What to do when dogs are aggressive towards children.

[txshopper73]

I found this link and thought I would get your intake on it.

http://www.your-answers.co.uk/Aggressive.htm

What To Do When Your Dog Is Aggressive With Your Children
Counseling owners of biting and aggressive dogs is one of the hardest tasks that veterinarians face. This problem generally becomes apparent when the dog first reaches sexual maturity at 8-10 months of age. It begins with the dog growling at children over treats, food or toys or a spiral toward aggression during play with the child. These dogs stare down the children or assume an aggressive posture with the head down, tail extended, the body in a crouched position and the hair of the neck and back slightly raised. Dogs often challenge children in the family before they challenge the parents because children are smaller and make noisy quick approaches to the dog. Do to their small size; bites on the head and face are common. Because this is a deep-seated emotional response in dogs, disciplining the dog after a bite has little effect. The problem must be differentiated from fear biting in dogs which is a problem in shy, skittish dogs forced into close proximity to a child and biting in response to pain inflicted on the dog by a child. Certain breeds of dog, such as Chow Chows, Rottweilers and Pit Bull Terriers will bite neighborhood children engaged in horseplay with your children when they perceive they are protecting your children.

There is a definite breed-association with aggressiveness. The most common breed of dog I see this problem in is the Cocker Spaniel. Next come the herding dogs such as Australian Shepherds, German Shepherds, Huskies and mixed larger dogs.

Since Pit Bull terriers “lock” onto the object they are biting causing severe wounds or death, newspaper accounts of children bitten by this breed of dog are the most common. Top problem breeds change over time. As a breed of dog becomes popular dogs with unstable or poor temperaments are bred by breeders to produce more income. These dogs were not bred when potential owners were more choosey in selecting a pup. So as the popularity of a breed declines, the frequency of health and personality problems declines as well.

I see aggression in male dogs more frequently than in female dogs. I also encounter it more in intact than in neutered dogs.

Children bitten are usually between the ages of 4 and 11 years. Boys are more frequently bitten than girls since they tend to be more outgoing and fearless.

When an owner presents me with a situation where their dog has attacked or might attack their children, my first response (the safest for all concerned) is to find a new, loving home for the dog with a family with no small children. Often, it only takes my reassurances that this is the right thing for everybody concerned for them to comply. If they plan to replace the dog, I make sure I screen potential puppies and their parents for any signs of aggressive behavior before purchase. If they are set on keeping the dog and I can not talk them out of it, I explain to them the risk to their children and the children of neighbors to make sure they really understand the dangers involved. You really cannot predict which families will be successful in modifying their dog’s behavior. I then provide them with the name and address of a dog trainer I trust. I let them know that the success rate in modifying this behavior is less than fifty percent. Here are some of the things I suggest they do and don’t do during this training:

1) The child must never be allowed with the dog in an unsupervised situation
2) The dog should be muzzled or confined to a crated when small children are present
3) No food items should be allowed in the dog's area.
4) Loud noise should be avoided
5) Other dogs and non-family members should not be present
6) No rough-housing should be allowed
7) Allot a morning and evening session of 20 minutes over a period of two months before judging the
success of the training.

After a month or two of time has passed using these first seven rules, it is time to cautiously allow the child to pet or stroke the dog with the dog remaining muzzled. An adult’s hand should be present on the dog’s shoulder during training. If the child is old enough, the dog should be leashed and the leash should be held taunt and given to the child. The dog should be praised when it shows no evidence of aggression toward the child and ignored when it does. During the first six months, under no circumstances should the muzzle be removed from the dog when a child is present. If after six months, no signs of aggression occur, the muzzle can be removed from the dog when an adult has his or her hand surrounding the dogs mouth and another hand on the dogs shoulder.

[red98vett]

ALL I can say is IF I ever had a dog that was too agressive with my kids when they were small ....is that I would probably have to find him/her a great home when I saw no other solution working.

When it comes to our kids - we should never take a chance....some dogs will do SO Much better in a home without children and they are happier in the long run -

Too many bad injuries happen because people sit back and think the agression will go away or isn't that bad....there are many children maimed by animals - usually it's preventable if the parent sees the signs of what COULD happen.... and took steps to stop it before someone is really hurt.

So.... I don't think I would have to think too hard if it came to my kids safety....They would come first.

