https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Thu, 28 May 2026 01:33:32 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-have-experience-with-aggressive-dogs#post-1349161 Wed, 15 Jan 2014 11:00:42 +0000 illumina 1349161@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@NurseMommy: That sounds tough! MIL has a dog with a similar background/temperament to yours and we are really careful when we take LO to their house...as in someone has to be on high alert at all times! I think I would find that impossible to cope with 24/7 and just would not want to take that risk...especially once your LO becomes mobile, like you say. I 2nd the recommendation on asking the home for suggestions...or are there any family/close friends that might be able to take your dog? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-have-experience-with-aggressive-dogs#post-1349132 Wed, 15 Jan 2014 10:55:19 +0000 NurseMommy 1349132@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@PawPrints: of course! I forgot about her muzzle. I'll use this until we move forward. </p> <p>@LovelyPlum: no, she's a mutt</p> <p>@beaker: that's the thing... If something happened to my daughter I could never ever forgive myself, especially knowing that we saw it coming. </p> <p>Thank you all for the suggestions. My husband and I had a long talk last night, and we will look into training options for her, with her either wearing a muzzle or staying at my moms until then. However, we don't have a lot of hope to be honest. We are going to contact our former trainer who is aware of some of her issues and see if he knows of someone who would be willing to take her and be good to her. My heart is breaking. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-have-experience-with-aggressive-dogs#post-1347737 Tue, 14 Jan 2014 20:43:14 +0000 StrawberryBee 1347737@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Whenever I'm in need of canine recommendations I go to my local agility/training clubs mailing list. If you do a google search for your area, maybe you have one around with members who can recommend a behaviorist? Good luck; just the description of her behavior is making me very nervous. Please be careful. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-have-experience-with-aggressive-dogs#post-1347717 Tue, 14 Jan 2014 20:32:26 +0000 cheert16 1347717@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This is such a terrible situation. I was so worried this was going to happen with my dog- he is really old and is pretty aggressive towards people he doesn't know. He has been ok with the baby though- although now that LO is started to walk- I am nervous. Hopefully this works out ok for your family... thinking of you! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-have-experience-with-aggressive-dogs#post-1347698 Tue, 14 Jan 2014 20:24:25 +0000 abbydabbydoodlebug 1347698@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I didn't read through any of the comments, but our trainer deals with aggressive and misunderstood dogs and I know she does Skype sessions with people sometimes. She's really great and helped us a lot with our dog who is dog-reactive. Maybe you could contact her and she could help somehow. Here's her website if you're interested: <a href="http://www.trainingbytara.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.trainingbytara.com/</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-have-experience-with-aggressive-dogs#post-1347685 Tue, 14 Jan 2014 20:17:25 +0000 Beyond2 1347685@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm so sorry. I would definitly rehome her if I was you. You can do a lot but you can never completely know the will of an animal and you just can't trust one that has already shown your child aggression :-/ </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-have-experience-with-aggressive-dogs#post-1347565 Tue, 14 Jan 2014 19:40:54 +0000 Mrs. Tiger 1347565@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@NurseMommy: I'm so sorry. My BIL's dog bit my niece in the face a year ago, thankfully she only needed stitches above her eye and on her cheek, no lasting damage. He had never shown aggression before but wasnt super friendly to begin with. She was not even 2, may or may not have provoked him in some way, my sister's back was turned for a second in the same room. I'm not trying to scare you but... I would look into rehoming if I were you. So sorry. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-have-experience-with-aggressive-dogs#post-1347530 Tue, 14 Jan 2014 19:30:39 +0000 LovelyPlum 1347530@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@NurseMommy: I am so sorry :( I can't imagine how heartbreaking that would be. </p> <p>Is she a purebred? If so, could you contact a local breed specific rescue for some help in rehoming her? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-have-experience-with-aggressive-dogs#post-1347509 Tue, 14 Jan 2014 19:23:28 +0000 PawPrints 1347509@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>You are a strong, caring, loving person for going through this. Please give training a chance before giving her away to a shelter. A dog with a history of child aggression is going to be extremely difficult for a shelter to rehome, so you could be sentencing her to a really difficult life. Training can work absolute wonders with an aggressive dog. It's all just about figuring out appropriate ways for her to communicate and feel comfortable. Good luck. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-have-experience-with-aggressive-dogs#post-1347505 Tue, 14 Jan 2014 19:21:10 +0000 PawPrints 1347505@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Buy a muzzle, first step! Use treats to get her used to it and then put it on her any time you aren't sure you can pay close attention to her around DD. Muzzles are wonderful training tools and I wish there wasn't such a stigma about using them. I think a lot of dogs just need that safety precaution before you can feel more relaxed and embrace the training techniques that she will need without worrying about safety. