My son just gone to A&E our GSD attacked :( **UPDATE POST #57**

IrishHomer

Folks,
Apologies I am aware similar discussion here recently but I'm in a state of total shock feeling very bewildered.

Few months back I posted here about issues where my 3yr old male GSD was attacking me 13yr old son anytime my son came close to me.

He was also stripping his teeth at my partner (female) when she came close to me. From discussing the issue with a few dog experts and here on boards most people were recommending my son take over feeding etc in order for the dog learn to have respect for him we did that occasionally.

Anyway total disaster tonight we were lying up on the couches watching the match, my son moved over towards the dog on the big setee to get close and show the dog some affection next thing I a split second the dog went mental and was basically eating me sons face! Inguries look horrific lucky to still have his eye and Ambulance just took hi off along with his mother.

I am going over soon to the hospital.

The dog is out in his kennel and I had given that dog the best life ever he went everywhere with me he is mad about me and me of him. But now I am totally bewildered I am still full of adrenaline but I feel I can't go on living with the dog in our home he is too much of a liability

I cold not bare to give the dog away as I know the dog is totally besotted with me and he would always be heartbroken for me.

It kills me to say this but I think he will have to go for an eternal sleep.

Please advise me, heading off to the hospital now I will have boards on my phone, god I hate the thoughts of waking up tomorrow

Bullseye1

Sorry to hear about your child. Hopefully He makes a full recovery. Only you can make that decision on whether to rehome or put to sleep. Best of luck with whichever decision you decide.

Borderfox

Very sorry to hear about your son. Regards your gsd, only you can make that decision but maybe get a dog expert to assess him/her before you make the decision?

ppink

God thats terrible:(

I would agree with Borderfox. It is not going to be easy but I would get the best I could to assess the dog.

I hope your son is ok.

Bullseye1

I see you have posted in the re-homing thread. Best of luck with finding a suitable home.

IrishHomer

Can anyone recommend a dog assessor for the midlands who can do it urgently like tomorrow?

I can also travel to Dublin tomorrow?

Cherry Blossom

IrishHomer wrote: »

I have a 3 yr old male GSD who cannot be trusted with kids but is very loyal and loves walks and a male dominant master.

That bolded part there I would almost guarantee has been the cause of all your problems and attempting to send him to another home like that will land him in a whooole load more trouble. Have you been alpha-rolling your dog and dominating him? Your son leaned over him to give him this affection I assume? A dog will never see a child as their superior because they are not. I have to point out here that no-one on this forum advised you of anything other than to have dog professionally assessed. Did you take him to an apdt certified behaviourist?

What ever decision you come to now is completely yours, but do not dare attempt to pass this dog on to someone else without having a full assessment done by a fully qualified behaviourist, and cut the dominant bs immediately.

binxeo

IrishHomer wrote: »

Folks,
Apologies I am aware similar discussion here recently but I'm in a state of total shock feeling very bewildered.

Few months back I posted here about issues where my 3yr old male GSD was attacking me 13yr old son anytime my son came close to me.

He was also stripping his teeth at my partner (female) when she came close to me. From discussing the issue with a few dog experts and here on boards most people were recommending my son take over feeding etc in order for the dog learn to have respect for him we did that occasionally.

Anyway total disaster tonight we were lying up on the couches watching the match, my son moved over towards the dog on the big setee to get close and show the dog some affection next thing I a split second the dog went mental and was basically eating me sons face! Inguries look horrific lucky to still have his eye and Ambulance just took hi off along with his mother.

I am going over soon to the hospital.

The dog is out in his kennel and I had given that dog the best life ever he went everywhere with me he is mad about me and me of him. But now I am totally bewildered I am still full of adrenaline but I feel I can't go on living with the dog in our home he is too much of a liability

I cold not bare to give the dog away as I know the dog is totally besotted with me and he would always be heartbroken for me.

It kills me to say this but I think he will have to go for an eternal sleep.

Please advise me, heading off to the hospital now I will have boards on my phone, god I hate the thoughts of waking up tomorrow

Dude I appreciate you love your dog but he should have been re-homed as soon as this this behaviour began. I think you need to get the dog put down. In the end of the day is your child or your dog more important to you?

