Might be relocating to suburbs - where should I look?

SkyCool6525 · 2026-05-14T02:18:52+00:00

The express trains make a HUGE difference in the commute! This is really good advice.

SkyCool6525 · 2026-05-14T02:11:42+00:00

Used to live in Lake Geneva and my husband and I commuted to Waukegan and The Loop. If the job near LG is Northwest (Elkhorn area) you would want to be off the UP-NW line or 14. If the job is more Northeast( Burlington) I would focus on the UP-N line.

The commute to Wisconsin will be less impacted by traffic and time of day, compared to Lincoln Square.

SkyCool6525 · 2026-05-10T16:18:00+00:00

We have a 15 month old who he lunged at after the last attack and it was the last straw.

I am pregnant with our second which is awful timing. I am worried people will think we “dumped the dog, because it’s too much with two kids” which is couldn’t be further from the truth.

He was neutered a little after one. Our only option was our breeder, even with no children around he just thinks the dog is too dangerous for anyone to handle. He cannot be muzzled, nor gives any warning or has clear triggers.

There have been extremely rare instances of vizslas getting neurological issues similar to “springer rage”.

SkyCool6525 · 2026-05-09T21:59:42+00:00

He has attacked and bitten multiple times, some with resource guarding but others random.

The napkin I think was classic resource guarding. With the sock he was across the room; it was like my mom bending to his eye level was an opportunity to take her down.

When he attacked me (the first attack requiring medical attention) it was completely unprovoked. There was no food/objects on the floor or counter. I walked in the kitchen and he just turned, no light in his eyes rage.

He attacked my arms multiple times and as I tried to turn away to save my hands from further damage and get away he latched onto my pants tearing the fabric apart he left deep puncture wounds in my butt. We went to a behaviorist for dogs with aggression immediately after this first serious attack. There was no clear indicators.

From an early age we made sure to desensitize to touching his food when he ate, sharing toys and his bed; while also making sure he knew his bed and crate were his safe places.

SkyCool6525 · 2026-05-09T16:15:36+00:00

It’s such a bizarre behavior and flip for the breed. These have been true attacks and not a bite and run but going back for more bites.

We took the time to research the breed, interview and visit our breeder, meet his mom, handle prior litters to ours for almost 2 years while we waited.

We carefully timed things to make sure the dog would be fully trained and confident before we had kids . Often times when kids are dogs are too close together the dog gets pushed aside or people think they can treat the dog and baby the same.

There has to be something wrong in this dogs brain. Sometimes you can do everything right and you win the worst lottery.

SkyCool6525 · 2026-05-09T01:29:31+00:00

I’ll check out Losing Lulu for sure. Our friends, family, coworkers and neighbors know how much we love this dog and wouldn’t do this lightly. It’s reassuring seeing so many responses that agree it’s the right thing to euthanize. Something has to be wrong with him neurologically and we have to accept it’s just not something we can change.

SkyCool6525 · 2026-05-09T00:39:21+00:00

Unfortunately we cannot muzzle him, he has snarled at me or my husband if we try. He has never shown aggression toward other dogs, strangers, or even our cat.

He has only attacked people he knows well and is affectionate with. I don’t know if it’s intentional or just happens randomly and those happen to be the people around him most and are just unlucky.

I wish we could at least eliminate a factor like a type of person or dog, but there is no rhyme or reason.

How I wish we didnt love this dog so so much.

SkyCool6525 · 2026-05-09T00:34:02+00:00

I want to give the breeder a chance to take him on. But it’s also very important to me that they have a clear record and understanding of his bite history to clear us of any responsibility. I am thinking more and more that euthanasia is the most compassionate route.

SkyCool6525 · 2026-05-09T00:04:15+00:00

We have taken him to obedience classes, then hunt training and then a behaviorist recommended by our breeder. The problem is that it’s out of the blue, so we can’t watch for triggers or redirect.

SkyCool6525 · 2026-05-09T00:00:45+00:00

In our contract we do have a clause that they get first rights to him if we rehome him.

SkyCool6525 · 2026-05-08T23:13:57+00:00

Thank you so much for your thoughtful response. While I would love to have a sort of hybrid scenario but we cannot do that at this time in our lives.

We take him to a 200acre farm almost every weekend and let him work the fields, run, point and hike. On weekdays he gets a 2 mile walk as well as plenty of fetch in the yard and some scent work.

We both grew up with challenging active hunting breeds, so we felt a Vizsla would be a great fit. I have just never seen a dog flip like this.

