Dog problem (biting)

[devonshiredave]

So, we have a problem with one of our rescue dogs - daisy.

Some background first - daisy is a rough coated lurcher, although age is uncertain she was estimated to have been 6-9 months old when we got her, so lets say now approx 1 year old. We got her as an immaciated, injured, weak and scared little bundle of bones. The rescue center thought she had been a stray for a long time, maybe even most of her life given the state she was in - she didnt know how/was to weak to get up the stairs when we first got her so may never have lived with people properly. With some trepidation but also determination, we decided to try and improve her lot in life and give her a second chance.

Subsequently, she has recovered from her injuries, got weight back on and grown into a pretty big dog. For the most part she is awesome, apart from chewing shoes, jumping on top of the table and now biting people. Let me clarify the biting part - we are not talking about a proper bite (yet) but snapping and whilst not drawn blood certainly enough to hurt and cause concern. She has done this to me, mrs, sister, grandma and two of the kids.

It seems to be driven by resource guarding/posessiveness - she will steal one of the kids toys and will growl and then snap if you try to take it back. Another example, this morning she was trying to jump on our bed and one of the kids tried to pull her off and same thing happened.

I do not wish to become a statistic, yet I am loathe to give up and have her destroyed without having exhausted all other options - afterall, we took her on.

I will add more later but I would really welcome any thoughts suggestions..... got the joys of the new tinkerbell film now.

[devonshiredave]

bexVN said:

What have you done so far to try and stop it and how long has it been going on. Her background will be significant re this behaviour. Have you spoken to the rescue centre. A good one will offer follow up support and a behaviourist (I strongly believe all rescue centres should offer these services.)

I also think the family need training, remembering her background 'pulling her off the bed' is not the right approach

Bex,

Been happening over the last few weeks, had meant to get in touch with rescue center last week but mrs d had to go for emergency surgery to remove an ectopic pregnancy.... needless too say been thinkinh about other things. I do though very much intend to contact them tomorrow.

Have also got contact details for local rec'd behaviourist which I will follow up with this coming week.

I should clarify, dauhter was not dragging her from bed with collar over her ears - more a tug to reinforce the fact she has been told to get down.

[devonshiredave]

Thevet said:

Get a recommended dog behaviourist involved ASAP, the sooner you start to break the bad traits becoming embedded, the easier and better for all.

Thevet, see above, just had more pressing matters last week

[devonshiredave]

Jasandjules said:

A dog who feels it is in charge will guard the resources, because it is entitled to.

There are many ways to get over this. My first question is how spoilt is the dog? What rules have been implemented thus far? Has she always had stuff taken from her and only now guarding?

Jas,

I think this is partly due to her lack of usual environment when young and also to our other dog (also a rescue lurcher) skye. Skye is the boss of the pair and when daisy was weak/poorly would take whasr she wanted from her - toys/bones/etc. Now daisy is bigger than skye, feels like she wants to let it be known she isnt an easy ride anymore. The problem is this behaviour is also being placed on our human/dog relationship too.

Can you quantify being spoilt in terms of a dog, we have cats, chickens and three children.... wouldnt say any of them are spoilt. They have their sofa, dont get fed from the table, dont get any other special treatment. They are allowed up on bed in the morning when I am up, but get kicked off at other times - guess this could be an confusing set of rules and will actually now ban all bed hopping.

Right, off out to take the monkeys out for a walk and get some sunshine.

[devonshiredave]

Thouht I would give some closure to this thread, apologies its taken so long and thank you again for everyones comments.

We tried many rescue centres but were confronted with both waiting lists and the obvious biting problem, we did however receive some priceless time and advice from people in our search to find a more appropriate home for daisy.

Advice from professionals was no guarantees and significant risk in the meantime in terms of the kids.

But this story does have a hapy ending. We found daisy a new home with a semi-retired lady who also had a collie. We were full and frank in our disclosure re daisys biting and pleased to say that daisy's new owner is willing to give her both the time, training and environment that she needs to move on with her life. She is living only a few miles away and we hope to see her one day soon.

Thanks again all