Help!!

[emzi82]

Me and my boyfriend adopted a 5 year old Lurcher cross about 2 months ago. From the beginning he has been vicious, biting my friend and my partner on more than two occasions....although the first two times we believe were due to a lack of thought on the humans side the dog seems to have come between me and my partner. Where my partner seems to put up with all the dogs bad behaviour ie biting etc it really scares me to think how far he will let the dog go before getting rid. Don't get me wrong I absolutley adore dogs but this one is just a plain nasty animal and there would be no love lost if he were to walk out of the door. Just wondered if anyone had any experience with aggressive dogs.....all comments welcome

[borzoimom]

Honey- I need more info. When are these bites occuring? What are you doing? ( like- making this up the dog tries to bite when I try to put on a leash, or if the dog is eating etc). Also- which breed is dominant in the lurcher? ( for anyone else reading this- its a mixture of sighthound and herding breed usually..) Is there a consitancy.. Like one using the leash example- the dog is fine with the lead- then next time no. And how is the dog with strangers? Do the bites occur in the house or out etc etc etc.

[catnapper]

Definately need more info. Its VERY rare that a dog bite is unmotivated. 99% of the time its us humans doing something stupid that a dog interprets as being an act of aggression. Like approaching a dog from straight on --- very bad move on human part and every human seems to do it.

[applesmom]

More information with descriptions of specific incidents are needed to determine why you feel the need to get rid of the dog. We'll also need information on his daily routine and behavior at other times.

[Karen]

From the little information you have given us, it seems the fault lays on your boyfriend's shoulders, and yours in that the dog needs training. Just like you'd train a puppy, this dog seems to not understand the "rules" of living with people. Enroll in an obedience class with him, and see how that goes. Just because a dog is 5 years old doesn't mean it has had any kind of training, and an untrained dog is a danger to others and himself.

[Santo Domingo]

I'd do some obediance training involving you, your partner, and your dog. If your partner is there often(or lives there) and will be an impact in the dog's life then all 3 of you need to be involved.

I'd also go with NILIF. It, in a nutshell, teaches the dog that " nothing in life is free". He wants breakfast..he sits and waits until you've put the bowl down and said "ok"..he wants to play tug...you make him sit until you say he can play and then YOU stop playing when you want to be finished, not him. he wants a treat...he better sit and stay until you've said its ok for him to have it. he has to go potty...well not until he sits long enough for you to put the leash on, then he waits at the door( you stand outside the open door) until youve said its "ok" to come out with you. it may sound a little mean but if you dont let this dog know now that YOU are in charge he will walk all over you. heres a great site for NILIF. It essentially sums up what I said with reasons as to why/how it works. http://k9deb.com/nilif.htm

[mr.chiwawa]

there would be no love lost if he were to walk out of the door.
Not to come off as rude but why did you get him then.An animal isnt a disposible thing give it time and work with the dog not agaisnt him. And just like another person said just because hes older doesnt mean he is trained.

[mike001]

I agree, need more info to sort this out. But NILIF works wonders and I think training classes would be in order. Please send more details.