Should We Give Our Dog Away?
QUESTION
Dear Family Pet Expert,
My husband and I just found out we're going to have a baby in February. It will be our first child. We've had a dog, Vernors, since she was a puppy (about five years old) and I'm concerned about the safety of the baby around the dog. She is a pure bred Shiba Inu, but she's always been pretty aggressive. She fights with other dogs and she's bitten a few people as well. We haven't really had her around small children because I'm afraid of what she'll do.
There have been three separate bite incidents. The first was when she was fighting with another dog. The other dog's owner tried to break them up and got bit on the hand.
The second was when our dog was staying at my mother-in-law's. She had some family in from out of town. My mother-in-law was in her kitchen and a male cousin came in the kitchen to hand her something and the dog lunged at him and bit his leg.
The third incident was 2 years ago at our home. We had some people over for a party. There were a lot of new babies around and we kept Vernors locked up in the house most of the time. As one of the guests were leaving, however, he went to pick up his son in a car seat that had been sitting on the lawn. The dog bit the dad in the calf.
I have heard that when a dog bites they will bite again. I know she is very protective of certain people, as well as her home. My husband does not want to get rid of her but I'm afraid to keep her. What do I do? If we do want to get rid of her, what do I do with her? I don't want her to be destroyed. I'm caught between by concern and my husband.
ANSWER
I can understand your concern and I would recommend that you seek the help of a dog behavior consultant in your area. www.iaabc.com or www.apdt.com are great resources to find someone in your area. It is important to understand and learn the triggers of your dog's responses and be able to prevent opportunities for them to be practiced. You have a great deal to consider long term.
You will most likely have play dates in the future and more activity in the home. Your dog may adjust just fine to the arrival of a newborn, but may not handle other children in the home. Often obedience, leadership and management are the keys to success but there are times that even that is not enough to keep things safe and comfortable for all.
I have an educational CD that you may purchase online that shows dog body language and how to prepare prior to the arrival of a baby. It covers many areas of preparing and maintaining the relationship with your dog once a baby is on the way.
I did want to point out one situation that you shared. You mentioned that one of the bites happened when the Dad picked up a baby carrier from the ground. This lifting up of something low to high often can trigger an excitement response and nipping. I advise parents to be aware of the dogs location if and when they are lifting the baby from a low to high position. A down stay or other command can be helpful for these times.I know there is much to consider and it is not easy. It is important that you gain a comfort about being in control of your dog in situations where children are involved. Learning what to do and what to look for is an important aspect of this. The resources I have suggested will get you started but it is important to find a dog behavior consultant that can work with you in person locally.
This is a tough decision to make and I know it is not easy for you and your husband. If you are considering re homing your dog please visit Dog Bite Law to learn about your liability and responsibilities as an owner of a known biter. Re homing becomes tricky once bites have taken place.
-- Jen
Jennifer Shryock
Jennifer Shryock, creator of Dogs & Storks™ DVD and national program, is a stay-at-home Mother of four and a certified dog behavior consultant, specializing in safe Kid and K9 interaction. Believing the relationship between dogs and their family is precious, Jennifer created her business, Family Paws to offer opportunities to families to enhance their relationship with their dog/s. Jennifer uses only positive dog and kid friendly techniques that anyone can perform in their own home. Jennifer's combination of passion and experience as a parent, special education teacher and certified dog behavior consultant allows her to connect and support families in a unique way.
Jennifer is certified through the International association of animal behavior consultants, and maintains professional membership with Association of pet dog trainers. Jennifer is also the U.S. rep for Doggone safe, a non profit organization dedicated to dog safety. Jennifer has been featured in such publications as the Wall Street Journal and Dog fancy as well as been a popular guest various radio programs.
Jennifer and family share their home with 4 rescued dogs. Carin mal/shep mix, Bailey, siberian husky, Duke, German shepherd, Windsor, pit bull and 5 cats.
