I’m so sorry Cat Tap. What a heartbreaking thing to deal with on top of the chemo and other stuff that you are dealing with. Be aware that many people have made the euthanasia choice for reasons similar to all those mentioned. I don’t know if a brain scan would yield useful information but I doubt it. Maybe a functional MRI but can you even get that for a dog.
After having a couple roosters I was afraid of, I made the firm decision that animals that hurt me on purpose are not allowed to stay on the farmette. I know, damage from a rooster is not life threatening like a dog is. But we work too hard for our animals to tolerate that. I agree with those who spoke of handler aggression.
Not the same thing, but I knew someone whose purebred dog had bitten 7 people with no discernible warning signs like a growl etc. owner could not leave town to visit family because nobody wanted to deal with that dog. Trainer characterized this as a “flash biter” brain disease like a type of epilepsy. Advised euthanasia and this was a trainer who would go to the ends of the earth to help a dog.
So she did and because she and I used the same vet I offered to take the sad task of picking up the body to go for cremation. Vet stated “That was a lawsuit waiting to happen.”
I hope the breeder will take the dog back but if not, you have a lot of support for the euthanasia decision here.
Yes.
Not sure if the dog is neutered, but if not that may be a contributing factor.
Regardless, I agree that the dog needs to be rehomed. It is possible that he might be ok in another home (with full disclosure, of course).
I would reach out to the breeder and see if they will take him back asap, even if only to assess the situation differently.
It is most helpful to come here and express my thoughts and feelings, cannot do that IRL other than trainer/therapist who will help with whatever decision I make.
Initially after our long session with the trainer I had planned to continue working with her and the dog. However this morning after very little sleep and having difficulty breathing I decided the dog must go. I made excuses for the first two attacks. The first occurred while he was vomiting and I bent over to clean it up. The second time I was bending over iadjust his chewy bone, OK that was stupid on me. However the third one was inexcusable as I was just trying to put the leash on him to go outside.
Our relationship is ruined as I am now fearful and avoiding him. He is no longer the puppy I loved. I will contact the breeder of my intention to euthanize. I do not believe that no matter where he ends up his life will be good and I would forever worry about him. If he is dead the chapter is finished.
Now to find a vet that will do it as I do not wish to see my previous vet as our last visit there was upsetting for all of us.
And yes he was neutered.
Not part of the initial post, I think one of the reasons I have been so unwell this week is the amount of bug spray and wipe I have been putting on three horses twice a day this past week. I think I have been inhaling the stuff. Will wear a mask in the barn from now on.
Wishing you Peace with this difficult situation {hugs}
FWIW:
I’m pretty certain I gave myself a very mild case of E Coli by sticking horse thermometer in my mouth to moisten 
Yeah, I know… 
Adding hugs, wishes for strength, and for peace of mind. You have obviously thought all this out, responsibly. 
You’re a smart, brave woman ~ ((hugs )) laced with strength and peace ~ please take the very best care of yourself ~ Jingles & AO ~
So sorry you’re going through this, but I think you’ve made the right choice. Not sure if there’s one available near you, but in my area there are a couple vet services who will come to your home to euthanize. That may be easier? Then you don’t have to worry about getting him somewhere and hopefully your trainer could be present?
Have spoken with the trainer. She will make the necessary arrangements and help me get through this.
I’m glad to hear you’ve come to this decision and that the trainer will support and help you with next steps.
I’m also just so truly sorry about the end of your relationship with the puppy you chose and wanted and loved. You’re making the safe, responsible, humane choice here. But you still have every right to feel and mourn the loss of him.
I lurk and read much more than I post on COTH… but I have been following your journey with this dog (initially the thread from when you got him, and now this one). Since reading about the attack, I’ve been checking in on this thread and worrying for your safety since it seems like his behavior could continue to escalate. I am glad you have your trainer’s support, as well as the support of folks here on COTH.
I’m so sorry you’re having to go through this. Sending hugs.
I tell you our story where we were part of starting our performance dog club and running it with obedience classes for the public, that was before agility etc.
Point of that, we were experienced trainers and so were others around us.
We had been training other breeds, but at that time dobies were doing so good in obedience, we found a top breeder, a doctor that was showing in both, conformation and obedience and had this one puppy for sale that would make a good obedience dog, just not good enough for conformation.
Puppy was beautiful and lovely, trained like a dream, at 8 months solid enough she was part of our nursing and hospital visits.
She also was a nice cattle working dog because she trained so well, although she played with cattle more than herding.
From the time we received her, she always had an odd bunny hop to her canter, vet, that was a member of our club, checked her over and she tested sound, so we ignored that.
At the same age of your dog, we had moved some cattle and, as always, she put front paws on the pickup and I pushed her in gently up in there.
This time as I did, she quickly turned her head back and tried to bite me!
I was faster and got out of the way and didn’t react to it.
Right afterward she acted like nothing happened, but I watched very closely, it was such a surprise.
Was thinking maybe she tweaked something chasing cattle around, could not get any response from checking her myself so called the vet, he said bring her in.
