Does my dog deserve to be put to sleep?

You could consider asking your vet for a referral to a behavior specialist or good trainer who is good with aggressive dogs. It would be a lot of work, but most dogs can be "rehabilitated", for lack of a better word. Most aggression issues are from a lack of proper socialization, and with a good trainer coaching you along, helping you see why your dog is doing what he does and how to make him more comfortable with those situations where he is most likely to cause problems, you could probably turn him around.

That being said, consider carefully. If you go into this half-heartedly, it won't be enough to turn Duffy around, and having an aggressive dog around is asking for trouble. If you don't have the time, energy, and patience to do what you need to to help Duffy, it isn't fair to turn him over to a rescue group where his life may be uncertain. That can make some aggressive dogs worse, and many end up being put to sleep in these kinds of situations because they are considered unadoptable.

Before making any drastic decision, take measures to see how you can help him behave better. Try a training school first. All dogs love to learn. All they need is a good teacher. So try a training school, that should help. If not, you could also have a trainer come see your dog and analyze his behavioral issues and then decide what's best for the dog.

Wow, surprised that your Westie is aggressive. Ours is protective but loves people when they get close enough. Sounds like it might be a behavior that could be controlled. I would think any dog obedience training near you would be able to help with this.

You should try getting help from Cesar Millan. If you watch some of his shows he is amazing with dogs.

Go to this site: http://www.cesarmillaninc.com/

You'll have to make an account if you want any sessions.

If that doesn't work out you might want to put it in an animals shelter like the SPCA or something.

Hope this works out for you. : )

No your little dog does not deserve to be put down, he just needs to be educated, check our you phone book for pet educator and get him some training, until you find someone to help get a muzzle on him when strangers are around,just to be on the safe side, that way you won,t get sued.

Take him to Obedience classes. Do everything it takes to train him to accept visitors. Try taking him to dog parks or get him groomed. That taught my dog to be okay with being touched. Dog's can live up to 25 years with proper care. Don't end his life early.

your dog should not be put down. He just needs more training. yes there are schools to help, but understand that dogs bite for many reasons including offensive smells, offensive body language etc. not that this person tried to aggrivate your dog, he was trying to protect himself or you.

its just your dog may need more training in a certain area or to be around other dogs more.

Look into it a bit more before making a life-and-death decision. Duffy's misunderstood, is all.

NO! don't put duffy down! i suggest putting him in a crate when some one comes over, that way he can't bite!