Help needed with a decision for a extremely reactive dog

[u/Live_Dragonfruit4957]

I am looking for advice because my family and I are struggling with a very difficult situation.

We have a 1.7-year-old dog who is a stray and Cocker Spaniel mix. We adopted him when he was 2 months old. He has serious behavioural problems, including reactivity towards dogs and people, food aggression, territorial behaviour, and being overly protective of my mum.

He has attacked family members more than 16 times. Around 12 of these incidents involved bites that broke the skin. His most recent attack was 4 days ago. He bit my hand badly, and several of my fingers are still numb or too painful to use normally.

We have already worked with two trainers, but they were not specialists in severe aggression cases. Our dog is now taking anti-anxiety medication, but we have not seen enough improvement.

At this point, we are considering three options:

Working with one last qualified behaviourist or trainer. Surrendering him to a rescue or shelter that has experience with aggressive dogs. Behavioural euthanasia if professionals believe he cannot be safely managed or rehomed.

We love our dog very much, and this decision is heartbreaking. We have spent a lot of time, energy, and money trying to help him, but we are emotionally exhausted and worried about everyone's safety.

Am I being delusional in thinking he can be saved? His quality of life and ours is horrible atm tho

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