Pregnant and our dog bit me

[babyboy2018]

Just after some advice from those with experience of reactive dogs. Sorry it's a long one, just want to set context.

Our dog, who we got in October at 6 months old, can be reactive in certain situations, not all the time and not with all dogs and people. When she does she will bark loudly and pull towards the person/dog on her lead but has never shown any signs of being aggressive. When she's not on a lead she is much happier and will just have a quick sniff a little friendly bark and carry on her way, always coming back to me immediately when recalled even if she's playing with another dog. When she reacts I try and distract her or just keep walking away from the other dog.

For context she is very cute so people are always trying to stroke her (or tell their children to 😡) she doesn't like it so I stop and say loudly, 'she is not friendly, please don't touch her' before walking away so I'd never let her get too close to strangers. In our home she is happy to receive fuss and attention and loves our friends and their children, even upon meeting them for the first time, she still barks a bit but it seems out of excitement and she will trot around after them. She will bark excessively when people walk past the house, we are moving to a house with the living area in the back to reduce this.

Yesterday everything changed, we took her for a walk at a new place and she barked at everyone and everything, really high pitched and frantic barking, panting loudly and seemed to be on high alert, we decided that it was too much and turned back to the car. She caught site of a dog behind us and started barking ferociously I turned and waked quickly away, she pulled to get to the dog and after realising she couldn't, she turned and bit my leg, I was so shocked, as was she, my SIL took her from me and she just sat at her feet as if nothing had happened. She punctured the skin but mainly just badly bruised.

I'm 5 months pregnant (went to the walk in and have antibiotics) so am in a horrible position of loving our dog with all my heart but being terrified she could potentially bite our child if she does this again. I am her main human as I WFH a lot and so am with her all the time so I feel if she has done it to me, anyone is fair game. (I would never let her loose in public or close to anyone else) I can't bare the thought of not having her in our lives but feel I'd be irresponsible having her around a baby/toddler. Obviously I'd never leave them alone but I can't realistically sit between them every moment of the day or keep her shut out.

We took her to training but she was so disruptive we couldn't keep going as it wasn't fair on the others.

We are happy to pay for 1-2-1 training but will this be enough? Can a dogs instinct and behaviour change drastically or will there always be the risk she could snap?

I'm so conflicted and upset so would really appreciate any advice or outcomes of a similar experience.

[BiteyShark]

OP you have a few months to assess the situation with a behaviourist and decide what to do when emotions aren't running as high. Plus much better to talk to someone in RL who can advise from a professional point of view. Just be honest with them and yourself on how much you think you can sensibly do with a baby on the way.

[babyboy2018]

Blasé? I don't think I am as I'm very upset and posting asking for advice in the doghouse when considering wether to rehome a much loved pet, which would break my heart. The way she looks has nothing to do with it, I mentioned it as other people seem to think it's ok to shove their hands a in her face when she's on a lead and encourage their children to do the same, she backs away and avoids them. I asked for advice so if you haven't got any please post elsewhere.

[babyboy2018]

Thanks Bitey, that's my plan. I'll put all the time in I have as I wouldn't give up on her unless I had to. I've had some very good advice and will look for a good behaviouralist.

[Branleuse]

its reactive, unreliable, sometimes aggressive and it bit you. I know its hard, but you cant keep him with a baby. You have to prioritise your baby. Sorry blasé wasnt the right word, but your baby deserves to be safe

[tabulahrasa]

“I wouldn't be so upset or even consider the alternative but with the baby on the way it's hard in case it happens again and it's not me standing there.”


I’m not saying ach it’ll be fine, obviously you do need to get a behaviourist in and you do need to work out whether you’re going to manage her so that everyone is safe, but, who else is it likely to be? You’re the one with the lead, so you’re always going to be the closest person.

Don’t walk her today btw, her stress hormones will still be all over the place and she’s more likely to react again.

[Izzywigs]

To begin with i would get a qualified trainer to come to your home. Ours charged £60 an hour and was worth every penny. Buy a perfect fit Harness, which helps stop the lunging and a good quality muzzle, People still approach my dog despite me telling them not too. She does not wear a muzzle , because she responded well to one to one training, However, when a dog is muzzled people will be more wary,

I don’t think the yellow harness or coat send a strong enough message, to people who think they know better. The most important thing is to be consistent with the training. It is not something you can do just when you feel like it.

My dog is entirely different now. She will always be reactive to some extent but has much better impulse control. Most importantly she is a much happier dog and safe to be around.

[Izzywigs]

Also look at Bach Remedies. We put 4 drops in her meals on the recommendation of the trainer. She trains police dogs and said it is not uncommon for them to need help.

[olivetor7]

Baby boy, I’ve pm’d you x

[ICantCopeAnymore]

ICantCope Can I safely presume from your comment that you haven't got any direct experience of reactive dogs?

No, you can't. I was a dog behaviourist and trainer for many years and have plenty of experience, thanks.

[aaarrrggghhhh]

I tend to be quite judgemental of people who give up their dogs but I think in this situation better all round - if you send to Dogs Trust they will be able to find him a nice child free home and his issues could hopefully be resolved.