Mean dog, I don't know what to do!

Corgis are usually happy bright rays of sunshine, but Dante has me so frustrated. I've been sitting here with my head in my hands trying to decide what is best at this point. He got attacked two separate times by stray dogs in the neighborhood (his outside time has been strickly monitored since then), and ever since, he's developed severe aggression. We made huge progress with him (lots of training, therapy, and positive socialization), but lately he's regressed so much that it's almost like he's a wild animal. I'm covered in huge scratches right now because I had to forcibly pull him off of one of my other pups :( I can't rehome him, because in this area it would be a bait dog death sentence! And knowing aggressive he is, I wouldn't be able to send him off with someone with the chance that he could hurt them. I love this dog to bits, but I am seriously bleeding right now because I had to get into the middle of a dog fight. He almost got one of my kids several times in this altercation so now I am genuinely scared.

3/11/14 Update:

After having an enlightening conversation with a rescue lady and a lot of talking, rationalizing, and crying, we decided that letting him rest would be the best and safest option. It was pointed out that the longer we spend trying options with only a slim possibility of helping, is just that much more time that we risk him seriously injuring someone or one of the other dogs. And as many times as the houdini sneaks out of the house we are endangering the kids in the neighborhood too :( So my husband took him to go to sleep today. I wish I could say I was strong enough to be there at the end, but I couldn't bear to be there and stayed home with the kids.

I appreciate the kind words and suggestions from everyone. I wish we could have found the perfect solution for him, but sometimes being sick isn't a physical illness that can be cured or fixed. He has obviously been mentally unwell for some time now, but he's finally getting to sleep peacefully without bother from whatever "demons" that have been haunting him.

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Permalink Reply by Beth on March 8, 2014 at 10:00pm

Sorry the conversation sort of veered off course. I am very sorry you are in such a difficult position. My sister-in-law's young adult son got an American bulldog from what he thought was a good breeder (turns out he was wrong). The dog was fine til he hit about 2 and then was so dog-aggressive they didn't know what to do with him. They tried a few trainers but no one would work with him. They did have to euthanize him. They were heartbroken because he could be a real sweetheart, but ultimately they felt they could not take the chance on what might happen.

I truly hope the rescue can help you, but if not cry your eyes out but don't feel guilty for a minute. You don't know this dog's background or genetics. The attacks may have set him off, or he may have just reached an age where this would happen anyway. But you have done what you can.

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Permalink Reply by Diane on March 8, 2014 at 11:59pm

Most definitely well said. I too am very sorry you are being faced with this - it sounds like an incredibly difficult and heartbreaking situation :-(.

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Permalink Reply by Linda on March 8, 2014 at 10:30pm

Rachael....this thread has veered off but all in all it has been an important discussion. Dante is not at peace..whatever is triggering this be it fear or outright aggression, he is an unhappy dog. Your fear of something very bad happening is real and understandable. I am so very sorry.

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Permalink Reply by Kat Lampkins on March 9, 2014 at 5:04pm

{{{Rachel}}}}

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Permalink Reply by Holly on March 10, 2014 at 11:11am

Nothing that hasn't been said, but I had to tell you how sorry I am. I can't imagine the stress of trying to keep everyone happy and safe. So sorry for you and Dante. You both deserve better but it isn't either of your faults. If you are forced to resort to euthanasia it will surely be an act of extreme love on your part. Wish I had some ideas, but I wanted to wish you and your family well. Sorry:(

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Permalink Reply by Rachael McClanahan on March 11, 2014 at 5:25pm

Update added to the original post :(

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Permalink Reply by Vicky Hay on March 11, 2014 at 5:38pm

So very, very sorry.

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Permalink Reply by Linda on March 11, 2014 at 5:31pm

(((((Rachael))))) My heart breaks for you but know that the decision you made was made out of love. Whatever demons were tormenting him are gone now and Dante is at peace. I like to believe that the Rainbow Bridge is real and he is there, running and playing with all the other dogs and cats without a care. Bless you for giving him that peace.

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Permalink Reply by Bev Levy on March 11, 2014 at 6:36pm

You did your best and at least he knew what it was to be loved. Whatever painful world his little brain was in, he at last is at peace.

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Permalink Reply by Ginny and Diggory on March 11, 2014 at 6:45pm

I'm sorry to hear of your loss. No matter the circumstances, you loved your little guy, but he was ill. You did the right thing and he is at peace. I hope you will have peace of mind knowing that you tried your hardest to get him well, but it just wasn't meant to be.