Doggo advice

"Tristan" (casselts) 08/07/2017 at 21:44 • Filed to: None

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This is Satch. He’s about 10 years old. I got him as a shelter rescue when he was about 2. He’s always been a pain in my ass, but a decent dog for the most part who had gotten by these last eight years because I felt sorry for him in the shelter. He hates car rides, tries to attack other dogs when he’s out on walks, hates boat rides and more or less could give two shits if I live or die. We’ve never bonded, no matter how hard I’ve tried to make it happen.

Lately he’s been getting a bit testy with the baby, and tonight he full-blown snapped at her. No damage was done, but I feel like that’s the last straw. What am I to do? I still have a big heart and I’m not going to feel good about re-homing him, but I’m not going to have an 85 pound dog that wants to get aggressive with my 20 pound daughter.

What would Oppo do? Anyone in the PNW want an old mystery-breed labbish dog?

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Tristan 08/07/2017 at 21:52

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If it’s a threat to your family, I would not think slightly less of you for rehoming the dog.

On another note, how are you liking the Suburban? My Dad just picked up an ‘02 8.1, and it’s more of a project than we wanted, but the dealer agreed to cover some of the repairs. Other than that, it’s a tank.

$kaycog > Tristan 08/07/2017 at 21:53

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Your daughter’s safety comes first.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Tristan 08/07/2017 at 21:54

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Take him to a no kill shelter.

Tristan > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 08/07/2017 at 21:57

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I really love it. I hooked up my travel trailer to get the hitch and brakes sorted out a couple of weeks ago and good lord- the 3/4 ton makes a world of difference! It was made to tow! Kind of wish I had gone with an 8.1, though. I’m getting anywhere from 10 to 12.5 mpg (and one freak 14.5 mpg tank) with the 6.0 and I can’t imagine the 8.1 being any worse!

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Tristan 08/07/2017 at 22:00

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We averaged 8.7 mpg on the way back from picking it up... On flat ground at 60-65mph... It needs a trans, and some maintenance, but it was (well since the partial refund) $4100 with no rust, leather, 4WD, and a 4.10 out back.

Tristan > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 08/07/2017 at 22:00

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That’s the only way he would ever go to a shelter... :(

Tristan > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 08/07/2017 at 22:01

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Oof. 4L80 or Allison?

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Tristan 08/07/2017 at 22:02

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Sorry, I already have one problem doggo.

However, if it is a threat to your daughter, don’t hesitate to surrender it. Sad :/

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Tristan 08/07/2017 at 22:04

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Pretty much every shelter in western Washington is a no-kill.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Tristan 08/07/2017 at 22:04

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4L85, no Allison for the Suburban or Avalanche. So not a $3000 repair, but not a cheap one either. We’ll still have probably the cheapest rust free, 8.1/4.10/4WD Suburban by a long shot. Other than that, it’s in mint condition.

Tristan > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 08/07/2017 at 22:06

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I know, but even though we may not be besties, he and I, 8 years is a lot of history with a doggo. :(

Birddog > Tristan 08/07/2017 at 22:06

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If you aren’t able to train it out of him rehoming may be the only answer. There are a lot of understanding Lab rescue groups out there that specialize in elderly dogs. So the shelter isn’t the only option.

Check out the forums too. You may get some answers but no guarantees. It’s been a long time since I was a member.   http://www.lab-retriever.net/board/

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Tristan 08/07/2017 at 22:09

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I know. Obviously much easier for me to say being emotionally distant from the situation.

But this is almost certain not to improve, don’t put your daughter in danger...

DipodomysDeserti > Tristan 08/07/2017 at 22:18

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It’s probably a little too late to try and socialize him. Try to find a really good dog person to take him in. Someone with a lot of patience and no kids. That or give him his space and make sure the kiddo is never around him. Even if he didn’t show a lot of affection, he will be devastated after being separated from the person who has taken care of him for eight years.