[Yorkie Mum]

I am not sure who this person is but as I work with an aggressive dog and live with one and have had one attack my dog this is my thoughts. Also what I have read and learned work with these dogs.

1. Why was this dog allowed with children alone in the first place. Never let any dog alone with a child any dog can bite.
2. in No way was this ever a dogs fault there was lack of control and training on the part of the owners.
3. Replace the dog with another and more likely then not you get the same thing happening as it is the owner that causes this unless it is a medical issues. So instead of one damaged dog you have two.
4. The 7th thing ---20 minutes over 2 months morning and evening will not do a darn thing to correct this. It is a daily on going every second of the day commitment to fix the problem.
5. You can to predict the dogs that will make it for the most part. They are the ones that have guardians smart enough to get off their butts take responsibility and get down and dirty and fix it.
6. No loud noises ok shelter the dog but train it to work and live with noises calmly by desensitizing.
7. No rough Housing should ever happen with any dog whether it was aggression issues or not. That is not to say that tug a war done right can not be used with a dog but it must fallow some rules of engagement.
8. If it bitten yes a muzzle and confining the dog is a most. This bite did not happen without warning and the owners should have been much more aware.

[red98vett]

Originally Posted by Yorkie Mum

I am not sure who this person is but as I work with an aggressive dog and live with one and have had one attack my dog this is my thoughts. Also what I have read and learned work with these dogs.

1. Why was this dog allowed with children alone in the first place. Never let any dog alone with a child any dog can bite.
2. in No way was this ever a dogs fault there was lack of control and training on the part of the owners.
3. Replace the dog with another and more likely then not you get the same thing happening as it is the owner that causes this unless it is a medical issues. So instead of one damaged dog you have two.
4. The 7th thing ---20 minutes over 2 months morning and evening will not do a darn thing to correct this. It is a daily on going every second of the day commitment to fix the problem.
5. You can to predict the dogs that will make it for the most part. They are the ones that have guardians smart enough to get off their butts take responsibility and get down and dirty and fix it.
6. No loud noises ok shelter the dog but train it to work and live with noises calmly by desensitizing.
7. No rough Housing should ever happen with any dog whether it was aggression issues or not. That is not to say that tug a war done right can not be used with a dog but it must fallow some rules of engagement.
8. If it bitten yes a muzzle and confining the dog is a most. This bite did not happen without warning and the owners should have been much more aware.

?????.... no one said any child was attacked - Txshopper asked our thoughts on the article only and how we felt about agressive dogs - and it pretty much stated what you just posted.

No one was putting blame on a dog - she was asking about how people would deal with this problem if in that situation. I think you misunderstood her post...

[Yorkie Mum]

I realize that no one was attacked so let try again
These are my thoughts on this article. If I could access the article and find the person and how they train I have a better idea but this article is full of what I consider mistakes and wrong info and that is what I am commenting on.
7) Allot a morning and evening session of 20 minutes over a period of two months before judging the This is not enough time to do the job right or well. All day every day every interaction with the dog, is a most.

This problem generally becomes apparent when the dog first reaches sexual maturity at 8-10 months of age. Can appear anytime , as it can build do to lack of training in a dog or a traumatic event.

Pit bull--- As a breed of dog becomes popular dogs with unstable or poor temperaments are bred by breeders to produce more income.
The worse breed or should I say one of the worse offenders is a lab and a golden. Yes pit bite and shake. I have first hand knowledge of such an attack but the breed should not be punished for a few bad apples or should I say bad owners.

When an owner presents me with a situation where their dog has attacked or might attack their children, my first response (the safest for all concerned) is to find a new, loving home for the dog with a family with no small children. Often, it only takes my reassurances that this is the right thing for everybody concerned for them to comply. If they plan to replace the dog,
If you can not fix the problem you have made do not pass it on to someone else without them being well aware of what they are getting. Do not replace that dog until the owner is willing to see the errors of their ways and not repeat the same mistake again.

You really cannot predict which families will be successful in modifying their dog’s behavior. I then provide them with the name and address of a dog trainer I trust. I let them know that the success rate in modifying this behavior is less than fifty percent. Here are some of the things I suggest they do and don’t do during this training:
Yes, you can predict to some extent the ones that will fail at rehab. they are the ones blaming the dog and not getting the job done.


