Help! My dog bit someone!

[Lescoop77]

I just don't know what to do. I think my lab Pandy has the "only child" syndrome. This weekend we were out at the lake and there were 2 instances when she bit. The first was a cousin of mine, a grown man. He was standing at a dumpster and closed the lid and it made a loud noise, Pandy jumped up and bit his hand! Didn't break the skin or anything but still!! The second instance was a little girl. SHe was minding her own business and Pandy just went up to her and barked and nipped at her hair. This is very unusual for her. She does not get this aggressive. Anyone have any ideas as to what I can do to stop this before it gets worse? She used to love kids/people, but I think ever since we've moved the neighbor kids tease her.

HELP!!!

[wolfsoul]

Are you sure that she wasn't trying to play with the girl? When my boss' dog was a pup the first thing she did was come up behind me and grab my hair, but she just loved to play with hair.

In the first instance I'd say that Pandy was just reacting out of fear. She probably thought she was protecting you or herself.

You should do alot of socialization with her. Take her for walks every day and get people to give her treats. That might help. Maybe an obedience class too?

[bckrazy]

PLEASE keep Pandy ON-LEASH, even at the lake and off-leash areas, where ever people are. She could've easily missed and nipped the child's face, her parents would have been angry and Pandy would be in quarentine or worse right now! Pandy is still young, isnt she? This is definitely serious for a puppy to be doing, if you think she's actually biting out of fear/agression. Call a good Behaviorist NOW!! Seriously, the cost of a well-trained behaviorist evaluation and advice can/will save you tons of heartbreak and money in the future. She should also be enrolled in lengthly Obedience classes ASAP. Also look for classes that specialize in preparing dogs for the CGC test, as they get into the dogs Obedience *and* interaction with strangers.

First, if you think it is your nieghbor kids talk to their parents now. You can also print out some info about Dog Bites and Children for them, how teasing dogs can soo easily cause them to bite at children out of fear. Our neighbors kids used to come into our backyard when I let Gonzo out when he was a puppy, and they chased him around. They had done this at least 5 times before I caught them ! I immediately took them over to their house and yelled at their parents for not supervising their children. After that, Gonzo was petrified of kids and it took a year AT LEAST of OB work and socializing just for him to be comfortable with kids around. Pandy can become very fearful or resentful of children VERY quickly if this continues. If the parents do nothing about their kids, only allow Pandy into the yard if some one is outside with her.

It's really sad that this is happening, but this probably isn't the "only child syndrome". Pandy is just starting to show her true personality, and dogs her age are just now become capable of real aggression, basically. This should definitely be nipped in the bud, with tons of diligent Nothing In Life Is Free training, Obedience classes, and consultation with a professional Dog Behaviorist.

[Pawsitive Thinking]

totally agree with last post - would be awful to lose such a lovely dog because parents can't control their bratty kids! would advise spending no more time thinking of them and concentrating wholly on your pup - good luck

[Lescoop77]

I agree. I have found a number of a dog behaviorist in town that was highly recommended to me. I am going to give him a call have Pandy evaluated and see what I can do to work with her. Thank you all for your concern and advice!

[margot9]

Good luck with it. Maybe you will have to use a muzzle. Usually it is bad education, it can be inbred or both. But it is serious and years ago I had to put a dog to sleep because of it. I also had to do this with another dog with inbred behavioural problems. My aunt also had a boxer which bit people, I saw it myself. This dog lived al long life but it was a lousy and always potentially dangerous situation.

[Jordan]

Consult your vet and talk about this behaviour and try this:
http://www.inch.com/~dogs/
http://www.peteducation.com/
http://www.apbc.org.uk/books.htm

Good luck!