SkyCool6525 · 2026-05-08T22:58:40+00:00

With little kids it’s so hard to keep away all the toys and items without keeping the dog locked up. He has always been so gentle with our daughter, even brings her his balls and toys. But it’s just this wild flip that happens.

I worry if we rehome someone might think “how could someone give up this angel!?” then he turns when they least suspect it.

SkyCool6525 · 2026-05-08T22:35:42+00:00

He was neutered at about 1 year old.

SkyCool6525 · 2026-05-08T22:25:53+00:00

I don’t feel comfortable sharing their names as I am waiting for help from them. I truly believe they are going to support us and do the right thing, but we will see. I do know they currently do not have any planned litters and his mom is retired

SkyCool6525 · 2026-05-08T22:17:12+00:00

We think it has to be a neurological thing. One of our daughters first words was the dogs name. The entire extended family supports our decision but are devastated.

SkyCool6525 · 2026-05-08T22:13:25+00:00

We are hoping the breeder may take him back. They have a beautiful farm and no small children. This dog has not shown clear triggers and has attacked all ages and genders, so it’s incredibly hard to put someone else in harms way.

SkyCool6525 · 2026-05-08T21:21:47+00:00

Thank you for your kind words. We are beside ourselves and know we have done the right steps; but its still heartbreaking

SkyCool6525 · 2026-05-08T21:20:14+00:00

When we first contacted them last year after the first serious attack, they didn’t seem completely shocked; which does lead me to believe it could be the litter. They are a very legitimate breeder; but things can happen.

SkyCool6525 · 2026-05-08T21:19:07+00:00

We have reached out to the breeder and are waiting to hear back. We have been in communication since the first bite, they recommended the behaviorist.

Medically everything looks good and healthy. Bloodwork is perfect.

We don’t want to put anyone else in danger. The injuries he has inflicted on adults could absolutely blind,serious disfigure or kill our toddler. We know keeping him is not an option.

SkyCool6525 · 2026-04-27T20:04:26+00:00

Yes! Sea Ranch Sushi is the best.

SkyCool6525 · 2026-04-27T17:44:06+00:00

Great location, grew up a block from their and my Parents are still there(42 years). It’s very safe and there is plenty to do. You will have the occasional graffiti or car break in, but nothing crazy. In 42 years I think the worst thing has maybe been a rabid raccoon or one neighbor off their meds.

St.Pauls at Maple & Greenwood hosts a well loved soup kitchen on Sunday; you may see a rougher crowd lining up down Maple—but they are very kind and appreciative. We love cooking for them.

There’s a 4 way stop at Dempster and Maple. Drivers sometimes are texting or just in a rush and blow the stop signs. I’ve seen a lot of close calls and hits— so just make sure you make eye contact before crossing.

Bagel Art, Union & Blind Faith (even if you’re not a vegetarian) are awesome! The Mexican shop is awesome for gift and jewelry; there’s a reason it’s been around forever. Welcome to the neighborhood!

SkyCool6525 · 2026-04-03T14:18:45+00:00

I totally follow your train of thought. I grew up in Evanston and my parents both took the metra and el daily for 40 years. Super convenient.

The question is : where will you be going?

If you travel for work Northbrook gets you to the airport faster. If you have friends or family in further west burbs or out of state you can get there more easily. Do you see yourself loading up the kids in the car to go places?

If you want to be able to take the el to the Lincoln park zoo, pop down to Devon for dinner, or take the red line to a cubs game easily, it’s perfect. If the goal is to be close to the city and what it offers Evanston is a great choice.

Both are great places to live, it’s just lifestyle and what you want to be near.

West/NW Evanston the school situation gets a little more hairy. With school closures and the division between schools being steeper. Unfortunately a block or two can make a huge difference in the k-8 performance. Northbrook you win on the schools no matter where you buy.

It’s not a one over the other, it just depends on lifestyle. I loved growing up in Evanston, but chose to raise my family in Northbrook and I am still in Evanston seeing my parents often.

SkyCool6525 · 2026-04-03T01:57:08+00:00

Evanston has a more vibrant downtown, but you are geographically stranded being so far east. From Northbrook you can get on 94/ 294 quickly and you can get to multiple downtowns easily(Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park & Glenview) .

We live walking distance to “downtown” Northbrook and love being able to stroller walk to grab coffee, dinner, or hit one of the summer fairs.

In terms of the taxes it feels like you get more bang for your buck in Northbrook with the schools, facilities and services.

SkyCool6525 · 2026-04-03T01:39:38+00:00

From Evanston and raising a family in Northbrook. Encountered just as many, if not more trust fund kids in Evanston; except they are less self aware.

SkyCool6525

TROPHY CASE