Advice About Aggressive Pet

Hi I have a jack russell/ sheltie mix. He is almost 2 last summer he started nipping at my 3 year old, at first on the hand, the last time he bit him on the face and it drew blood and left a little scar. It scarred all of us. The vet said next time he could lose an eye. I have been keeping them seperated since June, unless I can be right there. It has been a pain but I have been looking for a new home for my dog. I am very nervous that he will end up in the wrong hands. I have heard if you give a dog away he is likely to die, either being used as bait or nothing invested in the dog financially, so they don't care if it runs away or what may happen to it. I am hoping word of mouth through friends and family will pay off. In the mean time I will keep them seperated as long as I have to.
Good luck

Hi C.,

We live in a society where pets seem to be "throw aways" so I'm happy to see that you are willing to try to make it work.

First off, I would designate a room or crate that is the dogs. Dogs need a break from toddlers (just like we do) and no matter HOW good a family dog is, the bottom line is they are still animals and none can be trusted 100%. So by giving them a room/crate, this gives them a safety zone. Put her in there anytime you cannot directly supervise your son and her. I know it is a pain but it can be done. We did that when our son came along as we have big dogs.

Second, enroll her in obedience - even if she is obedient to you, she may need a refresher that she is NOT alpha over any person (even little ones!). You might want to check with a dog behavorist too.

Let your son, with your supervision, give her treats but make her work for them - i.e., sit, stay, down, etc. She will associate him with good things while learning that he is alpha to her.

Also, has she been checked by a vet - perhaps something is causing her pain, making her snappy?

This will all take time but it will be worth it. If all fails, please find a rescue for her and be completely honest that she cannot be placed in a home with children. Please don't take her to the Humane Society - they will put to sleep any dog that nips.

Good luck and I hope this helps.

B.

C.,
I suggest you check into the "dog whisper" they have some amazing advise for dog especialy those who are aggesive. I know it may sound silly because it is a TV show but we have learned several great tips for our dogs we thought were very well behaved but even better now.

I understand that you love your dog, and of course love your child more. Why don't you try to find someone who can take your dog, that way you will always have updates on your dog. I think that eases the pain of getting rid of her. You did take the responsibility of caring for her, but you can not be too hard on yourself, this is a situation that changes things. You can not leave your child in potential danger, that is not fair. No one will look down on you, and you do not want her put to sleep, so start spreading the word that there is a dog that needs a childless home!

I have an English Bulldog and he does great with my 10 Month Old.....I suggest trying to take him to some sort of class of try some sort of training....if this doesnt work out I know alot of people without children that would be interested in taking over ownership for I know tons of "bully lovers"....if you are interested please email me at ____@____.com

I love our cat. I grew up with dogs who were family. I can't imagine not having a pet as a member of our household.

However, after 2 experiences where our 2 year old was nipped at--once by an English Bulldog of a very good friend--I have a very strong opinion about this. NO ONE HURTS MY BABIES! If there is even a REMOTE chance that your four-legged baby could hurt your two-legged baby, the four-legged one has to go. You would never be able to forgive yourself if something serious happened!

Try to find a loving home for your dog, but don't risk your son!

Hello C.,
I feel your pain. I have a one year old, and the dog I believe thinks she's a smaller dog and wants to play with her in a dog way. I have the phone number of a trainer if you'd like. Her advice to me was put my big guy in his cage when I'm unsure about the situation. I also need to make sure I walk my dog daily, he needs the exercise, as he's home all day alone. Also do not let your dog lick your child. My dog was doing that, he I guess thought he was her boss. It's better here, not 100% but better.I guess if I really feel my child is in jeopardy, my boy will have to go. It pains me to say that but I don't want anything to happen to my child.Please E-mail me if you want the #, she lives in Royal Oak, if that's close to you.
L.

No no no... do not take the dog to the human society. If you tell them s/he nipped your child the dog WILL BE PUT DOWN!!!!! Your first problem is keeping them separate!!! You need to teach them to get along and live harmonesly. We have a little dog that gets along great with our infant. We include the dog in all activities even feeding the baby. If the baby is on our lap the dog is on or near our lap as well.
It's your responsibility to teach your pet right and wrong behaviour.

