the other dog with both on leash? Who knows what happened.

Your dog needs obedience training. He needed it at two years old and he needs it now.

If you want help there are plenty of people on this board that will give you a lot of it. For free.

If you let us know your area we can probably recommend people that can work with you.

If you decide not to do either of the above, do me a favor. Look Griffy in the eye and tell him it's not his fault, that you are the one that failed, not him.

Jennifer,
Dogs kill cats, not all but some. See my sig pic? He was a cat killer and the best dog I ever had.

I think you have made up your mind already but understand something.....this could possibly have been avoided with some structure and training. I feel for your dogs, tough break for them.

 Quote:

Anyway, with all the above being said, I want to put Griffey down. I’m not comfortable with the idea that this can once again happen. We also have 2 small grandchildren, my husband owns his own restaurant for over 25 years and is very busy, I work full time still and I just don’t want to have to worry about him attacking dogs, cats, people. My husband, on the other hand will agree to it, but I know he will be extremely sad.

Do me a favor? Don't just drop him off at the vet for him to be killed. Have someone with him that cares about him, someone that will hold him and hopefully convince him for at least those last few seconds that he was valued.

St. Bernard Rescue: http://www.saintrescue.org/

Contact information by state: http://www.saintrescue.org/contacts.htm

Give the dog a chance and get him evaluated. The organizations goal is to help dogs that are at risk of euthanisia. I think Griffey would qualify.

If you care about him as much as you say you do, give Griffy a chance at being rehomed with someone who can give him the much needed training and structure he needs. Your responsible for his well-being.

 Quote: Jennifer Krimmer

Anyway, with all the above being said, I want to put Griffey down. I’m not comfortable with the idea that this can once again happen.
What are your thoughts and or advice?

Jennifer, you knew 2.5 years ago, when Griffy bit the neighbor, that you had a St. Bernard who needed help, leadership and consistant training. I guess the zoning laws got changed (ahem....) because it sounds like the ONLY thing which has been done to address his issues was to put up a $4,000 fence.

Fast forward 2.5 years and the same dog is exhibiting more of the same behavior and NOW you want to put him down.

Instead of putting the dog down, I'd request, sincerely, that you put some time and effort into finding him the right rescue organization or individual who has the willingness, desire and ability to work with this dog and address his lack of training issues. After reading the post from the other forum, I don't believe you are the owner who can do so, and no offense intended by that remark. It is just simply very obvious that your want the magic wand type of fix; the put-up-a-fence type of fence but not the-invest-any-serious-time-or-training type of fix, which is what Griffy needs and deserves.

The animals which we elect to bring into our homes deserve to be treated with respect and given the attention they require. You have three dogs with different personalities, just like your children are all different. Please admit this dog requires time and abilities you aren't willing to devote or develop and put a bit of effort into finding the person who will. Griffy has many years of life ahead, if he is simply given the opportunity.

And the fact that he might have killed a cat does not make him vicious. One of my dogs, who lives in the house peaceably with a cat, would kill and eat ANYTHING she can catch outside. She too would resource guard if I allowed her to do so. I don't tolerate that behavior however, so we all get along just fine. It is VERY doable. Just took/takes daily involvement in my dogs' lives.

Here is to hoping Griffy gets a chance to be the well-balanced, happy dog he is meant to be.

Please, please contact a rescue. You will be released from the responsibility and will still have done right by your dog. Most rescues, especially breed specific, are very careful with evaluations and placement, so you can feel good about it all the way around. If you're on the east coast, PM me and perhaps I can help.

Please also consider the example you are setting for your children.

What does it say to them that a living thing--a "four legged family member" (your words)--is simply killed because he doesn't understand the behavior you expect of him? Dogs are not consumer goods that you just get rid of because you think you got a lemon. If you're going to get rid of him anyway, at least make this an opportunity to show your children a selfless act of compassion--to find a better home for the dog than you are able to provide.

I understand that your motivations ARE to protect your children, and that is honest and admirable. If this dog were not re-homable through a breed rescue the conversation might be different. But you haven't tried yet.