Down_the_Rabbit_Hole Posted August 8, 2012 Share Posted August 8, 2012 I posted before about our dog getting more aggressive but now she has actually bitten my dd. This is the second time in a week. The first time was more a nip when dd went to pick her up and put it in the laundry room to get her away from company (the dog has been taught to go to its room when someone is at the door)...the dog refused to go on its own so dd was going to take care of it. Yesterday something similar happened but this time it was an actual bite. Broken skin and a bruise. Earlier the dog aggressively growled at dd when they were playing with a stick...dd was throwing a stick and the dog would fetch it. But then when dd when to get the stick from the dog (like a few times before) it growled (not a playful growl). The biting is new but the refusing to listen to commands has been getting worse. I am going for a second consult with the vet on Friday but I think it is time for the dog to go.:( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nono Posted August 8, 2012 Share Posted August 8, 2012 but I think it is time for the dog to go.:( Yes. It is. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommyfaithe Posted August 8, 2012 Share Posted August 8, 2012 No second chances. Ds has scars on his face and head from an aggressive dog. It took lots of stitches to fix him up. The dog was unpredictable....and returned to the shelter before we got home from the hospital. I love my dogs....but my kids safety comes first. I do not believe you can train that type of aggression out of a dog....especially when they are trying to be alpha dog with the kids. Eta....hugs.....I know it is difficult ....especially after you have bonded. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Down_the_Rabbit_Hole Posted August 8, 2012 Author Share Posted August 8, 2012 No second chances. Ds has scars on his face and head from an aggressive dog. It took lots of stitches to fix him up. The dog was unpredictable....and returned to the shelter before we got home from the hospital. I love my dogs....but my kids safety comes first. I do not believe you can train that type of aggression out of a dog....especially when they are trying to be alpha dog with the kids. Eta....hugs.....I know it is difficult ....especially after you have bonded. This dog has been with us for 5 yrs but never a very lovable thing, had an old lady peronality. The dog before this one was great, a pug, but died during our evacuation after Hurricane Katrina. We really wanted it to work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lizzie in Ma Posted August 8, 2012 Share Posted August 8, 2012 I am so sorry. :grouphug::grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wintermom Posted August 8, 2012 Share Posted August 8, 2012 (edited) Is this a sudden change in behaviour for the dog? If you had it for 5 years and suddenly it has bitten a family member twice, I would have the vet check for any physical issues. If the dog is in pain, or something else is a stimulating factor, that might be a reason for this behaviour. On a different note, I don't think I'd let a 7 year old child pick up a dog. Perhaps the dog is worried about the unexpected movements of young children. Edited August 8, 2012 by wintermom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QuirkyKapers Posted August 8, 2012 Share Posted August 8, 2012 :grouphug: This is such a hard situation to be in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Impish Posted August 8, 2012 Share Posted August 8, 2012 I'm of the no 2nd chances group when it comes to biting dogs. I'm sorry :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DawnM Posted August 9, 2012 Share Posted August 9, 2012 I have always said that if my dog bites, she is GONE. She used to growl at my kids. Part of me thought we should get rid of her THEN, but I waited. Dog is older and tamer now, but I thought long and hard about not keeping her, and if she had bitten, she would not be here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted August 9, 2012 Share Posted August 9, 2012 (edited) I think it's a wise idea to have her checked by the vet, to rule out a physical issue, like a sort spot on her body or even a bad tooth that hurts her. Try to think of anything at all that would help the vet narrow down a possible issue. (Is she aggressive when touched in a certain place? Is she only aggressive with your dd, and if so, what exactly is your dd doing when she gets aggressive? Have you ever seen signs of this behavior in the past? Exactly when did you first notice the change in her behavior? Is she having any problems with her vision or her hearing? Could she have a brain tumor or anything that might be causing her to have headaches?) Barring any sort of physical problem, though, I agree that you can't keep a dog that bites. :( Edited August 9, 2012 by Catwoman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ILiveInFlipFlops Posted August 9, 2012 Share Posted August 9, 2012 I'm so sorry :( We had to make the same choice when the girls were little. I'd had that dog for 14 years. She'd been with me through breakups and moves, living with roommates and living alone, meeting DH and getting married and having kids. Even when your kids' safety is at stake, it's not easy. But yeah, the kids have to come first. It just really stinks :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amy Jo Posted August 9, 2012 Share Posted August 9, 2012 I think a vet visit is warranted. And I'd keep dog in a separate room until then. I just find it odd you've had the dog 5 years and suddenly it's biting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted August 9, 2012 Share Posted August 9, 2012 I think a vet visit is warranted. And I'd keep dog in a separate room until then. I just find it odd you've had the dog 5 years and suddenly it's biting. I do, too. That's why I'm glad she's taking the dog to the vet before she makes a decision to find a new home for her. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justLisa Posted August 9, 2012 Share Posted August 9, 2012 I'm of the no 2nd chances group when it comes to biting dogs. I'm sorry :grouphug: THIS> It's hard, but necessary. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pretty in Pink Posted August 9, 2012 Share Posted August 9, 2012 Yours is the dog that bit the mailman, no? I remember you posting about two incidents a few months back with strangers when you answered your front door. I am sorry that your dog has bitten your daughter. I'm glad she wasn't hurt any more than she was. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pretty in Pink Posted August 9, 2012 Share Posted August 9, 2012 I think a vet visit is warranted. And I'd keep dog in a separate room until then. I just find it odd you've had the dog 5 years and suddenly it's biting. IIRC the dog has been getting more and more aggressive over the past several months. I believe this is the same poster who shared that her dog had (twice? thrice?) shown aggression towards guests when she answered the door, including outright biting the mailman at one point. If I'm remembering the wrong poster then please accept my apologies in advance. :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted August 9, 2012 Share Posted August 9, 2012 IIRC the dog has been getting more and more aggressive over the past several months. I believe this is the same poster who shared that her dog had (twice? thrice?) shown aggression towards guests when she answered the door, including outright biting the mailman at one point. If I'm remembering the wrong poster then please accept my apologies in advance. :001_smile: Thanks for the info. If that's the case, I'd still ask the vet about a physical issue, but would be far less surprised if there wasn't one -- and if there wasn't, there's no way I would keep that dog, nor would I be surprised if the vet suggested putting her to sleep. It's hard to re-home a dog that is aggressive and bites, as when you do that, you are risking the safety of another family (and their friends, neighbors, and postmen.) This is so sad. :( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