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-have-experience-with-aggressive-dogs#post-1347480 Tue, 14 Jan 2014 19:10:14 +0000 Greentea 1347480@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@NurseMommy: I actually keep my dog completely separate because I am so paranoid but snapping is too far... :( I feel for you! I would rehome because safety comes first. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-have-experience-with-aggressive-dogs#post-1347470 Tue, 14 Jan 2014 19:08:09 +0000 Greentea 1347470@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@NurseMommy: :( I am sorry you are going through this. I would absolutely not be okay with this. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-have-experience-with-aggressive-dogs#post-1347427 Tue, 14 Jan 2014 18:55:14 +0000 NurseMommy 1347427@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Sadie just snapped at DD. I was there to catch her mouth but this is the last straw. I'm so upset. :crying: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-have-experience-with-aggressive-dogs#post-1346813 Tue, 14 Jan 2014 15:38:11 +0000 snowjewelz 1346813@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@NurseMommy: Don't beat yourself up! You are already an angel for adopting and giving her a chance at a happy life! It's hard to predict how their behavior changes, as your family goes through changes. If you really can't find someone that can train Sadie and really understand how to deal w/ aggressive behavior, try to find a shelter that is 100% no kill so Sadie can be in a safe place. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-have-experience-with-aggressive-dogs#post-1346793 Tue, 14 Jan 2014 15:32:07 +0000 brownie 1346793@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We had an incident with our little dog and our son. Our little dog does not have an aggressive history though. So it may not work the same. We did pay to get a behaviorist to work with our dog not just a regular dog trainer (both dogs have done obedience training). </p> <p>One other thing we did is make our son responsible for feeding the dogs (he was a bit older a little over a year). Because that put him at the top of the pack. Our little dog had food aggression and this has really helped their relationship alot. Little dog doesn't like our kid but they definitely tolerate each other now. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-have-experience-with-aggressive-dogs#post-1346780 Tue, 14 Jan 2014 15:29:10 +0000 Happygal 1346780@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@NurseMommy: I hope they can help. I think you have to feel like you've tried everything you can before you make that next step. I would want someone to come to the home to witness these things and show you directly how to help.</p> <p>I have a book "Click to Calm" which is meant to help aggressive dogs. Also, I've read that you're not supposed to discipline a dog for growling b/c you might be taking away his first step in saying "I don't like that" and he'll move directly to biting. </p> <p>My friend's had an aggressive dog and they tried out medication for a little bit as well. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-have-experience-with-aggressive-dogs#post-1346767 Tue, 14 Jan 2014 15:25:04 +0000 pelikila 1346767@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We found a great dog behaviorist to work with one of our dogs and the recommendation came from a very reputable doggie daycare in our area. I'd also look for well known/recognized doggie daycares and ask them for an animal behaviorist recommendation. You could also message well known animal behaviorists not in your area to ask for recommendations of any they know in your area. Networking works wonders sometimes. The behaviorist we worked with was Michael Baugh (<a href="http://www.michaelsdogs.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.michaelsdogs.com/</a>) in case that helps. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-have-experience-with-aggressive-dogs#post-1346762 Tue, 14 Jan 2014 15:23:47 +0000 LC 1346762@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This is so hard. If the dog is getting between you and LO, you need to get a trainer involved. You can find links on the ASPCA site. You'll want a behaviorist vs just a trainer. </p> <p><a href="http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/finding-professional-help" rel="nofollow">http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/finding-professional-help</a></p> <p>My dog (got her from a breeder at 8 weeks) got very anxious after having LO. When LO was 4 months the dog snapped at her. We immediately called in a dog behaviorist and that didn't only use positive reinforcement - our dog doesn't respond to that. With work on our part, and making sure she's pysichally exhausted (taking the dog to daycare regularly so she's completely wiped after a day of play), she's now good with LO (LO is now 21 months). When LO started walking we had some regression with the dog, but we were able to reinforce the training and things are better. It's always a work in progress, but substantially improved. I'm comfortable with how things are now, but am very worried about the dog when we have another LO someday. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-have-experience-with-aggressive-dogs#post-1346743 Tue, 14 Jan 2014 15:20:12 +0000 NurseMommy 1346743@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I just emailed our local spca for training advice; hopefully they'll be able to help. I'm just so heartbroken. I carry guilt with me for a long, long time and this would just kill me. But I know it would be worse if something happened to dd. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-have-experience-with-aggressive-dogs#post-1346740 Tue, 14 Jan 2014 15:19:16 +0000 Happygal 1346740@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm so sorry--aggressive dog cases are really tough b/c they can be such sweethearts. </p> <p>Truthfully, I think that aggression is at best managed, not cured. Fear aggression is especially tricky. Some people end up isolating their dogs more to keep them away from others, which adds to the dog's anxiety and unhappiness. You have not failed this dog--it's not a matter of being a pack leader or anything like this. Some dogs had early experiences that no amount of meatballs and positive reinforcement can fix, while others are just wired wrong.