Baby vs. dog: What would you do?
UPDATE (Aug. 28, 2:30 p.m.): We’ve gotten some interesting suggestions, from bite the dog to give up the baby for adoption. But I think at a minimum, this family needs to get some serious training for Mickey. Maybe it’s not even worth the chance. How much success do people really have with retraining dogs that bite? Some trainers say it can be done, others warn that a biter is never really cured. It’s like alcoholism; recovery is the best you can hope for. I’m not sure what my friend will ultimately do, but she’ll never let Mickey hurt her child. So no need to call DFCS. I just hope she can find a solution that keeps Mickey safe, too. Because it would hurt her if she had to put him down.
UPDATE (Aug. 27, 5 p.m.): I was a bit surprised at the suggestion from several people that you bite your dog. Sounds pretty dangerous, no? I could get my face bitten off. If you can do that, there’s a chance that the dog is allowing it. Dogs see you as alpha. They don’t tend to see children as above them in the pack hierarchy (and that’s what we are, our dogs’ pack.) But, that’s just one theory for biting. In the case of Mickey, he could just be a cranky dog than a dog trying to move up in the pack.
So bite back? Any other ways to curb aggression in your dogs?
ORIGINAL (Aug. 27, 8:30 a.m.): A friend recently confided in me a problem with her dog. She and her husband have had a dog - Let’s call him Mickey - for seven years. He’s been temperamental and bitten people, including her husband. But, he’s small (15 pounds) and very loyal to the wife. So even when he was being ugly, she could pick him up and get him out of the way.
Enter the couple’s 2-year-old. It’s getting hard to keep the baby and the dog apart. Also, Mickey, 11, is now blind in one eye and doesn’t react well to sudden movements. He again bit the husband. The couple fear for the baby. But my friend loves her dog. She asked if I knew anyone who would adopt him, or a rescue that would take him in. But older dogs are really hard to place. Especially, older dogs that bite people.
So are there any alternatives for Mickey. What can she do? (And keep in mind it’s easy to say “put him down” when it’s not your dog. I’ve been there. I told people that.) But what would you do if your dog was biting?
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• Adopt Cookie, a 10-month-old spayed flat-coat retriever mix needs a forever home. Check out photos of Cookie’s friends who also need a forever home. Cute pets also are available for adoption at Clayton County’s Animal Shelter. Don’t forget to check the Animal Control location near you.
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Wow!! What a hard decision to make. Would it be possible to have the vet prescribe something for Mickey that may help to keep him calm? I’m sure there has to be something that would help with his agression. There may also be an underlying health problem that contributes to his behavior? I would recommend a visit with the vet first.
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Its only going to be a matter of time before this dog bites this child. Then what? She still going to keep the dog around?
Come on, the choice is very clear; she needs to get rid of the dog, find a place for him to go.
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Even an OLD DOG can learn not to bite! next time he bites some one (make sure he has had a bath now!), Pick him up and BITE HIM BACK and BITE HIM HARD - his biting days will be over… it may require a second time but it will work.
We had a Chihuahua that was a biter that kept biting me… and thats is exactly how I broke her. I bit the HELL out of her and that finished her biting problem.
This is not a joke…
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Even an OLD DOG can learn not to bite! next time he bites some one (make sure he has had a bath now!), Pick him up and BITE HIM BACK and BITE HIM HARD - his biting days will be over… it may require a second time but it will work.
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We had a Chihuahua that was a biter that kept biting me… and thats is exactly how I broke her. I bit the HELL out of her and that finished her biting problem.
This is not a joke…
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I have found that our little 6 lb dog bites or snaps out of fear.
Also, we have gone to great lengths to make sure our 2 yr old knows not to grab him or be mean because he can snap or bite without intending harm but to show his fear. In return, we work with our dog to make sure he knows he can’t bite or snap just to do it. And, that he can get away and go to his crate if he needs to get away from the situation.
