Would you keep a pet that attacked family members?

1. 60

   princess gposted 12 years ago

   My parents have a really annoying dog that bites people and constantly barks when anyone walks by. I've been bitten by this dog at least three times. I've tried to be friendly with this dog, it isn't just me he attacks when I come over.
   
   My sister has a cat that scratches and bites people,and chews on their shoes or thier purse.
   
   I love my family, but I don't get WHY they keep these pets. This behavior wouldn't be tolerated if it was a human,would it? No.
   
   I would NEVER keep a pet that attacked people. It would be gone the first time.

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      catsimmonsposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      It sounds dangerous and needs some help. I would try and see if there were options for training or medication and if not then it would have to be re-homed.

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      tlmcgaa70posted 12 years agoin reply to this

      i have a guard dog. she has bitten 3 people. not bad bites, only nips, enough to let them know she meant business. in each case the person was a drunk who came onto the property. in each case, when i apologized for the bite i was told not to worry, out here a good guard dog is vital. she is very protective of me. but once i tell her someone is a friend, she usually accepts that person. sometimes she knows them better than i do and even though sh wont actually bite them, i can tell she wont trust them or let them anywhere near me either. i raised her to think for herself and she does, determining for herself who to accept as friend and who to watch as enemy...but she never bites unless she feels it is needful.

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      inaniLoquenceposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      The technique is not to be friendly to a dog that has an aggressive behaviour and thinks that he's the boss of the family (or in dog's world, pack leader). It's also not advisable to treat a dog as a human since they're inherently animals and animals think like animals, not like us.
      
      You should also not approach a dog with fear or uncertainty since they essentially feel what you're feeling. Instead, approach with a calm assertive behaviour (not too aggressive in your approach). If you have this kind of energy, the dog will see you as the pack leader.
      
      if he's about to pounce on you, do not feel scared. Instead, use the back of your hand (or tennis raquet or anything) to push lightly the neck of the dog (not very forcefully-- just enough to let the dog know that the behaviour is not tolerated). Repeat if the dog repeats the behaviour again and accompany it with "tsst" sound every time.
      
      I would suggest for you to watch "The Dog Whisperer" and you will learn how to manage your aggressive dog. Don't give up on him...

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2. 59

   saddlerider1posted 12 years ago

   I would definitely try to help this dog, probably call up the Dog Whisperer for help.

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      inaniLoquenceposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Yes! That's what I also suggested. I learned a lot just by watching Cesar Millan.

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3. 92

   habeeposted 12 years ago

   For me, it would depend on the viciousness of the attack and whether or not the animal was provoked.
   
   BTW - Hi, Saddle!

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4. 64

   jcmayer777posted 12 years ago

   Call me a jerk, but a long walk into the woods with my rifle would be in order.
   
   What if it bites a small child?  What if it bites the wrong person and they sue?  It probably won't get better...only worse with time.

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5. 59

   saddlerider1posted 12 years ago

   Hi Habee, BTW I followed your advice about not par boiling ribs first as it takes away flavors, your absolutely right, I had a feast of homemade ribs tonight and they were succulent. Thanks for the tips.

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      habeeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      You're welcome!

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         inaniLoquenceposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         I thought you both were talking about the dog. I was like, "Whoa! Did they really cooked the dog's ribs?" HAHA.

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            inaniLoquenceposted 12 years agoin reply to this

            *cook

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6. 68

   Lyn.Stewartposted 12 years ago

   In all honesty the dog is protecting its home and family ... It is being the top dog because not one else has done it.
   
   This is the very nature of dogs because they are pack animals. If one of your parents stepped up and became the pack leader all the aggression from the dog would stop.
   
   Saddlerider is right ... you may need the help of the dog whisperer or to take the dog to obedience training (basically trains the human to be top dog).
   
   Sadly this happens all too often when people don't know how dogs act and react and don't take the top dog possition for themselves. It is not the dogs fault, however the aggression will continue to escalate until someone takes control.

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      inaniLoquenceposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Lyn, you watch too much Dog Whisperer! HAHA. If I hear the words, Pack Leader, I immediately think of the show.

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7. 60

   tarrka1089posted 12 years ago

   Your parents definitely need to step up and work with this behavior.  They need to teach the dog that biting people who are welcomed into their home is not allowed.  Depending on how long this behavior has been permitted, they may need a professional trainer to come to the home to assist them.
   
   I agree with Lyn, your parents need to show the dog that they are the alpha leader and that they will not allow the biting.  As for your sister and her cat, that is a whole other matter.

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8. 59

   paradigmsearchposted 12 years ago

   "VWould you keep a pet that attacked family members?"
   
   No!

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      paradigmsearchposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Then again....

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9. 92

   habeeposted 12 years ago

   When I was a kid, our fox terrier bit me in the face. I totally deserved it. I was goading her into it, so I got what I asked for. I learned my lesson, and she never again offered to bite. She was a great little dog!

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10. 59

    recommend1posted 12 years ago

    I think the owners of dogs and cats that bite should be put down immediately so that they cannot ruin any more animal lives with their incompetence.
    
    I kept my wife for over ten years after she started attacking everyone and I should have put her down much earlier, but we live and learn I guess.

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       Lyn.Stewartposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       lol recommend1 ...I almost agree with you but perhaps trying to train the owners first would be a better response ... however if that doesn't work then the animals should be given to someone who is willing to do the hard work to save these poor creatures and the so called owners should not be able to have another pet to ruin.

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          recommend1posted 12 years agoin reply to this

          and aggressive partners ?

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             Lyn.Stewartposted 12 years agoin reply to this

             Agressive partnersshouldbe treatedthe same way ... anger management and if that fails then they shouldn't be allowed to have another partner ... wonders how that would go down.
             
             Although your idea for aggressive partners would certainly be the fastest fix would we not be lowering ourselves to their level? ... just a thought ... and yes I totally understand feeling that putting some of these people down would save many people soo much hurt.

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    melbelposted 12 years ago

    I have two guard kitties that attack people, but they are EXTREMELY lovable and nice to me. I get made fun of for them and they've been compared to the alligators in the children's flick, "The Rescuers."
    
    http://popcultureplaypen.files.wordpres … d-nero.jpg
    
    I wouldn't give them up for the world.

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