Should i get my 6 year old fearful dog euthanized?

This dog obviously needs more professional handling and is far too much for you. Don't beat yourself up over it, not all dogs work with all people. Get in touch with Lab rescue. They will take him, foster him with a trainer, and rehome him go to www.google.com and type in "Labrador Retriever Rescue" Scroll down until you find the one in your area and contact them. Please don't euthanize this dog without contacting the breed rescue first. I have a feeling this dog can be rescued and trained when the right person gets involved.

This dog obviously needs more professional handling and is far too much for you. Don't beat yourself up over it, not all dogs work with all people. Get in touch with Lab rescue. They will take him, foster him with a trainer, and rehome him go to www.google.com and type in "Labrador Retriever Rescue" Scroll down until you find the one in your area and contact them. Please don't euthanize this dog without contacting the breed rescue first. I have a feeling this dog can be rescued and trained when the right person gets involved.

It sounds to me like the kindest thing to do would be to put your dog down. He feels as though he is under attack all the time, and that is a miserable existence. I wouldn't want to live like that. If his fear has gotten to the point that his physical health is affected, then I don't see what else could be done to relieve his discomfort. I know how hard it is to put down a dog. I had my yellow lab put down due to severe seizures caused by abuse at the hands of his former owners. I loved that dog, and as hard as it was, I feel like I did what was in his best interests. Good luck with whatever you decide.

It sounds to me like the kindest thing to do would be to put your dog down. He feels as though he is under attack all the time, and that is a miserable existence. I wouldn't want to live like that. If his fear has gotten to the point that his physical health is affected, then I don't see what else could be done to relieve his discomfort. I know how hard it is to put down a dog. I had my yellow lab put down due to severe seizures caused by abuse at the hands of his former owners. I loved that dog, and as hard as it was, I feel like I did what was in his best interests. Good luck with whatever you decide.

Why did you adopt a special needs dog if you're too busy to put up with it? [EDIT] Does your vet suggest putting the dog down? I would say if you have at least two that recommend it then it is okay. It's hard to tell whether it is genetics or abuse. It may have some mental illness and see hallucinations or something, or it may be PTSD from prior abuse. I would search around though for any rescues that can cater to his special needs. Maybe they can find volunteers to hug him to keep him happy most of the time. Good Luck!

Why did you adopt a special needs dog if you're too busy to put up with it? [EDIT] Does your vet suggest putting the dog down? I would say if you have at least two that recommend it then it is okay. It's hard to tell whether it is genetics or abuse. It may have some mental illness and see hallucinations or something, or it may be PTSD from prior abuse. I would search around though for any rescues that can cater to his special needs. Maybe they can find volunteers to hug him to keep him happy most of the time. Good Luck!

Sometimes abuse will cause irrational fear in a dog. I've owned a Rottweiler with a weak nerves. Nothing bad ever happened to her before I got her, apart from being bullied by her litter mates. Nothing bad happened after she came here either. She was simply a dog with weak nerves who had never been socialised. She was afraid of cars, trees, unfamiliar noise etc., and didn't want to meet people. If someone she didn't know visited she would go out in the yard and stay there until they left. She was just 13 weeks old when I got her so it was easier for me to instill some confidence in her. Had she been an adult I doubt I would have had any success. What I did was train her to the limit. She was obedience trained to trial level and this gave her confidence because she knew what I expected of her. She trusted me to take charge which added to her confidence and she knew I wouldn't place her in danger. She obeyed all commands instantly and turned out to be one of the nicest dogs I've owned. She never once growled at any person or animal. Your dog sounds to be a rather more nervous case than my girl and as I got my dog as a pup it was easier. I doubt you would be able to take your dog to obedience classes without him totally shutting down at his age. Perhaps it could have happened when he first came to you but I can't see it working at 6yo. He's a middle aged dog. I don't know what to suggest but I suspect his life is full of demons and it may be kinder to him to take him to your vet and hold him while he is gently put to sleep. If you saw any improvement in him at all I'd say keep trying but this doesn't seem to be so. I wish you the best in your decision. Do what you think is right for him and your family.

I have worked at Rescues and Sanctuaries and have seen dogs who are permanently feral because they were lacking human touch and interaction for the first year of their lives...These dogs are kept with other dogs in very large enclosures where they live out their lives. They are fed, watered,groomed,and medical needs met but prefer to be left alone. They learn to tolerate being groomed and handled but are skiddish and run when let loose. They spend their days watching what goes on around them and interacting well with k-9 companions. Some might approach the keepers but want nothing to do with interaction. They seem comfortable and at ease, I would suggest a sanctuary lifestyle for your dog....before something as drastic as euthanasia. The stress of a house...the noises and smells and rules and people are too much for a dog with no socialization. I'd sure give it a try...he would live with a small pack(3or4) of dogs his size and they are supervised to assure they get along. They are fed twice a day, have shelter and a quiet life and I have watched one rescue/sanctuary named Pooch Heaven and they really do a wonderful job with their dogs...check out their web site and they are on Facebook. Good Luck!

"He is comforted when when he is hugged, held close or placed on lap." Have you tried a 'Thundershirt' on him? It wraps snugly around the body of the dog to provide a feeling of stability and comfort to a fearful dog. I'm sure if you google them up, you can find that they come in a size to fit a Labrador. Also, I think you will find it very helpful to look into the much different training methods and Ttouch massage by Linda Tellington-Jones. She has plenty of information on the internet available to you free. I've seen her methods, movements and exercises do amazing things for abused and fearful animals. I would try these things before I gave up on the dog. I have seen turnarounds that are amazing, and basketcase dogs turn into happy family members.