Inlaws mean dog

[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.