Inlaws mean dog

[larbabe]

He IS losing his sight. He has cataracts on both eyes, and I believe he may be hard of hearing (the reason for his loud barking). But I've noticed this bad behavior for quite some time, even before they came to live with us. My wife feels like she is caught in the middle. She feels it's between her folks and I (it puts me in an uncomfortable situation) The dog has also snapped and growled at her (but hasn't bitten her yet)

[finn's mom]

She feels it's between her folks and I (it puts me in an uncomfortable situation)

It's putting everyone in an uncomfortable situation. Her parents should be willing to make adjustments, considering they're living in your home. There are plenty of grown children who wouldn't allow their parent's pets to be there at all. It shouldn't be between you and your in-laws OR your wife and her parents OR you and your wife. It's a situation involving everyone, no one needs to be pitted against eachother. I wish you the best of luck finding a viable solution.

[BOBS DAD]

Do You Have A Downstairs Apartment Of Some Living Arrangements Setup For Your Inlaws. If So, Ask Them To Keep Their Dog There And Not In Common Living Areas. I Don't Agree That Caging Dogs Or Tethering Them Really Makes Them Any More Aggressive Than They Are Already. I Would Ask Them To Keep Their Dog Under Their Watch And Supervision When You Others Who May Be In Peril Are Present.

[larbabe]

First I'm going to try a permenent drag leash when he is around just the immediate family. When the grand kids visit, I will insist he be kept in the in-laws' quarters. Thanks for the suggestion.

[Catty1]

It was mentioned that your in-laws' other bichon died recently. Was this dog badly behaved before that? Maybe the death triggered this.

Otherwise, he sounds like an overfed, overweight, undisciplined, unhealthy spoiled brat.

A vet checkup is definitely in order...offer to take them all there, so YOU can also hear what the vet says (helps in the 'selective hearing' department).

There are also things like Rescue Remedy - but don't know how that would fit in your case.

Good luck!

Catty1

[larbabe]

Way before the other dog's death. I remember him facing off against my sister-in-law five years ago in her home. The dog has recently been checked by a vet (of course, his behavior wasn't mentioned).

The situation escalated this morning. My wife has thus far refused to get involved, so I was forced to approach her parents. I did so in a non-accusatory manner, suggesting the drag leash. They became very defensive, basically accusing me of making a big deal out of nothing. They attributed the dog's behavior to old age. When I pointed out that he has been this way ever since I can remember, they claimed his snarling and biting is perfectly normal, even after showing them my finger (which is still bruised). The other evening, after I was bitten, my in-laws saw me apply an ice pack to my swollen finger, yet neither inquired about my injury. Meanwhile, my mother-in-law talked soothingly to the dog and stroked him. I know this sounds almost comical, but I'm at odds as to how to proceed.

[BOBS DAD]

Any Convalescence Homes Nearby???

[finn's mom]

Good grief, it matters not WHY the dog is aggressive at this point, especially if no training or anything is going to be brought about. The point is he's aggressive and has bitten someone. They're the ones making it a bigger deal than it needs to be, instead of just making a simple adjustment to avoid the dog possibly biting anyone else. And, the dog is basically being pampered for being nasty. Man, that would drive me bananas.

[Catty1]

How about an ultimatum...only if you will follow through on it...either they and you and the dog all go to the vet - or you call Animal Control.

Just a thought.

[emilysgk]

I have seen simular behavior in other dogs who are flat out spoiled. The dog is in control 99% of the time, so when you try to do something otherwise, it snaps to get its way. The dog has learned to be in total control. I think undoing the behavior is going to be next to impossible at its current age. Does the dog do this at other times? Or mostly just when you want it to move and you try to move them? If its only when being picked up it could have a hot spot somewhere. I have a Lhasa, who is the best dog, if you pick her up wrong on occasion though, she will yipe real bad. Never bitten, though she has snapped once or twice when she was physicaly hurt. So though she has had a vet check up, its still possible that she is sore somewhere, like a hip or something otherwise unoticable. I would suggest control her in the non-obvious ways as much as possible. Did you read up on the NILIF?

[larbabe]

He can be most any place and in anyone's home. Every so often, when he is asked to move, he refuses. When approached, he will growl and bare his teeth. When physically moved by the collar, his growl will increase to a snarl, along with snapping. Yes, he is old, can't see very well, and is hard of hearing, but this behavior has gone on for as long as I can remember. I was assured that this was extent of his temperment, that he would never bite anybody. Supposedly, I was the first person he'd ever bitten (but unfortunately, I don't think the last). Therefore, I was informed I must have done something wrong in the way I approached him. The situation is resolved, but not to my liking. When I'm around, he will have a permanent leash. When we have company over, especially with children, the dog will be moved to another room. My in-laws will be the only one's to discipline him, and therein lies the problem; they don't. I think he's spoiled rotten. I have learned a valuable lesson; from now on, I'll keep my mouth shut and not attempt to resolve disputes. It only creates hurt feelings. However, if I'm bitten again, I can't say that I will be as kind to the dog as I have been.

[finn's mom]

The situation is resolved, but not to my liking.

However, if I'm bitten again, I can't say that I will be as kind to the dog as I have been.

I think it's a start! As long as they are doing something to prevent it from happening again, that seems to be all right. It's something, at least.

As for if you're bitten again, I really hope you're not serious about being unkind to the dog. Especially if you mean, hitting or beating him for biting you. It's not his fault, in my opinion. If he bites you again, I'd be less understanding to the owners, and, possibly do something about having either them and the dog or just the dog removed from the home.