Okay so we've got this dog that has aggression issues towards other dogs and probably separation anxiety of a sort, but it's a friendly dog towards us and people in general in the house. It's literally stressing us to the point of my wife and I divorcing. I have no idea why she feels so obligated to take care of the creature, but are there any rescues or folks that might take it in? Are we just screwed?

Yes, I know I'm a horrible person. Don't care. Thanks for the help!

A dog led to your divorce?

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A dog led to your divorce?

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My thoughts exactly...I think there are some deeper issues in the marriage

Dont blame the dog

Have you had this dog all it's life, or did you just get it?

I'm no vet, but if this is a sudden change in behavior, there is probably a physical (medical) reason for it.

If you just got it, have you considered professional training. It's not cheap, but at least you can say you tried everything.

Regarding the stress it's causing between you and your wife (I apologize in advance if I'm overstepping my bounds here), if she feels strongly about keeping the dog, getting rid of it may not help, she just may resent you for it. But you know you wife best, so hopefully you know the best course of action.

There used to be a local beagle rescue in the metroplex, but it appears to have disbanded/gone under. (websites don't work)

Here's the website of a national organization that might be able to direct you to someone locally: http://brfoa.tripod.com/


Otherwise, put the dog up on pet finder, Craigslist, TexAgs, etc. and it will hopefully find a home in a fairly short order

[This message has been edited by Longtime Lurker (edited 3/3/2011 3:25p).]

Of course it wasn't just the dog. It is a significant stressor among many other things.

And yes, I've considered the resentment issue. Not really sure what to do here.

The dogs are part of a bigger issue with how you live your life, I guess. She is super focused on them and it's difficult to spend time away. I guess the issue might be that my wife is crazy and I'm an ass. That's more likely, I suppose.

[This message has been edited by Huktaz04 (edited 3/3/2011 3:40p).]

I'm assuming you have other dogs?

Take some thinly shaved beef, pork or other meat and tape it around your arm. Have the dog bite your arm, then call animal control and have it put down.

You could also try this approach with your wife.

Or secretly find a new owner through Petfinder, Craigslist, etc, but instead of telling your wife you gave the dog away, just leave the gate to your backyard open to make it look like a runaway. I recommend the best time to do this is on the same day that your lawn service comes - so you have someone else to blame.


[This message has been edited by Danny Duberstein (edited 3/3/2011 4:44p).]

I like where this thread is going.

Is this dog trained to hunt?

I had this problem with cats once and took them out for gun training. Problem solved.

My sister-in-law has this utterly horrible red heeler she's trying to get rid of. Maybe if you take it in it'll offset your beagle. Problem solved.

Haha... thanks for the advice guys, I'll work on it. Yes, we have another dog - I'm perfectly fine with that one. I'd rather not have it but it doesn't drive me crazy. This thing never stops. Gun training, indeed!

Troll post!

http://www.barkbusters.com/

Best thing I have ever spent money on.

[This message has been edited by AgFB (edited 3/4/2011 9:09a).]

Your wife needs to seriously rethink her priorities. This is YOUR home as well as hers. You deserve to be able to relax in your own home. If this dog is a problem, it needs to go (to a new home). It may have bigger issues and may need to be euthanized. She should not put a dog before you.

(BTW, I'm female, so this isn't a guy'd point of view.)

This thread is Kinda GB material.




[This message has been edited by CoastGuardAg00 (edited 3/4/2011 3:26p).]

We tried Barkbusters... it didn't work. I guess we can call them back out. They do have some sort of guarantee.

And I agree Combat, but I'm trying to balance her emotions with mine. I'm a nice guy usually, even if an ass sometimes. Just curious what options are out there that I might not know about. I'd hate to just place down an ultimatum without trying other things first.

[This message has been edited by Huktaz04 (edited 3/4/2011 3:45p).]

Barkbusters needs to come back out. We have had them back out three times (once after each move) to reinforce the "rules"

Every time they come out, we see improvement.

Put her down.