Re: Behaviour

In Reply to: Behaviour
Category:   Behavior Problems
Posted by:  Paul
Posted on:  April 24, 2003 at 06:15:19

: Last weekend my 2yr old neutered male bit my 7 year old niece. The reason I think is that the dog was being chased. I punished the dog by sending him out of the house a couple of hours. Since that moment the dog is scared and insecure. He doesn't want to be pet even by me. He allows it with his tale very low and silently growling. Her reacts scared and agressive to strangers. How can I change this scared ? behaviour situation ??? A treat changes him into a happy dog. But without a treat he is scared. Please help
: The dog is trained and fysically OK.

Response:

Hi Paul,

Of course he is scared. He was trying to protect himself from an abusive situation (I'll bet the dog was cornered when he bit your niece) and he is the one who gets punished. He has lost trust in you and it will take some time to win his confidence. I would definitely recommend that you do not leave him with unruly children again and I would work on educating this child and any others that this is unacceptable behavior.