Doggie Dilemma

[WilmaBud]

I had a dog who I had rescued. We had the dog, Barney, before we had our children. He had been abused, and he was prone to growling if he felt threatened. My son was a very agressive toddler, so Barney growled at him quite often. We taught my son to be more respectful of Barney's need for space. We took Barney to dog trainer/therapist, and we worked with him. I'm sure plenty of people would've never tolerated Barney's behavior. But you know what? When we take in pets, it's for better and for worse. We take the committment very seriously. Dogs aren't disposable, and too many people think they are. It's a rare case in which a dog legitimately has to be put down for aggression. As my son grew, he learned to be more gentle, and Barney felt less threatened by him. They ended up buddies. I would be inclined to think the dog feels in some way threatened or alarmed by your son. I think you've gotten good advice (from the people who recommended a trainer/behaviorist and the people who gave you tips for working with the dog and your son). And, by the way, I agree with Rajah and Piphay - pets are part of the family - you don't kill them just because they become difficult to deal with.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I don't recall seeing what breed this dog is. If it is a cocker, I would reevaluate. There is something called "cocker rage" that is hereditary, and doesn't show up until the dog is in mid life.

As a "dog person", breeder, trainer, exhibitor...I would say the most likely scenario is that the child did something to the dog at some time that either hurt the dog, scared the dog or challenged it's space. If this is the case, a behaviorist will be able to help.

Is the dog showing ANY agression toward other people? Other children? I always hate having to suggest what to do with a dog that is a threat to bite. I will take a dog back like that and evaluate it in my own environment, but I always think it is wrong to leave it in the environment where it is having trouble unless you take an active part in modifying the behavior.

My advice is to go back to the breeder. A reputable breeder will have good suggestions, will take the dog back and evaluate it and possibly find a new home for it. It is our DUTY as breeders to be responsible for the puppies we have produced for life!

 

[WilmaBud]

Sorry kinlaw, I posted my first response before I saw your post about this turning into a debate. I think, though, it's hard for animal lover's to resist defending the rights of animals. I hate debates (I rarely enter the fray here on the DIS ), but I LOVE animals. I don't mean to offend anyone, but I always feel compelled to defend our furry friends.

 

[fklhou]

Good luck. There is some good advice on this thread that I agree with. Try a professional trainer or handler and see if they have any ideas.

 

[kinlaw6450]

She's a Golden Lab, Shepherd mix. I got her from a missionary family that was going overseas. They did not want to quarantine her. She was 2.

Here she is a few minutes ago. She just had a bath and hates the hair dryer so she is air drying out on the porch.

 

[WilmaBud]

She's a cutie-pie!

 

[Rajah]

She's a beauty, Kinlaw.

 

[TigerBear]

She is beautiful!!!

 

[robinb]

She's a good looking dog . I can see the Shepard in her feet ... she has those skinny little toes and the Golden in her eyes and her nose.

 

[DoeWDW]

Kinlaw, what a beautiful dog!! I know it will take time but are things getting any better??