older lab/shepard mix

Question
In May 2000, I adopted an abandoned lab/shepard mix for my then 4 yr old son. He was approximately 8 weeks old and we had him neutered at about 10 months old.

He's been our faithful, loving companion for 8 yrs now...through the death  of my son's father, my remarriage, a move, the birth of my daughter in 2006, and so many other things that families go through.

He's never been particularly keen on strangers, especially men, but until last year he was only wary of them and able to go on walks out in public with us.

He became a little less active last summer, and just seemed a little on the grumpy side, so we started keeping a closer eye on him and pampered him a bit more...a softer bed, massages when we got a chance, etc... but we also cut out most walks or outings for fear of him biting someone. My husband still takes him fishing with him (which is one occasion he still gets that puppy excitement going!) and we play with him in the yard, after which he promptly sleeps like a baby, so I believe he is well exercised.

A few weeks ago a 9 yr old boy was riding a bicycle near our house and Dusty (our dog) bounded off the porch and bit him on the leg. It didn't break the skin, but left a rather large, nasty bruise and we penned him in the house and discussed it with the boy's father who, thankfully, was very understanding about the situation.

Since then, he has growled at my son, now 10, for roughhousing with me and my daughter (2 yrs old) apparently for petting him on the head. My 17 yr old sister, who has known him as long as I have, has also been growled at and it has come to my attention that he may be having some trouble seeing as well as he once did.

It breaks my heart to think of having him put down, but I won't tie him outside for the rest of his life and I can't take the chance of him biting my children or family. At about 80 pounds he could really hurt someone.    

I am truly at a loss about what to do except that I know I can't just sit and wait for the worst to happen. Any advice that you could give me for behavior modification or medicine or ANY alternative could possibly save the life of my best friend.

Thank you,
Melanie

Answer
Melanie

I am so sorry for what you are going through, it must be so distressing for you.  Well done for being so determined to do right by Dusty though, he sounds as if he deserves it.

The very first thing you must do is get him thoroughly checked by a vet - his eyes certainly and also his joints and mobility.  I think as he has gotten older he is suffering from some level of discomfort and/or failing senses.  When this happens to dogs (and to people too) they get much more cautious and nervous, as they are more vulnerable and less able to recover if injured.  Coupled with the fact that he is half shepherd; a very reactive breed, and has always been wary of strangers, as well as going out and about less and therefore getting less ongoing socilaisation, it is not surprising his behaviour has deteriorated.  

The aggression towards your family members is more worrying. I think you should get him checked out physically ASAP, and take it from there.  As you say, you can't take any risks especially with such a young child.  If the vet cannot find a reason for the behaviour or is unable to offer him any relief then I think you really need to put the safety of your family first.  

I really belive quality of life is more important than quantity.  If I had to make a choice with my own dog of putting him to sleep now or tying him up outside for 2 more years, I know which I would do, for my dog's sake.

I'm sorry I can't offer you any magic answers but I can't advise you to take any risks where aggression to children is involved.

I hope the vet is able to give you a reason for the behaviour.  Please feel free to get back in touch after the visit if you want further advice.

My thoughts are with you and your family.

Best regards,

Lucy