I need help - Puppy bit ds last night

[mistymama]

Guys I need advise on what to do here -

Last night our 6 month old mini dachshund bit ds. Not playful - agressive. It was really out of the blue - dog had been chewing a bone at the foot of our bed (on the floor), ds walked in and I guess his foot was by the bone. The dog had walked away from the bone when ds came into the room - but out of the blue he barked (agressive) ran forward and attached ds's foot. It scared ds to death and broke the skin on his foot. So he was bleeding and crying and I was MAD - but also trying to keep dh calm because he was ready to kill the dog.

This dog has shown agressive tendencies - like when he's eating in his crate he would growl if dh or ds walked near. Not me, just dh or ds.

So what do I do? I'm going to consult a trainer right away - I thought we had been doing the things we need to, but obviously not. And dh is PISSED - he says anything close to a second episode like this and we are sending the dog back to the breeder.

What have we done wrong? Or what can I do to protect ds? I can't have ds afraid to stand anywhere near the dog's toys. I'm thinking we need to establish ds as higher up in the pack than Beanie - any suggestions or BTDT to help with this?

I've had many dogs in my lifetime, but never agressive. I really don't know how to handle this. Also - could the fact that it's time to neuter (he's lifting his leg, tried to hump a female dog the other day) have anything to do with it? We are planning to get him neutered in the next 3 weeks.

Sigh. Thanks in advance for any help. I love this little guy and he's been so sweet and tolerant of ds - I never expected him to snap because ds stood by his bone.

[geekgolightly]

Neutering might help, and the sooner the better, as he is already six months.

And then intensive training, if you can afford it with a behaviorist one on one. If not, then with a group training session. And you MUST stay on top of this. This will never be a dog that you can just hang with, unfortunately. You will have to express your alpha status, as well as DS and DH on a constant basis. The fact that he does not attack you, but it aggressive with DS and DH shows that he sees you as his female and your husband and son as pack members that need to be reminded that he is alpha and you are his property.

I had a dog like this and unfortunately we eventually had to put him down. Which was UNTHINKABLE for me. A freaking nightmare. I still cry about him. We tried everything we could, including holding him in our home for placement, when we realized that the dynamics would never change for our situation. No one would take him on. No individual or shelter. Unfortunately our dog was 70 pounds and attacking my husband on a regular basis by the time it all ended.

Your dog is still young, please nip this in the bud now. Even though he is a little dog, he can do damage, and having a dog with little dog syndrome isn't fun.

[geekgolightly]

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/articles/smalltoydogs.htm

I found a page that has tips for particular behaviors for little dogs.

[KimL]

He's a dachshund! They're not always "kid ideal" by any means! But, he's yours now so...........

make it a rule that babies stay away from dog unless supervised. Babies will always learn and this pretty much keeps them SAFE and allows your dog room to be himself and also learn at HIS own pace. Just like a hot stove or an open window "NO means NO" when it's a safety issue.

[mistymama]

Thanks for the link - I just read the entire thing. I just don't understand - we don't do any of those "little dog" behavior things. I can't stand a yappy dog, and Beanie has been taught not to bark. The one and only time he barks is when I vaccume. Otherwise, he is quiet. He is crate trained and sleeps in his crate at night and when we are not home. He has been taught how to walk nicely on a leash. He is allowed on our laps only when invited - we tell him to "get down" and push him off the couch if we do not want him on us. So we've basicly not done any of the things they talk about in that article - and I would not have considered him "aggressive" until the incident last night. I guess I should have paid more attention to the food agression.

I'm going to do some googling in a bit and I have calls into two trainers. We are on the schedule for neutering in two weeks. What other things do I need to be doing - what can I do with ds to help establish ds as pack leader over Beanie? Luckily ds is not scared of Beanie in the least - they have played together this morning and Beanie is back to being great with ds. I honestly think this is partly an issue over bones/food - I guess you call that food agression? I hope the trainers have some good ideas for us.

