Quote:
Originally Posted by purpledog  We do have one that we got that she would bite if you tried to make her do anything she did not want to do. Her I had to use a pair of oven mitts to protect myself. We have had her 2 years and she no longer bites. |
I know some dogs are just mean and aggressive, but for the most part dogs bite if they are scared and pushed too far or if they are in pain. Also, there is a difference between a snap and a bite. Neither are good but a dog doesn't "miss" A snap is a warning, they don't intent to bite you. You need to figure out *why* they are warning you and you have to make then trust you.
Loki used to snap when I picked him up. After trying to deal with the behavior, the vet finally figured out he had diabetes insipidus which when uncontrolled means all the water he drank just went right through him and his bladder was constantly full (and painful!). Once he started meds he was better. He still had the habit of snapping when in pain though, so like he would snap when I cut his nails. Through a LOT of positive reinforcement we have changed that behavior. Now when I cut his nails he literally lifts his paw for me and sits there, *grumbling* at me the whole time but he knows he will get his treat so he does it. Treats are powerful things
We've completely changed his behavior. He has gone from terror to loving and he is truly a joy.
Also: Give the dog the benefit of the doubt. I'd had people describe his snapping when you pick him up as resource guarding. So I taught him commands like drop it, leave it, and move. He happily obeyed as long as I didn't grab him or touch him near his belly. So finding the right cause for the problem is extremely helpful in finding the solution.