Judge doesn't seem comfortable around some people and I'm not always sure why. But today my friend was over and messing around. He was stomping around while my dog was sitting on my lap and staring at my guinea pig so he gave a snarl in his direction. It was a warning. My friend backed away and obviously left him alone. Later though, I was petting Judge when my friend came over and gave him a hug, and he bit him!!! I don't understand why. Maybe he felt unsure? Or maybe it was because we walked over to his house before to say hi to his chocolate lab and Judge didn't like her, and my friend smelled like her. I don't know. Luckily it wasn't a bad bite but he had aimed for the face, and although I couldn't see any mark my friend said he was bleeding a little on the chin. I am so scared for my dog. He's not a mean one, but perhaps he finally is sure that he has a home after being abandoned by others twice and wants to protect it?
Help please, I don't want him to bite again!
2007-11-10 12:45:30 · 19 answers · asked by Judgerz 6 in Pets ➔ Dogs
The dog felt threatened by your friend carrying on and stomping around. He growled and that was a warning for your friend to BACK OFF. Your friend did the wrong thing by coming up to him and hugging him after the fact. That just made your dog feel like it was being attacked and retaliated by giving him a bite. The dog was trying to defend himself. Your friend should learn to read the warning signs. Now that you know your dog is prone to bite someone in defense you shouldnt allow people to become boistorous or act in a way that you feel is inappropriate around your dog.
2007-11-10 13:12:51 · answer #1 · answered by ? 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
You should be most concerned about the injury that your
friend sustained. I dont see what breed the dog is in your post, but if he happens to be a breed that has known vicious tendencies (pit bull, etc.) you could be looking at a strict liability claim where the only evidentiary showing needed is that the dog bit your guest. Offer to pay any bills that your guest has for treatment of any injuries he has, and hope for the best.
Second, the animal should be restrained when you have guests in your home. I agree with the other poster who stated that the dog will likely bite again. All the training in the world may not prevent that, so, its up to you how far you want to go to keep the animal. I would suggest a self contained run out in the yard. Thats probably the best you can do.
Finally, as a matter of law you have a duty to keep your home safe for both invitees (there for a business purpose) and licensees (social guests.) The courts have even found a certain level of duty owed to trespassers. So, consider carefully the risk that youre taking.
2007-11-10 21:12:39 · answer #2 · answered by Jeffrey V 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
A hug to a dog is a sign of dominance and a hug from a stranger is a real threat. Your dog definitely needs training to address this issue but your friend's action was most definitely seen as a threat even if it wasn't meant that way. But, you need to have your dog so that he can be handled in any way and not have to fear something like this.
I see you all the time on line and know you are a responsible owner to Judge so I'm sure you will handle this situation well. Call your vet or local humane and get recommendations for good trainers to work with. Judge's past history may be part of the issue and a trainer may be able to help.
Good luck and I'm sorry this happened!!
2007-11-10 20:51:45 · answer #3 · answered by ? 7 · 6⤊ 1⤋
My friends dog did something like that to me i was looking for the dog and then i walked in to the room where the dog was with the master and the snarled and pounced on me i freaked out
2007-11-10 23:51:20 · answer #4 · answered by Robin S 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Judge is resource guarding and you're the resource. Obviously you can't have a dog that's biting. Make sure Judge understands that he can't do that, remove him immediately with a stern NO, ignore him, don't let him back in the room and take him to obedience training. Good luck.
2007-11-10 21:06:22 · answer #5 · answered by Little Ollie 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The only thing to do is hire a behaviorist. Dog bites are not something to mess around with.
2007-11-10 21:15:23 · answer #6 · answered by Aubrey's mommy 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Make sure you have insurance for the doctor bills. Offer to pay, otherwise you might be liable in a lawsuit and/or loss of friendship. Best hope: friend won't do any of those things, but you need to protect yourself. Get insurance or see if your current homeowners has protection for you. That's how you protect your dog.
2007-11-10 20:53:45 · answer #7 · answered by Lilia M 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Maybe the best thing to do is to put him in a crate when people visit. Let him get used to people coming over and see that it is normal. Some dogs are very protective and for the safety of others it would be best to put him in another room or a crate. He may also feel safer in is crate when you have friends over- make his space a happy space for him.
On a side note, make sure your dog has current rabies vaccination. Dogs can be required to be quarantined or rabies tested if they don't have current vaccines.
2007-11-10 20:52:31 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋
As harsh as this may sound majority of the time once a dog bites he/she will do it again. I would think heavily about some serious training, it may help it but you may not be able to completely prevent it from happening again.
2007-11-10 20:52:47 · answer #9 · answered by Beth 4 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Your dog did warn you, it is very important to take your dogs warning seriously, as I am sure you now know. Rescued dogs are very loyal and protective. Proper socialization is key to keeping your dog friendly with people. It is your responsibility to make sure visitors do not do anything that would make your dog feel threatened.
2007-11-10 20:56:09 · answer #10 · answered by Jill R 2 · 3⤊ 1⤋