Eddie bit me :(
 

Eddie has a pretty good rep around here, but I would be remiss in not sharing a negative story with you. This forum is all about learning, and I think we should share the bad with the good.

Last night in bed -- lights off, pitch black -- he was licking my hand as he often does before going to sleep. My arm was outstretched, so he didn't think my head was close to him. I moved my head over to give him a head nudge, and he bit me square on the nose aggressively. By the time I got to the mirror, blood was all over my face and there were five quarter-inch cuts on my nose.

I'm 100 percent sure he thought it was Jack invading his space. He's snapped at Jack before on the bed. I just had no idea he was using his teeth. Perhaps it was exacerbated by the fact he's been sick lately, but who knows.

I'm devastated. If this were to happen to a stranger, he'd be in quarantine right now with a chance that he'd be put down. Whether I think it was a freak accident or not, I have to treat this seriously.

Here's what I'm planning on doing. I'm all ears if anyone has any other suggestions.
* No more going on the bed. He's treating it like his domain, and that's gotta stop. I've never kenneled him at night, but I'm going to start. I'm going to face a serious argument from my wife because she's the one who cuddles with him at night.
* All the toys get put away when I'm not actively playing with him. He has hoarding issues that I've addressed in the past, but obviously not well enough.
* I've told our agility instructor about it and asked for her advice.
* I'm going to tell the administrator at the hospital in charge of the therapy dog program. I'm hoping it doesn't disqualify him from being able to do it, but it's something I don't want to hide from her.

Just thought I'd share in case anyone sees similar behavior in their dogs.

I am so very sorry
 

Mike, first of all, I am so very sorry - sorry that you were physically injured and even more sorry for the injury to your heart :( . I am not a fancy dog trainer, but knowing what I do about Eddie and you - I really believe that this was a very isolated incident that will never happen again. You caught Eddie off guard and probably startled him. If I were in that situation, I would not kick him off the bed and send him to doggie jail (since he isn't crated, that is what it will be for him). I'd start working with him - touching him in the dark to work through the problem (if there really is a problem). He needs to learn not to lash out with his teeth when he is startled.

As far as him being aggressive with little Jack - I would address that before they become enemies. Putting the toys away when you aren't playing with him will probably help that situation.

First sorry, it is tough on us when these things happen.

2. Medically if somethings going on cut him some slack and make sure that is not the cause and it a one off. Check the eyes, he should have been able to see it was you even in the dark, eye sight in the dark loss is an indicator of cataracts and yes they can develop very young in dogs.

3. Bless them but many agility trainers will not have a clue at all how to handle a dog that have gone to a bite. You need someone that is trained in aggression and works with biters and usually that not an agility trainer unless they have a bad to the bone dog of their own. It is to much for them to keep up on agility as well as aggression.

4. One bite in a dog long life does not make for aggression it does as you say need watching. One can lead to more and be guard against but one can be one.

5. Why off the bed.. why not turn it into a training treat. He must off at request and sit, down or even better learn a new skill to get on the bed.

6. As for sleeping on it I am with you if he biting in the dark as he can not tell it is you best off the bed but what about in a bed beside you rather then a kennel.... if he will stay in it.


7. Did you note his behavior after the bite at all and what is it like the day after... is he aware it was you he hit? I am not talking about the "look" of guilt but his body posture was it I mad and got you, or did it register at all.
Sometimes as well when these guys age the brain does a disconnect.

8. I would work on him bugging jack and that may help him settle down.

9. You are right a bite to another can be death to a dog but and it is a big but there are a few behavior people that will go to court and fight for a dog if an owner seeks their help. starts a program with them and they see things going well... if it does happen and I hope it does not just cause a dog bites does not mean he needs putting down. Makes me very upset that this is true a dog bites and it is gone without a check to the reasons and allowing for corrections.

10. I would be very surprised if you can continue with therapy work but I hope you can... have you taught no bite or inhabited bite.

