Hi all,

I have a 5 1/2 year old Staffy cross named Bruce who I rescued from kennels 3 years ago. For the first year or so, it was just the two of us and Bruce really helped me as I navigated a tough time. Then I met my girlfriend who I brought home to meet Bruce and after multiple visits, Bruce finally settled around her.

Bruce has always had issues with visitors coming to the house - his excitement levels just go through the roof and while he can be distracted with a deers leg or similar, he is still incredibly excited. Once he’s finished up with the distraction, this is redirected back to our guests. The issue is that Bruce is a 30kg dog and he is extremely jumpy towards our guests, often causing scratches. He is never aggressive but he cannot regulate his excitement.

We have tried using multiple trainers but have not been able to change this behaviour. We recently found out we’re expecting and due in February which prompted some very difficult conversations. My partner has said that she doesn’t, and won’t feel comfortable with Bruce being around the baby and I fully understand it. He is also not good with children at all. This has pretty much prevented people from coming to our house. 

It’s absolutely heartbreaking and the hardest thing I’ve ever done but we are looking to rehome him. This is not an advertisement but I’m struggling to fully commit to this decision because I feel like I’d be giving up on my dog. I have spoken to the dogs trust about this and they said I could take Bruce back to kennels on Tuesday which feels far too soon for me. He is amazing when it is just the two of us and if the outcome is him returning to kennels regardless, I want to keep him for as long as possible.

I think this post is just me asking for advice and whether I’m doing the right thing or not. I can’t stop crying. If we do take him back to kennels, it fills me with dread that doing it this side of Christmas could lead to him being there over the festive period and I’d hate the thought of that. 

Tldr - rehoming my Staffy rescue because of safety concerns ahead of our baby who is due in February and the extreme guilt I feel.

Rehoming my Staffy cross rescue as expecting a baby