My dog is becoming dangerous with my children, what should I do?

Lise06

10/04/2020, 18:57

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Hi everyone,

I’m posting here because my dog is having some behavioural issues. Please, no judgements as this is a really difficult situation...

We have a four-year-old dog, a hound/Staffy cross. We got him from a private seller; the puppies were weaned but were actually too young, which we only found out when we took him for his first check-up at the vet. It turns out that even as a puppy, he had behavioural issues with our son. We called in a dog trainer who explained that because he hadn't been properly socialised by his mother, he was missing some of those basic lessons they usually learn. We followed all the advice and things were going well for a while.

Unfortunately, lately he's becoming aggressive again and it’s getting worse and worse. Now, as soon as one of the kids goes to stroke him, he bares his teeth and growls. We spoke to a behaviourist who said it’s linked to his lack of early training but that there isn't really a solution and it’ll only get worse. The problem is I don't want to take any risks with the children, but I don't want to just 'get rid' of him either. He's still our dog after all, and I’d like to try and find him another home, or maybe someone with a bit of land to look after as he’s a very good guard dog. But I don't know how to go about it and I don't want to do the wrong thing.

Could anyone help me out?

Thanks a lot.

Translated from French

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Werewolf1

14/04/2020, 14:35

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Leeleebijou Werewolf1 wrote: "I thought that was more of a last resort, wasn't it (the vet/osteo check-up)?..." "Actually, no – if he's in pain when you touch him in certain spots, it can trigger this kind of behaviour. The first question you have to ask is why?" Well... I think you need to start with a proper vet check to rule out any medical issues first... Osteopathy comes after that...

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Werewolf1

14/04/2020, 14:32

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Kikaah Werewolf1 wrote: "Beaujabote said: 'Growling is a warning – it shouldn't be ignored or suppressed because if a dog is told off for growling, one day they’ll stop growling and just bite.' So what should you do in that situation?..." "I’d say do nothing; if they’re growling because they need some space, then give it to them. But at the same time, you need to work on it by giving them a spot where they can be left in peace, without anyone coming over to give them a cuddle or anything like that." Right...

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Lise06

14/04/2020, 07:10

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Thanks for your advice. Since then, I’ve been taking him out for an hour every day. I let him sniff whatever he wants for as long as he likes, and we do short bursts of heel work, sitting and staying. We’ll see how it goes in the long run. Since he mainly growls at my daughter, we think something must have happened between them. She’s the hardest part of it all because she finds it difficult not to go over to him for a stroke. When we explain why we’re doing all this, she just tells us she loves the dog. So we’re being careful... if you have any other advice, I’d love to hear it.

Thanks again to everyone.

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Leeleebijou Icon representing the flag French

11/04/2020, 15:07

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The sooner you can rule out any health issues, the better.

It’ll make treatment easier and help you understand the root cause of the problem.

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Leeleebijou Icon representing the flag French

11/04/2020, 15:05

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I thought a vet or pet osteopath check-up was more of a last resort, wasn't it?...

Actually, no—if he's in pain when you touch him in certain spots, it can definitely trigger that sort of behaviour. The first question you have to ask is why?

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Beaujabote Icon representing the flag French

11/04/2020, 13:40

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You should explain the meaning of growling to your children, as well as signs of stress (looking away, lip licking, yawning, and shaking off), as these usually happen before the growl itself—you can find videos on this online. It’s so important that you and your kids recognise that your dog might just need a bit of space. Lockdown is tough for everyone, including our pets.

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Kikaah

11/04/2020, 12:42

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Beaujabote "Growling is a warning – it shouldn't be ignored or suppressed because if a dog is told off for growling, one day they'll stop growling and just bite." So, what should you do in that case?...

I’d say do nothing. If he’s growling because he needs some space, just give it to him. But at the same time, you need to work on it; give him a quiet spot where he knows he won’t be disturbed, without anyone coming over to give him a cuddle or anything like that.

I agree with what’s been said – his behaviour is probably down to all this lockdown business, as he isn't getting the peace and quiet he used to have. That said, if you give him a way to get a bit of peace, there’s no reason for it to get any worse. Once all this is over, things should gradually get back to normal.

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Werewolf1

11/04/2020, 11:46

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Beaujabote

"Growling is a warning sign – it shouldn't be ignored or suppressed because if a dog is told off for growling, one day they'll stop growling and just bite."

What are you supposed to do in that situation?...

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Werewolf1

11/04/2020, 11:43

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I reckon that's more of a last resort, isn't it (the vet/osteo check-up)?...

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Leeleebijou Icon representing the flag French

11/04/2020, 10:40

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