outlined the start of a plan for them that included behavioral safety management and medications , with a plan to follow up a couple of weeks later . Within that time frame , however , the owners made the difficult decision to humanely euthanize Tyreke .
Behavioral problems often elicit high emotions and can fracture the human-animal bond , resulting in relinquishment or euthanasia . These problems may impact an owner ’ s ability to interact with family members , leave the house , and feel safe . While these animals are often physically healthy , as with any chronic condition , their problems can place an enormous burden on their owners and caregivers . They can also negatively affect an animal ’ s health and welfare if their aggression or anxiety impedes access to appropriate veterinary care , or if they are locked away in a kennel , or sent to a trainer that “ guarantees ” a cure by utilizing inhumane training techniques . These problems often permeate the fabric of owners ’ lives , and they may need to address these problems with a permanent decision . Owners , however , often face ridicule and judgement from others , especially when they choose to euthanize a physically healthy animal . While physically healthy , however , often these animals are psychologically ill .
THREE OPTIONS In all of veterinary medicine we have three options for any animal in our care . They are :
• Do something
• Find the fairy godmother / shelter / home on the farm that will take this pet and treat it humanely , not let it bite anyone , and not sue if it does
• Euthanize
Do something : These options vary widely , from pure management to full behavior modification . An owner ’ s knowledge , skills , and ability vary widely , and it is imperative that we address them with kindness and support through the plan . We also should be willing to have the difficult conversation as to how much they are able and willing to do , and how other family members and friends feel about the plan . We sometimes see that one partner is very invested in a plan , while another one is frightened of the pet . Find a new home : Rehoming an animal with a history of a problem behavior is risky at best , both for the safety of people and the particular animal in question , as well as other animals that it may encounter . The animal may be at risk for inhumane treatment or yet another rehoming . Of course , there are shelters and other organizations that can and do work with animals to help make them adoptable and offer support to new adopters . However , one must be aware that animal shelters and rescue agencies may be over-run with pets available for adoption and may have limited resources to work with a pet with a problem behavior , and if an owner is going to rehome a pet , they need to do their due diligence . Owners also must consider the potential liability they may face if they rehome a pet with a history of aggression . They should consult with a lawyer , or at least their homeowner ’ s insurance company .
Euthanize : If an owner is not able or willing to work with the pet , or to find it a new home , then euthanasia may be the only appropriate option . This decision is often the most emotionally charged due to ethical quandaries surrounding its permanence . My clients report that others tell them things like “ how dare you euthanize your dog … ownership is supposed to be lifetime .” Equally challenging are those comments like “ how dare you keep such a dangerous pet .”
I ’ m often asked how frequently I recommend behavioral euthanasia . The answer is very infrequently , and only in cases where there was a potential for injury to someone and the owners appeared less than aware of the seriousness , including a couple of cases that involved Child Protective Services . Most of the time the owners are the ones to mention it once I give them a safe space to discuss the challenges and their emotional state . And often no matter what decision an owner makes , someone in their circle will judge them for it . There are things worse than euthanasia . When helping owners navigate through our recommendations and their choices , it ’ s helpful to understand what plays a role in these decisions .
ANIMAL FACTORS Size This can affect an owner ’ s ability to control the dog , as well as the increased danger that it poses to others if it were to bite a person or another dog or animal , just related to the size of the dog .
Breed Humans have bred dogs for many years for specific purposes . If an owner complains about their Border Collie herding their children , it will be more difficult to manage this behavior compared to a Chihuahua “ herding ” children . Likewise , if an owner says their terrier dog is reactive to other dogs , it may be more difficult to manage this behavior , as terriers are often prized for their tenacity . While there is no evidence of effectiveness of breed-specific legislation on safety outcomes , owners of Pit Bulltype dogs may be subject to more scrutiny from their friends , family , and the public ; therefore , they may feel more pressure to select euthanasia for their dog .
Age of onset If a behavior begins at a young age , there may be a stronger link to a genetic predisposition or the effects of poor socialization , compared to behavior in another animal which started at social maturity . Likewise , if a behavior displays itself at an older age , an underlying medical condition should be more strongly considered .
DIAGNOSIS AND MOTIVATION Most cases of aggression are due to the underlying motivation of fear and anxiety , and often we are able to identify early warning signs to dodge an aggressive incident . However , if a dog has been punished for some or all of these early warning signs , including growling , it may not display ANY warning signs , but instead goes directly to biting someone .
The APDT Chronicle of the Dog | Winter 2022 35