dog attacked me!!

[britt_202002]

i bought my dog some bones from the dog store. they are smoked frozen raw meat bones. She is very aggressive with these bones more then i have ever seen her before. Last night i gave her one and she took it and laid down and chewed it. I sat beside her and she growls at me and i got up and she attacked me. She cornered me in the room at starting lunging at me biting me (hard). I have a big hole in my hand from her teeth and bite marks all over my legs!! I could not make one slight move or else she would attack!! she is only 7 months old and she is usually a sweet girl. I dont want her to think that she can get away with this, but was terrified of her and didnt know what to do. I could not even step in the same room or she would get up and attack me! this is not good!!! how and what should i do to fix this problem!!

[blueberrybun]

OMG that's horrible! At only 7 months she should be young enough to break this bad habit. I would suggest getting her into some obedience classes. If you cannot afford that maybe somebody here will have some good advice to do at home. I have never had an aggressive dog so I cannot really relate. Sorry :(

[britt_202002]

yes its not good at all!! i need some help! thanks

[sdchampion]

First, do not buy her any more of those bones. She has to learn she cannot do this. Does she also do this when she is eating her food? Or with her toys? If it's only with the bones just stop giving them to her. Get her into training classes as well so she learns you are her Alpha and that she is not allowed to bite you ever. My Bergie tried that aggressive stuff with me a couple of times but did not bite me like that. She kept lunging at me trying to intimidate me. I grabbed her and held her down until she stopped and never took my eyes off of her eyes. She finally relented and looked away from me in defeat. Bergie will be 7 months on November 23rd. It is like she is trying to see how far she can go with me at this age...just like a child might do. Don't give up, she is young and this can be fixed as long as she never sees you nervous. As hard as that is you must never let her see you are scared. I hope you find your answers.

[Squawksx3]

I agree with the others.... do not give her bones anymore. When I give my dogs treats they are left alone until the treats are gone.. and I never give them anything they cant chew in about 15 minutes. With bones laying around the house any longer than that will end in disaster. It would be a good idea to get her into obedience training for the alpha issue. Good luck and Im so sorry this happened. :(

[rileystar04]

Wow, sorry to hear you are having such problems. You need to establish you are the alpha and she is below you. Do not feed her until you are done eating. In dog packs, the alpha always eats first, then allows the other dogs to eat what is left. Never let her sleep on your bed, the alpha male in a pack would NEVER allow the other dogs to sleep near him. A couple times a week you should lay her on her side and keep her there until she stops trying to resist you. The alpha in packs also does this, except they bite when they do it lol.

Also, get her into some obedience classes ASAP. Find a trainer that knows how to handle aggressive dogs.

[JustJo]

Definitely get her into training as everyone suggested. Do NOT wait too long or allow the situation to become worse. You need to get those bites checked by a physician. Bites can be very infectious. Here are a few sites that discuss food aggression:

http://www.doglogic.com/possess.htm

http://www.ddfl.org/behavior/agg_dog.htm

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&cat=1551&articleid=2415

http://www.doggiesparadise.com/aggressive.shtml

[PatchO'Pits]

I agree with the above posters. Also I'm curious as to what breed this is and where the dog came from . If there are any other signs of aggression please not only go to training classes but seek out a behaviorist and have a medical evaluation done on the pup as well.

[JustJo]

The puppy is a German Shepherd mix. Apparently there have been some issues according to the thread I have linked. This pup definitely needs to get into training.

http://forums.petlovers.com/vb/showthread.php?p=105975#post105975

[dlaura]

How awful for you to be attacked by your own dog. Throw out any of those bones you have left and never, never, give them to her again! Get into obedience classes and definitly get the dog to a vet to check to see if there any physical problems. As everyone said above you need to establish that you are the Alpha. Since this occurred however you may have lost a lot of ground already with this dog. In this situation I would keep a short leash on this dog even while in the house -- it would be something for you to grab or someone else to grab if she were to go at you again. I would have a type of choker collar on the dog and grab that leash and give it a firm pull while firmly telling the dog NO!!! This behavior will only get worse if she is able to intimidate you to the point you cannot move. I know there are people on site here that don't believe in collars on dogs while in the home, but if I were in your situation I would have something on that dog that would allow me to establish some sort of control to prevent this from happening again. Please let us know how you make out remedying this situation. I feel so bad for you.