I'm thinking I need to have ds work with me training Beanie. Ds is 6, going on 7 and old enough to help and understand. We don't have any little ones, and don't plan on any more.

Any tips would be appreciated, I'm off to do some reseach and see what else we should be doing. I've always had large dogs and knew the tendency for Dachshunds to "take charge" so we've tried hard to not let him get away with that little dog stuff. Guess I need to rethink that and see what else we should be doing.

[SophieAnn]

Yes, this could be called "food agression" but more specifically this is called "resource guarding".

Dogs, being pack animals have a natural instinct to guard their resources. Resources = food, treats, toys, etc.

Early prevention is key, but your pup is still very young. You still have time! Start researching resource guarding, and get the help of a trainer.

Can you hand-feed him? Meaning, feed him his meal of kibble one little handful at a time - he should be eating it out of your hand (flat, open cupped hand). We hand-fed both our pups all of their meals for the first few months - this does wonders to prevent resource guarding/food agression. If you are successful with this it would be beneficial for your child to hand-feed some of the meal too (eventually).

I highly recommend the book:
Before and After Getting Your Puppy: The Positive Approach to Raising a Happy, Healthy, and Well-Behaved Dog by Dr. Ian Dunbar

Check it out from your local library if they have it, or buy it. Well worth it. There is info about prevention of resource guarding. There's also excellent information about bite inhibition - critical, regardless of what kind of dog you have.

Neutering is a good idea, when your vet and you decide it is the right time - but it is not a behavioral cure-all. Don't expect too much to change from it - it might, but probably not.

[mistymama]

I've done some reading and have a few things I want to implement immediately to help establish pack order -

1. Have ds and dh feed Beanie - this is something I usually do. I plan to have ds feed in the morning and dh in the evening, both will make him go into his crate and sit before he is given his food. If at any point he growls while in his crate, dh or I will give him a strong NO and take his food away for 15 mins or so, then try again.

2. Not allow Beanie on the furniture at all for now. He is not allowed to just hop on us, but does often take naps in my chair.

3. Daily walks with ds doing part of the walking. Beanie is pretty well trained on the leash, but I usually walk him while ds plays near us. I think ds needs to do some of the walking/directing Beanie to establish leadership.

4. Before going outside Beanie is to sit/stay and be the last one out the door. I'll admit I've been lax about this and he often runs out before us.

Anything else you guys can think of to implment right away? Thanks...

[mistymama]

Thank you for the book suggestion - ds and I were already planning a trip to the bookstore (for this very reason!) and I will most certainly look it up.

We can't totally hand feed because we feed raw. But I could do a version of it - where he is hand fed smaller pieces of heart or liver but it would not work with the larger pieces of meat. I do think that's a good idea and will start trying that right away.

I agree with you on neutering - wish it could be some magic solution, but I know better. He marked ds's dustruffle on his bed this morning. Sigh. I've never had a little dog but I swear none of my big ones ever attempted to mark something indoors, ever. I do hope neutering will help with that.

Everyone, keep the info coming. This really is a sweet, wonderful dog that we all love. I want to help him understand his place and behave, he's still young, I just need the right tools. Thanks.

[greenmagick]

Dont buy that book!! It is wonderful, but you can get it free online

Before You get Your Puppy

After You Get your Puppy

Also, I am pretty sure Patricia McConnell has some good info on resource guarding....I really like her approach to things.

I did check out Suzanne Clothier's site (flying dog press) but I didnt see an article specifically for resource guarding, though I may have missed it. It still would be worth looking there as she as well as a ton of great info

[Ola_]

Originally Posted by mistymama

4. Before going outside Beanie is to sit/stay and be the last one out the door. I'll admit I've been lax about this and he often runs out before us.

I think that it's the sit/wait part of this that is important. He doesn't need to be the last one out but he DOES need to look at you and wait until you give the ok to go. For example I taught my dogs to look at me on command (I use "look" but many people say "watch" for this) and I expect her to look at me even with the door partly open, before she can go out.

