A one and a half year old starts biting again
dealing with it again. Here's the usual scenarios-Getting overexcited in the back yard w/ our 4 year old. Or, chasing the cats upstairs,realizing that she's done a bad thing, and biting my 11 year old, in anticipation of being led back down stairs. The only thing that we know to do ,is have the "victim" ignore her totally for a week. Hard enough for an 11 year old,impossible for a 4 year old! I'm scared that she's going to hurt someone. |
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| Have you spoken with the rescue about these issues? If you feel that your children are in danger of being bit, please contact an OES rescue for assistance immediately. I'm wondering if this is a training issue or a placement issue. OES and kids can be great together but only if the dog is carefully matched with the family.
If you plan on keeping her, you need a trainer with a humane approach to come in this week to observe how each of you is handling these challenges. You've gotten to the point of biting and that is NEVER acceptable but there may be something that, unbeknownst to you, is provoking this behavior. There might be a simple alternative that will keep both your son and your dog happy. Quote: Getting overexcited in the back yard w/ our 4 year old. Is she demonstrating herding behavior including nipping? This is natural behavior for this breed but most can learn to control themselves with training. They also tend to calm down a bit as they get older. For now, don't let Maudie and your 4 year old outdoors at the same time. It sounds like Maudie might need to get out and exercise more or she needs to have different ways to channel all that energy. This might mean her being on a leash for long daily walks or having the opportunity to roughhouse with another canine pal... maybe both. Does she get these opportunities? They say a tired dog is a good dog. Quote: chasing the cats upstairs,realizing that she's done a bad thing, and biting my 11 year old, in anticipation of being led back down stairs. For now, your son should not be the one bringing her downstairs if this is resulting in a confrontation. It's pretty natural for dogs to chase what runs. Most need to be trained not to and then strictly supervised with small animals. My Schipperke-mix simply cannot be trained... she has a very high prey instinct. ("strong herding, hunting, and watching instincts") Dogs get tunnel vision so you need to observe the dog and try to distract or break the focus before it gets to the point of a chase. Quote: I'm scared that she's going to hurt someone.
Don't wait to seek help from the rescue, an OES rescue or a professional trainer. It's in everyone's best interest to get this problem addressed now. |
| Thanks for the suggestions!
I have talked w/ my kids about the upstairs deal! In a busy house, things can get out of hand quickly! |
| As far as excercise, We take a 45 min. walk in the A.M& another in the P.M
She has total run of the yard any time of the day. |
Maudie's Mom wrote: As far as excercise, We take a 45 min. walk in the A.M& another in the P.M
She has total run of the yard any time of the day. That's a good start but my Maggie would be a total brat without more exercise. Having run of the yard does not really provide alot of exercise. They need something more to get them moving. Can you take her to a dog park where she can play with other dogs? Or on a hike where she can run offleash? Or are there nice dogs in the neighborhood you could invite over for a playdate? The more exercise, the better. In my experience, playing with other dogs is the best way to tire a young dog out. |
Quote: In a busy house, things can get out of hand quickly! Oh yeah... here too. Quote: Or are there nice dogs in the neighborhood you could invite over for a playdate? A play date with a dog matched in age and play style might be a great idea. This human (meaning me  ) simply can't run as fast or play or wrestle as hard as my dogs do. http://oesusa.com/EmDarb62007.jpg http://oesusa.com/PandaEmma.jpg http://oesusa.com/HerdMookie2.jpg http://oesusa.com/HerdMookie3.jpg http://oesusa.com/EmDarPlay1.jpg I still believe you need assistance from a humane professional trainer though... especially with the serious issues you've mentioned with the kids... Quote: biting my 11 year old
I think it's especially important for your 11 year old to find ways to get in control in a positive manner before Maudie's unacceptable behavior becomes well rooted. There are several things that might be tried... including putting a gate at the bottom of the steps that would allow the cat to escape while keeping Maudie at the bottom. The key is to find ways that won't require your son to physically bring her downstairs. It's hard to tell from just words posted just how bad things are so I feel I've got to say this even if I'm erring on the side of caution... I've assisted OES rescue but only on the fringe, meaning financially. It's a fact that some OESs end up loosing their life due to biting. Whenever I hear the word "bites", it's always a huge red flag. A dear friend of mine was bit in the face by a rescue sheepie and he had to be put down... she still has scars both physical and heart-felt. You may still have time to find positive ways to get Maudie to do what you want which will leave both humans and dog happy. Best wishes to your family and Maudie. |
| She's not trustworthy enough just yet to let her off leash. I don't know if I would see her again! We'll try& up the walking! |
| I think this is interesting. I'm home without kids today. The dog& cats are actually in the same room .peacefully. I think the biting problem has to do with the dog-cat-kid trio. I think Maudie is trying to "protect" my child from the cats! Well..............we've survived 10 years of cats without her!! |
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