[PatchO'Pits]

The puppy is a German Shepherd mix. Apparently there have been some issues according to the thread I have linked. This pup definitely needs to get into training.

http://forums.petlovers.com/vb/showthread.php?p=105975#post105975

Thanks Jo I am so bad with matching up the people to their posts LOL

Oh that then is no little pup either so can do some real damage if it isn't handled and ASAP.

[blueberrybun]

Quick question: Is she spayed yet?

[dlaura]

That is correct Therese -- it is a seven month old GS and sounds as if it has done some real damage already. I sure hope Britt will follow the advice he has gotten and get some help for the dog and owner.

[Squawksx3]

Here is a site that may have info to help... also rescue contacts if the situation gets too bad and you feel you need to rehome the dog. Best of luck to you.

http://www.canadasguidetodogs.com/mbrescue.htm

[PatchO'Pits]

I'm with Squawk. Is this your first dog? You seem very over matched by this pup and if you are not willing to seek a professional trainers help, it may be best that you call a rescue to evalute the dog and if he is a stable good adoption candidate try to rehome.

[dlaura]

I agree too! While your dog is young it would be better for both of you. She stands a better chance of being adopted while she is younger. I also was wondering if this was your first experience with a dog? If for whatever reason you can't get a trainer's assistance RIGHT away then you would be showing your love for this animal be re-homing to someone who can handle a large dog.

[FFstpay02]

And Britt...We're not trying to be mean or condescending in any way. At PetLovers we are here for our members, but the animals first and foremost. Otherwise this wouldn't be a pet website.

We're just looking out for what's best for you and your pup. :)

[PatchO'Pits]

And Britt...We're not trying to be mean or condescending in any way. At PetLovers we are here for our members, but the animals first and foremost. Otherwise this wouldn't be a pet website.

We're just looking out for what's best for you and your pup. :)
Absolutely:)

[britt_202002]

she is not spayed yet.. i am taking her in 2 weeks for a check up and to get her spayed. I know i should not give her these bones anymore, i just want to make her realize that she can not act this way towards me. I deffinitly will take your advise and get a trainer. I will make some calls today and see if i can get one to come to my house. Because i dont want to loose her and i know she can be a good dog. Right after she bit me I got my friend to distract her and i took her bone away and she was fine, she was calm she came up to me and kissed me and everything, so i know that she doesnt mean it. This is my first dog, but my family has had a lot of animals in my life time. but have all been small dogs so i will need to learn how to train and be a good owner for this larger dog. I really appriciate all your help and links you have given me im glad that i can talk to someone about this and get advise!!! Thanks!!!

[britt_202002]

HERE IS A PIC OF HER:: http://tinypic.com/fjkq39.jpg
HONEY IS HER NAME!

[britt_202002]

HERE IS HER WITH A HAT ON!! http://tinypic.com/fjkq9w.jpg

[JustJo]

Honey is a beautiful dog and you sound very sincere in your love and wanting to do the right thing for her and yourself. Please follow through and keep us updated. Best wishes and luck to you and Honey in your future partnership! Training can be loads of fun for both you and Honey...trust me on this!

[britt_202002]

i got a trainer coming saturday!! so hopefully this will help!

[dlaura]

Honey truly is a beautiful, intelligient looking dog. I am sure that with a trainer to help you that Honey can be a great dog. As Jo said please keep us updated as to your progress.

[PatchO'Pits]

Honey truly is a beautiful, intelligient looking dog. I am sure that with a trainer to help you that Honey can be a great dog. As Jo said please keep us updated as to your progress. ditto from me:)

[FFstpay02]

Honey is gorgeous! Good luck with the training!

[LIZXMALIBU]

I agree with everyone. My little chihuahua use to be like that. I was so scared of bothering her when she was eating or chewing her bone. But I knew I had to overcome my fears of her bitting me. So one day, when she was chewing her bone.. I starting petting her and she'll growl. And I'll just hold her mouth close and tell her no in a strong mean voice. She'll try to get out but I'll hold it so she can't get away and then she'll eventually start whinning.. Now she's great with me. She knows I'm the BOSS and she listens!