I know you did not ask but this is my skill set I live and breath and study this daily so I have a little insight that most do not.
I impressed it takes a strong and brave person to admit what you did in this post and use it to teach. I have been there done that now my dog gets a break for a while and just gets to be sick in peace.
I know just how hurt and upset you are I do give yourself and Eddie a break and a hug.

JL

Mike Iam so sorry this has happend to you, I think that you are right to not let him sleep with you at present even though I doubt very much that he thought it was you and not Jack!! Hope things get sorted and I know you will find away around all of this.

Thanks for your concern, everybody. YorkieMother, I PM'd you.

Mike! What a shock! I am so sorry this happened. That looks pretty sore!

Oh, Mike, I am stunned as I know you must be also. I have never faced a problem such as this but feel as you do, it has to be addressed right away. I cannot help but suspect that it stems from his recent illness, but that's just my opinion. I have no advice but just wanted you to know that we will certainly keep Eddie and you in our thoughts and prayers.

Ha, no, didn't hurt at the time and doesn't hurt today. Just shocked me. The cuts aren't deep. I looked a mess when it was bleeding, though!

Oh Mike I a so sorry that this has happened with Eddie. I sure would bet it has to do with his recent foxtail/sneezing problem/sickness. I wonder if he just still doesnt feel good. You at one point had mentioned the possibility of going in with another scope when the first one had healed, is this something they would still recommend even if he has only had one sneeze or so since the meds have ended 3 or so days ago? This is so out of character for him, and I would still wonder if something like that could be bothering him. I will sure keep you guys in my thoughts.....

I am sorry Mike, and your poor Nose :eek: i realy dont think he ment to do that, looks like you allready got very good advise...hugs for you and Eddie !

Oh Mike first I am stunned like you and the rest of us here. I agree with Yorkiemother as she gave excellent advice. I, too, am worrierd about therapy visits now. I would believe that if you told them that Eddie bit you regardless of the circumstance that they would have to reevaluate him being a therapy dog. I am at a loss on this one..my heart would say don't tell that this truly was an isolated incident. I would try crating him at night and putting away the toys if that is a problem. Give it time..don't jump to anything yet with Delta.:( Are you sure he is just not feeling right with all that he has been through with the foxtail incident? I would also talk to your vet on this one.

This just doesn't sound like Eddie. It just doesn't sound like him. I hope you can find the answers you need as to how to work with him on this.

I'm also interested in knowing how he reacted when he realized it was you he bit. I know he can't be aggressive with Jack, either, but it just seems so out of character for him.

Wow I was :eek: to read this.. but I have experienced the half alseep/in their zone dogs and cats before. Maybe he was just startled.. I know it's a bit extreme but I do think it's an isolated thing.. I hope.

I think maybe YOU should stay out of the big bed from now on. ;)

How heartbreaking!!! This definitely does not sound like typical Eddie (other than toy hoarding). Is it possible he is having some afteraffects from the medical he was on for the foxtails?

Oh my gosh, Mike I am so sorry! I have no advice really, but I'm sending you hugs. Tucker snapped at me meanly once, and it broke my heart. Eddie was probably in his little zone, and you just startled him or something. There are people on here who know a lot more about this than I do, but I'm really sorry that happened! :(

WOW, Mike, I am sorry about your nose... I agree with some, I really think this was an isolated thing with sweet Eddie, I pray that is it...
We're rooting for you Eddie! Hope you feel better soon.
d

I don't want to downplay this. But I have to say it...If I were you I would tell people I fell down some stairs or got hit by a door. ;)

Seriously, I applaud you for wanting to get to the bottom of this issue. I hope it is a one-time event. I suspect that it is.

You are absolutely on the right track with your proposed training idea. Too many people don't take that first bite seriously and make excuses, only to have the behavior get much worse. One bite can mean quarantine, possible euthanization or a lawsuit.

Have you ever heard of the Nothing in Life is Free program? It's recommended by the HSUS and has the same principles you are proposing. It puts you in control of the "resources".