I think that at 6 months old he is really past due for a neuter. Doing it earlier would have prevented a lot of the marking/humping issues you are seeing.

I did want to say that feeding raw has actually really helped with one of my dogs' resource guarding - it's as if she gets the "good stuff" every day so one little chew toy is not that worth worrying about. I would suggest to give all yummy chewies in the safety of his crate though.

There was a really good trick that I heard about getting the dog automatically backup when you reach for an item. It would take a lot of practice and rewarding, but getting that ingrained in him would be invaluable, especially in those cases when you didn't see it coming. I don't know if it was in My Smart Puppy or somewhere else - I'll try to look tonight to check!

[SevenVeils]

Originally Posted by geekgolightly

The fact that he does not attack you, but it aggressive with DS and DH shows that he sees you as his female and your husband and son as pack members that need to be reminded that he is alpha and you are his property.

I didn't see anything in the OP that suggested this. The dog is, as a PP stated, resource guarding. The fact that the dog doesn't guard his resources against the OP suggests that he sees her as alpha but does not see the other members of the family as having that status.

If he were guarding and trying to keep them away from her, then I would agree with the quoted. But she did not say anything that suggests that he is doing that.

NILF and Alpha Boot Camp are very useful for your situation, OP. Here are some links.

http://www.dogo.org/Education/NILF.htm

http://www.cairnrescue.com/docs/NILIF.htm

http://akbashclub.com/adaanilif.htm

http://sonic.net/~cdlcruz/GPCC/library/alpha.htm

http://www.midwestbloodhoundrescue.c...oot%20Page.htm

[gingerstar]

Remember that what it boils down to is who controls the "resources" - that being food, permission to go out, best "spots" like furniture - once he realizes that your DS (who clearly is not a baby, clearly is old enough to do training with your guidance) has control and will allow/deny him access, you should see better behavior. But at the same time, I agree with your DH - if you don't see a turnaround, perhaps this pup is one of the unfortunate ones with wacky wiring, and that is why we buy from reputable breeders - because if you do get a wacky one they go back to the breeder.

SevenVeils has great advice for you, as well as other pp.
Along with NILIF, your DH and DS should do the Social Isolation boot camp (not sure if it was linked - I don't see it, but I didn't follow every link either)
http://k9deb.com/socialis.htm

A few other tips to remember - have your DS use a low firm voice with the pup. Have him make the dog sit before being fed or let outside (or otherwise earn everything) and the dog should not be given affection etc when the pup comes and wants it. Your DS should call him over to pet him, but ignore demands for attention.
Good luck!

[geekgolightly]

Originally Posted by mistymama

This dog has shown agressive tendencies - like when he's eating in his crate he would growl if dh or ds walked near. Not me, just dh or ds.

This is resource guarding to be sure, but he doesn't do it to her. He may well see her as alpha and that's why he won't resource guard with her, but this is the first thing that my dog did with us.

[SophieAnn]

Originally Posted by mistymama

I've done some reading and have a few things I want to implement immediately to help establish pack order -

1. Have ds and dh feed Beanie - this is something I usually do. I plan to have ds feed in the morning and dh in the evening, both will make him go into his crate and sit before he is given his food. If at any point he growls while in his crate, dh or I will give him a strong NO and take his food away for 15 mins or so, then try again.

2. Not allow Beanie on the furniture at all for now. He is not allowed to just hop on us, but does often take naps in my chair.

3. Daily walks with ds doing part of the walking. Beanie is pretty well trained on the leash, but I usually walk him while ds plays near us. I think ds needs to do some of the walking/directing Beanie to establish leadership.

4. Before going outside Beanie is to sit/stay and be the last one out the door. I'll admit I've been lax about this and he often runs out before us.

Anything else you guys can think of to implment right away? Thanks...

