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barbiechick123 · Sep 22, 2008, 04:30 PM

A few days ago, we adopted a resqued dog (3 years old) who seemed very sweet at the shelter, but when I tried taking a hair band from his mouth he bit my hands causing my fingers to bleed, my daughter wants to keep it, but I am scared of him and I am thinking of taking it back.

Is it normal? Is it a territorial thing? Will he do it again, does he have an aggressive side?

Thank you in advance.

COOKIE MONSTER · Sep 22, 2008, 05:16 PM

We don't know how the dog was treated by its past owner,so you can't really say if it will or will not bite again.
You're a mother and its your job to protect your family, I wouldn't keep it, just in case it bit your daughter worse than it has you

Get you daughter a 6-8 week old puppy then they can grow together,she'll forget allllll about that dog as soon as she sets her sights on a puppy,believe me

Alty · Sep 22, 2008, 05:36 PM

I have to say that you should have done your research on this dog before adopting it. Because of this incident, if you return the dog to the shelter, it will likely be put down.

Having said that. Obviously this dog was mistreated or not trained properly. At 3 years of age there is still a good chance of reversing this behaviour. You will have to invest your time, and maybe a bit of money to make this dog a welcome member of your family, but the same can be said for any other dog or pet you bring into your home.

If you don't have the time, or the desire to try and retrain this dog, then return him, and don't get another.

Dog ownership is a responsibility akin to having a child, you get out of it what you put in to it.

Good luck.

Wondergirl · Sep 22, 2008, 06:15 PM

The shelter where you got it will know its history. Give them a call.

starbuck8 · Sep 23, 2008, 12:39 AM

Yes, call the shelter and try and find out the history of your dog. You haven't mentioned the breed. It could also bite your daughter, so be very careful, and do your research.

Never allow a dog to claim YOUR territory. Do not take things from his mouth. Give a "calm and assertive" command, and do not give up until he drops whatever he has in his mouth. Do not say his name, do not touch him, just stand in front of him and block him until he surrenders and drops the object. Take the object away, when he is submissive, and don't give him anything else until he is calm. Do not praise him for dropping it. He will then know this is what is expected of him. You can praise him later, for doing good things.

You will probably have to do this several times before he gets the point. Also, if you have nervous energy, your dog will know it. Stand tall with your shoulders back and don't let yourself be afraid or upset. Dogs really do pick up on the energy your are sending. If you are upset or scared, your dog will have the upper hand, so to speak.

Some dogs that seem aggressive are not at all, but they are unsure dogs, and you have to teach them to trust. As I said before, your energy means everything. That is how dogs communicate! If you are calm, but strong and authoritative, they will see you as their pack leader, and will respect you.

Never leave the dog alone with your child until both you and her have taken your roles as the pack leaders. If he bites you again, give a bite back. This is a bite with your hand, usually right around the upper neck, and then pin him to the ground. Use enough force that is required for the breed. Pin him until he submits, and is calm. This might take several minutes. but it is a mental exercise for your dog. It is not mean, it is teaching him what is expected from him.

Again, do all of the breed specific research you can, and try and get some background info. :)