Cherry Blossom

https://www.facebook.com/apdtireland

Their official website is down at the minute.

Please Kill Me

I'm sorry to be so blunt and point out the obvious, but what's more important - your child or your dog?? Recently my dog started snarling and stripping her teeth at my 18 month old - so to make sure my child was safe, I got rid of the dog. Simples.

DBB

OP, this is a terribly upsetting turn of events. I really hope your son is okay and recovers soon.

Here is the original thread: http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=75512605

I didn't see anyone advising you what measures to take here on boards: indeed, this turn of events was well flagged here. I fear that discussing your GSD's very worrying behaviour with "dog experts" was not enough.. at least, I'm taking it you did not seek professional (and I mean proper professional, qualified) behavioural advice, and have such a professional come to your home to assess the dog and come up with an appropriate behaviour modification program and management regime?
Anyone who is properly qualified to assess dogs showing the levels of aggression your dog has up to tonight would/should never advise you to do anything, without seeing your dog and seeing what's going on in situ. By properly qualified, I mean 3rd level qualifications in behaviour, and preferably membership of a respected professional body whose Codes of Practice you agree with.
However, I regret it's probably too late now. The dog IMO should certainly not be rehomed (I assume it's the adrenaline that made you advertise him in the rehoming thread?:(), but for your own sake and for completion, you might want to get a properly qualified behaviourist to assess him, and to have him thoroughly vet checked (bloods, skeletal... not just a prod) to make absolutely certain there isn't a medical problem causing the dog's over-attachment to you and general irritability around others.
Good luck with this, and again, a speedy recovery to your son.

650Ginge

Sorry to hear what happened I hope you son is ok. Keep us posted.

EURATS

adrenalinjunkie wrote: »

IrishHomer wrote: »

I have a 3 yr old male GSD who cannot be trusted with kids but is very loyal and loves walks and a male dominant master.

That bolded part there I would almost guarantee has been the cause of all your problems and attempting to send him to another home like that will land him in a whooole load more trouble. Have you been alpha-rolling your dog and dominating him? Your son leaned over him to give him this affection I assume? A dog will never see a child as their superior because they are not. I have to point out here that no-one on this forum advised you of anything other than to have dog professionally assessed. Did you take him to an apdt certified behaviourist?

What ever decision you come to now is completely yours, but do not dare attempt to pass this dog on to someone else without having a full assessment done by a fully qualified behaviourist, and cut the dominant bs immediately.

I think I would have the dog outside in a fenced off area with a kennel and not in the house for a start. Is not the place for a German shepherd.
Have had GS since I was a kid and never a problem.
When u have them in the house, their roles get confused. They are not a poodle!!

sweeney1971

Hope he is going to be alright.

DBB

adrenalinjunkie wrote: »

https://www.facebook.com/apdtireland

Their official website is down at the minute.

Just to clarify, APDT Ireland is a registry of dog trainers, as opposed to behaviourists. That said, many members are properly qualified and experienced behaviourists too;).

APDT Ireland members who cover at least parts of Offaly include
Alison Bush of www.happierhoundsdogtraining.com
Emmaline Duffy-Fallon of www.citizencanineireland.com
It would be preferable to get one of these ladies in as they can travel to you to assess the situation in your home.
However, I'm not sure if you're in an area covered by either of these ladies. It is not ideal to have your dog assessed outside of the home, but needs must. If you're prepared to travel to Dublin, Dog Training Ireland should be able to help: www.dogtrainingireland.ie
In all cases, I would be most surprised if they don't first tell you to get the dog fully vet checked (bloods, skeletal etc).

Cherry Blossom

EURATS wrote: »

I think I would have the dog outside in a fenced off area with a kennel and not in the house for a start. Is not the place for a German shepherd.
Have had GS since I was a kid and never a problem.
When u have them in the house, their roles get confused. They are not a poodle!!