Again, when I was helping her in the pickup to go to the vet, I was watching this time, she again tried to bite me.
Those were not warning bites, they were with intent to bite.
I left her in the pickup and went in the vet’s office and asked him to come out and watch her.
He did, she came off and was fine, again when I said get in and she put front paws in, as I was helping her, she again tried to bite, then acted normal, like nothing happened.
Vet took her in and examined her and decide to X-ray her back end and just to eliminate things, her neck too.
Well, sad news, she had advanced wobblers, which explained the bunny hop and her unsteady steps here and there, but didn’t the bite response to being helped into the pickup, wobblers is not painful itself.
Due to wobblers, vet choose not to do any other and recommended euthanizing.
Also of concern was Grandma in her 90’s and dog always going in the house walking over to put her head on her lap to be petted and then laying at her feet and Grandma when she needed to get up pushing her away with her feet, a situation dog may have reacted with a bite also, knowing what we were seeing.
Vet called breeder and advised other puppies of that litter where checked, as this was a serious case indicating maybe inheritance at play.
Vet said doctor breeder was rather rude, said they were fine and maybe we did something to bring it on. Vet was not amused, said he kind of gave breeder a bit of dog breeding advice, vet had also been breeding for decades, another bred, not dobies and seen way more dogs that the breeder had.
So, long story, we ended where you are going and it was terrible, it always is.
So sorry you are there now, but in the end, such dogs are better off then what will happen to them if they have to live under the stress to them and whoever cares for them because of such a dangerous situation.
So, so very sorry, hugs is all I can say. 
I’m
So sorry. Sometimes they are just born with a screw loose, just like some people, horses and anything else.
Sometimes we cannot save them from
Themselves.
I’ve been there too and it sucks. You cant ethically rehome him, god forbid he goes after a child or something.
I would definitely consider euth, and then I would do it. It’s very difficult to make that decision with an otherwise healthy animal but IMHO it’s the right one.
No
One needs to become a statistic
If you feel at peace with the decision it is also okay to notify the breeder after. If they have been notified of two attacks and haven’t offered to take him, you don’t need the guilt of a Hail Mary request from them.
I hope your trainer can help be a resource as you find the right vet. Unfortunately some may not be supportive but many will understand. There may be some at home medications you can use to help him be as relaxed as possible for transport.
I’m sorry, this is counter to my usual MO but… didn’t this dog come from a breeder? And a good one? I believe OP is obligated to return the dog to the breeder. I don’t see that as passing the problem off to someone else. I see that as fulfilling the contract and expectation from the breeder. At least tell the breeder what has happened. Maybe she’ll give your her blessing to euthanize. Maybe she’ll come get him.
I’m really surprised. It doesn’t sound like the breeder has been contacted about this at any time. OP had a long-term, positive relationship with this breeder. Yet no one is saying, “Hey! Contact breeder!” What am I missing?
I am not opposed to BE. I have no opposition to this dog being euthanized. I am saying the OP is missing a critical and, likely contractual step. Please call the breeder today. 
I hope the trainer put the dog in the kennel. He can stay there until the next step. Water can be poured into a bucket through the fence; food tossed over. No unprotected contact again.
Got it. Thank you! That does indicate there has been some communication. Hopefully breeder is fully aware.
She may have a suitable retired dog for OP, who clearly provides an exemplary home, when OP may be ready. 
I am so sorry the story ends this way, @Cat_Tap. But, I also think you are making the right choice and glad you have some support with your trainer. If trainer/breeder are correct with the brain issue theory, you are providing peace for the dog, as well as yourself, that he may be years finding if he is rehomed. We’re here for you if you need us! (((HUGS)))
Making the decision was difficult but making the arrangements is even more of a challenge. Contacted “Peaceful Passing” who provide in home euthanasia. Unfortunately they say that vets are busy and I am outside of their service area. They also wish for me to discuss this with one of their vets as this is a behavioral problem.
We have completed their questionnaire and I am now waiting for a call from this vet either this evening or tomorrow.
So far today I have not attempted to put a leash on him. He is in the house and still sleeping. Trainer has other obligations this morning but will come by to help take him to his run.
I have contacted the breeder again, this time to notify him about my plan to euthanize. I had to leave a message and it will be up to him to contact me.
My usual joke is "I raised my eyes to heaven and asked God “why me?” the clouds opened and a voice said “cause you piss me off”
I think insanity has set in.
You have covered all your bases @Cat_Tap, and the most important thing is your safety!
Will be sending positive thoughts your way!
I’m thinking of you, OP. You are making the most difficult and most responsible decision. I don’t know whereabouts you live. My certified veterinary behaviorist tells me Lap of Love, an at-home euth service I have used before, compassionately accepts BE appointments.*
Pup will go to sleep in his backyard laying in the grass without a clue. I wish the same compassion, calm, and peace for you as you are giving him.
*I expect any at-home service will have a wait time of at least a few days. Euthanizing at a traditional vet clinic may be faster. There are options to sedate him in the car before taking him in, if he’s really unmanageable inside a clinic.