This is so great. Very good ideas. It's clear you are hopeful, and willing to put in the work with Beanie. He's still quite young and you have lots of time to turn this around. Stay consistent and keep at it.

[hillymum]

The only thing I could think of not already mentioned is that your dh and ds need to be seen eating before your dog gets his food. Just another way of showing him who comes before him.
Good luck!

[Ola_]

Ok, I would definitely get My Smart Puppy if you don't already (check it out from the library first if that helps). The organization of the book is a bit squirrely but there is so much good info! I would definitely check out the "Mine" exercise, the anti-bite protocol, and demoting the demanding dog. Plus their methods are non-violent and aim to build a good relationship with your dog. For this to work I think DH and DS will need to do a lot of the work - perhaps a good way to do it is for you to do the exercise with the puppy, so he knows what you want, and then have DH and DS do it.

[mistymama]

Thank you everyone, such good info!

Yes, I'm willing to put the work in - I swear, this is a great little dog - I know everything I've said here says otherwise, but there is so much good and positive about him. I really think we can make this work, we just need to put the time and training in. I guess in a way we are lucky that we have an older child who is very willing to participate and work with Beanie.

Today went very well. I had ds do some training with Beanie, which he has never done before. Pretty much just making Beanie do sit, down, stay for a treat - but he's never done this for ds before and it took a few times for him to "submit" and do it. But once he did, I could really tell a difference. Now when ds says "sit" he does it quickly and minds - I can't believe I never thought of having ds work with him before!

I had ds feed him tonight, and after training, Beanie listened well and went into his crate and sat for ds. We didn't do any hand feeding, but I was encouraged that he listened to ds so well. Ds and I both sat right beside his crate while he ate - no growling at all.

Dh is now home and playing xbox with ds. Beanie keeps trying to jump on dh and get in his lap - dh is keeping him off the furniture/his lap for now and has decided he will invite him up later, at dh's choosing. It took several times - but Beanie is happily chewing a new cow hoof on the floor while ds and dh play their game.

So, I'm encouraged! I'm going to read up on all of the resources you guys gave me, and we have a neuter date for next Thurs. I had no idea it needed to be done already - the vet told me to call as soon as he lifted his leg which was just this past week. I just didn't know and I hate that.

Any more advise, links, anything - I'm open to them. Thanks everyone - and I will for sure keep you updated on our progress. I love Beanie - we all do - and I have faith this is going to work out just fine.

[greenmagick]

Originally Posted by hillymum

The only thing I could think of not already mentioned is that your dh and ds need to be seen eating before your dog gets his food. Just another way of showing him who comes before him.
Good luck!

I dont know that this is necessarily true..the main thing is to make the dog wait by sitting, down, etc for the food when you give it to them.

[SevenVeils]

Originally Posted by hillymum

The only thing I could think of not already mentioned is that your dh and ds need to be seen eating before your dog gets his food. Just another way of showing him who comes before him.
Good luck!

I don't agree with this. You shouldn't feed the dog, then sit down to dinner, but apart from that, it's fine to feed the dog if you haven't just eaten. If you find it most convenient to feed the dog at your dinnertime, just do it after, rather than before, you eat.

The thing to avoid is giving the dog the impression that he can start eating before the humans. It's okay if he eats when nobody else is eating.

[Ola_]

Honestly, in my personal opinion the whole timing of eating doesn't really matter. I usually feed the dogs while making our own dinner, so we end up eating while they are eating or after many times. But they get fed once a day while I eat 3 meals plus snacks, when they get nothing. No one is pushy when waiting for their food to get put down, or pesters me while I'm eating and I think that's what counts. If they did they'd be doing some down-stays and puppy pushups.

You may consider having him do some commands before going into his crate and getting fed. I know my dogs race into their crates, if we were having issues with them being pushy I would call them back out of their crate, do a couple of sits and downs. Then tell him to go into his crate and wait until you've put the food down and said "ok".