Take an active role in teaching children how to pet and properly hold or carry a pet

Be sure the pet has a safe place to retreat to where it can rest and have quiet time away from active, playful children. This can also be used as a “time out” place for pets who become overly-excited and rough when playing.

Do not allow your dog to chase your children and train your children to never run from a dog. Dogs instinctively chase, and a child running and screaming can prompt a predator/prey instinctive response.

I applaud you for wanting to make it work since you did get the pet afterall. Do you watch "Cesar Milan, the Dog Whisperer" on Nat'l Geog. channel? He authored an excellent book also. If after that you still need help, get enrolled in a canine behavior class (and yes they have great ones at any of the 3 Mich Humane centers). Meanwhile, have your son act more in charge of the dog. Have him make the dog do tricks for him. Don't let the dog on the couch or bed. Don't ever walk around the dog (make him move for you), when going outside, YOU {humans} walk over the threshold first, you {humans} eat your meals before he gets his. Pretty soon he will figure out who is Alpha (the adult hopefully), and he will fall into submission. And he will like it! Good luck. ~J.

Working in the ER, I have seen quite a few dog bites, most of them are not minor when it comes to children. The last little boy that came in had to have a plastic surgeon come in to do major plastic repair to the childs face. Having a tempermental animal around children is nothing to mess around with. I would try and find someone without children to give your dog too. We all love our pets, but our children take prescedent 100% over an animal anyday. Don't wait until you are sitting in the ER to make the decision to find someone to take your animal.

Yes I know how you feel it is hard -the dog was your first priority -then comes the Baby
I have two suggestions:
Before taking the dog anywhere .go to your Internet search engine and type in " English Bulldog Rescue " or
engbulldogs.com or both.
Some veterinary offices have dog training (people training LOL) classes if you have the time and $$$.
Having an aggressive pet is never a good Idea around young children - I don;t believe your pet is a bad dog - he just feels a little displaced and wants to teach this "new pack member " his place in the order of things .
The results can be tragic for you , your son and the dog . (as you already know )
Your first priority in life right now is your child, and you are thinking correctly.
Good Luck Sweetheart ! P.S.
A muzzle looks awful but for your child's safety perhaps it would be best until you find your answer !

It sounds like you already know that you need to get rid of the dog. That particular breed it sought after. I'd post a listing on Craigs list or call a shelter, vet and see if anyone will take him. You cannot put your children (or other peoples children) at risk.

You did not know how your dog would react to children when you got her so it's not your fault. Just remember your child is your utmost priority here and if he/she's in danger the pet should be removed. Nipping now can turn in to something worse later more likely than not. They do have shelters you can take dogs to that will keep them til a home is found or even a rescue organization. Just let them know the dog needs to be placed with no children.

There are plenty of training/obedience classes that can help with this problem. You can ask your Vet. for a refferal in your area. This is ususally a rsponse to the addition of a new member of the pack, (according to the dog the child is last in the pecking order). You don't want to give your dog up without trying to train him and your son to live together.
Good Luck

Hi C.-
I was always worried about one of my dogs hurting my 2-1/2 year old. I was very careful, and would keep really good track of where they both were. But it only takes a second for something to happen, and my daughter ended up getting attacked. We pulled our dog off of her within 5 seconds, but it was too late. Her face and head were all bitten up. I actually feel that this was a warning attack from my dog. She could have done much worse. My daughter only received one stitch, but I also had to get her a little therapy. Luckily, we had another dog who she got completely over her fears with, and she's doing fine now... 2-1/2 years later. My dog was 11 at the time, and we ended up putting her down. Your dog is only 5, and I'm sure you could find a good home for her. Or you could try an animal behaviorist. They might be able to help too. It's a really hard decision... good luck!

You definately need to get rid of the dog. I understand you're torn but your child is more important. I DO NOT recommend putting an ad in the paper! People that run dog fighting rings tend to get animals out of the paper. You'd be better off finding a rescue for her. There is a place called Adopt-A-Pet in Fenton. They may take her. Their number is ###-###-####. If they can't take her they may have info on an english bulldog rescue. Good luck!

I agree with Beth 100%! Your child's safety should always come first, but that doesn't mean that the dog has to go. A new baby is a big life change, not just for you, but for your dog as well. It probably wasn't that big of a deal when the baby stayed out of her way, but now he isn't a baby anymore and her territory is invaded. I would definitely keep them seperated at times when you can not be there to supervise their interactions. I would also give the dog and your son lots of praise when they have good interactions.

