I have a 2 year old Boxer/Rottwieller dog who only bites people who he doesn't know. He is fine with my two children ages 3 and 6. He is fine with anyone that he knows. But when someone comes to the house that he doesn't know he will bite them, unless we put him outside or upstairs with the door closed. We try to keep the door locked when he is inside but sometimes people don't knock and walk right in and he will bite them . He has only bit one person, but that is one too many. I can't put him to sleep that to me is just not right. He is like one of my children. Please help cause i just don't know what to do? Thank you
2006-12-13 14:48:17 · 12 answers · asked by katsimel2006 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
First of all, he is perhaps overly protective. Now that is not a bad thing with having young kids. He is guarding his home and people. You say he has only bitten once but does not welcome strangers. My crew doesn't either until they realize the person is welcome here. Never have to worry about door to door salesmen!!
Seriously, he just has to be reprogrammed a bit and he is young. Rotts are very protective of family! And no one will snatch up yur kids when they are around. First get a "Beware of Dog" sign and post it out front!! As for people just walking in, how rude! They should get bit or growled at. So post a "knock first" sign on door for those folks. They need to be retrained that you have a dog that is there as a pet and to protect your kids.
When someone is coming tht he hasn't met then short leash him right beside you. Let them knock and then tell them come in. Keep a bit of distance while you are welcoming them and talking. Have them come in and be seated. Keep him by you to watch the friendly interaction. Pick a vocal sound or command to use if he growls or pulls to get at them. He needs to learn what "friend" means and can. One word commands and "labels" are important. Introduce him and use the "friend" word repeatedly.
He needs to have his social limits broadened to include those you are comfortable with. He does not necessarily need to love any and everyone that might come, as a repairman, salesman, etc. But you have to educate him to "friends". Think about the one he bit and that situation and how you responded.
Yes, someone mentioned Cesar Milano, Dog whisperer, on Animal Planet and National Geo station. He is a true expert in animal behaviour. All of us in rescue respect and learn from watching his shows. He deals with these type situation in dogs.
He needs to be walked outside of his territory for the exercise and the social interaction. You may need to muzzle for these walks for safety, at least at first. He needs to see you interact with more people away from his turf and slowly get used to being petted by "strangers", mainly the neighbors!
You have to help him learn the difference between how to react to "friends" and true "strangers". One day this could save you and your kids from harm and that is a good thing.
2006-12-13 17:23:57 · answer #1 · answered by pets4lifelady 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Forget the "Dog Whisperer" garbage. The dog needs to see a certified canine behaviorist to find out exactly what triggers bring on a potential bite and it needs to be corrected. If it cannot be corrected (and not by muzzling since that should a LAST resort and is only a quick fix and nothing more) then the dog needs to be humanely euthanized.
2006-12-13 23:13:22 · answer #2 · answered by ShadowWolf 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Rottwiellers are attack dogs. As the owner, you will be responsible for the outcome of the attack. Dogs need to be social. Start more walks to dog parks, the mall, have them give them treats. Isn't there some Dog Whisperer show for troubled dogs on cable? Chavez or something....
2006-12-13 22:52:11 · answer #3 · answered by OhIdonno 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I have a German Shephard that is the guard dog of my house. She too attacks anyone she doesn't know. The most effective way I've found is to make her sit as she watches me and the stranger shake hands, i also usually let her sniff them so as to familiarize.
2006-12-13 22:58:00 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
your Boxer/Rottwieller is simply protecting its territory he doesn't see kids 3 to 6 as a threat to him take him to a petstore or something to make him more respecting to others but not to nice so he could warn unwanted visitors
2006-12-13 23:34:38 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Get a leash and a choke chain. When the dog moves to bite someone or gives the person the evil eye or growls give the choke a quick jerk to get his attention.
Watch the "Dog whisperer" on animal planet. He is awesome with dogs.
2006-12-13 22:54:48 · answer #6 · answered by ♥ ♥ C.J. ♥ ♥ 5 · 0⤊ 3⤋
I think that I understand...
Sometimes, it can be good for he to do that, you know, for the robbers and these things, what about you try to send he to a specialist with the dogs, or animals... Anyways, sometimes they can be dangerous, I think... But sometimes you most be sure that he don't... Um... Be so near of your kids, it can be dangerous, he maybe can attack them, and that's bad...
Anyways, I want it to be of help to you.
Thank you.
2006-12-13 22:54:20 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Put a Muzzle on the Beast.
2006-12-13 22:50:01 · answer #8 · answered by º°`°ºJon Q°º¤ø,¸ 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Don't take him outside for walks near others.
Take him to puppy pre school and let them sort it out.
Good luck
2006-12-13 22:49:47 · answer #9 · answered by CartoonLife 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Muzzle is a good solution
2006-12-13 22:49:18 · answer #10 · answered by Oh Dee! 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