Joy

[Yorkie Mum]

If after six months, no signs of aggression occur, the muzzle can be removed from the dog when an adult has his or her hand surrounding the dogs mouth and another hand on the dogs shoulder.


This will never be enough control over a dog wanting to bite ever and should never ever be done unless you got a small dog. Or willing to get bit yourself.
They should be halti or muzzled for life.
Joy

[txshopper73]

Okay...confession time. I'm sure I'll get a lot of hate mail for this but here goes...

As some people have pm-d me questioning, you'll notice that Chester is no longer in my siggy line. I do not have Chester anymore. It was a very difficult decision for me and my family. Chester has been raised around my children so it all took me by surprise when he started biting my children.

He bit my son several times pretty hard. He bit my daughter hard enough on the arm to leave a nasty bruise. I never scolded him or hit him in any way. When he would do this, I'd hold his head firmly in my hands and look in his eyes and sternly say no. He started growling at my kids and this went on for a period of over several months.

My husband and I discussed it and were torn over it. The last time he bit my son, I knew that I was faced with a very difficult decision. Either keep Chester and risk him biting their faces or let him go.

I choose to let him go. I found an older couple that did not have children in their home. I explained the situation. They completely understood and knew what to expect. They did not have any other dogs. I had Chester neutered and I placed him.

Do not think that this was an easy decision for me. I've had many restless nights and many tears since. I miss him terribly and my son kept asking where Chester was. I still think about him all the time.

He is in a good home and I did what I felt was best for him. I know that a lot of you will judge me on the decision that I made but don't think it was a spur of the moment decision.

[Yorkie Mum]

I choose to let him go. I found an older couple that did not have children in their home. I explained the situation. They completely understood and knew what to expect. They did not have any other dogs. I had Chester neutered and I placed him.
Do not think that this was an easy decision for me. I've had many restless nights and many tears since. I miss him terribly and my son kept asking where Chester was. I still think about him all the time.

We all make the choice best for us and that you did. I do not think you need to have any hate mail over this.
You decided to give Chester a new home. As I said you can not pass a dog on unless you tell the new owners, Which you did. I hope that you can still have some contact and that the owners get to work on rehab. Not sure how old Chester is if it be a fix or a patch to solve the issues. Best of luck to him in his new home and hope that his new owners keep him away form Kids.
When you have kids and dogs and a busy life there is little time for a fellow in need of special time and care that an aggressive/reactive dog does need as it is a full time job in and of it self.

Joy

[red98vett]

Oh Kimberly - my heart goes out to you - but as I posted in my thread above - when it comes to your children - they should come first...you wouldn't have done this if it wasn't a last resort. No one will hate you !! We all understand...

I think there is a big difference with giving up a dog someone can't train to potty or something like that than worrying if your kids could one day lose an eye....

I'm sure your Chester will be happy to be in a Kid-less home....children and some dogs just plain do not mix.....I know your heart must be hurting but you wouldn't forgive yourself either if one of your children were maimed...and it CAN happen ...it is not the dogs fault - it's just something we shouldn't take chances with... and I'm sure he'll have a long happy life with his new familiy....

I'm so sorry it came to this - but it sounds like you had to do this. Big hugs to you and Chester too - I hope he is adjusting and would love an update if you talk to his new people

[txshopper73]

Thank you guys. I plan on checking up on him eventually but not right now. I don't want to open up old wounds for him or my family. Thanks for your kind words.

After I received the pm-s I had to wonder about certain things...but I'll save that for a different day.

[chachi]

I just saw your post on this. I dont know why you would receive negative pms on this it is a personal decision which I know was very hard. You did the right thing. I would have to do the same thing if I was in your situation. You found Chester a good home andheis going to be okay so dont feel any quilt over it.

[Itspuppyluv]

I would not give up my dog for anything, except that. You have to put your children's welfare above everything else. I find it hard to believe anyone would judge you for that. You gave him up out of love - love for your children and for Chester. You did what was best for everyone and I know that was very difficult.

[YorkieShadow]

I love my dogs , But my children would come first.

[Carters Mom]

Kimberley:

You are a standup kinda mom and friend. You have nothing but support from me.

Hugs to you and your children!!!

Lisa

[YorkieRini]

I can totally understand you decision. I have a 5 yr old son and would have done the same in your situation. You did what was in the best interest in the Yorkie. That's something to be proud of!!

Hugs,
Wini