Thank you.

I can understand you feeling terrible - but you've nothing to feel guilty about and my guess is that you do really know what the right decision to take about this dog is. But understandably probably need some confirmation that you don't really have any options. I'm sure you knew what most of the replies would say.

Regarding what SB said likening the situation to that of women who are beaten and abused believing it won't happen again - I'd add to that saying that a lot of these women do see the warning signals early on, indeed in some cases they know about a past history of violence but are naive (or misguided) enough to start out thinking (or believe their men telling them) that it won't happen with them because it was somehow the fault of a previous wife or partner and that he will be different with them because they are going to be a better partner to him, more understanding, supportive, loving and give him 'no reason' to be like it with them, that they will 'bring out the best in him'.

Sadly rarely turns out that way and they end up in the same predicament as their predecessor. They endow him with inner good qualities he doesn't actually possess because they either want to believe he has them or they just find it too hard to admit he doesn't!

I'd say - what is there left to hope or wait for now? A sixth incident involving yourself to convince you for good that he is a hopeless case? The vain hope that there will be no more incidents if he just finds 'the right owner'?

Better instead to just be glad it was you once again and not some stranger, child or other animal who was on the receiving end - as it's obvious this happens without any warning and before you can stop it - you'd have good reason to be feeling guilty if that was the case as you knew well the risk and danger he presents.

Your time and energy would be better spent on a dog who CAN be helped IMHO.

Contact Snowdonia Animal Sanctuary. They rehabilitate, sometimes for life rather than rehome x

I'm really sorry how things have turned out. I know that you know you don't have the skills (possibly no-one has) to deal with his issues, but I can't blame you for trying when no-one else would.

The thing is (and I know this from experience) even if you had won him round so that he completely trusted you, he is never going to be trustworthy around strangers and this is huge responsibility for anyone to take on.

It is too risky for him to be rehomed as a pet to anyone else, so basically I think there are 3 options (a) working home (b) permanent shelter placement (c) pts. Personally the thought of a dog spending the rest of his days in a shelter (even a very good one) makes me sadder than the thought that they would be pts.

If you chose pts, please don't think of it as a failure. You gave him a chance when no-one else would. I know that because you have seen his nice side, this will be very hard for you to do.
In an ideal world there would be suitable homes for every dog, but as there aren't and as there are so many dogs being pts every day that don't have issues, in my view I think its better to save those.

A very difficult decision and I really feel for you.

Have health-related issues been ruled out? It could be worth some investigations by the vet, if it turned out to be something that just needed medication, you might kick yourself for not trying that, but you may find out it's something physical and incurable and that may help you with your decision (I know that mental issues can be just as difficult as health ones but I'd want to rule out every option)

I would urge you to contact Barbara Sykes. She is very collie experienced and also experienced in aggression. Please have a chat with her before deciding which way to go forward.

http://www.bordercollies.co.uk/

I really feel for you. You are between a rock and a hard place

Did you have a reward for him when you went to put it on? He maybe excepting of it when training as food is involved putting it on when their is nothing for him is another matter.

I found when getting Millie used to her lead she was often more likely to go for me if I had no treat and she still has her moments but I can put a lead on her now without a fuss.

I guess the problem with food training is that if you don't food when comes to putting on the muzzle he wont accept it.

His reactions are probably more fear based which I think are more unpredictable, I only say fear based as actions sound similar to how Millie used to react.

OP was putting the muzzle away after a training session I believe, not trying to put it on.

I was muzzle training using food. I think he probably thought I was taking his food dispenser off him.

I'm sorry to read this and am inclined to say I agree with the suggestions to put to sleep

I'm not sure how hard he has been biting you. It is a concern that he appears to "keep going" - for me that's a red flag unfortunately.

If you yourself are unsure, and want to feel certain about this, it might be an idea to contact Sarah Whitehead at The Clever Dog Company. She is near to you and specialises in aggression via vet referral - she will know for sure if he can be helped or it is it best to let him go.

I only say this because I am always wary of suggesting pts via the internet, and also because you yourself may need some help/professional opinion so that you are better able to cope afterwards, if PTS is the advised option.

Hope that makes sense.

Wys
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