It just had to come to this didn't it.. **sigh**

[tikeyas_mom]

Has Daisy had any contact with your baby so far and how does she react? If she's familiar with him by the time he starts to walk, she might not be frightened of him like she is the other children that have visited but if she does show that same behaviour, it's better to be safe than sorry where children are concerned...especially small ones who don't understand the dangers of approaching a dog that doesn't want to be approached.

She doesnt seem to really mind the baby too much she just avoids him.. He does once in a while come up to him while Shaun holds him.. She usually sniffs him and then when the baby moves or makes a noise she just stares at him and stiffens up.. then she usually runs and hides..

I just dont think its fair to have her aorund when dominic starts tog et a bit older, alot of my friends have kids the same age and I dont want to NEVER have play dates here because Daisy is a fear aggressive..
I seriously hate the situation I am in with her... and my boyfriend of course doesnt want to confront the issue as it is.. he rather just ignore it and hope that it goes away ...

I have already contacted a couple behaviourists online, (they all live at least 4 hours away from me.. But the one lady that lives in town says that she is pretty sure its genetics.. And there is nothing she can really do to help Daisy.

Meanwhile I'd let her be in a safe, separated area when there are young children around instead of making her be in the room with them and putting her in a 'fight or flight' situation.

I totally aggree, but I dont think letting her hide all day everyday by her self is helping the situation either.

[luvofallhorses]

How long have you had Daisy? it's VERY important you socialize her now with kids and people of all ages and let her know it's okay to be around them.. take her anywhere you can and let her get to know people better, you cannot let any dog get into the fearful stage and resulting with biting. where did Daisy orginally come from? and it is NOT good if your boyfriend to ignore the problem, you guys need to do something about it now so Daisy can be around people including kids because you have a kid right?

[tikeyas_mom]

How long have you had Daisy? it's VERY important you socialize her now with kids and people of all ages and let her know it's okay to be around them.. take her anywhere you can and let her get to know people better, you cannot let any dog get into the fearful stage and resulting with biting. where did Daisy orginally come from? and it is NOT good if your boyfriend to ignore the problem, you guys need to do something about it now so Daisy can be around people including kids because you have a kid right?

Well, I have only known Daisy for a bit under two years. However, My Boyfriend has had Daisy since she was about 4 or 5 weeks old.. I can be pretty sure that Daisy came from a BYB.. The guy who had Daisy just drove half way and met up with my boyfriends, friend... She was apparently always really strange, HATES to be put on her back, HATES her belly being touched.. And Shys away from anyone *even me and my boyfriend * when we go to pet her.. I have tried despretely to get her used to people.. She even lives with alot of people and is pretty much forced to interact with new people everyday..Right now we live at my parents house and my brothers are both teens, they have new people coming in and out all the time.. She cannot be trusted around children, she has charged toddler in the past.. So how do I socialise her to a child? when I dont want to risk her attacking them?? its a really complicated situation...

[Giselle]

I know it's not going to be the popular opinion, but it sounds like you need to re-home. I would place her in a Pittie specific rescue who will know her breed characteristics and special needs. Too bad you're not closer, because BADRAP would be the perfect people to take her in. Maybe you can e-mail some BADRAP (badrap.org, I think) people and see what they can do for you?

When kids are in the picture, safety first *always*! Doesn't sound like the humans or the pups are happy, so I would try as hard as you can to convince your boyfriend that re-homing Daisy is the kindest thing you can do for everybody.

[K9soul]

I know it's not going to be the popular opinion, but it sounds like you need to re-home. I would place her in a Pittie specific rescue who will know her breed characteristics and special needs.

I wouldn't disagree with that actually, if there were people available who could work with her or get her into a guaranteed safe situation. I'm not there to observe the behavior so I can't just say right off the bat if it seems she is able to be 'rehabbed' or not. It confuses me that the behaviorist would say that without ever laying eyes on her in person, based only on the wording of an email.

I had a behaviorist come and visit with Tasha when she was about 7 months old because she was developing a fear and mistrust of people, particularly men and children. I think they tend to be more forward, more direct eye contact, and kids don't often understand the concept of giving personal space to a dog that is not used to them. For some dogs this is no problem, for others if they have no where to run it's a recipe for disaster.

Tasha is ok as long as she can keep her distance or run if she needs to. On a leash she behaves more aggressively towards them (hackles up, growling), and while she's never bitten I walk her with a muzzle on now when I'm on neighborhood streets just for my own peace of mind in case some kid suddenly runs up out of no where, causing her to feel she needs to defend herself. Even just a nip to the ankle that bruised could put us in a lot of trouble, so I just don't risk it. I got her a lightweight basket muzzle that doesn't seem to bother her much.

I know you don't want her to hide all the time, but if she is not going to be removed from the situation I think it's a safer alternative than forcing her into a situation where she feels her flight option is gone, and the only one left is 'fight.'

I truly wish you the best. There are no easy answers or decisions here.

[RedyreRotties]

I cannot believe you would put this dog in that situation EVER, not to mention the child.

If you choose to keep this dog, get a nice comfortable crate for her, and confine her when people visit who might make her uncomforable.

To do otherwise is asking for trouble.

[Catty1]

Rehome yourself...does this man not CARE about his own kids?

I think HE and Daisy should go and get her a 'temperament assessment'. That way he hears it right from the person themselves.

And since training involves training the owner as well - that sounds like the best idea. Particularly if the alternative is rehoming her - which will have to be made very clear to him.

You can mention it to him gently, that with the baby coming, some training might be a really good idea to help prepare Daisy.

Good luck...

[SemaviLady]

Well, I have only known Daisy for a bit under two years. However, My Boyfriend has had Daisy since she was about 4 or 5 weeks old.. I can be pretty sure that Daisy came from a BYB.. The guy who had Daisy just drove half way and met up with my boyfriends, friend... She was apparently always really strange, HATES to be put on her back, HATES her belly being touched.. And Shys away from anyone *even me and my boyfriend * when we go to pet her..

This answers my question on her. How long was she raised with her mom and siblings and around kids. While she was taken away too young, this alone may not be a cause. It is also difficult to assume that children at the breeder's home may have put the living fear of kids into her. At the size she would have been when your bf got her, everyone was big, even little kids. It's the size, the scent and movement of kids that seem to be especially triggering her.

I agree with the behaviorist(s') opinions, that she really is unstable and it is just a matter of time, she's probably just waiting for a place to happen.

Did any of them recommend a thyroid or other endocrine test? I would probably do that and then Rx supplement her to see if her behavior improves.

While it may not be a popular opinion, unstable, unconfident dogs that too seem to be triggered by kids should be put down, not rehomed. How would I feel if through other channels I learned that another child actually became the target after I passed the buck?

PTS, she will no longer be anxious. Her breed type is in enough trouble as it is due to the practices of inexperienced owners and breeders and perhaps other poorly bred dogs. I know many breeds are unfairly targeted because of the problems originating from such problem sources.

Hard decisions. This is so terribly sad and heartbreaking.

It is very hard for vets & techs who do not know the dog and its treatment history, to just put a dog down on a 'say so', even if the owner has thought on it long and hard. I would have her vet checked, thyroid tested anyway and explain to the vet what is going on. That will then bring the vet into the circle to help you make the best decision. Getting the vet involved with her history first, then the vet can help make that decision and support you.