It takes some work but a home with small dogs and small children can work out and no one has to go up for adoption - dogs or kids
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Have them go to the website for Dogs and Storks, http://dogsandstorks.com/
which is a program for teaching people how to integrate dog and baby — how to use management, how to recognize signs the dog is getting stressed, what to do about it all. These people shouldn’t have to give up the dog but MUST not allow chance and hoping for the best to govern their choices. They will feel better if they educate themselves how to fulfill their obligations to the safety of both their baby and their fur kid. If it ends up that they can’t safely keep the dog, then at least they will know they have done everything possible by following what professionals with years of experience advise. But you would be surprised how much a little behavioral instruction can add to such a situation.
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Even an OLD DOG can learn not to bite! next time he bites some one (make sure he has had a bath now!), Pick him up and BITE HIM BACK and BITE HIM HARD - his biting days will be over… it may require a second time but it will work.
We had a Chihuahua that was a biter that kept biting me… and thats is exactly how I broke her. I bit the HELL out of her and that finished her biting problem.
This is not a joke…
Sorry, but it is a joke. This is not good advice for a family with a known biter and a child.
Believe it or not, I have actually heard of an instance where this–biting a dog–actually worked, so I’m not saying it cannot work.
But would I suggest it in this situation? Absolutely not. Is it something a respectable dog trainer or behaviorist would recommend? No. It has a huge potential to cause harm to the “corrector” and later harm to the child when it actually has not solved the problem.
This is a tricky issue, but I always try to err on the side of safety. I have no children, and I love dogs–but a child’s safety trumps the dog. Sorry.
If they keep this dog, they need to put every precaution in place to make sure the dog is managed all the time. This is very difficult to do. Some people can make it work, but it is hard. If the dog has no training, it’s imperative they get it.
This type of story accentuates a very real problem with some dog owners: excusing a dog’s bad behavior because it is small. This dog is like this because of a lack of training and socialization, and he will suffer the ultimate punishment eventually for it.
Kids and dogs CAN coexist! The dog needs to be well-socialized early, and trained to obey commands–regardless of his breed or size. The child needs to be managed so that he does not pose a threat to the dog, and when he is old enough to be taught, he must be taught to respect the dog. A good child-dog combo requires vigilance and work from the parents, BEFORE the child comes along.
Anyone out there with an unsocial, “mean,” or aggressive dog who brushes it off and thinks it is not a big deal needs to be careful. You are liable for your dog’s behavior. If you decide to bring children home, the dog will be a liability, and you will have to make some hard choices.
Not planning on children? Guess what? Most people who have them said the same thing at one time. Be realistic. There is no excuse for not training and socializing your dog.
Besides, whether you have them or not, kids are EVERYWHERE.
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Please watch the dog whisperer. this show is amazing. anyone who owns a dog should watch it. This dog needs the wife and husband to be the pack leader. Sounds like this dog does not go after and bite the wife. If so, it may be the dog feels as if the wife is its possession. please watch the show and that link to the program for teaching people how to integrate dog and baby sounds good too.
I have seen this several times.. the issue is never the dog.. it is the owners.
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Animals of ANY variety - human, canine, feline, whatever - know and respond to the law of the jungle.
Quite simply, biggest predator rules.
Make sure that dog knows that even the 2 yo is a bigger predator than he is, and you won’t have a problem.
How to instill this?
Crack down **HARD** and **FAST** on even the most MINOR of offenses.
“If I see him with a bruise, you get a scar. If I see him with a limp, you get *crutches*!”
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James Holland is right in his comment. I have a mixed breed who also would bite if he couldn’t have his way. The last time he snapped at my 2 yr old and then me I grabbed all 60 pounds of him by the scruff of the neck and bit him as hard as I could. I pulled fur from my teeth for several minutes but he sure changed his attitude. A month later he growled at my son again and I grabbed him and bit the hell out of him and for the next couple of hours every time he came close to me or my son I growled at him and chased him from the room. That was two years ago and he has never snapped or growled at anyone in the family since. Now he and my son are best buddies. By the way the dog was 10 yrs old when this started and now is 12 and knows his place in the family, he understands we are Alpha and accepts it.
