We have a dog that appears to act aggressively out of fear, but he has growled a

1. 49

   karabstillposted 14 years ago

   We have a dog that appears to act aggressively out of fear, but he has growled at my husband on...
   
   a couple of occasions and bit 2 children in my house when they were playing and ended up too close to him.  My husband and I are wanting to have children but are concerned about the risks of having this dog around children.  The dog is 5 1/2 years old. Is there anything we can do to keep the dog and have a family?

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2. 67

   mkottposted 14 years ago

   That's a tough one.  Sounds like your dog needs a home with a lone female.  I would not chance it with having kids around.  Some dogs just do not like kids and there is something about your husband that he doesn't like either.  We had a dog that growled but never bit anyone.  He had bad hips and just didn't want to be touched or stepped on.  Though he was very friendly.  We had another dog that was very protective of my daughter but did not like any other children especially if they were loud and running around.  I do not know if you have the resources to seek out a dog behaviorist but that may be something to look into.  Is this a dog you have had since a puppy?  Or is it a rescue dog?  Sometimes rescued animals have issue due to neglect and/or abuse.  Dogs have issues, likes, dislikes, fear, anxiety etc that dictate their behavior.  Some things can be worked on others cannot. Good luck
   
   Read the Hub "Reasons Why Dogs Growl" by alexadry

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3. 48

   mintmumposted 14 years ago

   Has your dog been neutered? I know he's 5 and a half but according to dog trainers neutered dogs get less agressive after being "fixed". If not, I'd say the same as mkott and seek a dog behaviourist.

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4. 49

   karabstillposted 14 years ago

   Yes he was neutered at 6 months and I did get him from an animal shelter although he was only 14 weeks when I got him.  He never exhibited any of this behavior until the last 2 or 3 years.  For over the last 3 years my husband and his blue healer JoJo have been in the picture and the aggressive behavior is becoming more and more prominent in Buster.

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5. 40

   ms.truly lovelyposted 14 years ago

   IS THE DOG SICK? IS THE DOG SPOILED? HAVE YOU BEEN HIS ONLY OWNER ? AND WHAT IS YOUR DOGS ZODIAC SIGN? ALL THEESE QUESTION MATTER , IS ANYONE IN THE HOUSE PHYSICALLY ABUSED THE DOG IN ANY WAY?

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6. 60

   kenya!posted 14 years ago

   you need to establish yourself as a confident pack leader.
   every human in the household should be seen as a leader, or in a high rank than the dog.
   
   you can do this by first creating trust between you and your dog. by walking your dog EVERY DAY for at LEAST half an hour, your dog will quickly learn to trust you (check out my hub about how to successfully walk your dog & be seen as the pack leader while doing so).
   
   after you create trust in this way, it will be much easier to rehabilitate your dog. still, rehabilitating a fearful dog can be difficult. make sure that when you have visitors you let them know BEFORE they come inside to not touch, talk or give eye contact to the dog. this will make your dog feel less intimidated by the strangers and will greatly lower the chances of anyone getting bitten.
   
   you should definately watch cesar millan's show "Dog Whisperer" on national geographic channel, he confronts many dogs and owners with this same issue.
   if you don't see some progress, your best bet is to confront a professional who will not make the problem worse, research a professional dog behavior specialist and research them well!
   the last thing you want is to have the situation worsen because of an ill educated "professional".
   
   Good luck!

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