April 21, 2011
Our 4 year old dog bit a friend’s child last week at our home. What can I do?
Full Question:
I have a 4 year old dog (Buster) who has always showed aggression over food, mainly anyone besides myself and my husband who enters the kitchen when I am in there. I have no problem taking away his food or holding his bowl when he is eating.Last week my friend came over to visit and her girls stayed overnight. I was in the kitchen when one of the girls who is eleven came in, I immediately knew by the look on his face he was going to growl so I said NO!!!! He then jumped at her and nipped her, breaking the skin. I then dragged him and put him in a room alone.
I am very worried about this. I don't want to have him put to sleep if there is a way to correct this behavior. I would appreciate any help on this matter.
Thank you,
Ellen
Cindy's Answer:
Read my article on Dealing with a Dominant Dog. If the dog were fully trained you would have been able to stop him with a voice command - therefore he is only partially trained.
If you would like to learn something about the principles of obedience training a dog, read the description for my video, Basic Dog Obedience. You will probably find that you have not had the full picture on the steps of training a dog must go through before it can be considered fully trained. You can also read why I am not a fan of taking an untrained dog to obedience classes.
Get a prong collar and the video - train this dog. Read the Q&A sections on my web site. I have answered more questions like this than I care to think about. Get a dog crate and use it in the house. When people come over - put the dog in the crate. It is a dangerous dog - it has already proven this to you. You are lucky it was not a face bite or you may have been dealing with lawyers this week. This problem is solvable but not without you taking the bull by the horns and making the changes needed to save this dog’s life.
If you would like to learn something about the principles of obedience training a dog, read the description for my video, Basic Dog Obedience. You will probably find that you have not had the full picture on the steps of training a dog must go through before it can be considered fully trained. You can also read why I am not a fan of taking an untrained dog to obedience classes.
Get a prong collar and the video - train this dog. Read the Q&A sections on my web site. I have answered more questions like this than I care to think about. Get a dog crate and use it in the house. When people come over - put the dog in the crate. It is a dangerous dog - it has already proven this to you. You are lucky it was not a face bite or you may have been dealing with lawyers this week. This problem is solvable but not without you taking the bull by the horns and making the changes needed to save this dog’s life.
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