I knew it was coming, and I guess I was stupid for ignoring the signs. My dog, Waylon (beagle) has been acting a little strange lately. He has been growling for no reason and just being meaner. Well this morning, Christopher was petting him and he growled, barked, and tried to bite him! He didn't actually bite him, but he did scrape the side of Christopher's head with his teeth. I am so lucky that nothing worse happened.
So now he has been banished outside and we are going to get rid of him. My husband is especially sad because it is "his" dog. He asked that I wait until tomorrow to get rid of him so they can spend the day together (he has to work today). It breaks my heart to see my husband so sad, and I know my other dog will be sad as well. But we can't have a dog who will bite my child, especially since we plan on having another one soon. Can you imagine an aggressive dog around a newborn?
I am so sad... it will be weird when he is gone, and I will miss him snuggling with me in bed

By Rayanne on Sunday, January 2, 2005 - 11:50 am:

I know that it has to be hard to get rid of your dog, but you are doing the right thing. Your kids and family come first. {{{{{HUGS}}}}}

By Bellajoe on Sunday, January 2, 2005 - 01:10 pm:

I'm sorry to hear that. My family had a beagle when i was a baby. When i was around 1 or 2 she snapped at me. So they gave the dog away to my grandparents who loved her till she became an old old dog.

I hope you can find a nice home for Waylon too.

By Missmudd on Sunday, January 2, 2005 - 09:59 pm:

BTDT Is this the first time that Waylon has been showing aggression? You mentioned that you are pregnant, did it start then? He may be reacting to the impending arrival. I had a few very serious go arounds w/ our golden retriever when I was pregnant w/ #4. He had always acknowledged me as the alpha dog of the pack but he thought maybe he could be alpha dog. Once I rather firmly took back superiority with a broom when he tried to bite me he gave me no further trouble. He was and continues to be a fine family dog. He didnt however ever show any aggression to the children. Your dog may continue to be a fine dog for someone elses family so if you are thinking of putting him down you may want to reconsider. Maybe if you could find a house w/ older children.

By Jelygu on Sunday, January 2, 2005 - 11:12 pm:

I'm not pregnant... I said we were planning on having another baby soon

He has been acting strange, but today was the first time he showed true aggressive behavior. We aren't going to put him down, because he is wonderful with adults. We are trying to find a home with only adults or older children.

By Yjja123 on Monday, January 3, 2005 - 12:40 am:

Take him to the vet. He could just be sick. He could be sore and your child hit a sore spot. There are many reasons for 1 time of growling, etc.

By Sue3 on Monday, January 3, 2005 - 07:31 am:

Yvonne has a good suggestion. I think I would take him to a vet for a check-up also.

By Jelygu on Monday, January 3, 2005 - 08:18 am:

Well, we were going to take him to the vet, thinking it was an isolated event. However, last night Christopher was just walking past him, and he growled and tried to bite him again.

By Trisa on Monday, January 3, 2005 - 08:45 am:

So sorry you have to get rid of him.
You are doing the right thing but it
doesn't make it any easier.

By Cat on Monday, January 3, 2005 - 12:23 pm:

I'm so sorry. Our real babies have to come before our furbabies, but it's still really hard.

By Yjja123 on Monday, January 3, 2005 - 01:56 pm:

I still think a trip to the vet first might be a good idea. If he is sick and nothing has been done, (except throwing him outside alone) he is still going to be showing some aggression.
All dogs can act badly when they are not feeling well.

By Missmudd on Monday, January 3, 2005 - 11:32 pm:

Heck I act badly when I am not feeling well GL