Re: Ladies with pets...I have dilemna and need advice

I would try a trainer first before trying to rehome the dog but that is a decsion you will have to make

good luck

Re: Ladies with pets...I have dilemna and need advice

Re: Ladies with pets...I have dilemna and need advice

Posted by JennChris

I know this is going to be an unpopular answer... but it's JMO ... My kids safety comes first, if I had a dog that I wasn't absolutely completely comfortable with my children.. I'd find him a new home. It's an animal.. animals come second to my kids.
Is is something you really want to be worried about all the time

Re: Ladies with pets...I have dilemna and need advice

We have 5 cats all with their nails and 2 dogs- 1 male boxer 3 yrs old 50 lbs and 1 female american bulldog 6 yrs old 75 lbs solid muscle.

the cats have already scratched DD in the face but I have to say she has learned and keeps her distance now- there is only 1 cat that scratches her b/c he is super fluffy and she pulls on his tail, the other 4 she can do anything too and they leave her alone they meow and thats it so its my 1 I have to watch but she learned to stay clear of him.

now the dogs- welp the boxer is a complete mush

the american bulldog on the other hand well she is like a big puppy but needs more attention- she has growled at DD if she tries to take her toy- well that was the past- I trained her to play with DD and with her toys= now she takes her toys to DD and eggs her on to play.

this is the same dog that had lunged at DH- why b/c she felt threatened- he has in the past yelled at her and unfortunately hit her on her butt- so I told him he cant do that you need to show love and talk to the dog- train dont intimidate.
he did and she hasnt lunged at him in years.

never leave them alone, train train train-
good luck it is very hard and takes time but def worth it, the love a dog gives is so unconditional.
hey if someone big came yelling at me or tried to repremand me I would try to protect myself too.

Re: Ladies with pets...I have dilemna and need advice

from what you have described it seems that your dog thinks that he is the "alpha male" in the house and does not understand that your DH outranks him. we had this same issue with out chow/shepherd mix. we got an in-house trainer, he came for several weeks in a row, and our dog is much, much better now, and not at all aggressive.

good luck

Re: Ladies with pets...I have dilemna and need advice

you have FM

Re: Ladies with pets...I have dilemna and need advice

I'm so sorry - I don't really have advice, but I know how cocker spaniels can be...

when I was a teenager - we found a cocker spaniel - he was beautifully groomed, and no one claimed himw hen we reported him. He slept with me every night and I adored him. He was soooo in love with us and really, he was the perfect dog.

But....

One day I was walking him, and I asked a lady in the neighborhood if she knew anyone who was missing a dog (I still asked even though I really wanted to keep him!) and the lady said no, and started talking to me - the dog looked so sweet and fruiendly, she went to pet him, and thats when he "snapped. " He almost bit her hand!!!!

We discovered that anyone who was not "us" was prime for attack, and we could not keep him. My parents were afraid of a lawsuit - understandably. I was devasatated, but I understood. We figured the owners STUPIDLY let him go because of the same issue.

Have you also considered maybe something mentally is going on with him because he is sort of old?

A dog is a child, and its heartbreaking when you have to go through something like this. I hope you can make a decision that will be the best one for him, even if it breaks your heart!

Message edited 3/30/2008 11:34:00 AM.

Re: Ladies with pets...I have dilemna and need advice

In my opinion it is time for the dog to go. I know how heartbreaking it can be . When my son was born I got rid of my 75 lb retreiver/lab mix. He never bit but I knew he probably could. When we took something away from him or yelled at him he got nasty. The rest of the time he was extremely loving and great with kids, but he just wasn't trustworthy. My do could have been very dangerous, your dog is smaller but I would still let him go. The peeing thing is to be expected w/ cocker spaniels tho, they have bladder problems.

Message edited 3/30/2008 11:43:43 AM.

Re: Ladies with pets...I have dilemna and need advice

You have fm/.

Re: Ladies with pets...I have dilemna and need advice

I have a dog that is 7 yrs old, and gets aggressive with me. Never with DH and such - because he teaches him - but me sometimes.

I can't immagine giving my 7yr old away - he was with us his whole life and we love him dearly. Ofcourse, he isn't a baby so the comparison may not be fair - but just like i wouldn't give my DD away if she was 'bad' I won't him. I think we have to understand this is an adjustment period for everyone in the house, especially your dog who was your baby until DD came along.