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Let the grandparents raise the kid until it’s old enough to fend for itself. After all, “it takes a village”, doesn’t it?
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What’s sad to me is that people feel the need to apologize for stating that the child’s safety is of the utmost importance. Perhaps we need to re-evaluate our priorities as a society.
As for this particular case, I hate to say that if a good home for ‘Mickey’ cannot be found, then there is a very unfortunate option available to keep the child safe.
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How is this even a question!!
What is particularly amazing is that the posters most in favor of the animals show the most ignorance to animal behavior. A dog who bites ANYONE much less a child is an issue, and needs trainging at best and to be destroyed at worst.
Any one who even hesitates at this decision has no business having a child or a pet!
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I can say that its a sad day when you have to decide between your dog and your kids. I Know my mother had to get rid of her dog because he would try to bite me when I was a baby. I’ve just decided to get around having to make that decision by not having any children-ever. I love my dogs!
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A dog that bites *should* be put down. I have been there and done that. It’s not easy, but neither is it easy to allow your family or other people to be subjected to your biting dog.
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How is this a hard decision? Your child or your dog? HELLO!!!
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Do you put your kids down if they bite? A kid’s bite is 100 times more infectuous than that of a dog. If the dog is really dangerous I can understand some of the points of view posted here. My sisters kid pulled at my dogs tail one day when they were visiting, my dog did not like it and he moved. My nephew then grabbed my dogs ear and my dog snapped at him but dodn’t break the skin. My sister was upset with the dog and told me to get rid of it. I told her not to bring her wild child around until he developed some manners and could understand right from wrong. I will not get rid of my dog but I most certianly can go without seeing her kid. That was a year ago and she not been back to visit and guess what? I really don’t care.
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If ya love em both, the most humane thing would be to put the kid up for adoption. It’ll have a better chance of finding a home than the old dog and even if nobody does adopt the kid, at least you know it won’t be “put down” like your dog would be in a reverse situation.
Win-win for everybody.
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Um, haven’t you heard of a muzzle? Use it as a training tool, the dog will learn the appropriate behavior. I’m really confused by the actual post, my child or my dog?! Really? Wow!
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First of all, any dog I owned wouldn’t be biting anyone. If you’ve raised a dog from a puppy & it’s still biting, then you clearly have no idea how to deal with dogs & shouldn’t own one. If it’s a rescue with a traumatic history, then you shouldn’t be taking on that responsibility unless you are equipped to deal with the dog effectively.
But honestly, a choice between a biting dog and a baby? Really? That some people would even consider this a dilemma gives animal lovers a bad name. Get some perspective.
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I have a small dog that does not like a lot of people… she does not go near them… if they come to her she gives them a warning growl and does her best to get away from them… if theykeep on and get close enough for her to bite them… that’s their fault… she let them know to stay away… she lets kids pet her and is patient with them but if they pull on her she will snap at them… in my case, teach the kids not to pull on her and she wont snap… I would bite you too if you pulled my hair!
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Thank you, Are you serious?, for providing the voice of reason. Childless people like Sarah have no business even offering an opinion. BTW, I have 3 children and 1 dog and there would be no question about who would have to go if this question came up. Of course, that’s why we have a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel–dog bites aren’t gonna happen around here…
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Of course, that’s why we have a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel–dog bites aren’t gonna happen around here…
Cavs are great breeds for families, typically. But if you really think they NEVER bite, you need to understand that any dog, any age, any breed, can bite if provoked.
Parents must always be vigilant around children and dogs.
It’s when people have a “good” dog and get complacent that accidents can happen.
By the way, I am childfree, and I happen to agree with you. Does my opinion still not count?
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This problem has many facets. Though I do not have kids and never will, I do not believe aggressive or questionable dogs belong in homes with kids.
