WWYD: Another dog thread involving biting

[Disneyplanners]

I have been on the disboards for a couple of years, mostly as a lurker, and have never posted a personal question before. I decided to re-register to change my user name, as my old one had my real name in it.

Anyway this is the story: We have an 8 month old cocker spaniel puppy. Our family (myself, DH, DS7 and DS4) got her when she was ~7 weeks old. As a puppy she has been a nipper, never bad enough to hurt anyone. We've worked to eliminate that behavior, although she does "mouth" our hands still sometimes. About 2-3 months ago when she was around 5 months old, she bit my 4 year old on the cheek. The bite was not hard enough to break the skin, but his cheek got a small bruise on it. My DS4 was not bothering the dog, he was sitting next to her while she chewed on a bone, and I think he moved to get up and was bit. We looked up solutions online, and started to do things like not allow her on the couch (although admittedly we have not been completely consistent) in order to show the pup that the boys were dominant over her. Things had been going well without incident until Monday when she bit DS4 again. They were sitting beside each other (DS4 and the dog) and I think the dog went for something he had in his hand. DS4 was bit on the finger.

DH and I have since been discussing re-homeing her, but haven't decided yet what we'll do. The dog is very very sweet. She loves to be around us, loves to be pet and rolls right onto her back when she comes to us. DS7 and DS4 still love her and want to keep her, although I know DH and I have to make the best choice.

I'd love to get some opinions on this. Could professional training help break her of biting. I'm not sure the two incidents are bad enough to re-home her, but I worry about her doing it again.

 

[Luvchefmic]

Good for you for being honest with yourself about a bad situation...well you should worry about her doing it again and since you asked & admit you haven't been consistent I would contact my vet & see if he/she could recommend someone that can help train you & your family. Finding someone on the internet is not a good resource in my opinion. Anyone can claim to be anyone & have whatever experience they want to claim ...I would call my vet, NOW before you start reading all the opinions you are going to get here.

 

[disney_mommy]

I agree - the first thing you should do is call your vet. He or she can guide you on what to do from there.

By the way, I respect you for saying you would re-home her and not jump right into euthanizing her. Death shouldn't be the first thing people jump to.

Please keep us updated. Also, as a warning, I'm sure you're aware that this might get heated, as people have strong opinions about this sort of subject. Whatever happens, listen to your vet and do what you think is right for your family and the pup.

 

[Mickey's Minion]

Good for you for being honest with yourself about a bad situation...well you should worry about her doing it again and since you asked & admit you haven't been consistent I would contact my vet & see if he/she could recommend someone that can help train you & your family. Finding someone on the internet is not a good resource in my opinion. Anyone can claim to be anyone & have whatever experience they want to claim ...I would call my vet, NOW before you start reading all the opinions you are going to get here.

Another suggestion would be to contact your local Cocker Spaniel breed club and see if somebody there could recommend a person to do a behavior temperament test. Then get a recommendation for a good beginning obedience class. Between the vet and cocker expert, you should be in good hands to guide you in your decision.

 

[chloelovesdisney]

I'd agree with the others to try a trainer, etc.. I wouldn't have recommended a cocker spaniel to a family with young kids to begin with though as I've heard several stories regarding them biting but since you already have her I'd try and work it out.

If the trainer has concerns I would find another home for her without young kids and try a different breed like a lab or english bulldog that are very kid friendly.

 

[pyrxtc]

I think unless you are consistent with her training she will continue to think she is boss. It is something that you as owners did wrong and the puppy was just being a puppy. Maybe take her to a training class and teach her who is boss with the boys being in charge.

I can only recommend re-homeing her if you vow to never get another dog in your life.

 

[Luvchefmic]

I think unless you are consistent with her training she will continue to think she is boss. It is something that you as owners did wrong and the puppy was just being a puppy. Maybe take her to a training class and teach her who is boss with the boys being in charge.

I can only recommend re-homeing her if you vow to never get another dog in your life.

Whoa pretty harsh the OP knows they have a problem & came seeking advice (knew this would happen) with all due respect when your dog went missing we gave you prayers and words of encouragement can you pass on the love ? I don't recall anyone saying you were wrong in those circumstances or saying something like what you just did

 

[disney_mommy]

I think unless you are consistent with her training she will continue to think she is boss. It is something that you as owners did wrong and the puppy was just being a puppy. Maybe take her to a training class and teach her who is boss with the boys being in charge.

I can only recommend re-homeing her if you vow to never get another dog in your life.

Whoa pretty harsh the OP knows they have a problem & came seeking advice (knew this would happen) with all due respect when your dog went missing we gave you prayers and words of encouragement can you pass on the love ? I don't recall anyone saying you were wrong in those circumstances or saying something like what you just did

Just a few minutes ago, pyrxtc went on another thread and, clearly not having read the orginial post, replied something offhanded and not quite nice. Maybe she's in a bad mood and taking it out on others?

