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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

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Original poster

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?

OP posts:

Redcherries · 14/04/2016 11:57

I have a Jack Russel cross Whippet who came to me for a week and has now been here 5 years or so. He snaps in just this same way if he feels threatened or anxious. My children would have been just slightly older than your son and we drilled it into them not to startle him, shout near him etc. Especially important is not to put their faces near his (I learnt this lesson, he bit my forehead and it was entirely my fault, I kept fussing him when I had had wine and missed his discomfort, I was lucky not to have a skin break but if I did I bloody deserved it)

I am surprised they rehomed him to a home with children but as he is there my advise would be to be very strict with rules around the dog and children, don't let him on the sofa as he is guarding it and you. Don't let them play with him by laying on the floor etc.

I still keep my boy in another room if I have other children visit, especially young ones. I don't let him off lead unless the area is completely empty of any one at all and other dogs. He will nose nip as he gets scared. If someone comes into the house advise them not to approach him with hands out to him until he has gone and found a toy to play with with them (The sign of acceptance)

I find time to play with him lots through out the day so he isn't bored and he has short walks (Arthritis stops any big walks, poor thing)

Despite having all these things in place I do worry that one day he may nip someone, he's a lovely dog but scared of the world. It is hard work but I see it that I am protecting him and the people around us so having safeguards all over is the only way to go for his sake.

I hope you all get settled and it was a one off.

MrsJayy · 14/04/2016 12:01

My dog hates drunk people we just leave him if we have had a drink but my sisters boyfriend was here at Christmas and was trying to fuss him i ended up shooing dog away should have shooed the bloody bf away dog was ready to go for him

angielou123 · 14/04/2016 12:06

Jack Russells are notoriously snappy. Poor thing just needs some time to re-adjust. don't give up on him yet, you just need to keep an eye on things until he settles in. Hope it works out for you, I really do.

phoolani · 15/04/2016 21:58

Surely he's just resource guarding? Do you do mostly everything for him? My 6 mth ddog had a similar issue - I do everything for him and he hated other family members approaching me, touching me, snapped every time. Taught him that only good things happen when family members approach me - he gets cuddles and sometimes treats! - and he was fine.

Original poster

OnlyGodKnowsWhy · 17/07/2017 19:52

Little update on this old thread! My rescue dog has now been with us around 14 months and is very tolerant of the children now. They have learned to respect his space and he will go to them for strokes or to lay down next to, when he wants. Couldn't imagine our family without him now 😊

OP posts:

Veterinari · 17/07/2017 19:55

Well done! And thanks for the update

2bfather · 17/07/2017 19:56

I'm so pleased you wrote that. I didn't realise it was an old thread and I was just going to caution not to overreact. Glad you've provided a loving and stable home for him (the dog not your son).

Ropsleybunny · 17/07/2017 19:57

The dog should be returned.

BiteyShark · 17/07/2017 19:57

That's good news OP, so glad everything's worked out for you.

BiteyShark · 17/07/2017 19:58

Ropsleybunny read the whole thread including OPs latest update.

georgedawes · 17/07/2017 21:47

Great update.

RebeccaWithTheGoodHair · 19/07/2017 11:29

Fab update - thank you. Just goes to show that sometimes you should trust your gut and not jump to immediate conclusions. Well done OP, wish there were more people in the world like you.

Yogagirl123 · 19/07/2017 11:43

JRT are well known for being snappy, not an ideal choice for a young family. Someone I know rehomed a stray JRT, she had it for a weeks really cared for it, he snapped very unexpectedly and bit her really badly on her face, piercing her lip, she needed hospital treatment. Definitely, speak to rescue centre, if it was me I wouldn't want to keep an unpredictable dog around my children. Good luck OP, I know it's heartbreaking, but even worse if one of your children were hurt.

Yogagirl123 · 19/07/2017 11:44

SOrry OP, ignore my post! I glad things have worked out. Xx

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