Even though your dog is 10, you can still train him! You have to show him you and your DH are in charge. It is recommended you flip him over on his back (which is a submissive position_ and hold him down until he submits. this is one way of showing you are the alpha not him. If you are afraid, put a leash on him, at all times, when he does something 'walk him over' to 'punishing' spot. The fact that he is on a leash and is being led shows you are the alpha. With dogs you have to be consistent. He shoud NOT pee in your house. 3 times a day walk is plenty for a dog. You need to punish him - especially as you see it being done - and make sure you exert your alpha.

As for baby, I plan to NEVER leave the dog and baby alone. I don't trust him. That is why I have pack n play, and will get gates when she is mobile. My DD is also 4 mnths old.

On a positive side a cockerspaniel is not a german shepherd - its not that big. Honestly if this was a big dog, I would say find it a home, but a smaller dog - i think - is not deadly and just needs to be kept away. Also, by establishing an alpha (you guys) the dog will be better too.

Having said that... In the end this is your baby.. and protecting your baby is rightly your # 1. So, you are right in what ever you decide

Re: Ladies with pets...I have dilemna and need advice

Re: Ladies with pets...I have dilemna and need advice

I agree with the others in hiring a trainer. Give him a trial period to turn it around.

You know your dog the best though.

Re: Ladies with pets...I have dilemna and need advice

Have you taken Rocky to your vet recently? He's older and and I would check him out to see if he has any infections that may be contributing to his urinating in the house. Sometimes, it's the only sign that a dog is sick.

I'd start with that and ask your vet about his behavior, as well has look into trainers.

Unfortunately, if you hand him over to a shelter saying he bites, he will probably be euthanized.

I am sorry you are going through this, it is a difficult situation and you have to do what you are most comfortable doing. Hang in there

Re: Ladies with pets...I have dilemna and need advice

You know what I just thought of.... A few months back, in Brooklyn, that family dog that killed the baby while he was in the stroller, in the apartment with his Grandma. On the news, all of the neighbors were in shock, because everyone of them said the dog was a loving and friendly one. You just never know.....

Re: Ladies with pets...I have dilemna and need advice

Posted by JennChris

I know this is going to be an unpopular answer... but it's JMO ... My kids safety comes first, if I had a dog that I wasn't absolutely completely comfortable with my children.. I'd find him a new home. It's an animal.. animals come second to my kids.
Is is something you really want to be worried about all the time

Re: Ladies with pets...I have dilemna and need advice

Posted by JennChris

I know this is going to be an unpopular answer... but it's JMO ... My kids safety comes first, if I had a dog that I wasn't absolutely completely comfortable with my children.. I'd find him a new home. It's an animal.. animals come second to my kids.
Is is something you really want to be worried about all the time

Re: Ladies with pets...I have dilemna and need advice

Posted by KateDevine

Awww, I am so sorry! I couldn't even imagine. Our dog is in love with DS, and actually has been more so since he has been a little bigger. Dogs are pack animals, and it seems that Rocky is not feeling like he is part of the pack and that possible could be why he is acting out.

Posted by ddunne2

When it comes to animals, there are no second chances in my book. I'm not an animals lover to begin with, but any aggresive behavior like that, the animal would be out of my house. It is just not worth the risk. Sounds like the dog bit you husband pretty badly...imagine the harm it could do to a child.

See, I am sorry, but I feel like this is an old school scare tactic. Rocky hasn't done anything to her DD. I think that with a ten year old dog, she should really try to get Rocky some training.

To the OP, I'm sorry, it would break my heart to have to deal with this

Message edited 3/30/2008 9:38:00 PM.

Re: Ladies with pets...I have dilemna and need advice

I used Bark Busters for Emmie while I was preggo, then we had him come back after I had DS. I really didn't want to get rid of her, but she is spoiled and dogs are so unpredictable. With that said, Emmie is really good with Steven. He does annoy her, but we keep a very close eye on it and Steven learned really quickly what he can and can not do to her. We dont leave them alone in the same room, but you shouldn't do that anyway. Even the nicest, friendliest dog can get startled or angry at the drop of a hat. Also, we don't let DS climb on her bed pillow. This way she has a safe place to be and DS knows not to go on it. We don't let him climb on her or pull at her. I hate seeing pictures of kids climbing all over dogs, it's just not safe on so many levels. Basically what my point is that I suggest getting him training and just be smart and sensible about how DC treats the dog. You know what Rocky doesn't like. You know his trigger points. Avoid them.