</p> <p>An aggressive dog is like having a loaded gun out in the open. If it were my decision, I would put the dog to sleep. I don't think it's ethical to pass along a dog who you know has aggression issues and could harm others. </p> <p>I read a lot of dog blogs, and this post might help: <a href="http://anapoeland.blogspot.com/2010/11/goodbye-huckleberry.html?spref=fb" rel="nofollow">http://anapoeland.blogspot.com/2010/11/goodbye-huckleberry.html?spref=fb</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-have-experience-with-aggressive-dogs#post-1346625 Tue, 14 Jan 2014 14:52:01 +0000 BabyBoecksMom 1346625@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@NurseMommy: The lady we worked with did all sorts of training, but eventually determined that we needed to use the shock collar and positive reinforcement with him. I'm so sorry you're going through this - it's not easy. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-have-experience-with-aggressive-dogs#post-1346611 Tue, 14 Jan 2014 14:50:11 +0000 skipra 1346611@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Our dog was very fearful aggressive and we just couldn't trust him with new people at all. Per vet and trainer (from the shelter we adopted him from) recommendations we had to turn him back over to the shelter when I was pregnant. It was the saddest thing ever but too big of a risk otherwise. I think he was a pretty extreme case though. He never improved at all even with consistency and training and any time we had to stray from our schedule he regressed even further. At the time we adopted him, we were not aware of the extent of his problems. We were told that within 6 months he would be the perfect dog. We had him for over 2 years before we had to give him away. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-have-experience-with-aggressive-dogs#post-1346610 Tue, 14 Jan 2014 14:49:55 +0000 littleredhairedgrl 1346610@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@nursemommy: my friend and i both used a trainer we loved and, while my pup was bought from a breeder, my friend's was a rescue pit bull and she was expecting so was very concerned about his behavior. the trainer was more of a tough-love, pro-training collars, type of trainer, but helped a lot. she did an obedience class with a group and then had her come into the home to do a one-on-one and so far things are going well with the dog and baby </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-have-experience-with-aggressive-dogs#post-1346605 Tue, 14 Jan 2014 14:49:16 +0000 Fronkinzankinsbride 1346605@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>If there is a rescue you could contact maybe they can list her for adoption and be forthright about the issues while you foster her in the mean time. That way she won't be automatically put down and hopefully someone who has the ability and circumstance to work better with the dog will give her a chance. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-have-experience-with-aggressive-dogs#post-1346602 Tue, 14 Jan 2014 14:48:38 +0000 deactivated_account 1346602@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>There are people who wouldn't mind your dog! I hope you can find her a good home. Dogs will know when they aren't wanted. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-have-experience-with-aggressive-dogs#post-1346581 Tue, 14 Jan 2014 14:45:06 +0000 Fronkinzankinsbride 1346581@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Talk to your vet for trainer recommendations. And maybe open the conversation of the possibility for medication. I was sad when we had to put our dog aggressive dog on Prozac but it was preferable to being put down which is his only other option. He was zonked out for a few weeks but he balanced out after a while and was much less anxious over all. When we have a little one we will have to have gates throughout the house to provide a physical barrier at all times. Good luck. I hope you can find a solution that works for you and your family. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-have-experience-with-aggressive-dogs#post-1346580 Tue, 14 Jan 2014 14:44:53 +0000 snowjewelz 1346580@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@NurseMommy: Hmm I see... Maybe contact a more reputable big name shelter in your area? Is there an ASPCA around? I also wonder if Caesar Milan is still doing his show! I definitely saw an episode with your exact situation. In their case, the dog went to live w/ Caesar and his pack because it was too dangerous for the child. I know you feel responsible for Sadie, but at the same time your human child's safety is first. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-have-experience-with-aggressive-dogs#post-1346574 Tue, 14 Jan 2014 14:44:11 +0000 T.H.O.U. 1346574@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Honestly, I would go ahead and start now to look for a new home for her. Try to work with her, but hopefully you could find a good kid free home for her. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-have-experience-with-aggressive-dogs#post-1346567 Tue, 14 Jan 2014 14:41:41 +0000 NurseMommy 1346567@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@snowjewelz: I don't trust the shelter to be honest. It's not very well known and they lied to us about her behaviour. </p> <p>@BabyBoecksMom: :sad: this is what I'm afraid of. May I ask what style of training you tried? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-have-experience-with-aggressive-dogs#post-1346542 Tue, 14 Jan 2014 14:37:28 +0000 BabyBoecksMom 1346542@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My dog was very fear aggressive since I rescued him at 3 months old. I was always able to control it, until my daughter was born. I figured he would get better over time, but it got worse. Even after meeting with a dog trainer, he still didn't like my daughter and would growl and snap around her. He started marking on her stuff, and mine, and started growling/showing his teeth to me. </p> <p>I didn't want to get rid of him because I felt like I failed him somehow, but I couldn't risk him attacking my daughter (now 2) for just walking past him. It took me a year, and I was about to put him down, but I finally found him a home with a friend of mine. </p>