I have a supposed family dog but...

saff · 2007-12-28T15:36:00+00:00

I have a small bichion and she behaves well for me but growls at everyone else including dh and kids any advice

LuckyStarOfBethSalem · 28/12/2007 15:42

Watch The dog whisperer on Sky One.

Really good imo.

Threadworm · 28/12/2007 15:42

Bit hard to answer without more info. How old is dog? How long have you owned her? How old are dcs? I think that the new year is a good time to start dog training classes, and it might be helpful if your dcs could be involved in training, assuming they are of an age to be able to do this.

ChirpyGrinch · 28/12/2007 15:44

Sounds like as far as your dog is concerned you are pack leader and she is 2nd in command. You need to change her views of the others in order for them to gain respect from her.
For example, does she sit on your lap? That gives her immediate superiority over everyone else in her eyes.
Def have a look at some dog training books for this as it can get complex but that's probably why she is doing it.

Original poster

saff · 28/12/2007 18:03

thanks I had thought of dog training in new year she is one and I have had her nine months. I do think she is a bit jealous especilly of my 18month ds he pulled her fur once and she has never forgiven her I never allow her out of the kitchen when he is awake, but would like them to be friends. I am the one that feeds and walks her my 14 yr olddd also walks her and has no prob. Just ds and dh.

OP posts:

Original poster

saff · 28/12/2007 18:03

thanks I had thought of dog training in new year she is one and I have had her nine months. I do think she is a bit jealous especilly of my 18month ds he pulled her fur once and she has never forgiven her I never allow her out of the kitchen when he is awake, but would like them to be friends. I am the one that feeds and walks her my 14 yr olddd also walks her and has no prob. Just ds and dh.

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LuckyStarOfBethSalem · 28/12/2007 21:42

Maybe your DP and DS can do the walking for abit? Make sure the dog walks either level or behind them (never let them walk ahead)

Doodletoyou · 28/12/2007 21:47

Message withdrawn

Original poster

saff · 29/12/2007 08:54

thanks Doodletoyou thats a very good idea any more keep them coming. Seems mad she in a miniture of her breed so about the size of a bloody rabbit.

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WriggleJiggle · 31/12/2007 14:56

you and dd do the walking and feeding, and have no problems.

Perhaps dh and ds need to do some feeding and walking? If ds is too young to hold the lead himself, you hold the loop bit and let ds hold the lead halfway down. As others have said, it souunds as if your dog dosn't realise dh and ds are more important than her.

My dd is only 20 months bet I have alredy started teaching the dogs to listen to her. She feeds them, gives them a treat if they sit for her, she goes through doors and gates first, she does a very basic 'wait', 'retrieve' and 'come' with them. It took time, but I had to show them that dd was in charge.

Original poster

saff · 31/12/2007 18:06

have a very sad update to situation dog has now bitten dh he came into lounge after popping out and asked dog to move dog went mad. Have made point of trying to get family invoved with care dog very happy until things not going her way main issues moving or having to drop something ds only 12mt dog hates him keep separate but know if dog had chance would prob snap. got dog as puppy to grow up with baby now seen on a web site, this breed not for young children now feeling totally miserable and stupid

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zookeeper · 31/12/2007 18:14

Get rid of the dog

edam · 31/12/2007 18:16

sorry, dog has to go before it bites one of the kids.

zookeeper · 31/12/2007 18:19

Sorry Saff I didn't mean to sound so abrupt - my ds just pressed post message button.

If this breed is known for not being good amongst young children then no amount of training can change that. I wouldn't take the risk.

CarGirl · 31/12/2007 18:23

oh dear how sad for you, I would go down the rehoming route asap

Original poster

saff · 31/12/2007 18:56

yes I am looking at rehoming now feel totally gutted though lesson there I think.(can not work smileys yet or would have sad face)

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CountryGirl2007 · 31/12/2007 21:10

What breed is he? Any breed/mix of dog can be friendly if brought up correctly. I would suggest getting the dog assessed by a professional and also taking the dog to training classes where the whole family could get involved if possible. re-homing is a bit rash and if a dog is sent to a rescue with ''issues'' it could end up being put down.

CountryGirl2007 · 13/02/2008 21:14

Did this get sorted? I wouldn't be so rash as to get rid of the dog without trying to sort out the problem. Obviously the dog respects you as her leader but maybe sees herself higher in the pack than the rest of the family.