[britt_202002]

see i have started taking away her bones and holding them in my hands while she chews them.. that was why i was surprised when she attacked me. I was holding it when she was chewing it. I got up and she attacked me. So i was in shock. And she didnt give me much warning she just jumped at me and bit my leg about 4 times, and my hand. I was bleeding and in pain. I wasnt going to challange her anymore.

[sdchampion]

Sounds like she just didn't want you to leave. She has become used to you holding it for her...maybe? Either way I wouldn't give anymore until you have established yourself as the boss. And, holding a small chi is much easier than a german shepard mix...LOL I wouldn't try that just yet!

[Riosmommy]

Wow I hope the training works for you. A good trainer can do wonders and it will make life bettter for both of you. Every dog I ever had I have made sure since they are a young pup that I can take anything from them. I have always had the fear of a young child or baby going to my dogs bowl and getting ripped aprt from the dog. Its really a serious issue. My brother had a chow and you couldnt go near his bowl. I bent down one time to pick it up to fill it and he bit me in the rump. That was many years ago and I am happy to say my rump is fine. But my brother had kids in the house and the Chow grabbed my nephew my his mouth and ripped his lip open. Hence the dog went to a rescue to find them a suitable home. But the blame goes to the owner my brother who didnt invest the time to get this dog trained right. I let my dogs walk all over me but growling or trying to intimidate me is one thing I will not tolerate. When they miss behave and don't listen I move all their toys and bones just like I would a child. Suddenly they are all apologenic and want their things back and they behave. First you need a good trainer then you can work on other things. Im not an expert but this is what I have done with my two Cockerspaniels Rio & Nicky.
Riosmommy

[smallfry]

I had problems with my female border collie snapping at me around her food when i first got her, but worked it out over time... but... if my dog EVER bit me - seriously- not play fighting- I really don't know what I would do. I would be seriously concerned to have a dog in my home that would bite ANYTHING with intent to harm. I saw the cat in one pic.. Has honey ever gotten agressive with it? Do you have kids that you have to worry about in there as well??

I would be interested to know what the trainer has to say about her....

[opokki]

The dog needs to learn that you are no threat to her prized possessions. Intimidation and force will likely only escalate the probelm and I highly recommed you do NOT attempt to establish leadership via the alpha roll, staring her down or other activities in which you could be seriously injured.

I'm glad to hear you have a trainer coming! The aggressive display you described sounds quite serious and scarey. Good luck and please keep us posted.

[sdchampion]

I disagree with the previous post, although I do respect the opinion. However, in my opinion I think the alpha role is a must in this situation. This dog needs to know it is not in charge by no means in any situation. If the alpha role is not reversed this could escalate into other areas of the house. I am almost 100% positive the trainer will also teach this as most do to establish who is in charge.

[opokki]

I disagree with the previous post, although I do respect the opinion. However, in my opinion I think the alpha role is a must in this situation. This dog needs to know it is not in charge by no means in any situation. If the alpha role is not reversed this could escalate into other areas of the house. I am almost 100% positive the trainer will also teach this as most do to establish who is in charge.

Hopefully not as this is very dangerous advice. Few trainers still advise this technique. Resource guarding has little to do with dominance anyway, low status dogs still guard possessions.
You do NOT have to intimidate a dog to prove your leadership.

[sdchampion]

Listen, I am not here to argue one point over another. It has been proven here in this thread that there are several ideas and suggestions to look at. This person is asking for advice and we offer our best. I as well as others here have suggested gaining back the owners Alpha status so the dog knows who is in charge. It is not intimidation by no means. If I let my Bergie have full control over everything I would be having the same problem. Gosh, as stated it has nothing to do with intimidation. My Bergie loves us no matter what and if we have to "scold" her for something she knows we still love her and will always be there. I say we offer up our opinions and let the owner decide what is best for them. This situation is warranting a drastic step and getting a trainer is the first. We wouldn't let our human kids hit us...would we? And wouldn't we demand respect from our human kids as a result? This is the same with an animal. JMO

[blueberrybun]

Respect is gained through discipline. A submissive dog would NEVER snap at the dominant dog even if it is regarding food. Infact, in a pack the dominant dog always eats first anyways. Establishing yourself as the dominant one if definitely the way to go. Honey needs to learn that if she disrespects you then she will be in trouble. If you don't, she will walk all over you and not listen to what you tell her to do, because she will think she is the alpha dog.