The flip side of this is all the times when the dog gets punished for simply being a dog. Parents, having your child grow up with a dog can be a great thing for both the kid and the dog.
But let’s get real: just because your 2-year-old screams “Doggie!!” every time he sees one, does not mean that he is ready to live with a dog,, especially if you are busy and will not be able to train and raise that dog right.
People, especially parents, need to do some homework before bringing a dog home. You know how active your child is, and what his personality is. Give the dog a break and wait until your child is a bit more mature. Then everyone can succeed.
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Clay, excuse me but I do have an opinoin. The question was the kid or the dog. It didn’t state your kid. Relax Clay and don’t feel so superior that you’re able to have a kid. Big whoopeedo ! When you start thinking you’re too high on your horse, remember a person with an IQ of twenty points can procreate. Clay, you’re nothing special. Three kids Clay? I see a house of cheap made furniture ( Rooms To Go ) no less and a smelly mini-van; yeah Clay…you’re the man!
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Get rid of the dog. No animal of any kind should be valued equal to or over a child. Dog nuts (and they are nuts) allow these animals to control their lives with all sorts of poor behavior and act like they nothing is wrong. At least get them out of the house Wake up! Spend the time, MONEY, and attention on your children instead of the fur ball.
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Animals can bite. Especially when they feel threatened or provoked. I am in the situation right now where my cat bit me because she thought I was harming her kitten (I was just scrubbing something off him, which he didn’t like and screamed). Techincally, they are not her kittens. We adopted them 2 months ago, but she took over as their mama very quickly.
Now, 3 drs visits later, people are telling me to get rid of the cat. Am I going to get rid of her? No. I can’t fault her for her instinct, which is what it was. However, she knew as soon as it happened that what she did was wrong, and hasn’t left my side since, and is very apologetic in her cat way. But… if the kitten meows like something is wrong, she gets up and looks.
I am, however, childless. The fact is, that if the dog is a biter, and as much as it would hurt to give your pet away, you have to realize that if the pet bites you or anyone else, your child is at risk. You have to put the safety of your child first. Teaching the animal correct behavior is the first step, then you could be able to introduce the child to the pet. But some pets are just plain nasty to anyone except the one person they like, and there is not enough training in the world that is going to change that.
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I have always had children, dogs and cats. All can be taught not to bite, including the kids. Some of the reasonable people on this column have offered some very good advice. Most of the time the small dogs bite out of fear and a good trainer can teach you how to remedy the problem. I did try the bit the dog back and I have to say it did work…it was a small cocker. I also had to teach my daughter not to bite the cat…but that’s another story
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Dog Realist: You’re correct, a Cavalier can bite. Not all are perfect. Ours is very passive–you can take food out of her mouth. We got really lucky with her personality.
Sarah: Jealous much? IQ of 20? Both my wife and I graduated from UGA. No lame brains here. No smelly mini-vans for us, either. My F150 SuperCrew and my wife’s Nissan Armada fit our lifestyle much better. You don’t want to know how I picture you. No one else thinks your dogs are as precious as you do–that’s why your family shuns you. The real shame is that you don’t care that they won’t come see you.
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BTW, Clay, any dog can bite, regardless of type, so please don’t think that just because you have an even-tempered breed that he could never bite. CKCS’s are great, but they still have teeth and a mind of their own.
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Another point about dogs of any size is that if they are not used to children…someone almost on their same level (eye level) coming at them with uncontrollable grabby fingers can put them on the defensive quickly because they are afraid.
