Dog snapped at 12 month old -- need advice

[mahler5]

So, last night one of our dogs snapped at c. The dog was on top of this ottoman that we currently use to block off the kitchen and dining area from C. The dogs can jump over it and get away from C but there isn't any comfy furniture in there. We had just ordered new dog beds that we were going to put in there to give the dogs a more comfortable space. It wasn't really that necessary before but now that C is so mobile and fast we wanted to give them a space they can get away to.

L was sitting by dog and C must have touched her paw or startled her or got in her space, and according to L, she growled, barred teeth and lunged towards her, causing her to fall back on her bum. There was a little round red mark in C's forehead that the dog may have caused when knocking her over. It doesn't look like a bite mark at all though.

Anyway, I feel bad that we let it happen but c is getting so fast. And it's hard to know what boundaries to enforce. L thinks we should find the dog another home. I want to give her another chance. I feel responsible that I haven't given her more of a space of her own. She is definitely more weary of C than the other dog and usually just runs away. She was laying down when this happened but could have easily gotten off the ottoman and in to the kitchen where C can't reach her.

But eventually C will be able to get in kitchen by climbing over. The opening is too big for baby gate. So, that means if wanted to separate them we would have to keep her in spare bedroom or outside most of time. But it is too cold to keep her outside all the time. And she is used to being inside and around us.

Any advice?? How to prevent this? Or should we find her another home? She has generally been really good around her but I don't want to chance her getting bit.

She's a black lab mix. Possibly part border collie.

[healz413]

I'm so sorry that you're dealing with this. I think this is one of the nightmares for those of us with dogs who have or are planning to have children.

I understand L's reaction and also your desire not to give up on the dog.

I think I would hire a dog professional who specializes in these things ASAP and see if they think it is something that everything that can be workable and what is needed. Dogs definitely have a right to their boundaries, but snapping at a young child (especially "their" young child) is not an acceptable boundary (in my book).

I hope that a professional or someone else can help and that you'll be able to keep your dog, make her happy, and make all of you safe.

[karlamo]

I'm sorry. We have cats and even with them it's so hard keeping R away from them. Plus I feel the guilt too of not giving them more of what they need.
I agree with Healz, if this is the first time, I would call a professional trainer who specializes in dogs with kids. If that didn't work or if there was another episode before I could get an apt then I'd highly consider re homing.
My sister was bit in the face by our dog when she was little so I have little tolerance for this behavior.

Good luck!

[NariaDreaming]

I know I don't go here, but I think you said it best. You're looking at getting dog beds for the kitchen/dining space because C is getting so fast.

Toddlers are scary creatures. Think about it from a dog's perspective. They're unstead on their feet, move unpredictably, they're quick, and they make odd sounds.

Was the dog asleep by any chance? If yes, I totally think this is a workable issue. If the dog was awake you'll probably want to hire a professional, but it comes down to keeping a baby-free zone for the dogs and a dog-free zone for baby.

ETA: Is it possible the dog gave warnings/was expressing signs of needing space that you guys didn't notice? Sometimes they're super subtle, but youtube has a wealth of resources on canine body language

[RM80]

Agree with other posters, its a hard balance, and certainly a fear we have with our dogs as well.

Personally I wouldn't rush to re-home if you think it's workable and there haven't been any other signs of aggression. Highly suggest as others have looking into a trainer or professional who can come into your home, look at the set up, meet the dogs/kiddo & help you with a plan. I would try some things first!

[mahler5]

Thanks everyone. We actually hired a dog trainer when I was pregnant to get them to behave better and follow commands. It helped a lot. I have always been a little worried about Maddie with C though because she has gotten food aggressive behavior towards my other dog. However, she has never been aggressive towards a human and has been so good with C up until this point. I had really gotten more lax with her and C because she had been so good with her.

I do think we may hire another dog trainer (we moved so can't use old one). Although it's hard to know if that will help. She follows commands pretty well, so I can get her to move, go to other area etc. So, I think we can keep them separate. And maybe when C is a little older do some controlled petting (which we were doing fine but after what happened and the fact that C is more unpredictable I don't know if we should do that right now).