C.,

We had a dog that began nipping at our son too. We just couldn't take the chance that our son might end up scarred for life or worse in his own home.

Take her in for grooming and ask them to doll her up with a bow. Take a wonderful picture of her (turn it into a jpeg) and do an email blast out to all of the addresses in your address book explaining the problem. Mention you'd like her to find a home with no small children. The same weekend, run a classified with a small picture of her and an ad stating no small children. Pray about it and wait for her new owner to come forward.

She's worth putting a little money into relocating her, isn't she? There are online classifieds, but it would be better to relocate her close to you or to someone associated to your group of acquaintances. That way you can look in on her or visit from time to time (or at least ask about her and get an update).

Well, I hope everything turns out well. I'll pray about it too. Good Luck.

D.

Hi, I'm A.. I found a site for the Bulldog club of America rescue network. These people have a heart for this particular breed of dog. They should be very helpful, even if you choose not to go with them. Here is the website to a list of people in Michigan that either rescue them & keep them or find them new homes with other people that love bulldogs. It's probably your best option. Here is the web address. Just copy and paste it in your browser. Here: http://www.rescuebulldogs.org/rescueroster/rescueroster.p...
Please do not take your dog to the humane society. She will most definitely be destroyed. They do this with most dogs that nip or bite, unfortunately. Your dog would be better in a home with OUT small children. Not all dogs (like people) have the temperment to handle small children.
Hope this helps,
A.
p.s don't ever give your dog away for free. There are people that specifically pick up dogs for free (you think that they're going to a new home) and then sell them for science/medical testing (torture). Free money for them! Happens more than you think, sadly. If an individual really loves your dog, they will be willing to PAY for her.

You really should not live in fear that your dog will hurt your child. Here are some things you could do:
1. Get a trainer to help you manage the behavior.
2. watch Cesar Milan in "Dog Whisperer" on the history channel I think. He is a dog behaviorist who helps people correct their dogs problem behavior. He also has a website.
3. contact a rescue organization to find her a new home. Last Chance Rescue is a good organization. They are at petsmart on Miller Rd. in Flint on Saturday & Sunday from like 12-4 or so. There is also a Last Chance Rescue out of Birmingham or something. You can check their website for more information. www.lastchancerescue.org

I hope you find a resolution. You do not want the guilt of you child getting hurt because you had to take your eyes off of the dog for 2 seconds. If the dog does hurt the child then she will most likely be put to sleep. So, if you don't think you will be able to correct the behavior, I would look into one of the rescues. I think they even have bulldog rescue organization. You can just google bulldog rescue in Michigan and it should give you some contacts. Good Luck!

hello this is pretty common with smaller dogs alot of your smaller dogs are not kid friendly.i would just really watch him around the kids. a bull dog if gets a good bite can tare a pretty good hole in someone.i know from experince my niece who is 14 was wearing flip flops here at the kennel and a bull dog grabbed her foot she had to get 18 stiches and it was nasty. do not take him to the pound or anything like that i work at whistle lake pet resort in metamora and you can bring him here if you want to get rid of him we will find him a good home with no kids we are constantly having our clients wanting a adult dog.seriously if you want to find him a good home call me at ###-###-#### whistle lake pet resort in metamora my name is A.

I agree with Evelyn, do not take her to the humane society but do find her another home. Its wonderful that you want to make it work but your childs safty shoudl always come first. My daughter has a scar on her lip from wher our dog bit her. They usually got along, we only notice subtle signs of a problem and thought we could train the dog to like her. It was so fast when he bit her!!
Why risk it when it comes to your child?
J.

I volunteer for a Boxer rescue. Although you love your dog, it sounds like it is time for her to go to a family without small children. Do not, I repeat do not take her to the human society. Your first action should be to get ahold of a English Bulldog rescue. They will foster your dog for a while, make sure she goes to a home without children and they can be picky; they carefully screen and check their applicants. Don't get me wrong, the human society is a good place, but I strongly recommend a rescue first.

Good luck.
If you want, I will ask the resuce I work with if they know a good english bulldog rescue.