Dog dilemma... put down or get rid of???

[Sportfury]

So I have a dilemma. I have an 11 year-old (almost 12) German shorthair, Deke', who is (blatantly) getting mean. He has been a great dog, but in the past couple of years he has gotten really grouchy. I think it started when we got our two wirehair pups who are now three. The past year I was working in Everett and living in Kirkland, so I couldn't have the dogs with me and my dad was taking care of them. Now we are back out in Graham (living next door to my parents) and Deke' has taken to getting the pups down when they get out of their kennel and tearing into them. Two days ago he ripped a $216 hole in my dad's wirehair and about three weeks ago one of my daughters friend's dad was picking her up and he was walking towards the deck and Deke' snuck up and bit him on the calf. Yesterday Sophie brushed against him and he turned with teeth bared until he saw me. The vet that came out and sewed up Sage said Deke' is acting this way because he is the alpha and we are not treating him as such, so he thinks he is losing his position and he is acting out trying to keep it. She said when all the dogs get fed at one time he should be the first to get his food and the first to do anything. I never really cared for her, but she may be right.

Since I am working second shift I am not around during the evenings and I am worried that something is going to happen when I am not there especially when the kids have friends over. I don't trust him not to do something. I probably could muzzle him, but then when that muzzle is off for a short time I have to wonder what would happen. My wife thinks we should put him down and thinks if we get rid of him we would be passing the problem to someone else. I was thinking someone else without kids or other dogs may have other results, of course, if I put him down then I wouldn't have to worry when I am not there. So that is my dilemma. What do you guys think? Any words of wisdom?

[deerslyr]

Too much to risk you need to do one or the other. Could get you involved in a lawsuit knowing how some folks are these days

[Michelle_Nelson]

If it is a dominance thing with your other younger pups than maybe finding him a home with no other dogs would work. 
 
Does he hunt and how is he with other dogs in the field?
 
Did this behavior start after you got the new pups?

[wapiti hunter2]

Not neutered is he?  If he was mine and I liked him he would be cut.  If he already is then he has to go before someone really gets hurt.

[Sportfury]

If it is a dominance thing with your other younger pups than maybe finding him a home with no other dogs would work. 
 
Does he hunt and how is he with other dogs in the field?
 
Did this behavior start after you got the new pups?

He does hunt and in the field I taught him that other dogs are to be ignored, so he doesn't give them the time of day unless they try and sniff him.

He has always been pretty aloof, but most of the behavior has been within the last three years since getting the younger dogs. As of recently he cannot keep up with them anymore and his behavior has been getting worse.

Not neutered is he?  If he was mine and I liked him he would be cut.  If he already is then he has to go before someone really gets hurt.

He is cut and has been since around 15 months of age.

I am worried about him really hurting someone. I am pretty sure what I need to do. In fact, I already dug a hole out in the pasture this morning. I think we will do one last hunt and call it quits. Thanks for the feedback.

[flinger]

Tough call But sounds like the hole would be the best choice if that decision has to be made.Personally and nothing towards you personally but I see people on craigslist and such saying my loving companion since a puppy /Best friend yada yada yada,I just can't keep him anymore he is 10 12 14 yrs.old still plenty of good years left , just gets my goat
My dogs are my friends,companions and my partners when nobody else wants to hear me they always do and i am there for them thru thick and thin and i can only hope no matter how bad it hurts that i am the last one they see and hear when it is their time to go whether it is by choice or natures course :sry:just a touchy subject

[FC]

It sounds like you are making the right decision, a tough deal but better to make sure he doesn't hurt anyone.

[Happy Gilmore]

Either kennel him, full lock down 100% of the time or a long nap might be the answer to the liability you have on your hands. Definately not prudent to let him run about.

Sorry to hear. tough deal.

[GoldTip]

Sorry to say it, but does sounds as if he needs to be put down.  He's already bitten someone, it's only a matter of time before it happens again.  Have a great last hunt and then do what you think needs done.  Good luck and my condolences on a very tough decision.

[BIGINNER]

i would take him from you if i had my own place,..  i like working with problem dogs,..  i helped my brother-in-law with his doberman a while ago.  helped my sister with her lab-mix,  and had a handfull with my dog he used to rip into every dog he saw.  maybe you should look into haveing someone who knows what there doing work with im.  i hate seeing dogs get put down when they could've had a socind chance.

[high country]

any signs of injury or tenderness on him?

[Goldeneye]

You could give this trainer a try.  A friend of mine had a German Shepard with a bad attitude.  I guess it took them a 1 time visit to this trainer and that issue was gone.  I don't know about your case, but might be worth a visit.

http://www.scatter-creek.com/

[Special T]

A hail marry like what Goldeneye said or what Happy G said. Tough deal... What if your kid had gotten ripped into?   

[Mike450r]

If it truly is because of the other dogs I would stick with the one I have had the longest and consider the newer dogs the problem and consider getting rid of them if I knew that would solve the issue.

[Happy Gilmore]

You should give him the chance of one last vet visit for a check up. Can't remember if I read it here or somewhere else but, there was a dog who was getting aggressive towards other dogs and people. Turned out to be an impacted molar and the dog was just in soo much pain it was grouchy about others getting close to it and people touching his head. Might be worth a shot to have a vet throroughly check him out just in case it "might" be reasonably why he's behaving this way....I'd say it might only be fair to him and your own conscience?