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Pupforum presents your training questions answered by professional dog trainers.
Jennifer Shryock is a certified dog behavior consultant, who specializes in helping families keep things safe and fun between children and the family dog/s. She has a duo bachelor’s degree in Special Education and Elementary Education from Kutztown University. She combined her passion for working with families, children and dogs into a career in dog behavior, and founded Family Paws in 2002. She developed Dogs & Storks™, an original and complete program for new and expecting parents (and grandparents) who have a family dog.
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1/3/2006
Should I return my adopted dog to the rescue? Please let me explain... I adopted Sadie, a 4 year old cocker spaniel, six months ago. Sadie is very friendly, cuddly, playful and obedient, except around children and other dogs. She was being released to a rescue because she was growling at the two-year-old sons of the owner and being aggressive to other dogs. Because I have no children or animals, I decided to try and adopt Sadie.
When my sister visited in town one month after Sadie arrived, we kept her two children and my dog separated. At one point during the day, Sadie rushed past me to run with my 4 1/2 year old niece down some stairs. Sadie tripped my niece, my niece fell on her and Sadie bit her on the ear and face. This was a frightened/hurt multiple bite with minor piercing of the skin. I was very shaken and decided to never let them in the same house again.
Two weeks ago (5 months later) Sadie bit me. I had heard her wildly barking and then yelping, so I ran to find her inside my storm door facing two calm dogs on the other side. She apparently tried to go under the door to the outside, when her paw became caught. I was unaware that her paw was caught and I tried to reach for her to pull her away from the door. When I did, she bit my thumb which I had to painfully pull from her mouth, her force cracking my nail. Once again, possbily a frightened/hurt biting. Other than these 2 instances, Sadie has been a wonderful pet. I am debating about sending her back because of the bites and because one day I hope to have children (in 3 or so years) and I'm afraid I won't be able to train this out of her. I also worry about safety of others and liability if she were to bite again. I believe she would make a wonderful companion, but I am afraid she is not a good fit with me. Please help me make this heartwrenching decision - Thank you. (andreajones, Kentucky)
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I am sorry that you are experiencing such a challenge with Sadie. Both of the bite incidents you mentioned may have been fear related but the intensity of them is concerning to me. Multiple bites and having to pull your finger from her mouth are the words that stand out to me. Dogs that bite and either hold or continue to bite and attack are much more challenging to work with as they have usually practiced this behavior.
It does not sound like this is the first time she has made contact with people by biting. This is a concern and one that is valid especially since you are considering having children in the future. You mentioned a 3 yr time frame that this might happen and that would put Sadie at 7 years of age. It is important to fully consider if she will fit in your home long term.
Before making a decision I would suggest ruling out any medical considerations. Discuss with your vet any possible causes of aggression that might be physiological. Thyroid problems, allergies, ear infections are just some that might come up.
I would also recommend that Sadie and you attend obedience together. It is never too late to help get a dog on track through obedience and mental stimulation. I have seen this work wonders and also strongly suggest you look into a certified dog behavior consultant at www.iaabc.org
Sadie seems to have some issues but also it sounds that you are very observant and with an understanding of her limitations and triggers you might be able to help her overcome or control some of her fears. Positive leadership, obedience and proper management are often the key to dogs such as Sadie being successful. A professional that can see her would be best to help assess this.
If you do choose to return her to the rescue due to her not being quite the right fit for your long term plans, be sure to disclose all of her behaviors to them. This will help them to assess her and make the right decisions regarding her future adoptability.
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