If you feel horrible if they were to kill him, then DON'T give him to a no-kill shelter. He will sit there for the rest of his life in a cage, because they will not adopt out biters. I work with people in the rescue business. There IS a fate worse than death for animals, and that is a no-kill shelter. He will not get adopted, I promise you.
This is totally your and your husband's fault for not training him. That's why I always tell people when they get puppies to get in a training class RIGHT AWAY. Dogs need to be trained with the family.
Who on earth is going to want a biting dog around with any age kids? You are going to have to get the word out that you need a home with no children. Either that or you should have someone come to your home to help the entire family train him.
And lastly, promise you will never get another dog.
Im sorry that you are getting a lot of negative judgement from ppl here. I totally see where you are coming from and I can understand how this is just a crappy situation. If it were me I would get the word out to everyone you know/can just as you did on Mamapedia. Use your family, friends, co-workers, etc (from both you and your husband) and tell them exactly what you told us and just be totally honest. There are so many ppl out there that Im sure would be willing to take this dog in and help it to have a good life. (Not to say that you cant provide that) but this dog is obviously not well suited for a family with children and would probably thrive with maybe an older couple who has the time to give to the dog and just the dog. Ive known many people with what I call "crusty booger" dogs. Meaning they are just crotchety and want nothing more than to be left alone and just pet and fed and thats it. Like I said, Im sorry you are faced with this but you truly seem to be wanting to do right by everyone involved in this situation and Im sure it will work out for you
Good Luck
We had to find a new home for our lab/beagle mix that we had for four years after my twins were born. I was devastated!!! He was my first baby. I sent out an email to everyone I knew, asking them to pass it along. It was like a flyer to find our pet a new home. Within a week we had found a loving, new home for him. Also, check with the local humane society. Their whole purpose is to find animals a home and they do not put animals down. Good luck!
Try to find a good rescue for that breed. Ask them how they choose potential adopters. Some of them are really careful and will make sure your dog goes to the right home. Some will train the dog before adopting it out. too.
Do NOT give it away unless you know the person. Some people get dogs for free, like off Craigslist, and then turn around and sell them. :(
we were in the exact same situation. my husband got a dog while we were still dating and took care of her the first year but after I moved in (and married and had kids) that dog was completely my responsibility. I had no choice bc if I didn't do anything, he wouldn't either. It was terrible.
After 7 years I HAD to get rid of her and it was so terrible and sad but she was dangerous and had hurt our kids many times. we even tried obedience trainers in our HOME, and that didn't work permanently.
All I can say is that its a no win situation. I couldnt bare to know she was put down but it hurt to know she'd live in a cage forever. I had to close myself off from that. I didn't trust people on craigslist. I knew she'd be a great pet for a senior or family with older kids.
So I was just honest when I took her in and filled out the paper work as such.
"My dog isn't dangerous"??? a dog's tooth is a weapon-and a formidible one at that, and , therefore, if a dog nips or bites-particularly at a child-it is dangerous! You would feel horrible if he were to be put down? Wait until, God forbid, he bites your baby's face off. Take him to a shelter-where he will be trained and placed in a home-with no children. We have a pit bull-she is the sweetest dog I have ever seen-if we are playing and one of her teeth merely grazes our skin and we say ouch-her lower lip quivers-she is that sweet and understanding of how teeth can hurt! Your dog can be retaught and provide years of enjoyment for someone, I'm sure.
I feel terrible .... for your dog. Shame on your hubby for not following through on the promises he made. Unfortunately due to lack of basic training you now have a dangerous dog.
Look for a no kill shelter in your area and please be perfectly honest with the issues your dog is having. Do not find a family to adopt your dog on your own. With his biting issues you really need to use a rescue group who can screen potential families and work with your dog until he's adopted on basic training.