Good dog gone bad?

We have 2 dogs, always have for the past 7 1/2 years. Dog Vader, a black lab, is 10 years old. My husband had him before we even met. I brought in my dog, a german shepherd... who was older... and has since passed away. I got a new dog back in January, Zeus, siberian husky/german shepherd mix. Wonderful dog.

The problem is with Dog Vader. From day one of my coming around, he would occassionally growl and had bitten me, but not hard enough to do any damage. I warned my husband that he needed to be nuedered back then. But he wouldn't have it. Both my dogs were/are neutered. So now years have gone by without any incident. I came to fully trust the dog and marked what had happened in the past as him not knowing me. My mistake.

Early this morning I almost lost 2 fingers on my right hand to Dog Vader. For no apparent reason. He was outside... I called for him, he didn't respond. So I went and took him by the collar. He led into me. Even after I released is collar he went after my hand. I was bleeding badly. I ran inside and woke my husband and told him of what happened. I was in shock. Just not expecting it mostly. But I was bleeding pretty badly, so I held my hand under cold water for a while then poured poroxide on it. My husband went and got Dog Vader from outside while I cleaned my hand up. Dog Vader even snarled at him. My husband asked me if I needed or wanted to go to the hospital, I said no. I told him because if I did, that would be it for Dog Vader. My husband is saying this is probably the end of the road for him any how. I have begged him not to put the dog down. For some reason, I still pretty much trust the dog. And I don't believe in putting a dog down for such a petty reason.

See, about a month ago our neighbors got a new dog. A female golden retriever. Beautiful dog. However, I figured it might create problems with Dog Vader. And it has. Now my husband has brought up every reason under the sun as to why it might have happened including my just taking the dog by the collar. I don't find it unusual to take a dog by the collar. But, for whatever reason... my husband sees it as part of the problem. He also sees my dog Zeus as part of the problem. Personally, I just think it's a hormone thing with the female dog next door, I have no idea if she is spayed. But my husband is wondering if something is just wrong, medically, with Dog Vader that would make him do this. I dunno. I advised him to look on the net.

My fingers are bandaged and neosporined, Dog Vader is under my husband's desk. I don't, however, think I'll be going and getting from the yard any more.

I also might add that I've had dogs all my life, all kinds. And I've been around all kinds and such... I've never been aggressively bitten before by any other dog. So, this comes as a big surprise to me.

Anybody have any ideas? Comments?

Take care,
Donna

This message was edited Nov 19, 2006 8:14 AM