Nothing in Life is Free

Basic Training Techniques | The Humane Society of the United States

Oh, Mike - I am so sorry this happened with you and Eddie - I can hear how much it bothers you. Not to downplay it at all, but I just wonder with everything that Eddie has had going on physically if this was out-of-the-norm for him, due to his not feeling all that well. Not to excuse the behavior, but it might explain the extent of it a bit. And obviously, he didn't realize it was *you*, like you said (not that you want him to use his teeth to that extent either way, though).

You've already gotten some great advice. There is another member on here who often helps with training issues - and she is a trainer - she is ScootieBootie - you really should PM her (she even has the offer to help in her siggie). Another one is...I'm not sure I have this right though, k9Trainer. Good luck - I know you'll get this figured out with dear Eddie! :)

OUCH!! Sorry this has happened for both you and Eddie! It is good that you are trying to deal with it to ensure it not happening again. My dogs dont sleep with us...i had seen to many incidents on dogs getting possive of the bed and thought, i would rather not deal with even the possibility of that happening, so my guys sleep in their kennels right next to our bed. They are so accustomed to it that when we walk upstairs at night they prance right on in to their place. We are all happy and have good nites sleep. It works for us....good luck with this..:)

Wow! First off , Mike, I am so sorry this happened to you and Eddie, and I hope those cuts on you aren't hurting you too much. You've been given some good advice here, I really hope besides doing the things you've proposed, that you make sure he is doing ok medically (foxtail thing or anything else), because if a dog is in pain, this can and will happen. Not saying that is the case, I just hope you explore it. I just want to send hugs and let you know we are thinking of you, wish I could give some great advice, just wanted to send our support

Hugs to you and Eddie

Mike, this is a toughie. I'm sure you and your wife will make the best decision for Eddie. So sorry this happened. I'm sure Eddie's just cranky from not feeling well.

I can see you have already received advice from some who know something about training and that is a good thing!
I just wanted to say I'm so sorry this happened and I'm sure you will work through it! I'm glad you are ok!!

*giggle*

Thanks for the consolation and advice, everybody. I was terribly disappointed at first, but I've decided to look at it as a training opportunity. If raising dogs were easy, it wouldn't be as fun. :)

Izzy, I did report it to the hospital therapy dog coordinator and left it in her hands. We were in it to help patients, and if she thinks that behavior could be a risk, then I wouldn't want to do it either. She probably won't see my e-mail until tomorrow, so I'll let you know what she says.

So sorry about the nose and your heart. :( I think you have probably gotten some really good advice on here. I hope things go well with you training and with the therapy dog thing. Keep us posted.

I have no advice for you, but I'm sooo sorry that happened. I know how proud you are of your pooches. I hope you find something that works for both you and Eddie and find a solution to this. Sending big hugs!!!

Ouch!!

I really think you startled him.

I've read some really good advice from Scootboot and k9trainer. Be sure to pm them.

Great attitude it is tough when what life was changes in a blink of an eye and what looks like hopes and dreams go out the window but this really does not mean the end of hospital work and he is still a wonderful boy.
I still thinking a good look over by the vet and make sure there is nothing under laying be a good thing. Ears ,eyes, joint pain, cancer can be covered up and cause aggresion. I am hoping not but looking into it be a good thing.
I sit here waiting for a dog to go do work like Eddie does but it not in the cards yet.

JL

I just talked to the hospital coordinator, and all's well. She's not freaking out about it and is confident I'm on the right path to address the issue. She agrees that it's a dog-on-dog issue, not a dog vs. human issue. For that reason, he won't be allowed to work with other dogs at the hospital. Also, since he has hoarding issues, we won't work with toys.

We're just going to take it slow. She's met him and been there for his testing and knows his temperament. I'll be hyper alert for any signs of stress or aggression on his visits, but I don't see it happening.

Yorkiemother, I think you're right about a visit to the vet's to see if there's any health issue as well. It certainly couldn't hurt.