I had one in the house for 10 years, found it beaten and covered in cigarette burns in the back of a shed it took 3 weeks to get him to come out of the shed. Once he did I never had a problem either and I was 9 years old when I got that dog.

Your partner and son could be returning home tomorrow. The dog needs to go asap from the home.
If my GSD ever shows any agression to my kids or wife, she will be removed.
Once a dog has taken this action, they cannot be trusted ever with kids or adults. Sorry to say it but I seriously think he will have to be put down.

cathy01

Hi ya I hope your young lads ok. There really is no two about this the dog will have to be put down.yiu can't risk givi g it away and how safe would you, your son and your wife feel havi g the dog near them. You may have even been lucky this time.its heart breaking but we all know deep down that it's time to say good night. Just thank god that it's not your son your kissi g goodbye. Hope you all recover.

Dodd

If this was my dog and son I would have killed the dog right after the attack.
I would not be posting here worried about a dog that bit my son in the face and just gone to hospital.
I would be at the hospital.
Try get the dog rehomed.
I think you let the dog believe it was more important to you than your son.

DBB

EURATS wrote: »

I think I would have the dog outside in a fenced off area with a kennel and not in the house for a start. Is not the place for a German shepherd.
Have had GS since I was a kid and never a problem.
When u have them in the house, their roles get confused. They are not a poodle!!

Hmmm. I've had GSDs and GSD Xs all my life too. All of them lived inside. And never a problem. There's a large black GSD sitting at my feet right now, fulfilling her role quite beautifully, as she also does when she's not sitting at my feet.
Just trying to figure out what point you're making with your sweeping generalisation :rolleyes:

Pa Dee

IrishHomer wrote: »

Folks,
Apologies I am aware similar discussion here recently but I'm in a state of total shock feeling very bewildered.

Few months back I posted here about issues where my 3yr old male GSD was attacking me 13yr old son anytime my son came close to me.

He was also stripping his teeth at my partner (female) when she came close to me. From discussing the issue with a few dog experts and here on boards most people were recommending my son take over feeding etc in order for the dog learn to have respect for him we did that occasionally.

Anyway total disaster tonight we were lying up on the couches watching the match, my son moved over towards the dog on the big setee to get close and show the dog some affection next thing I a split second the dog went mental and was basically eating me sons face! Inguries look horrific lucky to still have his eye and Ambulance just took hi off along with his mother.

I am going over soon to the hospital.

The dog is out in his kennel and I had given that dog the best life ever he went everywhere with me he is mad about me and me of him. But now I am totally bewildered I am still full of adrenaline but I feel I can't go on living with the dog in our home he is too much of a liability

I cold not bare to give the dog away as I know the dog is totally besotted with me and he would always be heartbroken for me.

It kills me to say this but I think he will have to go for an eternal sleep.

Please advise me, heading off to the hospital now I will have boards on my phone, god I hate the thoughts of waking up tomorrow

Have the dog killed. It sounds like its not right in the head snymore

carfiosaoorl

Your dog mauled your childs face and you stopped to post on boards before getting to the hospital? Who does that? christ

EURATS

DBB wrote: »

EURATS wrote: »

I think I would have the dog outside in a fenced off area with a kennel and not in the house for a start. Is not the place for a German shepherd.
Have had GS since I was a kid and never a problem.
When u have them in the house, their roles get confused. They are not a poodle!!

Hmmm. I've had GSDs and GSD Xs all my life too. All of them lived inside. And never a problem. There's a large black GSD sitting at my feet right now, fulfilling her role quite beautifully, as she also does when she's not sitting at my feet.
Just trying to figure out what point you're making with your sweeping generalisation :rolleyes:

That's all well and good for you if that's what ur into. I don't think they belong inside. They can be at my feet outside. Simple as. Wouldn't be one to be that intimate or close to a dog.

Same to adrenalinjunkie and their rescue dog

John_Rambo

IrishHomer wrote: »

Please advise me

I can't really advise you, I can only wish you and your son well and tell you what I would do.

The dog is obviously troubled and not entirely happy or relaxed.

I'd have a problem with rehoming it for fear of him doing more damage.

