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Rescue dog just snapped at my son, what do i do?

39 replies

OnlyGodKnowsWhy · 12/04/2016 08:15

After a month of checks from the rescue, they approved me to adopt a 10 year old Jack Russell. We have had him three days and I couldn't fault him. Really lovely dog.

This morning I was sat on the couch, he was sat next to me. My son stroked him and the dog snapped. It was so sudden. The dog did not break the skin but marks are there. I told the dog off and put him in the kitchen immediately. I know he knows he has done wrong as usually he would be barking but he is quiet.

I have really taken to the dog and I'm so taken aback by this, I'm not sure what I should do now. Could anyone help?

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flanjabelle · 12/04/2016 08:23

Can you contact the rescue? I think you need proper support in dealing with this.

My first move would be to stop allowing the dog on the sofa.

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miserablemoo · 12/04/2016 08:26

Contact the rescue? How old is your son?

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addstudentdinners2 · 12/04/2016 08:30

Tbh Jack Russells are quite notorious for being nippy. Was he asleep when your DS stroked him? My mum's little cavalier spaniel is the softest gentlest dog on earth but if you pet her while she's sleeping it startles her and she does try to nip before she realises what's happening.

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JeanGenie23 · 12/04/2016 08:33

Was there any sudden noises that could have scared the dog? I kissed my dog, also a jack Russell and at the same time some fire works went off outside, he jumped and bit my nose, it bloody hurt, I needed stitches and I have a slight scar but he was so sad afterwards it was clear it wasn't a bite because he was nasty but because he was scared.

I also think calling the shelter may be a good idea.

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OnlyGodKnowsWhy · 12/04/2016 10:13

He wasn't sleeping, he just likes to be near me so was sat beside me. I called the rescue and thankfully they don't want to remove him which I was so worried about as I adore the dog. The rescue felt it could be a jealousy thing and advised me to let the children do more with the dog so he starts to see them as people to respect. We only got the dog on Friday last week and my children were away all weekend with their dad then straight to school on Monday so the dog hasn't really had a whole lot of chance to get to know the children.

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Floralnomad · 12/04/2016 11:12

I'm amazed that the rescue just didn't insist that the dog be returned , I'm not one who usually says 'get rid of the dog' but you have only had the dog a few days and if it just bit without a warning growl that is quite worrying .

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cuntinghomicidalcardigan · 12/04/2016 11:32

I second the advice to keep the dog off the settee, it is possible that he guarding you/the settee if he has decided YOU are his person. Make sure you spend time cuddling and talking to your son before you acknowledge the dog and turf the dog off your settee/sofa/lap when your son approaches. Can you get your son walking the dog or playing games for treats so your dog learns that your son is equally part of the family, and somebody to listen to?

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JeanGenie23 · 12/04/2016 11:59

I'm glad that was their response OP, it sounds very sensible to me!

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OnlyGodKnowsWhy · 12/04/2016 13:37

Floral, the dog is 10 years old, lived all his life with the same owners, no children etc. His whole world has just changed. Yes its worrying but I think if he wanted to hurt my son he would have bit hard. He also knew he had done wrong. If I try the rescue advice and it doesn't change anything then I will have to accept we aren't the right home for him. I don't think an immediate return is justified in this sense.

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MrsJayy · 12/04/2016 13:46

Keep him off the couch let the dog settle before the children pet him dog is 10 and he has no clue who any of you are

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Floralnomad · 12/04/2016 14:37

I just think its a better option for him to go back now before he settles with your family , the fact that he's never lived with children would make me even more likely to follow this route .

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MrsJayy · 12/04/2016 15:38

Tbh I would too he is unpredictible but keep in conact with the rescue if you plan to persevere. Mine was bitey he has stopped but ir took a while and we had no young children

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georgedawes · 12/04/2016 17:03

Got to agree, appreciate the dog is stressed but to snap without growling is a worry. If it's 10 years old and not used to children I'm not sure it sounds the right dog for you. I would return him personally.

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MrsJayy · 12/04/2016 17:12

Snapping without growling is a sign of anxiety he is probably on edge

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LeaLeander · 12/04/2016 17:18

What age is your child?

I would not uproot the dog again on this one incident, if he is not a known biter. He probably was protecting you or startled or something. My little rescue Chihuahua bit me when frightened and if I had rehomed him back then I would have missed out on the most adorable, intelligent, loving little animal. I am confident he would never bite me again.

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OnlyGodKnowsWhy · 12/04/2016 19:17

My son is 7. I have been getting him to give the dog the sit command and reward with treat and he has been holding the lead when walking too. I am going to persevere for a little while. If the dog remains the same though then yes I will have to accept a home with children isn't right for him. I hope that won't be the case however.

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MrsJayy · 12/04/2016 19:23

Just make sure your son doesnt pet the dog when you are not there and to make sure he doesnt do it from behind dog could take weeks to settle in

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LyndaNotLinda · 12/04/2016 19:39

I would be a bit wary snout a rescue that rehomes an older dog in a home with children. Did they tell you he was okay with kids?

If he's untested then you must be very careful

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LyndaNotLinda · 12/04/2016 19:40

Snout - about. Blasted predictive text

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georgedawes · 12/04/2016 20:32

Hope it works out OK.

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WhoaCadburys · 12/04/2016 23:29

Has the dog not encountered children before?

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Haggisfish · 12/04/2016 23:39

Take it back. Honestly, how could you live with it if it does draw blood the next time?

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ouryve · 12/04/2016 23:56

I'm surprised a dog of such an age who is not used to children was housed with children. If he's used to a quieter household, then surely that would have been better for him.

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dingalong · 13/04/2016 00:01

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

TheFlyingFauxPas · 13/04/2016 12:06

We have a rescue. He seemed a friendly soul. He scared the life out of me a few days in when I tried to get him off the settee. I kind of fought him off with a cushion and thought right that's it we can't keep him. He's still here and we love him. If he's settled somewhere and you try and shift him he growls really scarily. We tried to keep him off settees but now he's back on 😞 he's also a little nippy sometimes when the mood takes him. Usually when he hasn't been sufficiently walked. He mouths feet and clothes but not hard. Yes good idea to get him more used to your ds as an equal on the house. My ds has to be forced to take dd out. Soon loses interest when playing with him. As a result I feel dd is getting more attached to me.

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