April 26, 2011
My 6 year old lab/chow mix attacked my son today when I tried to put him in the crate. What can I do?
Full Question:
I have a 6-year-old lab/chow mix. He has always been a good dog, but not very obedient. Because of his behavior lately (eating food off counter, sleeping on couch) I locked him into my bedroom while at work. He destroyed my carpet trying to get out.So I went to the garage to retrieve the crate we used years ago for him. He refused to get into it, and when I tried to physically put him into the crate. He attacked me! It was much more than a snap, he grabbed hold of my arm, and started shaking when I finally got him off, and pushed him, he came back at me. I stood up, and directed him outside. After about 20 minutes I allowed him back in, but he wouldn't let me near him. Out he went again. With the help of several other adults, he did go into the crate.
I have a 10 year old son, and I probably don't need to tell you that... they are best friends. I have noticed that he plays rougher with him lately, but never has been "mean" to him. I have recently read about the "alpaha" order, and realize I have allowed my dog to become the head of this household. He has always shown aggressive behavior, he has always growled or snapped when backed into a corner... We are prepared to work to save this dog, but will he ever be able to be trusted around the children?
Angie
Seattle, WA
Ed's Answer:
This is 100% your fault. Problems like this are usually the owners fault. You have not established yourself as the pack leader and now that you need to be you have to fight him and this is not an easy matter, as you already know.
If you want to salvage this, you have to get a muzzle and get the dog used to wearing it. The plastic Jafco muzzles that we sell are not a lot of money and work well. The muzzle must become something he lives in for a long time. It comes off to eat and drink and then goes back on.
You also need to get a prong collar and my Basic Dog Obedience video. You need to take this dog through the obedience programs in this video. This is the only way to start to regain your authority. With a muzzle he cannot attack you.
Read the article I have written on Dealing With the Dominant Dog - it's in my list of training articles. Unless you do these things, you will be attacked again. Your son is probably not in danger as long as he does not try and make the dog do something he does not want to do. If he tries to force him into the dog crate he will be attacked too. The bottom line is that you need to become a responsible pet owner. A lot of people make mistakes like you have made because they don't know any better. Now that you know there are no more excuses.
If you want to salvage this, you have to get a muzzle and get the dog used to wearing it. The plastic Jafco muzzles that we sell are not a lot of money and work well. The muzzle must become something he lives in for a long time. It comes off to eat and drink and then goes back on.
You also need to get a prong collar and my Basic Dog Obedience video. You need to take this dog through the obedience programs in this video. This is the only way to start to regain your authority. With a muzzle he cannot attack you.
Read the article I have written on Dealing With the Dominant Dog - it's in my list of training articles. Unless you do these things, you will be attacked again. Your son is probably not in danger as long as he does not try and make the dog do something he does not want to do. If he tries to force him into the dog crate he will be attacked too. The bottom line is that you need to become a responsible pet owner. A lot of people make mistakes like you have made because they don't know any better. Now that you know there are no more excuses.
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