As I mentioned I have children and they’ve always had dogs and cats. As much as I discipline my animals to behave properly you must also teach your children (starting early) proper behavior around animals…like don’t put your face in the animals face…guess what he/she just might bite you…you’d react too if someone put their face in your face close enough that you could smell their breath
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The initial posting doesn’t mention what, if any, advice from professional trainers this family has received. From the little bit of information provided it seems that the dog’s behavior may be addressed with proper training. I agree with the earlier posters that have mentioned establishing that the dog is not alpha and that teh child is alpha over the dog. It seems like who is alpha was an issue even before the child was born. Talk to a professional trainer and watch or read the Dogwhisperer’s books and Victoria Stilwell’s It’s Me or the Dog. Both provide very straightforward ways of establishing who is boss (none of which involve biting the dog, although I’m not saying that doesn’t work).
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So, the dog has been a companion for 7 years, now, it might have to go? If she hasn’t been able to train her dog, will she be able to discipline her kid?
2 year olds can learn the word no, to stay away from the dog and the dog can be kept from the child. Sounds like this entire household could use some training.
It will be very hard to place an 11 y/o dog that is blind in one eye. Shame on her for now thinking the dog has to go for HER OWN FAULTS!!!! She shouldn’t expect to burden already overworked dog rescue organizations to bail her out of HER problem. If she ultimately decides the dog must go, she should be responsible to find the dog a nice home thru a friend or relative, and she should have to pay for any vet bills for the dog as it transitions to another home.
This, like her child, is HER responsibility. I am really sick of people who think that their pets are disposable and only great to have around as long as their convenient and don’t make any waves for them.
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You can always get another baby…DOGS RULE!!!
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Is this really a hard decision, you idiots? You get rid of the damn dog. See, the baby is a person. The dog is an animal. Moronic.
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Sarah, I’m cracking up at Clay. You gave him too much credit. He admits to being trailer trash with his big ‘ol pickup truck and dawwwwg degree. You should have said Wal Mart instead of RTG. That’s probably where he buys his daughter’s UGA halter tops, too.
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I was at my best friend’s house 20 years ago. They had a dog I’d known well for over a year. As I left (slowly because we were talking) the dog attacked me. In less than 3 seconds it ripped my nose from my face, put 2 punctures and a 2″ gash in one of my arms and 2 punctures in my thigh. And I’m 5′10″.
It took a plastic surgeon 3.5 hours to re-attach the nose alone. The pain was worse than childbirth.
I refused to have animals around my children until they were 10 years old because the animals **are ANIMALS**. You can’t say with complete certainty what they will do or when. (Same with toddlers)
I love my dogs and cats but **NEVER** will an animal hold a spot that is half as important as your child. If you feel bad about burying the dog, just think how you’ll feel when you bury the child. That is of course if the child doesn’t make it. Heaven forbid the child lives it’s entire life in a wheelchair because you weren’t strong for them.
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I think what so many people who comment don’t understand is that for many people, a dog is their first “baby”. Yes, I KNOW that dogs and babies are not the same thing, but unlike children, dogs love you UNCONDITIONALLY, don’t talk back, etc. So before you judge someone who hesitates to “get rid of” a loyal companion who desperately loves you because they don’t get along with a new family member (whether it’s a baby or not), consider how you’d feel if you fell in love with someone that your children didn’t like and you had to choose to get rid of your children or marry the man of your dreams. For many pet owners, whether you like it or not, this is a valid comparison!
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I hope this twit had her tubes tied. We don’t need MORE idiots. DFACS should take the child before it turns out to be as stupid as the parents. At least foster parents have to go through lengthy training and regular house checks.
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That depends bisnono - - Does the man of your dreams have fleas and lick his butt?
Animals are animals no matter how much we love them. People who love animals more than humans should stick to animals.
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Sarah would know about that procreation by folks w/ 20 IQ. She’s the result! Maybe your sister is actually keeping her children away from you.
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If it takes you more than a second to make a decision between your child and an animal, then I politely suggest sterilization … for you. Sounds like your baby needs child protective services - NOW.
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No biting dog lives where I live,period.
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There is a big red flag here that should be noted.
If people put the dog down they don’t go to jail.
They do go to jail for endangering children.
Why do you think the laws are set up this way?
