April 12, 2011
My Springer bit a neighbor boy. The dog was not provoked at all. My vet said to put the dog down. Do you have any suggestions?
Full Question:
My eight year old female springer has just seriously bitten a neighborhood 12 year boy on the hand after darting past my teenage son who was putting his bike away in the garage. The incident was unprovoked. The dog seems much more territorial lately growling and showing teeth when the mail carrier arrives and had growled at my daughter a few weeks ago, when she pulled on her paw while the dog was sitting on her place. My daughter is 8. My vet has suggested we put the dog down citing the escalation of incidents and belief the dog is aggressive, as he has to muzzle her when she receives care. He had also explained rage syndrome in Springers and does not suggest owning this breed with children. I'm sure you can sense my devastation, however, the well being of my children and neighborhood children is my primary concern. I would appreciate your feedback and respect your advise. Any suggestions of breeds suitable for families with children. The dog has brought much joy into our lives.Thank you.
Karen
Ed's Answer:
Read the article I wrote titled Dealing with the Dominant Dog. Also read the Q&A on this subject. This article contains a number of the reasons your dog is acting the way he is acting.
The only way you can keep this dog is if you cut the access to your children out of the dogs life – this means only you control its environment. It means adding a secure dog kennel (with a lock on the gate so the kids cannot access the dog and let it out).
The dog needs to be 120% trained to distraction. Use an electric collar every time it comes out of the kennel. It should be on a leash EVERY time it comes out of the back yard. Use a prong collar in training. If you would like to learn more about the principles of obedience training a dog, read the description for my Basic Dog Obedience video. 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. I think if you read the testimonials on that tape you will see that my customers feel the same way.
It needs to be kept away from your daughter.
If you are not willing to do this – then put the dog down.
The only way you can keep this dog is if you cut the access to your children out of the dogs life – this means only you control its environment. It means adding a secure dog kennel (with a lock on the gate so the kids cannot access the dog and let it out).
The dog needs to be 120% trained to distraction. Use an electric collar every time it comes out of the kennel. It should be on a leash EVERY time it comes out of the back yard. Use a prong collar in training. If you would like to learn more about the principles of obedience training a dog, read the description for my Basic Dog Obedience video. 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. I think if you read the testimonials on that tape you will see that my customers feel the same way.
It needs to be kept away from your daughter.
If you are not willing to do this – then put the dog down.
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