My citroen won't start > Tristan 08/07/2017 at 22:18

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XJDano > Tristan 08/07/2017 at 22:52

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Daughter first.

If any of our dogs snapped at my kids ( 6&4 ) I wouldn’t stop to beat the dog. As the Alpha of our home or pack, I’m in charge no matter what. (Although we have 2 older dachshunds and a new 8 week old pup)

My mother in law’s cocker Spaniel snapped at out daughter a few years ago and she handled it by snapping on the dog and kenneling it right away.

If a dog is aggressive and bites my kids it will be put down. I won’t mess around.

I’d even go to say I am a dog person, but I am a family man way before that and dogs are pets, not people.

If I was in your situation I’d look to rehome the dog. Sounds like he just lives there. I know 8 years is a long time, but your daughter will be around longer than that dog.

My sister in law got bit in the face by a dog at a young age, and and so did a female cousin of mine. Luckily neither have scars from it.

I’ll also say that kids are mean and my uncle had a dog go bad with being chained up outside and neighbor kids terrorizing it by throwing rocks and teasing. It’s not good. My uncle had to eventually put it down because it was aggressive towards anyone but him.

On the other hand I grew up around labs and they can be the best family pets. All ours loved the water. A lot of my uncles had labs and even breed them.

Good luck with your decision.

shpuker > Tristan 08/07/2017 at 23:01

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That’s a helluva tough situation. If it’s not ok around the kid though there’s really only the option to get rid of it. Just have to decide the best way. Ideally someone you know maybe can take him off your hands? That way you can still stop by and see him on occasion too.

Tristan > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 08/07/2017 at 23:34

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Huh... I thought the 8.1 could be had with an Allison in a burn for the last couple of years it was available. (‘05/’06?). It’s a shame they never gave the 2500 Suburban the love it deserved *cough*duramax*cough*.

Tristan > shpuker 08/07/2017 at 23:39

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The downside of quitting your career and moving to the opposite corner of the country is “someone you know” is pretty much limited to my wife, her parents and her bother and sister. :(

Tristan > XJDano 08/07/2017 at 23:41

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I’ve always had labs and they’ve always been fantastic dogs, but this one has always been a bit... touched in the head.

Tristan > DipodomysDeserti 08/07/2017 at 23:43

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The plan for now is if the baby is in the common areas of the house, dog is outside.

Funktheduck > Tristan 08/08/2017 at 00:02

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I hate to say it but rehome. You can’t have a large dog acting aggressively towards your child. Even if you brought in a trainer, you could never be 100% sure things would be ok. Reach out to a local rescue/no kill shelter and they can help you find it a home.

You could try a trainer but it would always be in the back of my head if I were in that position. My mom had to give up a dog she really loved because it bit my brother when he was a toddler.

There could also be meds but those aren’t 100% either.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Tristan 08/08/2017 at 07:32

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I can only imagine the premium for that. Though having one at work, the Duramax can rot in the ditch it will strand you in.

Tristan > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 08/08/2017 at 11:09

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What issues have you had with it? My dad has an ‘03 LB7 with 120k and it’s been nothing but reliable. I’m honestly leaning strongly towards doing a swap on this Suburban in the future.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Tristan 08/08/2017 at 17:03

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Your Dad is lucky. The LB7 is incredibly prone to injector failure, and it’s as likely to happen and nearly as expensive to fix the 6.0 Powerstroke problems.

Our’s is an LMM, and we’ve had trans issues, fuel issues, emissions issues, electrical issues... About $15k in repairs in the last year and a half.

If the 8.1 goes, it’s getting a 12V.

xyzabc > Tristan 10/10/2017 at 04:39

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Baby > > Dog.

Only friendly dogs / cats you can trust and enjoy with a growing family stay.

You gave it ten years of love and nurturing, but it didn’t reciprocate. That happens. Time to move on, guilt free.

Find a good shelter or other home.

IMHO, If want a dog in your family’s life, get a puppy and start fresh.