Unfortunately, fear aggression is a very serious thing to conquer. I have seen dogs with it that ultimately did not have a happy ending. And the groomer, despite how she handled it, was right - it is a lawsuit waiting to happen. However! - the groomer, seeing that the dog was afraid should have muzzled the dog to finish the grooming. Muzzling the dog isn't gonna hurt it any for 30 minutes of grooming time. The way your groomer spoke to you though was inappropriate. She may have still been highstrung from almost being bit, but if that were the case, her manager should have handled the discussion with you. And if your dog gets carried away and starts nipping at your children - that is a problem.
A good trainer will come right out and tell you - at NO time should a dog's teeth ever touch your skin. It is NOT acceptable ever. Licking is fine. But nipping, even in play should not be permitted. It just takes one time for an accidental break in skin - if it gets reported, your dog, depending on your county, is gone. Definitely have the trainer come in asap. Watch your dog when it is with your children. And make sure the trainer teaches the dog that teeth on skin is a NO-NO.
I hope your baby recovers from whatever scares him so much. God willing he will be responsive to training and learn to trust. Have you had him since he was a puppy? I am wondering what has happened in his past that has caused him to be so fear aggressive. There is usually a root cause to this. Even something that happened at 6 or 7 weeks could have scarred him for life. I'll pray for the little guy. |