Any dog behavior experts out there?

Question

My dog is a 4-year-old, male, un-neutered, Jack Russell Mix. He doesn't like my 1-year-old son. Is there anything I can do make him like him? He hasn't bitten or anything, he just growls at him. I've been trying to find him a new home with no luck yet. If there is anything I can do to make it work, I'll do it. Any professional advice for me, besides the obvious? (Get rid of him)

Answer 1

Jack Russells and thoise that have a mix of JR have known to be the Jealous kind- You need not get rid of him but try the following
Each day make time for a together time for your son, doggy and another family member husband or sibling or even the maid! let the family member play with the child and you cuddle your pooch talk sweet nothings , play with him and then slowly inch closer to the family member who is JUST holding your son- one year olds can be quite a handful so see that he is well out of the way- not cooing at it, take the childs hand and if there is no growling talk to the pooch saying your son's name , and take the paw of the pooch and gently let it brush your sons hand or leg , or hand some days and slowly mention the pooch's name to your son , do this alternate times, and inch closer and closer till the pooch can smell your son BUT DO NOT LET THE ( as one year kids tend to do) allow it to strike or make sudden movements to scare the pooch.

When your pooch feels secure and loved by you as it was before the baby/ son came, it will slowly regain its position of being loved by you.
Its a matter of jealousy , nothing more. YOU have to spend more time with the pooch but with your son nearby. Try and avoid shouting at the pooch if he's near your son.
Protect BOTH of them seeing that they are not left unattended.
I know of a similar situation with a Jack Russell.
Take it one day at a time. The pooch is feeling left out just like an older kid feels when I new baby comes home.
All the best

Answer 2

Teach the dog right from wrong.
If you haven't scolded him already for growling then he probably thinks this behavior is just fine.
He probably growls at your son becuase dogs have a pecking order and he thinks your son is below him so he wants him to be submissive. Another reason is, the toddler may have hurt the dog without you seeing before such as pulled the dogs hair. I have this problem with my 3 year old cousin. She once pulled my dog's hair and WOULD NOT let go. As a result, the dog nipped her and took off. She hasn't let the baby near her since.
If this is the case, you need to show your dog that your child made a mistake but won't do it again.
Teach your son the words "Be nice" or "Be gentle" and have him pet the dog lightly. If you're dog shows any signs of aggression, give him a swat on the butt and say "No!".
You might have to repeat this a couple times and always punish the dog for growling or nipping.
If none if this works, your dog just might not like children. In which case, he is not the dog for you. Give him to a good home and get a more child friendly dog.
Good luck.. hope I helped :]

Answer 3

first neuter your dog. this could very well be part of the problem. the second your dog is probably a spoiled terrier and acting like one. above all keep your dog and child away. eventually a bite is going to happen and you don't want to play the if only i'd game. find a behaviorist the day after his neuter, which should be done in the next couple of days and work with them. but until you feel 140% confident do not allow the child and dog to be together. it will be hard to find a home for a dog that's already shown aggression toward children, but you should try the other steps first. good luck.

Answer 4

My advice is to find a professional dog behaviorist to help you. And keep your dog and child separate in the mean time. A growl can turn into a bite. I work at a vet clinic, and one of our clients has a 140 pound Akita Inu who is the absolute sweetest dog. But when they found out they were going to have a baby they started talking to a professional dog behaviorist, just to make sure the transition was smooth, because he is such a big dog. They had great success. They have no problems with their dog and their new born baby. I think real professional help, not help over the internet, would be the best option. Good Luck!!!

Answer 5

I would suggest making the time your dog spends around your son a happy experience. Give him treats, play with him, and praise him as you slowly get your dog and your son physically closer together as your dog seems more comfortable with the situation. I would also suggest calling your veterinarian. Getting rid of him is an option, but at the veterinary clinic I worked at, we stressed keeping the pet. It is possible to have a dog and a baby at the same time and even have them like each other. Your dog is probably under stress, they make pheromone plug-ins to relieve the stress of your dog, they are called D.A.P.'s or Dog Appeasing Pheromone's. You could also try reading some books by Patricia McConnell, she is a dog behaviorist I have met from the University of Wisconsin. She helped me a lot with my dog! It is best, though, to get your dog used to babies and children before the child is born. I hope this helps!

Answer 6

Nice shepard by the way if thats him. Sounds to me that this dog is extremely attached to you. Doesn't want to go about his business until you are up and seen. I'm surprised he even wants to go do his business without you. Is he laying by your bed? or the door? Either or he is clearly devoted to you. His desire to be with you and know your ok is stronger then his food drive which is completely fine. No doubt this dogs behaviour would protect you come hell or high water. I love Shepards!!! and can't forget my boxers too :)

Answer 7

http://www.leerburg.com/301.htm

Answer 8

Please seek professional help.

These dogs are smart and stubborn, and will bite that baby one of these days.