Re: Attempted biting re: touching his injury

In Reply to: Attempted biting re: touching his injury
Posted by:  Lorraine
Posted on:  October 26, 2001 at 01:25:59

: Hello,

: I was wondering if I should correct my dog's behavior when he tried to bite me when I was looking at his injury to his nail. He split his nail a bit and I had to look at it to find out how bad the injury was. It was apparently very painful because he didn't want me to go near his paw and he would cover it with his head. I tried again by carefully holding his leg up, without touching his paw, and he tried to nip me by justing biting in the air. I'm just wondering if this should be corrected as if it were a bad thing. I didn't come down hard on him because I felt it was just instinctual since he was in a lot of pain. What do you advise...thanks much for your wonderful help!!!

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Hi Lorraine,

I think you handled it just fine. Many perfectly loving dogs can be not so loving if they are hurt and in pain, just like us humans!

Some injuries are more painful than others and split nails is up there in the pain factor for a dog. I do suggest however you run your guy into the vet for this injury as sometimes this type of injury can lead to a nasty infection.

I also suggest getting a softie muzzle just to have in case of emergencies like this when you need to do something with an injured or sick dog. They love you but when they are hurt or very sick sometimes the natural instinct of preservation kicks in. This way you can check your dog out or do whatever is necessary and not risk getting bit.

Muzzles are used quite frequently in vet offices for this very reason so there is no reason you shouldn't do it at home too.