If I were in your shoes, Id give the dog a noble end with a massive relaxing injection and a good ear scratch and hug before the final one. Talk to your vet, I have been through it twice and they do differ.

It's sad, but sometimes it's better for everyone, two legs and four. After time you will probably reflect and wonder why you even considered letting the dog live when you and the dog was uncomfortable in your own home.

Best of luck. Not very envious of your position.

lubie76

I'm sorry, this is such a difficult situation for you to be in after all the dog probably thought he was just being protective of his master. I hope your son is okay. Dont make any rash decision at the moment but do remove the dog from any risk to your family and give you some space to think about what course of action to take.

DBB

EURATS wrote: »

That's all well and good for you if that's what ur into. I don't think they belong inside. They can be at my feet outside. Simple as. Wouldn't be one to be that intimate or close to a dog.

And that's all well and good for you if that's what you're into. I personally don't agree with keeping a dog outside, and I think closeness is part of what makes the relationship between dogs and humans as special and unique as it is.
So, we may agree to disagree, but let's not use sweeping statements about a breed.

John_Rambo

EURATS wrote: »

I don't think they belong inside

Another topic altogether. Pack animals, first to be domesticated, historically always kept in with the family. Modern times and modern convenience and overhyper cleanliness have made us keep them outside. They are better off interacting and living with us.

therewillbe

The animal has to be destroyed.It will do it again and maybe someone unrelated and you will really be in trouble.It is not an easy thing to do under normal circumstances ie sick dog but it has to be done.Hope all are well.

deandean

OMG that is terrible OP, I hope your son will recover fully.

My only experience along those lines is with a pal: his dog at about 4 years old bit a family member; the dog was assessed (but not trained, alas) and neutered; a year later the dog sunk his fangs into another family member. Probable cause, TBH: no training or socilisation of the animal. I'd be blaming the owner but the dog paid the price.

BnB

carfiosaoorl wrote: »

Your dog mauled your childs face and you stopped to post on boards before getting to the hospital? Who does that? christ

I had a different reply written out that was harsh on the OP but then I deleted it because, to be fair to the OP. I am sure he is just in shock.

Look OP - You know what to do - Get rid of the dog. - I don't care how or to where - He's just gotta go. You have to look after your family now.

I sincerely hope your boy is ok. All the best to you.

Twinkleboots

I hope your son is ok OP. I would defiantly get the dog put down, you have to put your feelings towards him aside and think logically now...you should not re home him!! Imagine your guilt if he attacked someone else even worse than your son? It's not fair someone else to pass him on and it's certainly not fair to the dog. A terrible situation to be in but as I said make decisions rationally right now!

BnB

DBB wrote: »

And that's all well and good for you if that's what you're into. I personally don't agree with keeping a dog outside, and I think closeness is part of what makes the relationship between dogs and humans as special and unique as it is.
So, we may agree to disagree, but let's not use sweeping statements about a breed.

I'd have to agree with you. Inside or outside - It has nothing to do with this. There are far more complex issues of animal behaviour at play here than a simple matter of a dog being kept indoors.

We have two dogs that are kept outside. I was only allowed get them in the first place if I promised that they wouldn't be inside. We have small babies who are crawling around the floor and eating everything off it and my wife doesn't want them sharing that space with the dogs. Which is fair enough. I have to admit though, I often let them in for a few hours at night when she's in bed or for the day if I work from home.

rilly99

We had gs which I did not agree to as I while I am not overly fond of dogs I certainly don't want I dog I can't physically beat ( not beat but I'd things get nasty I can get better of) anyway the gs eventually ripped into my wifes arm and despite arguments etc the dig was put down - you cannot keep this dog your son comes first

We did eventually get a staff ( I didn't want it ) but to be honest he has grown on me and again while a big / strong dog I can still take control if something goes wrong

EURATS

John_Rambo wrote: »

EURATS wrote: »

I don't think they belong inside

Another topic altogether. Pack animals, first to be domesticated, historically always kept in with the family. Modern times and modern convenience and overhyper cleanliness have made us keep them outside. They are better off interacting and living with us.