Although maybe keeping them separate is not realistic. I wish we had a downstairs basement that had a back door to the backyard. We are hoping to move into a house like that in a year. It would be easier to keep them separate longer.

I just need to convince my wife to try a little longer before we look for another home for her. ...

Thanks again.

[Deleted]

You need a professional for this. And a real baby gate they can't or won't jump over. I am very much in the camp of saving the dog if possible- however- your child is at face height for the dog, and will be bitten in the face. There is no room for error in this. On top of the ottoman is a position of power, and shouldnt be allowed at this time...or ever if shes a status seeking sort of dog. The good news is that she did exhibit some bite inhibition- she easily could have bitten and chose to snap instead.

[NariaDreaming]

Feb 26, 2015 2:48:07 GMT -5 @sherminator said:

You need a professional for this. And a real baby gate they can't or won't jump over. I am very much in the camp of saving the dog if possible- however- your child is at face height for the dog, and will be bitten in the face. There is no room for error in this. On top of the ottoman is a position of power, and shouldnt be allowed at this time...or ever if shes a status seeking sort of dog. The good news is that she did exhibit some bite inhibition- she easily could have bitten and chose to snap instead.

This. As scary as I'm sure it was, a snap and a growl are both warnings. They're the dog's only way of saying "hey, I need space".

[jgy]

Yes to all of the advice given above about hiring a professional, and REALLY reading the dog's cues (no matter how subtle).

Our dog happens to be very tolerant of G )but we don't ever take it for granted). However our dog is terrible with any/everyone else. I tell you that just so you know that I certainly feel your pain here. It makes life really REALLY difficult for us. But we get so much from him, and we both really prioritize our commitment to him. Of course it's a very different situation for us since he doesn't pose an elevated risk to anyone actually living in the house (to say, there's always a risk, especially with children, but we have seen zero signs of anxiety or aggression at this point).

Good luck. I will always be team do-anything-you-can-before-rehoming, but please know that I understand how devastating it is to make these kinds of decisions.

[mahler5]

FYI -- I took the dog to the vet today. I noticed her anus was red yesterday. Plus I wanted to talk to vet about behavior issues. Turns out she has a ruptured anal gland which is very painful. Even painful for her to move. The vet thinks this is why she snapped and that if she wanted to bite her she would have. She of course couldn't promise that she would never bite C but said you can't promise that with any dog.

Anyway, I feel really bad I didn't realize she was in so much pain. And obviously in hindsight I should have done some things differently. After talking to the vet she thinks giving them an area to themselves is enough, which we were sort of doing but now we will make it more comfy etc. And not let dogs on ottoman. She made a lot of suggestions for more long term solutions. They have doors with electronic doggie doors that only dog collar will open. So we may do that with our extra room. Or I guess we can get a 10 foot baby gate, which apparently they make or we could get someone to make, to continue to block off dining/kitchen area.

Anyway, suffice to say we are going to keep her. The vet didn't think we needed to see a behaviorist yet, and said that most dog trainers are not actual behavioral specialist. And apparently there are none near here. But I think we may try and see one when we visit my mom in a bigger city. I just don't want to screw this up. And I am not sure I want Maddie having free reign, even if she can get away.

[Deleted]

Good thing your vet mentioned behaviorist. Not all "dog trainers" are created equal and some can make things worse. I wanted to come back and mention that- but you are allready on it. Especially with a "soft dog" and most collie types are- escalating their fear with very heavy handed dominance type trainers might backfire. SO vet's advice spot on. Low risk status reducing things like no couch ottoman bed etc will help. Good Luck!

[jgy]

I'm so glad to come back and read this. I was going to suggest Vet first, but didn't. I should follow my instincts. I'm sorry she's been in pain, I truly hope that the suggestions your vet made will be enough to keep everyone safe, and allow you to be more comfortable with the situation. She sounds like a sweet dog.