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My dog is very aggressive and has bitten. Should I put her down?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Female | spayed | 7 years and 7 months old | 75 lbs

My dog is very aggressive and lungs at people and other animal. She is only okay with my immediate family. She is almost 8 and has been this way her whole life. She has nipped at my Aunt and a seperate time my 7 year old nephew in the face and broke skin on his nose. She has pulled me down while I was pregnant and dragged my across the yard on my stomach. My neighbors are scared of her and we have gotten the police called three times, three different neighborhoods. Should she be put down?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on January 20th, 2017

Wow, it does sound like Macie is very aggressive! I'm quite concerned that she has bitten a child in the face, pulled you down when you were pregnant, and you've had the police called on you three times. You have two options: One, you get her into see a professional behavioral expert right away for training. Do not attempt to work with this problem yourself, as aggression is a very dangerous behavior to train. Keep in mind, however, the behavioral expert may deem her too dangerous to work with, or the training may not work. Two, put Macie to sleep. If you don't want to see if training will help, I would have her put to sleep. She is a danger to other animals and humans, and I would be very concerned she could serious injure you or someone else. I would recommend making a decision about what to do very soon before she can hurt someone else. I'm sorry you are in this position :-(

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on

    This is always such a difficult decision and situation. Consider having Macie evaluated by a certified veterinary behaviorist and trainer if you can. Have her examined by your vet to diagnose any medical causes (pain, hormonal, neurological, etc.) for her behavior. All options should be exhausted before you come to a final decision.

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