[opokki]

Forcing a dog onto his back, holding him down and staring into his eyes has nothing to do with intimidation??? For every one trainer that still supports this outdated method you will find 10 that do not.
The only reason I felt the need to even respond is because this advice is DANGEROUS. Especially on a large dog that has already bitten.

"Dominance theory" is taken a little too far sometimes. There are plenty of ways to gain your dogs respect and establish leadership without resorting to scaring him into behaving. And dogs are not children so there is no point in comparing them. Resource guarding is perfectly normal behavior between dogs, children hitting parents is not so normal in humans.
For any who thinks they need to do this please read Patricia McConnell's booklet "How to be the Leader of the Pack...and have your dog love you for it!" Patricia is an applied animal behaviorist who specifically works with aggressive dogs.

And for the record, my intention here is not to argue with someones training methods or opinion. I trully feel that the original poster could be seriously injured. If she was dealing with a 4 lb. yorkie I probably would'nt have bothered commenting even though I do not agree but this is a 70 lb GSD which can cause much more damage.

[opokki]

A submissive dog would NEVER snap at the dominant dog even if it is regarding food

You may be right. A submissive dog would'nt have to snap because a leader would never try to take something from another dogs possession that he allowed the submissive dog to have in the first place. A true leader is not a bully. Bullies are just alpha wanna-be's.

[dlaura]

Britt,
I would like to hear how things went with the trainer on Saturday? Hope you will be updating us very soon.

[sdchampion]

Wow, I wasn't trying to say one should have a wrestling match with their dog. I held my Bergie in a very loving way and yes stared her straight in the eyes while doing it. She was less than 35 lbs when that occured. I never once said this is what should be done with Honey. I simply stated to remove the bones and wait until she has established her authority over Honey. My Bergie is a black lab and is well on her way to being trained well. Just because someone establishes their Alpha role does not mean they are intimidating their animal nor that they love them any less. Geez, let's just agree to disagree and try to keep on track with the owner of Honey. This is their post not ours.

By the way, Britt, please keep us up to date and I am personally sorry this has gotten off track. Your safety and Honey's happiness is the important issue. I know the trainer will work this out with you and I wish you all the luck in the world. Your posts show your love for Honey and she is adorable. I will not be posting anymore until we hear from you. Good luck Britt and Honey! :-)

[opokki]

Wow, I wasn't trying to say one should have a wrestling match with their dog. I held my Bergie in a very loving way and yes stared her straight in the eyes while doing it. She was less than 35 lbs when that occured. I never once said this is what should be done with Honey. I simply stated to remove the bones and wait until she has established her authority over Honey. My Bergie is a black lab and is well on her way to being trained well. Just because someone establishes their Alpha role does not mean they are intimidating their animal nor that they love them any less. Geez, let's just agree to disagree and try to keep on track with the owner of Honey. This is their post not ours.


After going back and re-reading the posts it is clear to me where the misunderstanding lies. I was talking about doing the alpha roll, you were talking about establishing the alpha role. The alpha roll is the act of (or a variation of this) grabbing a dog by the scuff or cheeks and forcing it to the ground on its back while staring or growling in its face. The alpha role, would be the role of acting as a leader. Doing an alpha roll to establish your alpha role to a large dog that bites would not be a good idea...thats all I was trying to say.

Regardless, I think the original poster as well as others reading this thread might find all of the posts helpful.

[sdchampion]

LOL, oh NO! I never did that to my Bergie. I can see now why you were so insistant on your point and I agree 100% I would never try that on an aggressive dog either. In all the time I have had Bergie I always thought being the Alpha was something you establish by hugging and holding them until they stop resisting. I never knew it was or could be performed in such a hard way. Whew! Sorry about the confusion and I am glad we figured this out. LOL

BTW, I just posted in another forum about holding down a dog and explained how I did it. I would hold Bergie and whisper to her "it's ok" and softly pet her while holding her with my other arm. She was never intimidated or frightened in any way. I guess I was doing the Alpha thing wrong.. but it goes to show that my way worked too...without the harshness. :-)

[FFstpay02]

Thanks for clarifying too - I've been keeping up with the thread, but I didn't notice the difference either and was a bit confused...

