I have completely lost all patience with this dog. He bit me in the face for grabbing at some papers he was chewing up. He was abused before I got him. I am just so frustrated I put him in time out in the bathroom with the lights out. Please help...
2007-06-21 04:31:29 · 16 answers · asked by Angela 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
No I never punish him physically, that is why I put him in the bathroom because I need to cool down.
And if it makes a difference he is only about 12 lbs. so I still have some sort of control over him just since he is so small.
2007-06-21 05:06:55 · update #1
Well, probably there is no fixing him at this point. He was abused and that is how he will react always. Placing him at an animal shelter will more than likely lead to him being put to sleep though. Most people do not wan an overly agressive dog.
2007-06-21 04:40:58 · answer #1 · answered by Frank R 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Because he was abused before he more than likely has trouble trusting people. You have options. You can either take the time needed and get help training him and going through obedience to see if that will help him. Or you can decide you can not handle a dog that will bite you and give him to an animal shelter. A no kill animal shelter would be nice.
He needs to be aware that you are dominant and in charge but that you are not going to hurt him. He is probably more afraid of you than you think and maybe felt cornered when you reached for the paper. Start letting him know who is in charge. Putting him in the bathroom with the lights off does not deal with the problem although I am sure it was the easiest thing to do at the time with out harming him.
I would say buy a muzzle. when he is bad muzzle him and show him that the behavior will not be tolerated.
It's going to take ALOT of time for this dog to completely trust you.
I hope things work out for the best! Good luck and I hope the bite was not too bad!!
2007-06-21 05:00:57 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
I've taught obedience for 30+ years.
Absolutely as soon as possible, you need to get your dog in to some EXPERIENCED people. People who have dealt with this type of issue before, and hopefully with more than one dog.
This is NOT the place for you to find an actual solution, but for leads on how to find a solution.
Having a dog that won't sit, or come is an issue. Having a dog that has bitten a human is a dog that needs to be evaluated and evaluated NOW.
Start with your vet. Check around at obedience clubs, where they can give you a referral to a private instructor. Obedience clubs don't handle this type of thing usually.
Once you have someone who KNOWS what they are talking about, you can weigh your options.
Good luck in your search.
Follow up reply:
If you have never SOLVED the behavior of a dog biting a human, this is not something you want to just stick your $0.02 worth into. As the person who asked the question stated, this dog was abused. That takes this to an ENTIRELY different level. It is quite possible that using dominant methods with this dog is going to make this dog MORE aggressive, or become a fear biter. (These are two different types of dog personalities. If you don't understand that you shouldn't be replying.)
I apologize for being so forceful here, but dog bite situations are not situations that you screw around with.
2007-06-21 04:53:13 · answer #3 · answered by Dogjudge 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
It is really hard to give good advice without knowing the full picture. What I would normally suggest is that you assert your dominance, you do this by:
Not letting him on furniture or beds.
Go through doorways in front of him, never behind.
Feed him after you have eaten, never before.
With an abused dog, the best way to deal with him is to ignore the bad behaviour completely and praise the good. but obviously you can't let him bite you, watch him and if he goes for you again grab him around his muzzle and press down whilst "growling" this is what a dominant dog would do. Good luck and try not to be too worried, he will probably adjust with the right handling.
2007-06-21 04:41:40 · answer #4 · answered by SHARRON C 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
It depends on what breed he is. Some dogs (inbred) have bad tendencies. Others have them because of previous abuse. Just because he was mistreated before you got him doesn't mean that you should pity him and not be in charge.
This sounds crazy, but MOUNT HIM. I know he's small but you must show him who is the boss. Hold him by the collar and place him on the floor between your legs, standing over him. He will not like this, but will eventually calm down and submit to you. When he shows aggressive behavior, he's saying that HE is the lead dog. This shows him that you are the boss in dog language and does not hurt him. Continue to do this EVERY time he shows an agress. behav. and I guarantee he will stop within a week or so.
2007-06-21 05:15:01 · answer #5 · answered by Cyndi 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Please consult an experienced dog trainer so he/she can evaluate your dog's behavior, as soon as possible. Putting the dog in the bathroom with lights out is not the answer, it might even aggravate him more. Take a look at some books on dog training such as "The Culture Clash." The SPCA and Humane Society have great dog obedience classes you might like to check out. At the SPCA site www.sfspca.org you will find good dog training tips. Please never ever use physical punishment on your dog. Take a deep breath and calm down, he is a dog and not a person....Good Luck
2007-06-21 04:40:50 · answer #6 · answered by bfiori 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
What did the place tell you about the people that abused him, usually a dog is aggressive against the same sex of person that abused him. How old is the dog, try getting him lots of toys and play with him. Dogs love playing catch with toys, plus they also love lots of attention and affection. Plus he needs to see that you will not abuse him like the other people that had him before, plus he needs to learn what helps you so he won't do that again.
2007-06-21 04:43:56 · answer #7 · answered by Wolfmanscott 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I'm sorry that happened to you and I commend you on trying to save a dog... However, having said that it might be in your best interest and the dogs to have him put down... If he can't be trusted... Have you tried training? Is it worth trying to train a dog that "might" be a biter... If he was abused before you got him that's not your fault.. I would just hate to have your dog possibly bite someone else or a child... It's just not worth it....
2007-06-21 04:41:52 · answer #8 · answered by pebblespro 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
talk to your vet they will have some very good ideas to help you and can point you in the direction of a good obedience school. You must stop this before he bits someone else. You can have your pet taken away and put to sleep if 3 different people report being bit by this animal! good luck
2007-06-21 04:36:39 · answer #9 · answered by Stephanie M 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It's good that you punished him for biting. When dogs are violent, it's best to hire a dog behaviorist or trainer to help you train the dog not to do this. Then you can still keep your dog. I would also try anything that asserts your dominance over him. He needs to understand that you are in charge, not him. You could take him to a training class to get started on this.
2007-06-21 04:42:22 · answer #10 · answered by Bambi 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