Keep my dog from attacking me?

Question

I live with my girlfriend and her mom has a dog that she got when it was 6 months old. It is fun and friendly with me most of the time. When my girlfriends mom is around and i walk into the room the dog comes unglued and charges me barking and fangs showing. It is obviously protecting her but nothing anyone does can get it to stop. This aggression has gotten worse as time has gone on. He now gets right up to me snapping at my legs. It is a big dog (Lab/poodle)and quite scary. I am very good with animals and most dogs love me. I have been here since before the dog came and i don't abuse it. I have tried everything from being the one to feed it and play with it to using a paper to try to dicipline it ...it ate the paper so i stopped that... HELP ME

most of this I have tried. The mother is gone 5 days a week and only comes home on the weekends. I am the one that feeds is plays with it and walks it. I love the dog because he is a lot of fun till my "mother in law" comes home. The paper iI used was only because the dog snapped at my feet and even then i would hit my hand with it to try to scare the dog with the noise and tell it no. When I say it ate the paper it was not being hit with it it was only being pointed at with it after smacking my hand.It sits in the room with me at my feet and is happy to see me when I get home.This is extremely odd to me I have made friends with junk yard dogs that were vicious It does this to guests also and i worry it is just a matter of time till it does bite someone...probably me.

Answer 1

Hi! I had a similar problem with my dog barking at and threatening my guests. I had some great answers, but on that sticks out in my mind is the pecking order. The dog needs to realize that she is not at the top of the food chain if you know what I mean. Someone told me to take the dogs food dish, and put it on the counter where it can see it. Then you put some crackers or a snack that YOU would eat behind the bowl. Eat the crackers in front of the dog as if you were eating out of it's bowl. Wait a couple of mnutes, and then YOU give the dog the ir dish. Do this a few times.The dog needs to know her place in the pack. Sounds like she thinks she is higher than you. Give it a try....it worked for me and my guests!!

Answer 2

What type of dog is he? He could be attacking because he is scared or just trying to be dominant. I would put this dog on his side and not let him up till he calms down every-time he goes for another dog. Do it in front of the other dogs as well, and use the command "settle". He needs to learn from you that this is unacceptable behavior and that you are the boss. He does not attack the little dog because he know it is not a threat. Has this dog had obedience training? If not get some!

Answer 3

This isn't your fault. Your girlfriend's Mom should train her dog, but perhaps she likes this protective behaviour a little? Don't ever hit a dog with a paper to discipline it- only makes them fearful, not obedient. Try using treats and do some basic obedience like "sit", "give paw" and "drop" - these are more submissive positions for the dog, also. When dog starts to be "protective" she should get the dog to sit and stay, using food as reward for doing this. The dog should NOT be patted or fussed over when being "protective"- that's rewarding the bad behaviour. Good luck.

Answer 4

You might try obedience training for the dog and owner. As an animal owner I can understand your frustration BUT if the behavior continues I would consider removing the dog from the household. What if it does the same thing with a child?? What if the aggression escalates? Be very careful no animal is worth a person getting injured.

Answer 5

I don't think you will be able to do anything about it dear ..BUT your "mother in law " could after all it is her dog and it is responding to what the messages she is giving it .. Have a serious talk with her ..she needs to bring her dog under control before it either bites you or some other unlucky person who crosses its path ..
In both instances I would not blame the dog .. shame on HER for either thinking its funny or for just plain being slack in her training of the animal ..

People get sued for less and innocent animals get put to sleep for only doing what their masters allow...
I hope you can come to some clear terms with both your MIL and her dog

Answer 6

i it's all about pecking order you must get higher than the dog. things to try do not let the dog sleep on any ones bed especially the mother in laws as this puts him above you .you can get in or on his bed as this puts you above. him leave his food until you have all eaten again this puts you higher than him, also don't react to any bad behavior and reward good behavior

Answer 7

Try spending more time in the room with the dog, that way he would get more accustomed to your presence.
The dog realizes that your girlfriends mother loves you and feels threatened to have to share her affection with someone else. Maybe he realiizes your not upto any good with his mistress's daughter.

Answer 8

if someone used a paper on me i would dislike you also... take the dog for leash walks yourself ! feed him bisquits along the way if he is acting appropriately,, also,,, try playing tennis ball with him outside.... needs to be you and dog only...

Answer 9

get a dog trainer. the older the dog the harder it gets to train. especially protecting habits like that