Britt - Please let us know how you and Honey are doing!

[opokki]

LOL, oh NO! I never did that to my Bergie. I can see now why you were so insistant on your point and I agree 100% I would never try that on an aggressive dog either. In all the time I have had Bergie I always thought being the Alpha was something you establish by hugging and holding them until they stop resisting. I never knew it was or could be performed in such a hard way. Whew! Sorry about the confusion and I am glad we figured this out. LOL

BTW, I just posted in another forum about holding down a dog and explained how I did it. I would hold Bergie and whisper to her "it's ok" and softly pet her while holding her with my other arm. She was never intimidated or frightened in any way. I guess I was doing the Alpha thing wrong.. but it goes to show that my way worked too...without the harshness. :-)

I'm so glad we got this cleared up! LOL. :)

[sdchampion]

Me too!!! :-)

[britt_202002]

ok i see everyone has lots to say. which is good!! so saturday the trainers came over honestly i expected more, they did not say to much. They told me to work on giving her stuff only when i tell her to. Dont know if anyone has heard of these ways.. let me know??
1st thing give her treats by making her sit and hold it in a fist then tell her "take it" then put it to her nose and open your hand, do this 3 times then for the 4th time say "off" then keep the fist closed touch your fist to her nose and she should back away then you open your fist and give her the treat.
Also to make her sit and stay untill you say "break" then she is free to go.
And they told me to sit with her on a leash in the house for 30 min 3 times a week and keep her lieing down without any toys or bones. so i have been doing this, she just got spayed friday so i spent the weekend with her, she was giving me the aggressive look again when i was with her, but she did not take any moves on me. just the look in her eyes. So i tried to leave her alone for the night since she just had surgery and since that she has been ok. I still feel like i need more advise. But she is slowly improving.. and they also told me to not give her water or food after 6pm. that has really helped with her peeing in the house. But she always seems to find something new to do. last week she started chewing electricial cords!!! but other then that she is doing better.. i just gotta keep working with her. If anyone else has any advise of what i should try with her, please let me know! i really really appriciate it!!!
thanks!!!!

[dlaura]

I am so happy that you returned to give us an update. Is the trainer going to visit or follow-up with you? Given what has transpired I think you should have a few sessions .............. or sign up for training classes where you will not only meet other animals but other owners who are going thru the same things as you and might offer new suggestions. Sounds as if she is coming along, but I would not like seeing that look in her eyes you are describing. Keep up what you are doing, but you really need to go further along this line.

[britt_202002]

see the only problem is i do not drive. These trainers only came the 1 time, and they are not planning to come back.. they just told me to get some books to help me train her.. i just like to see if i can get any advise on here that might help me with her cause there are lots of people out there that dont really want to help. And only a few places that will come to my house to train and which are like 60-100$ a hour!!!

[dlaura]

I still feel you need to get to a training class where there should be about 10 other people/dogs that will be instructed in training methods and doing this would be cheaper then having someone come to your home. Can you check this out in your area and maybe have your mom or dad drive you. It usually is once a week and you practice in between with your dog. It usually lasts about 10 weeks. So this would be a once a week, 10 time commitment for someone. Once you attend the class you could ask if someone else attending could give you a ride. This is really important!!!

[opokki]

Thanks for the update, I'm sorry to hear you were not satisfied with the advice the trainer provided...I am suprised that there will be no follow-up.
Was this trainer aware that the dog bit you?

For now I would continue practicing what the trainer recommended and also immediately begin practicing NILIF: http://k9deb.com/nilif.htm
I can also recommend some books if you're interested.

[britt_202002]

yes i think i might have to beg my dad to drive me to training school! work out a deal with him or something... ill check out some classes and talk to him cause she really needs some help! thanks for the link ill check it out:o

[dlaura]

Britt, I would certainly hope that your dad would want to see you succeed with your dog. Any help he can be in that direction should be given lovingly. That what families are all about. I hope he responds in such a way.