What to do when DC don't like one dog?

We have two black labs.

One one lab, Malibu is 5 years old.
The dog has snapped t the kids a few times, usually after only being provoked by the children. Nothing has happened recently that I know of, however the children don't seem to want the dog near them.

They say "No Malibu" "Go away Malibu" and they seem upset by this.

I am concerned because I don't want them to be scared of dogs. But what do I do? The dog still has years ahead of him.

Do I get rid of one and not the other? Is that fair to the dogs? I don't know if I would find someone to take both?

Any help would be great.

Thanks.

Re: What to do when DC don't like one dog?

well - I think in a way, the children need to learn that if you provoke the dog, it might nip you. I can't picture the lab full on attacking the children. We had a Golden Retriever growing up and she would nip if my lil brother pulled her tail and it taught him to respect animals. KWIM?

If it seems that vicious then I think you should look into a trainer to help your kids and dogs co-exist

hth

Re: What to do when DC don't like one dog?

Do any of the adults say this? I know the children would likely copy what an adult says. Also, maybe they are just going through a phase and mimicing each other.

I have to be honest and say I certainly would not get rid of my dog b/c a child does not seem to care for them at this point in time (or ever). You asked if that is fair to get rid of one dog. No way, not fair for one or both even to be gotten rid of b/c a child (when children's moods and phrases change) currently doesn't seem to be interested in the dog. Odds are the kids don't like that they dog snapped at them, but they should be taught that the dog has feelings too and they have to treat the dogs with love and care.

Children are easily guided by adults so if you find a way to show them how to treat the dogs, and that the dogs are "good", I would bet they would be saying "Come to me" instead of "Go away". JMO

Message edited 6/18/2009 4:56:19 PM.

Re: What to do when DC don't like one dog?

Responding via the xpost to Pets...

Malibu needs to see your children as higher in the pack order than he is. You can accomplish this in many different ways, but I would really suggest a professional helping you. It's too delicate a situation since he's already nipping.

Although it's true that by and large, Labs are not typically aggressive, I do know many with these types of issues. I even know one woman who had hers attack her multiple times. She tried everything, from puppyhood to adulthood. The dog was proven to be beyond help. I don't think your situation is one that needs drastic measures yet.

I think the next step is to analyze when this happens, what preceded it, and what the underlying issue is with Malibu that would cause him to nip. Is it because he's being protective of a toy or food? Is it because of rough touching? You can de-sensitize him to that by training him along with the children. And at the same time, to give your children a role in that training so they gain confidence with Malibu and create a bond.

I think it's a better bet to train your dog to accept the situation and change the pack order than it is to expect a child to always be well behaved around the dog. Malibu is older developmentally and can acclimate to change easier.

Good luck, and I hope you can find a good solution to keep your family safe and happy.

Message edited 6/19/2009 8:12:06 AM.

Re: What to do when DC don't like one dog?

off topic but are you taking them with you when you move?

edited to mean the dogs, not the kids

Message edited 6/19/2009 8:36:51 AM.

Re: What to do when DC don't like one dog?

Responding from Pets post -


It sounds like you are debating getting rid of your dogs because your children don't like him. Not because he is a safety concern. That doesn't seem fair to anyone (you, your dog, your other dog or the children).

I wouldn't get rid of him for that. It may just be a phase & the children will grow out of it. Or maybe they will never like him, but if he's your dog you should keep him. They aren't afraid or allergic, just indifferent to him.

Labs are large, sometimes small children dont like big dogs until they are bigger and not so intimidated by size.

My sister's youngest hated the family black lab from day 1. Never wanted it in the same room. As she got bigger she grew to love the dog. It was almost as though the dog being soo big was too much for her. But as she got bigger, he wasn't so scary.

Re: What to do when DC don't like one dog?

I have to agree with the pp that said it may be learned behavior. I find my ds treats the dog the way we do. Don't get me wrong he still does typical kid stuff to her but also mimics us. He will yell at her if I do. He tries to nudge her the way I do. Luckily my dog is an older girl. She just goes with it. I would pay attention to how you are dh treat Malibu. If you guys adjust what you say the kids may too.

As for getting rid of the dog. I wouldn't unless he is a threat. In a year or 2 the dog and kids may be best friends. You just never know. Good luck

Re: What to do when DC don't like one dog?

Posted by imyself

I have to agree with the pp that said it may be learned behavior. I find my ds treats the dog the way we do. Don't get me wrong he still does typical kid stuff to her but also mimics us. He will yell at her if I do. He tries to nudge her the way I do. Luckily my dog is an older girl. She just goes with it. I would pay attention to how you are dh treat Malibu. If you guys adjust what you say the kids may too.

As for getting rid of the dog. I wouldn't unless he is a threat. In a year or 2 the dog and kids may be best friends. You just never know. Good luck

Message edited 6/19/2009 7:51:39 PM.