Question by : What to do with our unstable (fear biter) dog?
I adopted my dog from the pound two years ago. He was about 8 months old at the time, so he’s almost 3 now. He was neutered when I adopted him. I went through two obedience courses (beginner and intermediate) and during this time he started showing signs of aggression towards other dogs. He bit me very hard during one class and my trainer said it was displaced aggression because he couldn’t get to the other dogs so he bit what was closest to him. That was upsetting but I wanted to work through it with him. We went to a few private lessons and I went to a behaviorist. I started using the NILF (Nothing In Life Is Free) program with him and he’s very obedient. I also took him to my vet to make sure there was no physical problem going on. My vet said to keep him away from other dogs & try to avoid situations where he may bite. My dog seems to have an unstable temperament because he acts skittish all the time (tail between the legs) and even when I praise him he has his ears flattened back against his head, tail between the legs, and will run under the kitchen table to hide. He has bitten people & drawn blood about six times since I’ve had him. He loves my husband and often wants to be petted but other times will lift up his lip and snarl at my husband for no reason and then run away. He has snapped at my children in the past. He has attacked my other dog viciously so now we have to keep them apart at all times. He is extremely intelligent, very obedient, and has a happy energetic spirit MOST of the time. He does seem to be fine if left alone ~ he’s not the type to run up and attack. He just doesn’t seem to be comfortable with affection/petting/hugging and if he’s under the table or the chair he does not want to be bothered. Over time we’ve come up with rules that the kids are not allowed to touch him or interact with him and he’s usually outside when they are home from school. He does like the kids and wags his tail at them but I can’t take the chance of them trying to pet/hug on him because he could growl/snap. He’s had no problem at all with the kids since we started those rules. I alternate him and the other dog being outside so they have no contact whatsoever because he wants to kill our other dog (a chihuahua). I am a stay at home mom so during the day he’s indoors with me and I can give him attention. I bought a big indestructible crate for him if company comes over. My husband and I are trying for a baby and we are concerned about keeping this dog. Some friends have told me he should be put down because of his temperament and bite history. Others say to bring him to the Humane Society and be honest about his issues and possibly they could rehome him to an adult only household with no other dogs, someone willing to work with him. Or we can keep him and just keep him crated unless only me or my husband is home. I feel like it would be mean to keep him crated to that extent but I feel like that’s the only truly safe option if we were to have a baby. 
I really love this dog and I’ve spent as much as we could afford, on training, consultations, vet visits, etc. I have always felt a pet is part of the family and a lifetime commitment so I have enormous guilt at the thought of not keeping him. I just don’t know what the best solution is. By the way, he is a boxer/lab/akita mix. I’d appreciate any advice and input. Thank you!
Best answer:
Answer by micki
Odd mix…too much dog for you to handle alone. Honestly, the only sound advice I can provide is to call in a professional trainer and handler, both to assess the dog and you as handlers, as well as the environment. Listen to what is told to you and follow directions, without letting outsiders input into the situation (they aren’t there for starters and most aren’t professionals.)
Ultimately if you aren’t able to re-train you may need to think about possibly re-homing to a single dog, no children family; but do what you’re able initially with the help of professionals. Most of the time when I take on clients like this, the problem isn’t as bad with the dog and tends to be more improper understanding and therefore poor handling on the part of the people…give him every opportunity. (And when I say professional, I’m not talking about obedience classes or PetCo/PetsMart training, I mean individual one-on-one professional training with a certified trainer that will come to your house.) Good luck.
Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!