Enough of the hippy stuff. No offence but they are guard dogs and working dogs and that's what they are bred for. Everyone to their own I suppose.

EURATS

DBB wrote: »

EURATS wrote: »

That's all well and good for you if that's what ur into. I don't think they belong inside. They can be at my feet outside. Simple as. Wouldn't be one to be that intimate or close to a dog.

And that's all well and good for you if that's what you're into. I personally don't agree with keeping a dog outside, and I think closeness is part of what makes the relationship between dogs and humans as special and unique as it is.
So, we may agree to disagree, but let's not use sweeping statements about a breed.

Ur going to tell me now ur partner sleeps in the shed and ur dog sleeps in bed with u

Have no problem having the dog in for a few minutes as a treat. But that be it.

hattoncracker

I think the dog needs to be put to sleep, OP...

having read your previous thread, I don't think the situation was helped much by your kids provoking it..

Did you get the dog assessed as you were advised to?

TooManyDogs

I hope your son is doing ok.

As regards your dog, why not put him in boarding kennels for a week or so, give your family and yourself a little breathing room while you all get over the initial shock of what happened. Don't make any decision in a hurry.

I totally agree with the others that you should get in a good qualified behaviourist. Behaviourists are very different from dog trainers so make sure whoever you get in is suitable. A behaviourist will be able to see and diagnose tiny signals that will tell massive amounts, and be able to give you a training modification plan. You shouldn't even consider rehoming him without having gotten an assessment from a behaviourist, it would be simply giving the problem to another family which isn't fair on anyone.

Best of luck

maringo

Hope your little boy isn't badly injured. This is a very dangerous dog and I don't know how you can keep it in your family. It would also be a danger to another family if it was re-homed. I know what I would have to do - I wouldn't risk having it in any family situation. I love german shepherds myself as I had a female for ten years from a puppy. She was a great watch dog, very intelligent, and endured lots of prodding and poking from the children as they came along. I had worried that she might be jealous of the babies and we were careful as we had her before the children but she watched over them and never snapped or got impatient. When she got fed up with a toddler crawling on top of her she would just move and go to her bed - and we made sure they left her in peace there. She lived in the house all the time. From the age of six months we took her to weekly training classes which educated us more than her I think so we learned how to handle her. If she had shown any aggression with the kids she would have been immediately removed and certainly not rehomed if she was a risk to a new owner. She was a complete softie but also was a great guard dog for the house as she would bark when strangers knocked on the door. I think german shepherds are such a wonderfully loyal and intelligent breed of dog and sorry to hear you seem to have a vicious/maladjusted one which has attacked your little boy. Hope he recovers well.

IrishHomer

Folks thanks for input. Son is home thankfully his injuries not as extreme as had looked but he will have nice big scar for life above his eye. Too tired now to discuss further will tomorrow.

DBB

EURATS wrote: »

Ur going to tell me now ur partner sleeps in the shed and ur dog sleeps in bed with u

Have no problem having the dog in for a few minutes as a treat. But that be it.

I've enough love for them all! Not that it's any of your business, and your comment is out of line, but it possible to have a great relationship with a partner AND keep dogs in the house at the same time. Seems to work just fine here anyway, and I hardly think I'm alone.
And no, no dogs allowed in my bed. My OH isn't allowed in the shed either.
Oh hang on.. I don't have a shed. Or a doghouse

mathepac

Man I am so so sorry about your son and both he and his parents have my prayers.

I lost my son (not to a dog attack) a few years ago and nothing can ever fill the hole in my soul. Spending seven days in hospital watching him struggle for life has left me with an abiding hatred of any suffering a child has to go through. It has to be the greatest evil on earth. I hope your son makes a full recovery, both physically and psychologically.

The pain you must be going through must be crippling and I don't believe you are serious about re-homing the dog. Could you possibly live with the worry that there might be a repeat attack in another family? Could you ever get over the possibility of the pain and terror your child suffered being inflicted on someone else's child?

I think you know what needs to be done and that decision can only be yours.

I'm sorry to be blunt, but I can't see any other solution.