 

[HelenePA]

I can only recommend re-homeing her if you vow to never get another dog in your life.

Seriously.. maybe this dog isn't just a good fit for the family.

I got my latest dog (a five yr old akc english springer spaniel named Charlie) from a rehoming. They hated to do it but it was the best thing for everyone all around. They have 2 other dogs who have worked out wonderful for them but Charlie needed more attention than they could give. They tried traing with a trainer but it just didn't work. They gave it six months between the first time they mentioned it to me and when I got him.Between me and the kids he gets more attention than he wants.. does he still have some quirks? yes but not nearly as many as we got him with. No matter how much research you do into a breed there is always a chance it wont be a good match and the dog would be happier with another family.

 

[Luvchefmic]

Just a few minutes ago, pyrxtc went on another thread and, clearly not having read the orginial post, replied something offhanded and not quite nice. Maybe she's in a bad mood and taking it out on others?

truly hope that's the case...her story was heartbreaking & turned out great which is why I had to point that out to her


OP contact your vet and go from there okay?

 

[pyrxtc]

Just a few minutes ago, pyrxtc went on another thread and, clearly not having read the orginial post, replied something offhanded and not quite nice. Maybe she's in a bad mood and taking it out on others?

What post did I go on ?

 

[jrmasm]

Seriously.. maybe this dog isn't just a good fit for the family.
I got my latest dog (a five yr old akc english springer spaniel named Charlie) from a rehoming. They hated to do it but it was the best thing for everyone all around. They have 2 other dogs who have worked out wonderful for them but Charlie needed more attention than they could give. They tried traing with a trainer but it just didn't work. They gave it six months between the first time they mentioned it to me and when I got him.Between me and the kids he gets more attention than he wants.. does he still have some quirks? yes but not nearly as many as we got him with. No matter how much research you do into a breed there is always a chance it wont be a good match and the dog would be happier with another family.

That could be but it frequently seems that that people aren't willing to dedicate the time and money to really work through a problem. I think the true 'bad fit' situations are pretty rare.

I understand Pyrxtc's frustration. It's really damn hard to read about a family having a problem with their dog, they do nothing to try to fix it despite numerous suggestions and rehome instead and then months later they post about a new puppy.


Sorry for the derailment OP, I would second the suggestion of some good training for both your family and the dog.

 

[pyrxtc]

That could be but it frequently seems that that people aren't willing to dedicate the time and money to really work through a problem. I think the true 'bad fit' situations are pretty rare.

I understand Pyrxtc's frustration. It's really damn hard to read about a family having a problem with their dog, they do nothing to try to fix it despite numerous suggestions and rehome instead and then months later they post about a new puppy.


Sorry for the derailment OP, I would second the suggestion of some good training for both your family and the dog.

Exactly !! I wasn't being mean or rude, just completely honest. The dog is 8 months old without consistent training, what do you expect ? If they don't truly try with this puppy, why would I be encouraging to get another dog ?? I had a dog that had to be put down because of biting. He had the proper training and was no longer a puppy learning. He got very sick the head and the vet recommended putting him down because she couldn't, in good conscience, recommend re-homing him.

Also in the mentioning of my dog disappearing, what does that have to do with anything ? He came home on his own and disappeared through no fault of mine. I spent the whole time he was gone crying and trying to find him. He was hooked on a lead for less than 5 minutes when he disappeared.

i am not in a bad mood, just telling it how the OP has a laid it out.

 

[Luvchefmic]

I for one was ELATED when your dog came home....I think all the posters were ready to throw a big ole' Disboard party...but please scroll up & read your post (# 6) and my reaction (# 7) and if you don't understand then well I don't know what else to say

 

[pyrxtc]

Whoa pretty harsh the OP knows they have a problem & came seeking advice (knew this would happen) with all due respect when your dog went missing we gave you prayers and words of encouragement can you pass on the love ? I don't recall anyone saying you were wrong in those circumstances or saying something like what you just did

Passing on my love to the dog and not the OP. I hope the puppy finds a family that will spend the time to train her and not blame. I also hope that no other dog comes into a family that refuses to train them and blames the actions on the dog... who is not even a dog yet but a puppy, just a baby.

If a 3 yr old child bite or hits cuz her /his parents sometimes laugh and don't always say NO, who is to blame ? Same thing.

 

[Disneyplanners]

Thank you to everyone who responded with your experiences and opinions. We are going to talk with our vet and we are currently looking for trainers. Unfortunately there are not any dog trainers in our town, but we found a couple of possibilities ~ 30 min away.

