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does someone have an answer?

1362 Views 5 Replies 5 Participants Last post by  Fodder
We have a 9 month old male german shepherd, he "bit" a lady in the face and resulted in a few tiny scratches on her face, i can understand this time when he was agressive, the lady was the one who approched my dogs and though it would be OK to put herself over our fence to pet the dogs. In my book that is a big no-no, the dogs had no idea who she was and we were not even home at the time. So just the other day, i had him out and the kids wanted to pet him, soooo i made him sit and stay, and told the kids they could pet him, he tried to bit one of the kids, i was so shocked i couldnt believe he tried to bit one of them. I seen this one kid in peticular that he tried to bit tease him threw the fence, and the kids and the neighbors are always telling him to shut-up and being mean to him.....did he try to bit the kid because of the kids teasing him? i struggling with coming up with an answer, does anyone have an opinion?
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Don't let anyone pet the dog, he's obviously a liability at this time. Talk to the parents of the kids who tease the dog. NEVER let your dog outside unsupervised. Your dog is being tormented and is doing the right thing by defending his territory but unfortunately he will ALWAYS lose against the kid in court, even if the kid was videotaped smacking him with a hammer. Build a better fence, preferably surround it with a hedgerow, anything you can do to get distance and sight blockage from the kids. If you know of any GOOD kids who listen well (preferably those who live with dogs), enlist their help in teaching your dog that some kids are actually good. Have your dog on a strong leash and a strong collar (or two, paranoia is never a bad thing in this case), then have the kid stand a few feet away and toss your dog's favorite treats to him. This is a great way to show your dog that not all kids are bad, and hey, some of them are goodie vending machines! No petting, though. No off-leash work in an area where it may be unsafe with people/kids suddenly coming by.

Training classes would be an excellent idea right now as well. You may have to speak to a behaviorist as well. I know my post may sound scary, but it's just as easy to take this dog as an over-exuberant juvenile, not an aggressive/fearful dog. Hard to say. If he just jumps and nips out of excitement, he needs to be taught how to sit nicely for petting. If he's fearful, obedience in general and lots of socialization will help. Stick around, I'm sure you'll have lots more advice (and probably better advice!)
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I agree with the above comment. Although we might feel your dog is in the right, a court will never agree with us. Courts don't understand the nuances of dog behavior. They don't care. All they understand is human behavior and in the eyes of a court if a child is bit, no matter how much of a Tormentor or even if the child is a flat-out sociopath, the court will always rule against the dog.

Work with a trainer and do not I repeat do not let anybody put your dog. Politely decline if they ask. Put a sign on your fence saying beware of dog and a sign that says do not pet. That will provide some protection for you in case some fool tries to peek over and pet your dog.

Keep your dog safe. It is your job to keep your dog safe. Sounds like you're doing a good thing by teaching him some commands. Work with the trainer to enhance his abilities you do not have the time your ability on your own. Please, this can save you a lot of trouble in the long run. Work with a breed specific trainer. A balanced I repeat a balanced trainer. Run for the hills if you see a positive only trainer. They will take your money and the problems will continue.

Goodluck!
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@DSX this is a 13 year old thread

Oh my God what a fool I am. Note to self, look at the date before you make a post. Thank you for telling me that. I just wasted 15 minutes at my morning. Oh well. It's still good information but thank you for reaching out. I'm laughing at myself. Thank you. I hope you have a wonderful day
Oh my God what a fool I am. Note to self, look at the date before you make a post. Thank you for telling me that. I just wasted 15 minutes at my morning. Oh well. It's still good information but thank you for reaching out. I'm laughing at myself. Thank you. I hope you have a wonderful day
happens to the best of us!
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