I have a 2 year old dog who we have had since she was a puppy. Over the last 4 months or so she has became aggresive. This past few weeks she has just gotten worse and worse. My husband and I left for a week, my dog and my kids went to my parents house. This is a place she has been a million times. Well my moms little rat terrier was walking aross the yard and my dog attacked her, and just started trying to kill her. Well we came home and she put her teeth on my 2 year old, she didnt bite but looked her down. Today my husband calls me and she attacked one of my cats. I dont know what started it off but she grabbed her and started to shake him all over the place. I am at the end of my rope, I love my dog, but i love my kids more. What should I do?
2007-03-13 07:12:00 · 8 answers · asked by Lora 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I don't know what happened to set your dog off...I am sorry to hear this.
First...you and hubby need to get "dominant' with the dog. Sothing in the family structure has happened that makes the dog think it is alpha and this needs to be adressed ASAP!!
Also, do you have a kennel (house cage) where the dog can be confined? yes, I know they are not to be used as punishment but in this case, I would suggest it to give the dog a time out when it acts up.
Do not let the dog be unsupervised with the kids or other animals and correct immediatley if it acts up. YOU...have to let it know that it's actions are NOT allowed. Kenneling is also good for the times when you have to be out of the house, so to keep the cat safe.
Take the dog to the vet to make sure that there is nothing physically wrong that could be causing the change.
good luck
2007-03-13 07:22:47 · answer #1 · answered by mom tree 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your dogs prey drive has kicked in. You didn't mention the breed or mix...
Your dog is not angry, he's just waking up to some of his natural instincts to chase...and yes..sometimes kill. That doesn't make him a bad dog, outdoor cats kill birds, and we don't put them down when they do.
#1 of most importance, your dog should never be unsupervised around your baby. That goes for any dog, not just your own.
Don't be afraid to muzzle your dog during this difficult time. It's a small inconvenience for him and you but may save him from being rehomed or Godforbid, put down.
While your dog is muzzled, you can work on desensitizing his prey drive and not have to worry about his mistakes. There are many techniques for this, I would suggest you seek the help of a professional dog behavourist.
If you don't have the time/money or inclination to work on this issue with your dog, please rehome him before something happens that could cost him his life, or harm your baby. Be realistic, if you're really not willing to do the work, don't take any chances.
2007-03-13 14:56:04 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The dog is probably upset. Try medicating when leaving her like that in the future (mild things are available at most pet stores). That will provide a quick fix for some of it.
Permanent solution-training. It sounds like she's trying assert herself some and acting out because she was upset over being left. Let her know this is not acceptable, that you are fully in charge. Get her into training now before it gets worse.
2007-03-13 14:25:19 · answer #3 · answered by Showtunes 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sometimes the hardest things we can do is say goodbye. I would take her to the vets and get her tested for distemper. Even though she had her shots she can still get it. Immunizations do not always works because diseases mutate. If there is no sign of distemper I would try obedience training. That most likely won't work, and I'm sorry. I realize you love your dog and what I say next will make you very upset, but if the training doesn't work and she doesn't have distemper then you should (for your safty, your childs safty and your other pets safty) have her euthanised. I don't normally recommend this, I'm not kill happy, but if she will bite your 2 yr old... Again sorry if this is not what you wanted to hear.
2007-03-13 14:22:16 · answer #4 · answered by clytisciasha 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When your dog starts to get aggressive, grab it by the collar and smack her on the rear and yell know, make sure your assertive about it with a bit of aggression in it to let her know that you are serious, every time that he or she starts to freak out and your done slaping her rear, put her in your kennel or cage that you have for her and make her stay in there for awhile, when you let her out give her kisses or whatever you do to show your dog love, and tell her you need to be a good girl/boy and pet her, if she continues doing that go to the vet and get the dog checked, could have got rabies or if its a skull could be growing into its brain to make it angry and disobey ..........good luck with your dog, they r mans best friends
2007-03-13 14:51:53 · answer #5 · answered by Will 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Call Cesar Millan, here is his website www.dogpsychologycenter.com
2007-03-13 14:19:03 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Try obedience training her. If that doesn't work, then... I don't know.
2007-03-13 14:17:08 · answer #7 · answered by Vickie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
leave it alone when it wants fuss it will come to u
2007-03-13 14:15:57 · answer #8 · answered by poppyford 1 · 0⤊ 3⤋