(Hint) people are more important than animals
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Ron, you know, I said that too. Until I got a dog that bit. I had him two months before he bit me for the first time. I was already attached to him by then. He’d had a horrible life. So I worked with him. Before him, I said the same thing you did. I wouldn’t have a dog that bit me or anyone else. But trust me, it’s not that easy when it’s YOUR dog. Just like people say “I wouldn’t put up with that behavior from MY kids” and then I see their kids doing that or worse. It’s so easy to tell people what to do when your emotions aren’t involved. But don’t a lot of people do things because of love that others think they shouldn’t? Know anyone who married the wrong guy? Or bailed their kid out of jail for the tenth time? That’s for love.
In this case, the dog hasn’t ever come close to biting the child. But the mother is trying to be proactive, because she knows Mickey’s nature. She’s trying to find a way that protects both the dog and the child that she loves. I was hoping people might have some ideas to help her. Not just condemnation.
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I thought keeping her out of jail and the child out of harm’s way was help.
If anyone thinks that keeping a known biter around a toddler is OK then they need to seek help from someone other than in this blog.
As for the dog. They don’t bite when they’re happy. They bite when they’re scared. This one has bitten multiple people. The more it loses it’s sight the more fear will increase. The owner has a moral responsibility for the dog’s happiness. Once the animal’s body starts to fail, instinct will cause it have increased fear. It knows it is becoming more helpless and that is scary for any living creature. Everyone knows animals become more dangerous near the end of thier lives. It’s a sad part of being an animal owner.
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Kim Barry you shouldnt even own a dog.. YOU BIT YOUR DOG so hard you had hair in your teeth.. DISGUSTING and pathetic. I feel so sorry for your dog and he was 10, so he was an elderly dog.. SHAME ON YOU !!!!!!!!!!!!!
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My dog would bite when we first picked him up at the pound. A dog trainer told me to to hold their mouth shut immediately after they bite until they whimper (using your hand around the snout). It takes about 15 seconds or less. It does not hurt the dog but did work. (perhaps by showing dominance). No punishment was required. My dog only required a few times a few years ago and no longer bites.
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It’s a hard decision but the dog should have been scolded for biting the first time, not waiting until they have a baby and deciding that then it’s a problem. Stupidity on the parents part there.
Children need to learn how to act around an animal, if the bratty kid (in Sarah’s kid) is pulling the dog’s tail then he deserves to get bit, I never did that as a kid. I’ve been around animals all my life and have never been attacked.
People are too quick to dump animals when the situation gets “tough”, horses go to slaughter because they are unwanted, dogs and cats go to the shelter and are often euthanized, people need to take responsibility.
I consider my animals my children and don’t want any human ones, I personally prefer personal freedom and some money in my bank account but whether you have kids or not you should have a well trained dog regardless, my dogs don’t bite anyone. Shame on these people for letting the dog get away with this for years and not doing a thing about it until now and NOW they can’t figure out why it’s an issue? If they get rid of the dog it will likely get euthanized and once again an animal will suffer over human stupidity. Wake up and train the dog.
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Also, if the dog is getting more and more blind then it may be time to euthanize the animal, especially if the owners slacked on getting the training before now and he already has been given the “okay” to bite (in his eyes).
Obviously his quality of life is suffering and he is fearful. They should go to a vet and see what can be done but an animal that becomes increasingly scared of the world around him isn’t safe nor is he happy. The dog probably only trusts the wife and not anyone else, especially as his senses are declining.
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This dog should of had behavior modification training years ago. It’s 11 years old and they didn’t consider that they would have children at some point during the dog’s lifetime? The mom was pregnant for 9 months.. didn’t consider it then?
Poor planning, poor dog, it isn’t the dogs fault, blame it on the owners.