Good luck!!!!!

Re: Ladies with pets...I have dilemna and need advice

I used to train dogs. He needs what I call doggy boot camp or you need to give him up for the safety of the people in your house.

In a nutshell everyone needs to treat him the same way. Speak to him in a loud domineering voice. When you say "NO!" say it loud, deep voice - I tell women to try to sound like a man. Say it like a bark. Quick an LOUD. The same goes for sit stay and heal.

Your dog must be told to sit, and comply before ANY of the following: treats, food, petting, play, walks, being let out. ANYTHING he wants or needs to do he needs to submiss by sitting and waiting for a moment before he gets it. This needs to happen with everyone living in the house, no exceptions.

Do not get down on the floor to play with him, at all. Do not allow him up on your furniture. This fosters his pack mentality.

Your dog needs to learn that he is the dog, and you are the humans. Right now he thinks he is living in a pack and is fighting for dominance.

Some basic obedience training practice for sit stay and heal will also help.

I have seen aggression and dominance issues get solved with dogs this age. It takes constant consistency (there can be no wavering) and at least an hour or so of work each day.

After a few weeks of good behavior you can start to loosen up a little, I would ALWAYS make him sit for food or treats. Sometimes dogs like this need some reminding after boot camp. It is not something he can learn or maintain on his own, it's his human's responsibility.

I hope I offered something that can help, I can only imagine how heartbreaking this is.

Re: Ladies with pets...I have dilemna and need advice

Re: Ladies with pets...I have dilemna and need advice

Posted by clwp

Posted by KateDevine

Awww, I am so sorry! I couldn't even imagine. Our dog is in love with DS, and actually has been more so since he has been a little bigger. Dogs are pack animals, and it seems that Rocky is not feeling like he is part of the pack and that possible could be why he is acting out.

Posted by ddunne2

When it comes to animals, there are no second chances in my book. I'm not an animals lover to begin with, but any aggresive behavior like that, the animal would be out of my house. It is just not worth the risk. Sounds like the dog bit you husband pretty badly...imagine the harm it could do to a child.

See, I am sorry, but I feel like this is an old school scare tactic. Rocky hasn't done anything to her DD. I think that with a ten year old dog, she should really try to get Rocky some training.

To the OP, I'm sorry, it would break my heart to have to deal with this

I don't share the animals second theory - I felt they were the first commitment I made since they came into our family before our DC and part of the commitment would be to train them to co-exist with the rest of the family (as our children will have to be taught to co-exist with the animals, again growing up with dogs I learned and I'm still here and still loving dogs and cats)... that said, I still don't think this is your Rocky's natural mannorism... I think it was sparked by aggressive human behavior - your DH was not "playing" with him - he was yelling at him and the pup may have been challenging the alpha male. I still think that if you can figure out why your pup is peeing on the floor (I agree with ensuring it's not a medical issue), then work with a trainer who should also speak with your DH about handling such situations better (it's good training for when your DC breaks his chops, which she eventually will). I'm not coming down on your DH (I just realized it may sound that way), but again, it sounds like Rocky is only aggressive when he is shown aggression. I hope it works out and you will be able to keep your furry family member, Rocky's chances at adoption at his age (not to mention history of peeing in the house and snapping at your DH) would not be good. I'm not saying to put your DD in harms way either... but with good training your furry and human child may co-exist happily. I think it's worth the investment at this point as it sounds like something you are struggling with and you've already invested so many years in Rocky. A good trainer can probably tell if Rocky would even ever be aggressive toward your DD before it ever happened.

Message edited 3/30/2008 10:54:15 PM.

Re: Ladies with pets...I have dilemna and need advice

Please rule out medical reasons first. My parents had a dog this happened with. We thought it was just him getting older and acting out. They took him to the vet and they did some bloodwork. It turned out he was diabetic. As soon as his diabetes was under control things started to get a little better.

Also yelling at a dog does nothing. They just see it as a challenge and agression. You need to be calm and composed yet firm when disciplining the dog.

You can only disclpline the dog for something if you catch them in the act. Any other discpline will confuse them. The dog does not know why they are in trouble.

It sounds like you love this dog but are very frustrated. The dog picks up on this and tries to take charge of the situation.