DBB

mathepac wrote: »

I lost my son (not to a dog attack) a few years ago and nothing can ever fill the hole in my soul. Spending seven days in hospital watching him struggle for life has left me with an abiding hatred of any suffering a child has to go through. It has to be the greatest evil on earth. I hope your son makes a full recovery, both physically and psychologically.

Mathepac, what a brave post. I can't even start to imagine the pain of what happened to you and your family, the thought of such an awful thing happening fills me with tears.
My thoughts are with you.. your post puts things in perspective.:(

axle108

In total agreement with what TooManyDogs posted above. I'd highly recommend following his advice.

Sorry op but i feel i should bring this up.
To the posters advocating that the dog should be put down, the original post some 7 months ago is worth reflecting on. DBB offered very good advice to the op at the time.

Dodd

This dog would be fine to be rehomed with the right person not family.
It just wasn't though where it stands in the family and though it was top boss.

Dogs most times warn before attack.Someone should have seen this before with this dog.
They can not talk so use their mouth to growl/bark or bite to send a message.
The body language eyes/tail ect..........with the problems the dog had someone should have told the child what to look for and then say to the dog STOP and put the dog out of the room.

Dodd

adrenalinjunkie wrote: »

That bolded part there I would almost guarantee has been the cause of all your problems and attempting to send him to another home like that will land him in a whooole load more trouble. Have you been alpha-rolling your dog and dominating him? Your son leaned over him to give him this affection I assume? A dog will never see a child as their superior because they are not. I have to point out here that no-one on this forum advised you of anything other than to have dog professionally assessed. Did you take him to an apdt certified behaviourist?

What ever decision you come to now is completely yours, but do not dare attempt to pass this dog on to someone else without having a full assessment done by a fully qualified behaviourist, and cut the dominant bs immediately.

The bold part.
I don't think this is true at all.
I took in a dog from a pound that was going to be pts and after it settled in(1 to 2 months) it was on the sofa when my 12yo son went to pet it and it growled.
I gave it a lite slap and put it on the floor and told my son to sit where the dog was.
The dog was not let on the sofa for the rest of that day and never did it again.

Fenian Army

The dog must die.

TBH I would have probably killed the dog myself if it so savagely attacked someone I love leaving them scared for life

Dodd

To me the dog sounds to be more protective than aggressive.
If this was a yappy little dog it would be seen as ahh it is just protective and someone gets bite on the finger but this is the same thing but with a bigger dog.
The dog did not know that biting the child in the face would do that much damage and was just telling the child off.


The dog is not at fault at all and needs to have a good owner.

IrishHomer

Dodd wrote: »

To me the dog sounds to be more protective than aggressive.
If this was a yappy little dog it would be seen as ahh it is just protective and someone gets bite on the finger but this is the same thing but with a bigger dog.
The dog did not know that biting the child in the face would do that much damage and was just telling the child off.


The dog is not at fault at all and needs to have a good owner.

So nots implying I am a bad owner? No way!

John_Rambo

EURATS wrote: »

No offence but they are guard dogs and working dogs and that's what they are bred for.

Oh right. I thought German Shepards were bred in Germany to work the field with livestock as a Shepard.

planetX

DBB wrote: »

OP, this is a terribly upsetting turn of events. I really hope your son is okay and recovers soon.

Here is the original thread: http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=75512605

I'm sorry for your son, it's shocking for him and I'm glad his injuries weren't as bad as they could have been. I hope he recovers without a lasting fear of dogs.
Reading the other thread though, this was coming like a train down the track 6 months ago. I don't understand why you've advertised the dog looking for a home with a dominant male... surely if he can be rehomed it should be to a very different set-up, and that needs to be advised by an expert.

Spideog Rua

OP,

You need to report the incident to the guards and also to your vet, who will advise you on the best course of action. It will mean the dog may be destroyed.

I really hope your son is ok, and in time will be okay around dogs. I hope your partner forgives you, and if you were any sort of a man you will have this sorted before your son and partner come home.

In all honesty you're to blame. For the damage to your sons face and also for what has to happen to the dog.