besroma Posted August 9, 2012 Share Posted August 9, 2012 I am sorry, too. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FairyMom Posted August 9, 2012 Share Posted August 9, 2012 <snip> but I think it is time for the dog to go.:( I know that's hard, but I agree. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FO4UR Posted August 9, 2012 Share Posted August 9, 2012 It's time for the dog to go. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1GirlTwinBoys Posted August 9, 2012 Share Posted August 9, 2012 time for the dog to go :grouphug: I wouldn't keep a dog that bit one of my children. I've had to make this decision before. It's for the best. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kathryn Posted August 9, 2012 Share Posted August 9, 2012 IIRC the dog has been getting more and more aggressive over the past several months. I believe this is the same poster who shared that her dog had (twice? thrice?) shown aggression towards guests when she answered the door, including outright biting the mailman at one point. If I'm remembering the wrong poster then please accept my apologies in advance. :001_smile: I remember that too. Biting/aggressive pets and children don't mix. I'm sorry. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elizabeth in MN Posted August 9, 2012 Share Posted August 9, 2012 Is this a sudden change in behaviour for the dog? If you had it for 5 years and suddenly it has bitten a family member twice, I would have the vet check for any physical issues. If the dog is in pain, or something else is a stimulating factor, that might be a reason for this behaviour. On a different note, I don't think I'd let a 7 year old child pick up a dog. Perhaps the dog is worried about the unexpected movements of young children. :iagree: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lil' maids in a row Posted August 9, 2012 Share Posted August 9, 2012 I'm of the no 2nd chances group when it comes to biting dogs. I'm sorry :grouphug: :iagree: :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommyfaithe Posted August 9, 2012 Share Posted August 9, 2012 This dog has been with us for 5 yrs but never a very lovable thing, had an old lady peronality. The dog before this one was great, a pug, but died during our evacuation after Hurricane Katrina. We really wanted it to work. I am sorry. It is so hard....but I would still be a nut job about my kids. Some dogs get grumpier as they get older. I am sorry you are going through this. It just stinks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jpoy85 Posted August 9, 2012 Share Posted August 9, 2012 Flame me if you must, but I wouldnt let the dog go. Right away anyway. I would do a vet check. Then a training check. Then re-home/put down. Vet to check for health issues and training to re-train/instill training issues. Perhaps the dog feels threatened some how by your daughter/others. Such as moving from one area to another (territory issue- thus biting when people coming to the door). This could be handled with training. Im NOT talking Ceaser Millan (that guy is not a real licensed dog trainer). I mean a real trainer that can work with your dog. It is possible, but i dont know how much or how available it is in your area? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommyof4ks Posted August 9, 2012 Share Posted August 9, 2012 I think a vet visit is warranted. And I'd keep dog in a separate room until then. I just find it odd you've had the dog 5 years and suddenly it's biting. :iagree: Our dog got nippy when she got cancer, but she was in pain (we had her put down when meds no longer helped). Our kids learned very quickly not to pick her up or scare her, because she would nip. She never bit though, so IDK if your doggy is sick or not. Maybe she is going blind? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liz CA Posted August 9, 2012 Share Posted August 9, 2012 Sounds like you have not had this dog very long. If he is this aggressive, it may be best to let him be adopted by a family with no children or only one person. He may need a lot of one on one and a lot of time to bond with someone. Hope you daughter heals quickly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dansamy Posted August 9, 2012 Share Posted August 9, 2012 I have a dog that nips in fear when she's threatened. I have a kid that won't leave the dog alone. I am not getting rid of either. Better training for the kid and the dog both. That doesn't sound like your situation though. I think you need a full vet eval before deciding what to do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Down_the_Rabbit_Hole Posted August 9, 2012 Author Share Posted August 9, 2012 The dog was taken to see the vet when the aggression started getting worse, sometime in May (maybe April) and was said to be in perfect health. I was told since she is a terrier mix the aggression was due to being territorial. Over the last month she has started to refuse commands when first given. She will not take any from dd now. Yesterday she pooped all over the deck because she wanted to come in and I would not let her. :glare: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bzymom Posted August 9, 2012 Share Posted August 9, 2012 If the vet hasn't found any indication of a physical cause, I have to agree that she needs to go. She has bitten, continues to grow in aggression and defiance, and you have children. And I would never rehome a biting dog unless there were an extraordinary circumstance, i.e. a specialist in this breed/behaviorist with full knowledge and no children wanted to take it on at their own risk. And even then I would have to think long and hard. Not every dog is misunderstood. Some just are ugly. And I am sorry this dog has not been good for your family. There is one out there who would be! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jpoy85 Posted August 9, 2012 Share Posted August 9, 2012 The dog was taken to see the vet when the aggression started getting worse, sometime in May (maybe April) and was said to be in perfect health. I was told since she is a terrier mix the aggression was due to being territorial. Over the last month she has started to refuse commands when first given. She will not take any from dd now. Yesterday she pooped all over the deck because she wanted to come in and I would not let her. :glare: why wouldnt you let her in? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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