Doug: I had an agressive dog too, even though he was a small dog, he was very agressive,(small dogs can do damage too) and like yours a jeckel and hyde type. Love you one minute, bite the next. I did all I could to help him, but he never really improved, or I should probaby say not enough improvement to have me ever trust him. He loved me yet would even try and snap at me. Finally, one day my granddaughter came over and ran past him to go play and he snarled and snapped at her. He had always loved her, we never allowed them to be together, kept him in a separate room. (she had just arrived) the next day I had to put him to sleep. It was horrible, but i could never trust someome else to take care of him. I was worried someone would get him and if he showed agression, they would abuse him, or perhaps he would injure someone. I kept him for as long as I could (12 years), but finally had to put him to sleep. It was very nerve racking having him in my home. I didn't realize how tense I was until he was gone.
I hope everything works out for you.

Doug,

Tufts Vet Animal Behavior school is recruiting subjects for a Canine Thyroid-Aggression Study. The focus is on border line cases which are in the lower 20% of normal levels. You will need to have a panel done (which I think you should do anyway) but if he qualifies for the study; you can't do much better than Cummings Behavior Clinic on your side. You can live anywhere in the country to qualify.
http://www.tufts.edu/vet/behavior/case_current.shtml#1

Franklin, do me a favor and go to another thread.

Anyway, another trainer came by today, and thought Jake was a great dog, until the very end, 5 minutes before he left when he saw the aggression come out in his kennel. He specializes in aggressive dogs and specifically pits. His prognosis was that Jake could be fixed but that what it would take is way too much for the average dog owner, and that unfortunately he needs to be put to sleep. Tomorrow will really be the day. I haven't cried in years- maybe I've cried once in the last 10 years but tonight I just broke down in tears in the middle of the street after he left when I went to pick up something to eat. How am I going to have the strength to bring Jake in tomorrow?

By the way, Franklin aside, I really really really appreciate everyones input, advice, and most importantly, support during these trying few weeks.

I can only hope that when I see Jake in the afterlife he forgives me for what I had to do, and that I get over the guilt before it eats me up. The trainer said Jake was clearly badly abused at some point in his life, because after the aggression and then the corrections, Jake wasn't forgiving and wouldn't come near him. It hurts so much to know that such an amazing dogs life is cut so short and someone had him and hurt such a great soul. I feel like I've failed him and I've failed myself. As great as it felt to save a shelter dog, I will never adopt a dog again because the heartache I'm feeling right now is to great. I just can't get another dog with a questionable past again.

 Quote: doug cohen

As great as it felt to save a shelter dog, I will never adopt a dog again because the heartache I'm feeling right now is to great. I just can't get another dog with a questionable past again.

Doug, I know this is a heartbreaking situation for you to be in, and I share your sentiments about those who abuse dogs and leave the mess of behaviorally damaged animals for others to clean up... it is a profoundly tragic thing. But that said, I believe you do an extreme injustice to the millions of perfectly wonderful homeless dogs out there who ARE still capable of making fabulous companions, by making statements like the one above.

Your very unfortunate circumstance illuminates precisely why the shelter would have put Jake to sleep if you tried to return him - ironically, in trying to keep their hearts open for this bright young dog who they believed still had great "potential", despite documented aggression, they created a case AGAINST adopting by letting him go to an inexperienced home. What a cruel twist.

Please don't write off an entire population of dogs in need - or worse, advertise only HALF of your story to others who may be considering adopting - remember, you DID find a wonderful friend in your SECOND adoptee, Sawyer. His example should be the one to strive for.

~Natalya

I believe there are a ton of great, adoptable dogs out there and I still believe in the process, just not for me.

I went to take Jake to the vet today, but not to my normal vet as he's not open on sundays and I just am having so much trouble even looking at Jake right now without crying. The vet refused to put Jake down because he seemed too happy. Now of course I'm having second thoughts. I don't think the vet knew what she was talking about, simply because her behavior analysis involved just looking at the dog and that's it, but now I'm just having so much trouble with my choice. Anytime he looks at me and wags his tail and kisses me I just feel like I'm betraying him so hard and I don't know if I have the strength to take him into the vet again tomorrow.

Doug, has the trainer you were using been in contact with you since the last incident? Maybe you wrote it already? I haven't read the last days posts.

Could the trainer possibly help you either place the dog, or validate the decision to PTS? I know, from experience, how difficult a decision like this is. It is truly helpful to get a professionals unbiased opinion. Won't eliminate the guilt, but it does help.

I saw another trainer who said I should put Jake to sleep. I wrote about it 3 posts above. He said he was a dangerous dog who he thinks has a history of abuse and doesn't forgive easily. He also said he would be able to "fix" Jake if it were him, but the things he would need me to do I'm not sure I have the ability to do myself.

Also Natalya- I have a wonderful amazing friend in Jake as well. Jake is a sweet, adorable, waggly goofball who I love so much. Everyone loves Jake so much they dont even believe he could be acting like this. Its just unfortunate that he is.

 Quote: doug cohen

Anytime he looks at me and wags his tail and kisses me I just feel like I'm betraying him so hard and I don't know if I have the strength to take him into the vet again tomorrow.

Words of advice : "When in doubt DON'T!" You have not had a full medical work up. In light of your description of his behavior; I think you owe him and yourself that one last avenue of reprieve. The cost of a thyroid panel is less expensive than having him euthanized and I hope you looked at that link I sent you from Tufts....even if his levels are considered normal but in the lower 20%; help in the form of medication may be on the horizon.

Doug, I feel for your situation but NILIF can be applied with just a little more effort than handling the average dog. And from what I have read the only obstacle to it is you; and not wanting to do it...... hell,...... 90% of what I did today was because I HAD to. You get used to it, a little self sacrifice never hurt anyone

As far as the aggression trainer and please someone with more experience chime in here.....a stranger corrects the dog and he is unwilling to immediately forgive or approach; equals abuse?????

Well if that is the case I'm calling my dog's breeder now. Something must have happened to him in his first 8 weeks with her because, forgiving as he is to the pack; he would not, nor would I expect him to, forgive and readily approach a stranger who just leveled him with a correction.