I'm glad that most of the responses suggested further training as that is what I have felt like we should do. I worry about DS4 developing a fear of dogs, or worse, being bit again. Right now, he still wants to go to her and pet her. I'm a worrier, and I'm already thinking ahead to DS4 and DS7 having friends over, and how the dog will react. We had to have our last dog put down because she was suffering with cancer and I can't imagine having to do that over a behavior problem. This is why we have discussed whether or not it may be better for her live in a home without young kids now.

 

[sunnyday123]

Thank you to everyone who responded with your experiences and opinions. We are going to talk with our vet and we are currently looking for trainers. Unfortunately there are not any dog trainers in our town, but we found a couple of possibilities ~ 30 min away.

I'm glad that most of the responses suggested further training as that is what I have felt like we should do. I worry about DS4 developing a fear of dogs, or worse, being bit again. Right now, he still wants to go to her and pet her. I'm a worrier, and I'm already thinking ahead to DS4 and DS7 having friends over, and how the dog will react. We had to have our last dog put down because she was suffering with cancer and I can't imagine having to do that over a behavior problem. This is why we have discussed whether or not it may be better for her live in a home without young kids now.

Good luck, and I think what everyone has suggested is wise. Re-homing wouldn't be a bad thing, it would be better for everyone involved if she isn't a good fit for your family. There is no reason you should keep a dog that isn't good with children if you have them, and have tried to make it work.

The one thing that jumped out in your post is that you said you "weren't consistent" with her training. No matter what, you need to be consistent in her training, or it will all be for nothing. Does she have food guarding issues? That's what it sounds like from your post. Talk to your trainer about that. As a puppy, I've hand fed for a week or so, then had other family members ( DD) do it, then I picked up my dog's bowl, put something good in it, and put it back down. I'm constantly sticking my fingers in her bowl, moving it with my foot-all the time praising her. You might need to start out differently with her, but make sure you bring it up to your trainer. I've never met a Cocker Spainel that wasn't dominant or tried to run the house, so I really think you'll need to make sure she knows she's at the bottom of the totem pole at your house.

Good luck.

 

[golfgal]

Ok, first incident with your child near the dog making a sudden movement while the dog is eating a bone and the second incident is when your son is eating something and the dog tries to snatch it out of his hand and the dog nips his finger in the process sounds more like you need to train your kid not eat where the dog can get at his food or to be around the dog when the dog has a bone.

 

[walden]

Ok, first incident with your child near the dog making a sudden movement while the dog is eating a bone and the second incident is when your son is eating something and the dog tries to snatch it out of his hand and the dog nips his finger in the process sounds more like you need to train your kid not eat where the dog can get at his food or to be around the dog when the dog has a bone.

I was just going to post exactly this! Both bites happened over food. Separate while food is around. It is a basic safety precaution while you get some good consistent training. Your vet can help recommend a trainer.

Also, this book should be required reading for families before they get a dog. Just my opinion.

Childproofing Your Dog by Brian Kilcommons.
http://www.amazon.com/Childproofing-Your-Dog-Preparing-ebook/dp/B002WAUVBE

 

[ElizK]

I have been on the disboards for a couple of years, mostly as a lurker, and have never posted a personal question before. I decided to re-register to change my user name, as my old one had my real name in it.

Anyway this is the story: We have an 8 month old cocker spaniel puppy. Our family (myself, DH, DS7 and DS4) got her when she was ~7 weeks old. As a puppy she has been a nipper, never bad enough to hurt anyone. We've worked to eliminate that behavior, although she does "mouth" our hands still sometimes. About 2-3 months ago when she was around 5 months old, she bit my 4 year old on the cheek. The bite was not hard enough to break the skin, but his cheek got a small bruise on it. My DS4 was not bothering the dog, he was sitting next to her while she chewed on a bone, and I think he moved to get up and was bit. We looked up solutions online, and started to do things like not allow her on the couch (although admittedly we have not been completely consistent) in order to show the pup that the boys were dominant over her. Things had been going well without incident until Monday when she bit DS4 again. They were sitting beside each other (DS4 and the dog) and I think the dog went for something he had in his hand. DS4 was bit on the finger.

DH and I have since been discussing re-homeing her, but haven't decided yet what we'll do. The dog is very very sweet. She loves to be around us, loves to be pet and rolls right onto her back when she comes to us. DS7 and DS4 still love her and want to keep her, although I know DH and I have to make the best choice.

I'd love to get some opinions on this. Could professional training help break her of biting. I'm not sure the two incidents are bad enough to re-home her, but I worry about her doing it again.

I have a cocker mix, and we had to stop giving her bones, because she would snap if anyone came close. Our beagle is really bad about that, too. Your dog probably thought your DS was trying to grab the bone.

Our 3rd dog has been bad about "mouthing", too. We have not entirely broken her of the habit yet, but at least now she's not biting hard. We discourage the behavior every time ("NO BITE!"), and she stops, but we're still working on it.

I think you know what is best for you and for your dog. A home without small children would be a better fit. There is nothing in the world wrong with that.