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Sarah I believe would get rid of the kid. I notice she loves to dish on people and paint a sad picture of their life with her words. I can see her coming home from her job at McDonalds. No make up on her face, hair a mess, checks her e mail but no messages, checks her my space, still no friends. Her dog greets her because she is the only person he has ever seen, with the exception of her sister and an ill mannered nephew about a year ago. Bet thats not off by much. Maybe someday poor little Sarah will find a friend, NOT
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Katie, for the record. I don’t want you to have any kids either. You know, human ones. No problem for me if you and Sarah’s gene pool stops.
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The baby would have to go!! Just joking all. Seriously though. I don’t have kids nor do I want them so I can’t post a truthful answer. I would think I would try to train the dog to be more ‘friendly’ towards the baby–behavioral modification by positive reinforcement training.
I do agree with Katie, in part. We have to teach children how to behave around animals. Although dogs are domesticated, they still will ‘lash’ out when scared, confused or stressed. If a child gets in an animals face, I would expect the animal to react–that’s normal behavior.
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Bill, which ever behavioral technician told you to clamp your dogs mouth shut after biting was an idiot. That is not positive reinforcement training, that’s negative. Training works a lot better by using positive techniques. I suggest that all animal owners read “Don’t Shoot the Dog” by Karen Pryer. It explains, in basic terminology, how to train any animal. Once you get the basics down you can do more advanced level training.
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This is an insane argument. If a house pet shows agressive behavior towards any human who has not provoked it, corrective action is a must. When/if corrective action fails, then the pet needs to go!! Why risk a child’s safety for the sake of an animal? What if the dog’s bite blinds this child or even worse, hits an artery? Two year old vs. an old pet. The choice should be obvious. I feel for the child in that he/she has a parent who feels that this is a “hard” decision. Sad times for our society when parents value animals just as much as their own children. Sad.
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Crackmeup, is that the best you can do? McDonalds? I am a vegetarian, why would I ever step foot in a place such as McDonalds. I have friends and a have a career that required me completing my graduate work in Physical Science. Your stupidty is monolithic Crackmeup; your wisdom on the other hand, infinitesmial.
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Crackmeup, at least Sarah has a job. Whether a person works at McDonald’s or being a pencil pusher at some company, it is still work. You should respect all people, even those that you feel aren’t as good as you apparently think you are.
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Wow! This is worse than Jr. High.
To the topic though, the child comes 1st. Disciplin the dog! The dad sounds like a pushover since he’s getting bit. Who owns the house? The dog or the parents? If the dog doesn’t learn, then it HAS to go. Sorry! I’m single, no kids, and just adopted a 3yr old Jack Russell who was given up b/c he started having accidents in the house after the couple had a baby. My dog is VERY active and intelligent and requires tons of interaction. I don’t agree that piddles on the floor warrent getting rid of a dog, but I may not know the WHOLE story. Either way, I respect their decision. I love my pup to pieces and let him know that all the time, but a baby and a dog do not share equal weight in a home.
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Thanks for an entertaining 20 minutes of reading comments.
I am always amazed when I read the comments to an online story how people attack other people for their answers or opinions.
You don’t have to agree with anyone’s answers, but there is no reason to attack them either.
Oh well, I guess the comments wouldn’t be as interesting to read if a few self-righteous people didn’t answer.
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I think the family needs to call ceasar. He will get everything right. dont’t get rid of the dog. unless ceasar can’t help him or her. and i know he will…..
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Trunk Monkey was right on point.
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Training works a lot better by using positive techniques. I suggest that all animal owners read “Don’t Shoot the Dog” by Karen Pryer. It explains, in basic terminology, how to train any animal. Once you get the basics down you can do more advanced level training.
For some stuff, yes. For aggression? No way. You cookie-pushers can’t treat away aggression, and suggesting that regular dog owners can is as irresponsible as suggesting that people should “bite their dogs.” How many cases of aggression have you cured using Karen Pryor’s techniques? And what breeds were those dogs?
Positive reinforcement training has its place, but it is limited. Many, many good people have trained happy, reliable dogs for centuries without food…AND without beating them. You don’t have to go to extremes either way.
