Hello,
This appears to be a very difficult and quite relevant scenario. I can certainly understand how many of your conversations have gone toward behavioral euthanasia due to the prior bites; however, it is wonderful that you are pursuing any avenues to assist Twix before making that decision. The most critical elements for Twix will be Proactive Management and Impulse Control Training because the incidents appear to be directly related to overarousal. First and foremost, there needs to be an emphasis on Risk Reduction through Management; find out what specifically causes Twix to become overly excited, and implement a plan to heavily manage those excitement triggers. Develop a firm policy called "Two Feet on the Floor", and as soon as Twix exhibits a jump or becomes overly excited, any individual interacting with him should immediately discontinue their interaction and face away from him. Consider implementing a barrier, such as a crate or a baby gate, during greeting interactions, and allow only brief, controlled, and calm interactions after Twix has calmed down. As for playtime, replace high-arousal games like tug-of-war or wrestling with low-stimulus enrichment items and activities such as food puzzles and long-lasting chews. Lastly, it is crucial that you begin to gradually introduce Twix to a properly fitting basket muzzle, which is a non-negotiable safety device that will provide a means for continued training and assessment while eliminating risk.
Twix's long-term success is dependent upon his ability to learn how to handle excitement in a safe manner by systematically developing his impulse control. To accomplish this, create a dedicated "Go to Mat/Place" exercise that teaches Twix a reliable alternative behavior to default to when he becomes excited. In addition to the "Go to Mat/Place" exercise, utilize training methods such as Differential Reinforcement of Incompatible Behavior (DRI), which is an active method of reinforcing calm behaviors (e.g., a sit, a down, four paws on the ground), while ignoring or redirecting excited behaviors. Another potentially beneficial training method is Dr. Karen Overall's Relaxation Protocol, which is designed to systematically desensitize a dog to environmental stimuli while providing a reward for prolonged calmness. Due to the severity of the five incidents, it would be wise to schedule an immediate consultation with a Veterinary Behaviorist (DACVB), so they can perform a complete evaluation and determine if anti-anxiety or impulse-control medications may be necessary to reduce Twix's overall arousal level enough for the above training programs to be successful.
There is a serious safety issue and liability concern to the rescue based on the fact that there have been five reported biting incidents, regardless of whether they were described as "non-malicious." The proposed solution will require a collaborative approach between management, training, and professional consultation. Every incident and every training session must be documented in detail to identify remaining triggers and to measure progress. Ultimately, the objective is to assess whether or not Twix can be safely housed in a private home setting, under the constraints of strict management. If the coordinated efforts using structured training strategies, led by a certified professional behaviorist, do not produce a measurable, reliable reduction in the incidents within a reasonable time frame, then the option of behavioral euthanasia will need to be revisited. The commitment must be to exhaust all reasonable options, but also to acknowledge the limitations of the interventions, for the benefit of everyone who interacts with him, and the larger community.
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Dylan Gipe
Chief of Humane Law Enforcement
Saint Francis Humane Society Police Department
PA
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Original Message:
Sent: 12-12-2025 04:29 AM
From: Kendra Phillips
Subject: Before considering behavioral euthanasia……?
What strategies and resources have you used to deal with dogs that have a bite history?
Twix is a wonderful 2 year old dog that we've had at our animal rescue since a puppy. He's had 5 not serious episodes of biting people, as he gets excited at times. They are not malicious bites, he's just very excitable. Recent conversations have steered towards behavioral euthanasia, if necessary.
I would love to try any and all suggestions that others have had success with. Please help! ❤️
#Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment
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Kendra Phillips
Fundraising Volunteer
Desert Haven Animal Refige
NM
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