Aggression - Page 1

My boyfriend's 2 & 1/2 year old neutered Vizsla is aggressive and we've tried everything to fix it. It started a little after he was 6 months old, he'd snarl, growl, and bite me over nothing. We neutered him in hopes of lowering testosterone and maybe lowering this aggression. It has progressed from just being aggressive towards me to being aggressive to children, friends, family, and my 1 year old German Shepherd. He's never been aggressive to my boyfriend.

He's bitten me more times than I can count. He's never bitten anyone else, besides my dog, but he has started to growl and snarl at people. I'm terrified that he's going to bite someone.

We've tried positive reinforcement, big negative no commands, choke collar corrections, trainers, muzzles, and shock collars, with little help.

Two days ago, he jumped my German Shepherd over nothing and bit her in the face. Then today, he bit my hand and drew blood. I screamed and my German Shepherd jumped him and we ended up having to break up the fight.

I'm to the point that I want this dog gone. I do not want to re-home him because I'm scared that he's going to bite someone. But at the same time, I don't just want to put him down unless I absolutely have to. My boyfriend agrees with getting rid of the dog, but I know that he loves the dog. Please help. Any advice is welcome.

Thanks

Put the dog down. You have tried everything according to your post and the dog has not improved what sounds to be a genetic issue. Its only a matter of time before it does bite someone else, a child maybe, and then its all done.
You cannot give this dog away nor sell it knowing that it bites without provocation, you will be held liable for any future bites.

Have you tried contacting a rescue org for Vizsla's or his original breeder  for guidance and assistance? I am not familiar with the breed, but know there are some organizations out there that will offer assistance to avoid euthanasia and give him a chance. Its interesting and a good sign that he doesnt show agression towards your boyfriend. He does have some sort of human connection. My heart breaks for you and I hope you find another alternative.

Have you ruled out medical issues?  Has your vet given the dog a thorough exam? 

well i can tell you that i know someone that had a  male Vizsla and he went after his owner when he was 6 years, so the male vizsla do tend to be aggressive , but the females are alot nicer and this guy has had Vizsla all his life and knows the breed , well this guy did put the dog down as he was not trust worthy.

yea i also think the reason your Vizsla has not gone after your boy friend is cause he sees him as the boss and everyone is lower on  in his mind, if he think you  really  are the boss he will stop, but it sounds like he may not ever let you be boss over him.  i do think his breeder should beable to help you out or even take him back if you dont want him.

Wow, an aggressive Vizsla, thats sad :(  I've known a few of them pretty well in the past and had never seen any of them ever act aggressive towards humans or other animals.  I'd always considered them to be a pretty docile, easy-going breed based on my experience.  I'm not aware of any kind of aggression being norm for the breed. 
The dog's condition is likely either genetic (perhaps something like the red spaniel rage syndrome?) or some other kind of mental imbalance.  If it's something along the lines of schizophrenia (I heard of a bulldog who was diagnosed with schizo. and he acted similarly, without iota of provocation) it may be controllable with meds, but I would never 100% trust a dog that acts like this, meds or no meds. 
Only the fact that he's never shown aggression towards your boyfriend casts a doubt on my theories above, you may want to consult a behaviorist who may be able to see this dog's triggers that you are not realizing. 

Otherwise, if a vizsla rescue or the dog's breeder wants to try to rehabilitate/deal with the aggression then that may be your best bet.  But, highly unlikely that any would want to work with this dog.  Like Hired Dog said, selling/adopting-out a known biter is a liability. 

The best option may be putting this dog to sleep, it's possible the mental state of this dog with it's aggression issues is causing the dog itself to suffer.  It would be a severe liability on your boyfriend's part to let this dog go to anyone other than a qualified expert.  If he has the dog put to sleep then he will at least always know what happened to the dog he loves and never have to wonder about what suffering the aggressive dog may possibly go through if he lets him go to someone else. 

Why is it so hard for people to simply put one down.
Do the world and the dog a favor.
Humanely.

Thanks guys for the responses.
GSD4EVR: His original breeder is my boyfriend's friend, who looks down on me for not liking the dog because he's aggressive, but at the same time won't take him back or help find a home (not the best breeeder huh?). We've tried to contact the owner of the sire, but he does not want the dog because he is no longer intact (once again, not the best breeder). I'm looking into organizations, but a lot won't take him because he has an aggressive past.

Slam: Yes, I work as a vet tech, and we've run numerous tests to rule out a hormone imbalance and other imbalances.

Trixx: Yes, our buddy owns his dam and she's as sweet as she can be. I agree that he views my boyfriend as alpha and everyone else as omega, which isn't going to work. I've tried everything that has been suggested to demonstrate that I'm above him, like eating before him and in front of him, walking through doorways before him, and making him lay in submissive position (with a muzzle just in case).

Euro: I've seen one that has come through our clinic that was the nicest dog ever, and our dog's mother is the same way. However, the rest come in and are just as unstable as he is. I don't know if it's bad genetics or what. Everyone that I've talked to who has came into contact with a good, docile, sweet Vizsla tell me to give it time and they're the best dogs, but I've tried. I've thought about the schizophrenia because sometimes he's awesome, then all of the sudden he snaps. I agree that I just don't see me fully trusting the dog, not to mention our roommate has a little girl who comes to visit, and I just fear that he's going to bite her.

Two Moons: I am all for putting a dog down, especially an unstable aggressive dog like this. It's my boyfriend who is totally against it, and I don't want to push him into it.

Maybe get him a muzzle.  It would put you at ease until your boyfriend decides if keeping him is worth the risk. :)

Yes the situation tugs on the heart...... but the next situation might be a terrible one with no turning back. I'm sure you are aware but something is up for him not to understand or understand what is at stake.