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Sarah, Sarah, Sarah, Poor little thing. Had to get out the Webster for her last reply. Behaviorist, the only reason I poked at Sarah is because I’ve noticed, she can’t disagree with someone without demeaning them. People with that M.O. usually live a very demeaning life themselves. I know her too well. I knew she was a vegan before she said she was. I know she didn’t have a Valentine sweet heart in jr. high. I know she didn’t get asked to the prom. I know she would rather not see her sister and nephew than scold her dog. I know she will probably pick a life partner rather than a husband. I know it bothers her that McDonalds hasn’t closed down yet, because she doesn’t eat there. By the way, for every vegan that doesn’t eat there, there’s probably 20 guys that order their burger double meat. Stay tuned for chapter three of “Will poor little Sarah find a friend”.
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Malinois–you can train any animal using positive reinforcement. I’ve trained dogs, cats, elephants, chimpanzees, monkeys and many other species. So you think cookie pushers are stupid?? You can train out aggression as well–I’ve done it with dogs, baboons and one seal. Maybe you should get help with the techniques, the pricipal works, you just have to apply yourself and be patient with the animal you’re training.
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Malinois–you can train any animal using positive reinforcement. I’ve trained dogs, cats, elephants, chimpanzees, monkeys and many other species. So you think cookie pushers are stupid??
Did you even read what I posted? I never said you were stupid. I don’t even know you. I do know, from reading your posts on this blog, that you really like clickers, and I imagine you think they are the right tool for every dog. Maybe I’m wrong about that, but that’s what I get from your posts.
I use clickers on some dogs, but my point is that they are not effective for every dog, and especially not for most dogs with aggression issues (i.e. bite histories) towards people.
I also never said positive reinforcement doesn’t work. Anyone who has ever tried to train an animal knows that it does. One may be able to instill behaviors in any animal with it, but can you get to reliability with every dog with positive reinforcement alone? No, you can not.
What I said was that many dogs need the rest of the information, too. I have trained a lot of dogs, and I have seen a lot of untrained and out-of-control dogs that have come from places where clicker training was like a religion. A large portion of my clients have come to me because “positive only” simply did not work.
I still say you can’t treat away aggression. Not only are you not giving the dog enough information, the typical person *may* end up rewarding very dangerous behaviors. The clicker is not the benign, all-forgiving tool it’s rabid proponents believe it to be. It can, and does, cause some problems for some dogs and owners.
That doesn’t mean it isn’t a worthwhile tool, but for an 11-year-old dog with a biting history, living in a home with a small child, it would not be my tool of choice.
And I don’t mean to sound flip, but you touting how many primates and pachyderms and marine mammals and such you’ve trained doesn’t impress me. People don’t train these animals as pets, or live with them. Dogs behave much differently outside of a laboratory than they do inside, and many behaviorists (not necessarily you) have very little hands-on experience with actual pet dogs, especially the more difficult breeds.
Please don’t assume that when a trainer doesn’t use the clicker often, or uses a more balanced approach, that he needs “help with the techniques.” Positive reinforcement is the easiest of the operant conditioning quadrant to learn, and every trainer worth his salt uses it constantly.
Many of us, though, don’t use it alone. That is my point.
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I have read about a new way to break dogs of this habit on one of the Pit Bull rescue sites.
You feed the dog piece by piece (of his regular meal) and make the feeding contingent on it not showing the aggressive behavior. Each time it does not bite give another piece of food. Have him sit before he can have it first.
If he bites take the rest of the food and put it where he can’t see it.
A dog will not go hungry out of self-preservation and will learn that the person feeding him/her is the Alpha and his eating depends on being nice, and in turn he will associate that person with something he wants. The person he tends to bite should be the one to do this (the husband).
Probably it’s best to put a muzzle on the dog while he’s in the same room with the baby. If he gets used to being in the same room, and then petted by the baby, he may stop trying to bite.
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I play wow in 3 years and i know some wow gold,I love wow gold.
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