Inlaws mean dog

[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.